In the evening of the 3rd of July, the firemen of the town of Schramberg, Germany, were called out to the church of Saint Maria - Heilig Geist where a stranger had set a table on fire in the back of the church. Dean Rüdiger Kocholl is deeply shocked and worries that the attack may have been planned. On top of setting the table on fire, new signs had been placed on the donation boxes, stating a new purpose for the donated money: for example, for drugs, alcohol and satanism.
The police have started an investigation into the attempted arson. Following their advice, the church has decided to close the church, which used to be permanently open to the public, except for services, concerts and guided tours. The church council is also considering installing camera's to better keep track of unwanted visitors.
Sources: Schwarzwälder Bote & Schwarzwälder Bote