Allegedly, in the night of new years eve, unknown perpetrators set the nativity scene and the church Heilig Geist in Ratingen on fire by setting fire on different site inside the church. The main cause of the severe damage is the soot that developed during the fire, which forced the parrish priest to close the church temporarily. The police assumes severe arson and is investigating the crime, additionally the state security department was informed.
"Every year - the older ones will remember - the nativity scene burns in the Holy Spirit (Church). Just like almost 30 years ago, when the manger caused an unpleasant surprise on Christmas Eve before Christmas mass, the New Year's morning began with a nasty surprise. The entire interior, including the benches and walls, is covered in a layer of soot. What and how much damage has been done cannot yet be said. As usual in such cases, the criminal investigation department has taken over the investigation. The most important thing: people have not been harmed!
But we still celebrate services and masses as usual. Thankfully, Pastor Leithe of the Protestant congregation has made the Reconciliation Church available directly. For this help we would like to say thank you very much." Statement of the church about the fire on their Facebook page.