As reported on 28 November, unknown persons threw the Easter candle against the wall of St Mary's Church in Waltrop, damaged altar objects, tore a prayer book and threw other objects around the church.
This is not the first time that such an incident has occurred in the city. In the spring, vandals caused serious damage to the organ in St Peter's Church (OIDAC reported) in the same city. The perpetrators had poured the contents of a fire extinguisher into the organ pipes.
Although the financial damage to St Mary's is not very great, the incident is extremely upsetting. "The incidents shock us. In the committees we are discussing how we can increase security measures and at the same time keep the churches open," said Carsten Roeger, senior pastor of St Peter's parish.
The church is currently closed except for services.