Vandals set fire to altar in Dannevoux church

Case information
Incident date
Country
France
Place
Dannevoux
Categories
  • Social Hostility / Intolerance
Attack Against
  • Faith
Hate Crime & Violent Incidents
  • Arson
  • Vandalism (all)
  • Vandalism of Church
Place of Incident
  • Church
Bias Indicators
  • Lack of Other Motive
  • Significance of Property/Structure/Location to religious community
  • Time/Place/Location
Reported to Police
  • Yes
Response of Local Authorities
  • Investigated
Image credit: L'est Republicain

On Pentecost, Sunday, May 19, between 9 am and 7.30 pm, in the church of Saint-Hippolyte in Dannevoux (Meuse), an act of vandalism was recorded and caused over €1,500 worth of material damage. According to a news report, fire was set to the altar. Fortunately, it was quickly extinguished with water from the holy water font, thus avoiding potentially dramatic consequences. The fire did, however, cause some damage to the altar. The tablecloth, base and column were partially burnt.

Jacky Léchaudel, one of the parish volunteers, discovered the incident when he was closing the church. Joël Silvetti, deputy mayor, has lodged a complaint with the gendarmerie.

Sources