Series of Repeated Vandalism Hits Another Church in Freising
The Lutheran Ascension Church in Freising was targeted in a serious act of vandalism involving damage to the altar and church interior. The incident followed earlier attacks on two other churches in the city, contributing to growing concern about a pattern of repeated targeting of places of worship.
The incident occurred between 26 March and 24 April 2026 at the Ascension Church in Freising. According to reports, unknown perpetrators melted candles together inside the church, poured citric acid onto the floor, overturned flower vases onto the wooden altar, and damaged the altar with a hammer. Police estimated the resulting damage at approximately €5,000.
The attack formed part of a broader series of incidents affecting churches in Freising in recent months. Earlier cases included vandalism and theft at St. Jakob Church in February (OIDAC reported) and further damage involving candles and burn marks at St. Georg Church in April (OIDAC reported). Both Catholic and Protestant churches were affected.
The repeated nature of the incidents has raised concern among church representatives and police about a possible connection between the cases. Elisabeth Maier expressed alarm over the attacks, stating: “I just can't imagine who would do something like that.”
Police in Freising are examining possible links between the incidents and appealed to the public for information. Church representatives also stressed their intention to continue keeping churches open during the day, emphasizing that places of worship should remain accessible as spaces of prayer and reflection.
Source: sueddeutsche, fs-live, merkur
Photo: sueddeutsche