Two Churches Targeted in Vandalism Involving Burned Pages, Insults and Fire Risk
Churches in Druye and Ballan-Miré were vandalised after intruders scattered religious documents, burned pages from a worshippers’ register, and placed lit candles throughout the building, creating a serious fire hazard. Minors are suspected to be responsible for acts.
A church in the French municipality of Druye was targeted in a disturbing act of vandalism discovered on 7 May 2026, after two teenagers were reportedly seen fleeing the building.
Inside the church, lit candles had been placed throughout the interior, while religious documents and papers were thrown onto the floor. A book used by worshippers as a parish register had insults written inside it, with several pages torn out and partially burned.
The incident also raised fears of a potentially catastrophic fire. Local authorities noted that the church contains numerous straw chairs and wooden structural elements, meaning the deliberately placed candles could have caused extensive destruction.
The vandalism extended beyond the church itself. Town entrance and exit signs were spray-painted, and public light fixtures were also damaged.
Local reports noted that a similar incident recently took place at the church in nearby Ballan-Miré, adding to concerns over repeated acts affecting Christian places of worship in the area. “Unfortunately, we are facing a phenomenon that is spreading,” says Pierre Fouquier, the parish priest of Notre Dame du Cher, which encompasses the churches of Druye, Ballan-Miré, Savonnières and Villandry.
Reacting to the incident, Druye mayor Noël Deblaise condemned the attacks, stating: “Enough is enough.”
Source: lanouvellerepublique.fr
Photo: wikipedia
