Vandalism in St. Nikolaus Church in Dorsten
Between 20 and 21 April, unknown persons broke into St Nicholas' Church in Dorsten and left a trail of destruction, according to the local pastor. Among other things, they scattered the consecrated hosts all over the floor. The pastor is shocked by the incident.
The perpetrators gained access to the Church on Storchsbaumstraße in the Hardt district and caused extensive damage. Church services are no longer possible there for the time being. Furthermore, how they got into the building is still under question because the church door was locked the following morning.
Pastor Dr Stephan Rüdiger spoke of ‘theft, destruction and devastation’ in a telephone conversation with Mayor Tobias Stockhoff. Furthermore, the Blessed Sacrament (consecrated hosts) was removed from the tabernacle and thrown around the church.
Dorsten's mayor Tobias Stockhoff reacted to the incident with drastic words on Tuesday (30 April):"The fact that the perpetrators here have not only stolen but also vandalised what other people hold sacred adds an extra dimension. A piece of identity and home has been destroyed and stolen. It is an incomprehensible disrespect for people's faith and, from a Christian perspective, also for God."
Source: dorsten-online.de dorstenerzeitung.de radiovest.de dorsten-online.de, meindorsten.de
Image: Wiki Commons
