Two attempted arsons in the church of St. Peter and Paul in Oberalting
Between 22 April and 1 May, the Catholic Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Oberalting, Bavaria, suffered two arson attacks within a short space of time, in which the church's prayer book was set on fire. The local community is alarmed by these acts of vandalism, which target a sacred space for personal reflection and prayer. The police have opened an investigation into these deliberate acts of arson.
The book, which contains personal notes of supplication and thanksgiving, was set on fire twice during this period. Fortunately, the fires extinguished themselves on both occasions, preventing more extensive damage. The prayer book, which sits next to the votive candle stand, is a treasured item in which parishioners write their thoughts and prayers. Christine Lutz, the church's sexton, said: "There is so much old wood in the church. There could have been more.
In the first case, Lutz is believed to have discovered the book when she entered the church through the sacristy in the late afternoon, as usual, in preparation for an evening service. "It smelt burnt," the sacristan noticed - and eventually found the cause. "The book was still smoking slightly," she says.
The second time, she and other church officials discovered the charred book as they were locking up the church for the evening. St Peter and Paul's is open every day from 7am to 8pm - and Lutz is determined to keep it that way. "It is important to us that the church is open. Many people come in and light a candle."
The police are investigating the case
Source: merkur.de
Image: Wiki Commons
