Repeated urine, faeces and riots in Mainz churches
In recent weeks, several churches in Mainz have suffered serious acts of vandalism, including the desecration of holy water with urine and the destruction of confessional doors. These incidents have deeply distressed local clergy and parishioners, and have led to discussions about possible church closures to prevent further offences.
In recent weeks, several churches in Mainz have suffered serious acts of vandalism, including the desecration of holy water with urine and the destruction of confessional doors. These incidents have deeply distressed local clergy and parishioners, and have led to discussions about possible church closures to prevent further offences.
Fr. Thomas Winter, the parish priest responsible for the parishes of St Martin, St Quintin, St Stephen, St Ignaz and St Peter, expressed his frustration at the repeated violations.
He reported that the Pfarrer-Landvogt-Chapel had to be closed outside of worship hours due to individuals repeatedly urinating into the chapel. At St Peter's, vandals threw the cover of the baptismal font across the sanctuary, knocked over candle stands and ripped the confessional door off its hinges. An observant homeless man, who often takes refuge in the church, alerted the authorities to the damage.
Fr. Winter is considering the temporary closure of all Catholic churches in Mainz as a wake-up call to the community about the seriousness of these offences.
St Stephen's has set up a volunteer security service, but the other churches remain vulnerable to vandalism because they do not have the funds for security services.
mphasising the need for collective vigilance, Fr. Winter urged churchgoers to remain alert and report any suspicious activity to the police or parish office. Recognising the financial constraints that prevent hiring security guards, he plans to install surveillance cameras and improve lighting to deter future vandalism. Father Winter appealed to the public: "Churches are of great importance to Mainz. They are places of silence and reflection. We must all take care of them."
Source: katolish.de
Picture: istockphoto