Two Churches Targeted with Anti-Religious Graffiti and Vandalism in Hanover and Alfeld
Two Protestant churches in Hannover and Alfeld were vandalised with anti-religious graffiti and damage to church property. The incidents, featuring identical slogans, suggest a coordinated or related act targeting places of worship.
The incidents occurred during the night of 4–5 May 2025 at the Marktkirche in Hanover and the St. Nicolai Church in Alfeld.
In Hanover, perpetrators sprayed graffiti on the church’s exterior and a nearby construction barrier, including the words “Bigotterie” (“bigotry”) and “Lean Religion,” the latter incorporating an anarchy symbol. A stone was also thrown through part of a church window, causing damage.
The same slogans—“Bigotterie” and “Lean Religion”—were found sprayed on the exterior walls of the church in Alfeld, indicating a link between the two incidents.
Police have indicated a possible political motive and assigned the case to state security services. The incidents occurred shortly after the German Protestant Kirchentag, during which thousands of people had gathered in the Hanover church for worship and discussion. While no direct connection has been established, the timing and ideological content of the graffiti form part of the broader context.
Local clergy expressed concern about the nature of the acts. Pastor Marc Blessing emphasised the church’s commitment to open dialogue and described the incident as distressing, while Pastor Bernd Ulrich Rüter expressed shock and incomprehension regarding the actions and their messaging.
Although the material damage in Hanover is estimated at around €1,500, the incidents also involved targeted messaging directed at religion and places of worship.
Source : NDR.de; Hannoverliche Allgemeine Zeitung
Picture: NDR.de