Hostilities erupt outside church in Langenau
Violence by pro-Palestine demonstrators against the congregation of St Martin's Protestant Church in Langenau, in the Alb-Donau district, has escalated. During an unannounced gathering outside the church, two protesters reportedly became physically violent and verbally abusive. Due to the repeated demonstrations becoming increasingly violent, many parishioners have stopped attending services out of fear.
The targeting of the church began 18 months ago, following a sermon by the local pastor in which he addressed the Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023. Since then, pro-Palestinian demonstrations outside the church have led to increasing tensions and violence against the congregation and its pastor.
During the latest unannounced protest, a 75-year-old man reportedly insulted and defamed the pastor in front of the congregation before pushing an 84-year-old man to the ground. A 62-year-old man reportedly intervened by knocking down the alleged attacker and kicking him. The police have launched an investigation into all parties involved.
According to Bishop Ernst-Wilhelm Gohl, the pastor and his family have been subjected to ongoing personal harassment and defamation. It is unacceptable that churchgoers are harassed and intimidated every Sunday. Many parishioners have stopped attending services as a result, the Bishop warned. Gohl also criticised the lack of early intervention by the local authorities, stating that the municipality and district should have taken action long ago.
The conflict has escalated from verbal attacks to include anti-Israel demonstrations and anti-Semitic graffiti on the church building. Bishop Gohl described the events in Langenau as deeply concerning for the Protestant Church in Württemberg, which is now monitoring the situation closely, and warned that 'red lines have long since been crossed'.
Source: Radio Arabella
Picture: Freepik