Churches Close due to Vandalism
Three churches were closed in Euskirchen due to repeated vandalism. The Herz-Jesu-Kirche, the Martinskirche and the Kirche St. Matthias will only be opened for Mass for the rest of the summer holidays as a provisional measure. The altar of St. Martin's church was smeared with dog excrement and urine was found in the stoup for holy water. Parishioners were outraged and stunned by the closure of the churches. These incidents were a change from the regular drug use that the churches had seen for some time.
A spokesperson said that the dark corners of the Herz-Jesu church were often frequented by homeless people who have refused assistance from Caritas and other charitable services. The altar of St. Martin's church was soiled with excrement and urine was found in the stoup for holy water.
Sources: Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger, Kölnische Rundschau, General-Anzeiger, WDR1, idea.de and christianophobie.fr