Church in Målilla Heavely Vandalised
A church in Målilla, Hultsfred has been ransacked. The incident caused a destruction of the interior. The unknown perpetrators overturned the churches piano, the sacrilegious cross and the chairs. The incident was discovered on 29 June by the parish pastor Gerth Thorstensson. Apart from the broken furniture pastor Thorstensson also explained that the perpetrators had emptied a fire extinguisher on the instruments and electronics, thus destroying them as well. It was reported that the perpetrators also smashed mirrors and appliances in the churches kitchen and its bathroom, causing a great amount of damage. Police also discovered an attempt of arson as a pile of ashes was found in the children's playroom. Police are looking for the suspects.
Apart from the broken furniture pastor Thorstensson also explained that the perpetrators had emptied a fire extinguisher on the instruments and electronics, thus destroying them as well. It was reported that the perpetrators also smashed mirrors and appliances in the churches kitchen and its bathroom, causing a great amount of damage. Police also discovered an attempt of arson as a pile of ashes was found in the children's playroom. Luckily the fire did not catch on.
Vandalism in churches is accumulating in Sweden, only in January, this year firebombs were thrown at the church of Sweden in Spånga, Stockholm. Other churches throughout Sweden have also reported acts of vandalism including the desecration of hundreds of graveyards, sacred symbols and objects. Bell towers and church buildings have been subjected to arson attacks, while others were demolished.
Swedish Barometer newspaper points out that those attacks are not only, an attack on the Christian faith, but, it is also the destruction of the cultural heritage of public interest, which makes part of Swedish history and is therefore important for many citizens.
Sources: barometern.se; tellerreport.com
Symbolic Photo: by Koshu Kunii on Unsplash