Closing of Churches After Vandalism Acts

Country: France

Date of incident: June 22, 2011


The churches of Rieux-Minervois and of Toucy had to be closed after several acts of vandalism and thefts.

Both churches of Rieux-Minervois and of Toucy had to be closed to visitors after several acts of vandalism and thefts were perpetrated against them. The church Sainte-Marie of Rieux-Minervois is a Romanesque church of the XIIth century classified as Historical Monument. The number of desecrations and damages forced the diocese to close the church, which is now only opened for reserved groups. Similar motivations encouraged father Cailleux, priest of Toucy and the mayor of the town, Michel Kotovtchikhine, to close the parish church after several acts of vandalism were committed. Numerous candles and candle sticks had been broken and flung on the floor and stained class windows had been damaged. The parishioner in charge of the keys of the church does not understand these acts of rudeness and regrets that the entire community suffers from them: «Closing the church has stopped the vandalism, but this is not the solution. It is a place which should be opened to all, it is a place of prayer and contemplation." Sources: http://www.lyonne.fr/editions_locales/puisaye/l_eglise_fermee_pour_cause_de_vandalisme@CARGNjFdJSsBFR0BABU-.html http://www.midilibre.fr/articles/2011/02/13/VILLAGES-Suite-a-des-incivilites-le-grand-portail-de-l-39-eglise-sera-ferme-1536747.php5