Squatters desecrate church and threaten to damage
A group of squatters identifying themselves as artists desecrated the San Roque Church in the town of Farrera. Additionally, they allegedly threatened to cause damage to the church and attempted to coerce people. Subsequently, the Bishopric of Urgel has closed the church.
In a statement, the bishopric explained how on March 29 "a small group of people calling themselves 'artists'" entered the church without permission. Thus, "they placed a series of supposed 'works of art' and made a staging incompatible with the purposes of the temple, offending the religious feelings" of Catholics. The bishopric "with a gesture of goodwill" sought to reach an agreement with the squatters on the removal of the works, which was set for April 21, but delayed until April 25.
The neighbors of the town were the ones who alerted the ecclesial authority, referring to "having received threats to cause damage" in the church, as well as "attempts of coercion."
Sources: ACI Prensa
Image: Wiki Commons
