Vandals set fire to altar in Dannevoux church

Country: France

Date of incident: May 19, 2024


On Pentecost, Sunday, May 19, between 9 am and 7.30 pm, in the church of Saint-Hippolyte in Dannevoux (Meuse), an act of vandalism was recorded and caused over €1,500 worth of material damage. According to a news report, fire was set to the altar. Fortunately, it was quickly extinguished with water from the holy water font, thus avoiding potentially dramatic consequences. The fire did, however, cause some damage to the altar. The tablecloth, base and column were partially burnt.

Jacky Léchaudel, one of the parish volunteers, discovered the incident when he was closing the church. Joël Silvetti, deputy mayor, has lodged a complaint with the gendarmerie. 

Source: L'Observatoire de la Christianophobie, Actu.fr, L'est Republicain

Image: L'est Republicain