The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cologne, Germany reported an arson attack on its historic church in Wissen, Altenkirchen: The Church of the Elevation of the Cross was renovated by 2022, now the high altar has been destroyed.
In the early hours of Friday, February 10, a break-in was made in the Church of the Elevation of the Cross (Kreuzerhoehung) in Wissen (Altenkirchen district). The perpetrator or perpetrators had pushed together pews and set fire. In an interview with DOMRADIO.DE, Pastor Martin Kürten explained:
"It was arson that was aimed at the high altar with frightening determination and violence."
Auxiliary Bishop Ansgar Puff expressed great sympathy during a short-term visit on February 15.
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Together with Pastor Kürten and the Mayor of Weissensee Berno Neuhoff, he was able to take a look inside the church that had been damaged by the fire. "I share the grief of the people in Knowledge who have lost a piece of their homeland. For many, the church is associated with memories of baptisms, weddings and other special services," said Auxiliary Bishop Puff, summing up his emotions. Cardinal Woelki will also visit the parish on the first Sunday of Lent.
The church had only recently been renovated.
Support from specialist departments of the Vicariate General
While the extinguishing work was still going on on February 10, the building department in the pastoral area and the archdiocesan conservator Dr. Anna Pawlik informed about the fire and drove straight to Wissen to get an idea of the situation. On Tuesday, February 14, an appointment with other experts, the insurer and the church council (KV) took place with the participation of the departments mentioned. In the coming weeks and months, the church council in Wissen will be closely supported by the specialist departments in the general vicariate in all building and monument-related as well as administrative questions.
Archdiocesan Curator Dr. Anna Pawlik explains: "With the high altar, the church has lost its liturgical, theological, artistic and spatial point of reference. Together with the high altar, the paintings by Peter Hecker formed a total work of art of the first order, in which there is now a large gap. As we do with this empty space we will discuss with the parish in the coming months, first we have to get an idea of the full extent of the damage. Such damage, which goes far beyond the loss of an altar, is also unique for us."
Refurbishment work only completed in 2022
After the fire in the interior of the church, the KV in Wissen is now again faced with the major task of renovating their church. From 2019-202 the interior of the Church of the Elevation of the Cross was renovated, with the wall and vault paintings by Peter Hecker and the sculptures being extensively restored. In November 2021, the side altars and the communion rail were restored. After insurance damage, the high altar and the pulpit followed in early 2022. The renovation work could be carried out in recent years thanks to a large voluntary commitment.
(This message was updated on February 17.)
Pictures: Archdiocese of Cologne / Jelen Source:
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