Graz, April 22, 2023 (KAP) The Evangelische Kreuzkirche in Graz became the target of a smearing and disruption action. As the “Kronenzeitung” and the “Kurier” reported on Saturday, a man sprayed politically and religiously motivated, partly National Socialist lettering on the floors and walls of the church with black paint on Thursday afternoon. He is also said to have detonated pyrotechnic objects. The suspect was arrested according to newspaper reports. The vandalism happened on Hitler’s birthday. Despite the enormous property damage, the church remains an “open house” and the incident did not want to be dissuaded or intimidated, emphasized the pastor of the Kreuzkirche, Paul Nitsche, in a press release by the Evangelisches Pressedienst (epd).
“We will let love grow and set a visible sign against the hate that has been thrown at us here.” As a reaction, Nitsche plans a shower of flowers. He called on all Graz residents to bring potted spring and summer flowers in front of the church. “Despite some gloomy background, life and love will win, that’s the message that stays after Easter,” said Nitsche. The flowers can now be placed in front of the church.
As an attack on the values of the Evangelical Church, the bishop of the Evangelical Church AB in Austria, Michael Chalupka, condemned the desecration of the Evangelical Kreuzkirche. “As a church, we will continue to work for an open society, for the human rights of all people and against any form of anti-Semitism.” The rain of flowers, which he fully supports as bishop, is also a sign of this. “I trust that this heinous act will be countered appropriately with the means of the rule of law,” said Chalupka.
According to the epd, the damage – i.e. the costs for cleaning and renovation – is estimated at 42,000 euros. “An enormous sum for the parish,” said Pastor Nitsche. The parish is therefore looking for companies and supporters who can help to remove the graffiti. The social organization “Diakonie de La Tour”, which has its office in the Kreuzkirche, has already promised to help.
“We are also still considering how to deal with the graffiti,” said Nitsche, who will be reinstated in his office as pastor of the church in two weeks, on May 7th. “We will think of something creative here. The graffiti on the church will remain visible until the service, but we will cover the sight with signs of solidarity.”
