Places of worship are increasingly being closed outside trade fairs – the reason is the many thefts by thieves.
Sacred works of art are repeatedly stolen from the 900 churches and chapels in Carinthia. “Everything that can be easily connected is affected, such as candlesticks or candelabras,” says Pastor Roland Stadler of the Diocese of Gurk. However, real works of art – such as paintings or statues – are stolen much less often, because their removal is much more complicated and, above all, much more conspicuous.
New booty appears on the illegal art market
All thefts are reported by church officials. According to Stadler, it often happens that artworks reappear on the illegal art market during police investigations and find their way back to the church.
In any case, the Church of Carinthia has responded to the art thefts. Although houses of worship also serve as places of spiritual contemplation, prayer, peace and refuge, many churches are now increasingly closed outside religious celebrations, such as the branch church in Laas near Kötschach-Mauthen.
Source: Krone
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