– There has been a lot of stone throwing through the windows in the church. Through, among other things, stained glass windows above the altar. Several windows have been broken and there has also been vandalism and break-ins in the church building opposite. This is how the provost in Bærum, Ingeborg Sommer, describes the damage to Høvik church. A large stone is left on the floor after it has been thrown through one of the stained glass windows. Photo: Høvik menighet Hærverket happened on the night of Saturday, but it is not the first time it has happened, according to the provost. Since May, they have experienced six cases of vandalism, littering and soiling around and in the church. – It is a recurring problem, but now it has increased in scope. It was much more rough and serious in the last round, says Sommer to news on Sunday morning. – We report it to the police every time. The police are aware of the vandalism, confirms operations manager Bjarne Pedersen of the Oslo police to news. Some of the damaged stained glass windows in Høvik church. Photo: Trond A. Stenersen / news The service has been moved Due to the damage, Sunday’s service will take place in the parish hall. Provost Ingeborg Sommer in front of Høvik church. Photo: Trond A. Stenersen / news – We are moving the service today to the church building opposite. So that we can clean up the inside of the church properly, and look after the damage properly. She says they want to document the damage before they take the church back into use. – We want to clean up in a proper way and also involve the police and the insurance company. – This is a very sad case for both the church and for people who love the church, says the dean. From the outside, the holes in the broken windows are clearly visible. Photo: Trond A. Stenersen / news 126-year-old stained glass windows Some of the stained glass windows in Høvik church were made for the church when it was new in 1898. After that, there have been more stained glass windows. It is unique to Høvik Church that we have the entire Bible story told on 31 glass surfaces, the church writes on its website. It was a sad sight that greeted parish priest Ingeborg Sommer in Høvik church this weekend. Photo: Trond A. Stenersen / news In the vandalism, some stained glass windows and some other windows were destroyed. – There are old leaded glass windows. There is no standard route that is easy to replace, says Provost Sommer. – Is it possible to repair the stained glass windows? – I hope so. But of course it is terribly expensive. It must be proper professional work, says provost Ingeborg Sommer. – It will not be the same as the original art. Published 28/07/2024, at 10.36 Updated 28.07.2024, at 11.31
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Vandalism at Høvik church, must move the service – Greater Oslo
