17th-century crucifix destroyed in arson attack on German church

A historic crucifix was destroyed by fire at a Protestant church in Luhka, Germany. Collage: UOJ

A historic wooden crucifix dating back to 1649 was destroyed in a deliberate arson attack on a Protestant church in the German town of Luhka. Nazi symbols were also painted on the church altar, UOJ-Germany reports.

In early September 2026, an arson attack at St. Pancras Protestant Church in Luhka almost completely destroyed the historic crucifix above the altar. The life-size alderwood crucifix had stood in the church since 1649 and was one of its most treasured religious and cultural artifacts.

Parish representatives say the 17th-century work is beyond restoration.
In addition to the fire damage, police discovered swastikas painted on the altar. Authorities estimate the total property damage caused by the fire and vandalism at a six-figure sum.

Neighbors spotted the blaze after noticing flames flickering through the church windows at night and alerted emergency services. Police opened a criminal investigation into the arson and arrested a 47-year-old suspect.

The exact motive behind the attack remains unknown. Parish representatives said they would refrain from speculating about the reasons for the crime, describing the loss of the historic crucifix, which had stood in the church for more than 370 years, as a deeply painful blow to the entire congregation.

The UOJ previously reported that vandals in the German city of Soest defaced the altar of a Roman Catholic cathedral with black paint.

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