Every day, a church is attacked in France. The historic Église Saint-Georges burned down on Sunday – reminiscent of Notre-Dame de Paris, which was destroyed in 2019. When our meeting places for prayer and worship go up in smoke, it affects us deeply.

The historic Église Saint-Georges in Descartes, 57 kilometres south of Tours, burned down on Sunday.

The church was built in the 12th century and modified in the 15th and 19th centuries. On 29 March 1926, it was declared a historical monument.

– Reminiscent of Notre-Dame de Paris

The Archbishop of Tours, Vincent Jordy, told the local press that on his way to the church he “saw a column of smoke and had the sensation of fire”. Shortly afterwards, he saw the church burning:

– It reminds us of Notre-Dame de Paris which was destroyed by fire on 15 April 2019. When our meeting places for prayer and worship go up in smoke, it affects us deeply.

In recent years, European churches have increasingly become targets of vandalisation, destruction and fire. Every day, a church is attacked in France alone.

The L’église Saint-Georges in Descartes has stood on these grounds since the 12th century.

"Catches fire" today, the second French church in a few days, hundreds of Christian buildings a year.

Europe is at war, and many are still welcoming in the enemy army. pic.twitter.com/r2SDii6qmM

— BaltoRob (@NetOrbys) July 10, 2023