Vandalism is most often associated with youth gangs and spontaneous whims.
The pastor does not rule out that this may have been the case in this case as well.
- But I think young people would do it so much more and in a different way, he says.
Experienced in Christian symbolism
What makes him believe that the perpetrator is well versed in Christian symbolism is that the destruction looks purposeful.
The pulpit used by the priest was thrown out of the chancel, and the altar was completely cleansed.
- We ourselves remove everything from the altar once a year and it is before Good Friday.
This is as if you wanted to create an eternal Good Friday, the worst thing imaginable for a believer, he says.
In addition, a wreath with a memorial plaque to the parishioners who died last year was overturned, the hymn books were stretched out, and in the candlestick the prayer candles had been extinguished with fire extinguishers.
- They had been blown out.
Using a fire extinguisher feels so strongly exaggerated, says Tobias Unnerstål.
Abortion resistance and pedophile scandals
He thinks that the vandalism indicates a rage against the church, and wonders what may have triggered this.
The plans for stricter abortion legislation in Europe?
Pedophile abuses within the Catholic Church, where a report was recently published in the United States criticizing the invisibility of victims?
By all accounts, the attack took place in a very short time, probably a few minutes.
There is information about individuals seen in the church at that time.
But it is unclear if they had anything to do with the vandalism.
No cries for revenge
Services and other activities continue as planned.
And there are no thoughts of locking the church gate on weekdays.
However, Tobias Unnerstål has urged parishioners to come to church during the weeks to pray.
The risk of new attacks decreases when there are people in the room.
- I have received many phone calls, emails and text messages after this.
What made me especially happy was that so many also show care for the perpetrator and say that they pray for him too. I have not seen any cries for revenge, says the pastor.