They set it ablaze.
A left-wing group, identifying itself as “Anonymous,” has admitted to setting fire to a church office in Bremen, Germany, on December 15. The fire targeted the office of the Free Church welfare organization, which is linked to the conservative, Bible-based wing of the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA). The attack caused damages amounting to approximately 20,000 euros ($20,565 USD). The fire also affected a portion of the building used by the city police, prompting an investigation by the Bremen Police’s State Security Department. The group claimed responsibility for the attack, explaining in a post that the fire was in response to the church’s association with the WEA.
The group’s statement on Tumulte.org justified the attack by criticizing the church’s conservative stance on social issues, particularly its alignment with the Pentecostal movement and its opposition to issues like abortion and homosexuality. Anonymous linked the Pentecostal church’s beliefs with those of right-wing groups, accusing them of supporting patriarchal and anti-progressive values. They specifically targeted the church in Bremen due to its connection to what they described as “the largest Evangelical social work in Germany.” The group also took issue with the church’s literal interpretation of the Bible, which they argue promotes homophobia and other forms of discrimination.
The group’s rhetoric went further, denouncing the WEA and the Pentecostal movement for their involvement in spreading conservative views, particularly in regions like Africa, America, and South Korea. They accused the Pentecostals of promoting their agenda worldwide, including support for anti-gay legislation in countries like Nigeria. Anonymous also criticized the church’s stance on family values, including opposition to same-sex marriage and its promotion of traditional gender roles. The group claimed that such beliefs are harmful and contribute to societal violence, including the oppression of women and LGBTQ+ individuals.
In addition to the attack itself, the group tied the act of arson to a broader political and social agenda, invoking solidarity with marginalized groups, particularly women and LGBTQ+ individuals who they believe are harmed by such conservative religious beliefs. They framed the fire as an act of resistance against patriarchal violence, aligning themselves with feminist and anti-authoritarian movements. The group expressed their support for various global protests, including a 2008 demonstration in Greece following the police shooting of teenager Alexis Grigoropoulos, further associating their actions with a larger ideological battle against what they see as reactionary forces.
In the wake of the attack, officials in Bremen have stated they are taking the threat seriously, but have declined to comment further on ongoing investigations. While the group’s actions have been widely condemned, their justification for the attack reflects the deep ideological divisions surrounding issues like religion, gender, and politics in contemporary society.