Gold cups stolen in church raid

That was the message from Father Norman Taylor after two gold ciboria were stolen from All Saints Church tabernacle.

The Sidley church had its doors open to welcome people for prayer in their own time.

The theft of the gold cups follows a series of break-ins and thefts from churches in Bexhill.

Father Taylor said: "It is a sacrilegious act."

The ciboria have been with the church for around 70 years and make up part of its history.

They were found the next morning, abandoned in Ninfield Road.

Apart from scratches, they suffered little damage.

"It still doesn t take away the act of desecration. It doesn t take away the hurt." said Father Taylor.

Damage was also caused to the tabernacle which is one of only two of its kind in the country.

It will require specialist attention to bring it back to its former condition.

St Barnabas Church and Sidley Baptist Churches have both had alarms fitted after break-ins.

But, as Father Taylor pointed out, an alarm is only useful when the church is locked.

This would lead more Bexhill churches to lock their doors for security reasons.

Father Taylor is upset by the thought that churches may have to lock their doors after services, preventing people from using them for prayer and quiet reflection.

He said: "In spite of these acts of vandalism and theft Bexhill s churches are still opening. Nothing will stop the spreading of God s news and goodwill over Christmas."