CHURCH officials have reacted with horror after Communion chalices and donations were looted from Malmesbury Abbey over the weekend.

Burglars broke-in to the 1,600-year-old building through the Abbey’s café door, damaging the centuries old framework, in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard:

(Exterior damage of the Abbey's north door)

An unknown number of thieves made off with a safe containing chalices and plates used for Holy Communion and about £150 from the donation box just hours after a farewell party for the departing Reverend Monaghan concluded.

The building appears to have escaped serious damage, apart from the framework of the north door which was prized open as the burglars tried to gain access.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard:

(Inside: Thieves prized off the centuries old wooden framework as they broke in on Saturday morning)

Diana Crowe, church warden of Malmesbury Abbey, said: “They did no damage anywhere else for which we are incredibly grateful, it looks like they were after the money.

“If you don’t believe in God, this is just a building with possible money in it.

“For those of us who worship here, there are a lot of people who are very offended that there are people who would stoop low enough to steal from a church.

“We don’t keep any money on site, except for money from donations which are made in good faith.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard:

(Generous visitors have helped refill the donations stolen in the raid)

Church officials are now calling on the thieves to return the communion silverware which was in a safe that was ripped out by the burglars.

“If they find what is in the safe is not what they are after, if they could return the chalices or bring the safe back we’d be very grateful to have it back”, said Diana.

“If they were that desperate for money, maybe they could have asked.

“We don’t hand out money but we are here to support.”

Wiltshire Police are investigating the thefts.