300-year-old historic bible stolen from Berlin church

300-year-old historic bible stolen from Berlin church

A Berlin church was robbed during Sunday services. A thief broke into offices and stole a valuable 300-year-old illuminated bible.

In addition to the richly illustrated 1704 bible, the thief, or thieves, also made off with an undisclosed amount of money, police said Tuesday.

Priest Dieter Spanknebel wrote an appeal on Web site of the Neukoelln neighborhood's Martin Luther church, saying the bible would be difficult for a thief to sell.

"It would be most prudent simply to somehow bring it back to the church," he said. "We ask you to do so, with all our hearts."

The bible is estimated to be worth between €2,000 and €5,000 (US$2,960 and US$7,420), according to police.