France Bulldozes 'Jungle' Church Serving Christian Refugees

French police bulldozed a church serving Christian refugees in a camp in Calais called "the jungle."

Authorities gave worshippers a last opportunity to pray in the makeshift building before knocking it down on Monday.

"Sad to report that the Church has now been demolished despite the Prefecture promises to not touch places of worship. There was just time for a last-minute prayer before the machinery tore in," Christian Today quoted the charity Help Refugees UK.

The French said clearing the space was necessary to create a security zone around the camp. But the church's pastor said officials told him the church would be safe.

The Rev. Teferi Shuremo clashed with police holding riot shields as excavation machines crushed the simple structure, leaving an empty muddy field beneath.

"They are trying to destroy peace," he told reporters, clinging to a huge wooden cross salvaged from the church.

Officials also tore down an abandoned mosque.

The Calais camp holds about 4,000 refugees from Syria and other countries.