Father Olivier Ndjimbi-Tshiende, 66, announced his decision on Sunday in Zorneding, a small town near Munich in Bavaria where the priest has been serving since 2012.

"We are shocked and saddened by these [death] threats," read a statement on the parish website.

An Associated Press report said Bavarian officials and residents have rallied in support of the priest.

Father Ndjimbi-Tshiende told parishioners that he received anonymous death threats and hate mail after he stood up for refugees.

Two small cardboard banners, which read "solidarity with the priest" and "arrest those who threatened the murder," had been placed on the ground next to the priest's mailbox.

Zorneding's deputy mayor, Bianka Poschenrieder, told the Associated Press that the threats and abuse came after the priest publicly criticized a local politician's assertion that Bavaria was being overrun by refugees.

The deputy mayor condemned the threats against the priest and expressed shock over his sudden departure.

Sources

The GuardianBBC
Crux
Image: DPA via AP/Crux