All cases
Twenty Bronze Candelabra Stolen
March 11, 2020, FranceDuring November 26th 2019 and March 5th 2020, about twenty bronze candelabra from several churches in Valence, Loriol and Bourg-lès-Valence were stolen by a 25-year-old man from Lorolese. He was arrested on March 10th by the police, admitted the crime and brought before the magistrate from the Valence public prosecutor's office on the morning March 11th.
Organization Barnevernet: Children Taken Away From Parents Because of Religious Teaching
March 10, 2020, NorwayIn Norway 16th November 2015, the Norwegian-Romanian family Bodnariu was forcefully separated, all five children were sent to different foster homes, because of the parents' Christian faith. The school teacher expressed concern to the Child Protection Organization Barnevernet, that the children were taught at home that "God punishes sins". There was no family review or court judgment. The Norwegian Authorities interrogated and intimidated the parents during the process. Two hundred and ten days later, the family could finally be reunited. There are several cases of forced adoption and family separations in Norway, influenced by the Organization Barnevernet. There have been protests against this organization, which has "destroyed many families" according to the victims. In another family, Merlita and Terje, whose son was taken away for 12 years, won the case against Norway after taking it to the European Court of Human Rights. Norway was convicted to human rights violations.
Crimes Against Christians, Jews and Muslims Are on the Rise in Germany
March 9, 2020, GermanySince 2018, the numbers of attacks against Christians have more than doubled, the assaults against Jews have quintupled, and the crimes against Muslims have tripled in Germany.
"8M" Painted On The Walls Of Church San Nicolás
March 9, 2020, SpainOn March 9th 2020, a graffiti of "8M" (8th March: women´s Day) was found on one of the walls of the church San Nicolás in Avilés. The painting has been done with chalk.
Virgin Maria Mocked By Graffiti
March 8, 2020, SpainIn the evening of March 8th, (women’s day) an insulting graffiti was sprayed under the ceramic altarpiece of the Virgin del Buen Fin on the wall of the church of San Martin. The tag said: "The Virgin Mary would also have had an abortion". The graffiti was removed from the facade of the church.
Vandalism in Güthersloh Church
March 8, 2020, GermanyAlerted by loud noises coming from the St. Pankratius church, a witness discovered a vandalized entrance, a broken window, and that the altar cover and a tablecloth had been set on fire. A 62-year-old resident of Güthersloh, was considered a suspect.
Broken Windows Of A Convent
March 8, 2020, GermanyUnknown perpetrators broke two windows of the convent in Herzebrock. Furthermore, bus stops at the Postweg and more windows at the Schomäckerstraße were damaged. The police are investigating and searching for witnesses.
Feminist Graffiti On Church Walls In Spain
March 8, 2020, SpainOn International Women’s Day (8th of March), the walls of Church San Roque in Sevilla were smeared with feminist graffiti. This criminal act is one of many against this church.
"The Virgin Would also have an Abortion" Graffiti on Church
March 8, 2020, SpainOn March 8th (International Women`s Day), perpetrators painted the walls of the church of Santa Maria de Sants in Barcelona with a graffiti which says: "The virgin would also have an abortion".
Service Interrupted By Feminist Demonstrators
March 8, 2020, SpainOn the Day of the Lady Worker, a group of feminist demonstrators with feminist and anti-church slogans went into the monastery of Sant Cugat during the 12 o`clock service. They disturbed the mass and named the reconstruction a "machismo, sexist and patriarchal institution". Before entering the church, they did a performance in front of the church and put a banner on the walls.
Huge Damage in The Church In Avranches
March 8, 2020, FranceAround 4 p.m. on International Women`s Day, the Saint Gervais Basilica in Avranches was found vandalised. Part of the marble altar in the choir and a statue of St. Andrew were damaged. This incident was not the first criminal act taking place in this church.
Vandalism in the Basilica of Saint-Gervais in Avranches
March 8, 2020, FranceOn March 8, an unknown perpetrator used one of the church's candelabra to hit the marble altar and a statue in the Basilica of Saint-Gervais in Avranches. The municipal officers took charge of the reparations.
Church of Saint Agnes in Barcelona Vandalized by Radical Feminists
March 8, 2020, SpainOn the 8th of March (The Women's Day), radical feminists allegedly threw white paint on the doors of the Church of Saint Agnes in Barcelona.
Tibidabo Church and Other Churches in Barcelona Vandalized on March 8th by Radical Feminists
March 8, 2020, SpainThe Church of Tibidabo was targeted by radical feminists on the 8th of March. Other churches vandalized on this day were the Sagrada Familia and Saint Agnes, among others. There were phrases displayed against Christians, stating that Christian values are oppressive and blasphemies about the Virgin Mary.
Homeless Man Vandalized German Church
March 7, 2020, GermanyDuring the night between March 6th and 7th, a man broke into the church of Ellenberg in Guxhagen and destroyed the inside of the church. The damage amounted to 10,000 euros. The rioter threw hymn books on the floor and damaged and knocked church pews over. Furthermore the painting above the pulpit was damaged with a pointed object and the carpet was ruined. The alleged perpetrator, a homeless 49-year-old man, was arrested on the morning of March 7th.
Theft of Statue of an Angel in Lingolsheim
March 7, 2020, FranceThe founder of the Mercy Center and the moderator of the Gallican Apostolic Union, Bishop Raphael Steck, reported a theft of the status of Padre Pio in Lingolsheim. Last year, numerous statutes of angels have also been stolen. There have also been repeated acts of vandalism in 2018.
Bible set on fire in Krefeld Church
March 6, 2020, GermanyOn March 6th, fires were set in the Catholic church Maria Waldrast in Krefeld. Between 10:00 and 6:00 p.m. someone set fire to a bible under a prayer bench in the nave of the church, as well as the paper displays in the entrance. The damage was minor. A week earlier, someone set a basket on fire in the church. The police began an investigation and sought witnesses.
Burglars Smash Stained Glass Window at Leicester Cathedral
March 4, 2020, United KingdomSometime between 6 p.m. on March 4th and 7:20 a.m. on March 5th, burglars smashed a stained glass window in the chapel of Christ the King at the eastern end of Leicester Cathedral, next to the room where Richard III is buried at Leicester Cathedral.
Profanation and Theft in Saint-Gault Church
March 4, 2020, FranceIn the beginning of March 2020 the church Saint-Gervais-Saint-Protais in Quelaines-Saint-Gault became a target of desecration and theft. The tabernacle was opened and the ciborium with the consecrated hosts was stolen. A Mass of reparation was celebrated on March 7th. The police took fingerprints and are searching for witnesses.
Theft And Desecration in The Church of Saint Gervais et Saint Protais
March 4, 2020, FranceOn the 4th March, the Church of Saint-Gervais et Saint-Protais in Mayenne was desecrated and robbed. The perpetrators forced the door of the tabernacle and inside they opened the ciborium and took the hosts it contained.
Religious Discrimination against Christian Seniors Group by Innsbruck's Social Services
March 4, 2020, AustriaA seniors group of Christians from recognised religious communities such as the Catholic Church, the Protestant Church and the Free Churches in Austria (FKÖ) is no longer allowed to use the tax-financed community centre after several years of use. In an e-mail from ISD (Innsbrucker Soziale Dienste), the Christian seniors group was informed that "prayers, devotions, hymns of praise, Bible readings or the like" are no longer permitted in the ISD Community Centre in Wilten with immediate effect. Representatives of political parties and Tyrollean citizens are protesting against this decision accusing of violating religious freedom.
Arson at Swiss Church
March 3, 2020, SwitzerlandOn the afternoon of March 3rd, an arson attack was committed in the Eusebiuskirche in Grenchen. Fortunately, the fire was discovered before major damage was caused. The police are looking for witnesses.
Three Arson Attempts in Church in Germany
March 3, 2020, GermanyOn March 3rd between 2:00 and 4 pm, a girl and a boy of 14 and 15 years old committed attempted arson in the Maria Magdalena church in Goch. They tried to start three fires: one in the small chapel with a candlestick, another one to a stand for prayer books in the nave and the last one at the back of the high altar. All three fires failed and the crime has been recorded on surveillance cameras, the 15-year-old admitted the act of vandalism.
Arson on the Organ Loft of a Church in Grenchen
March 3, 2020, SwitzerlandOn Tuesday 3rd March, several individuals placed a burning newspaper on the organ loft of the Catholic Church St. Eusebius in Grenchen. The fire was brought under control by the witnesses before the firemen arrived. The flames left damage on the furniture which is estimated on several hundred francs and the smoke filled the church.
Madrid Municipality Threatens an Evangelical Church with Sanctions for Carrying out alleged Conversion Therapies
March 3, 2020, SpainAccording to the Spanish Ministry, they will consider imposing "significant sanctions" on an Evangelical church in Madrid that exceeds 20,000 euros. In this church, therapies to cure homosexuality were offered and carried out. Now it is to be examined whether the church has thereby violated the Spanish LGBTQ law. "We will not tolerate any regression in our society and in what we have in our hands, which is to impose sanctions, we will not shake hands, we will not take a step back in the fight against LGTBIphobic behaviour," said Alberto Reyero, Minister of Social Policies.
Orthodox Church on Lesvos Vandalized by Refugees
March 2, 2020, GreeceNews reports indicate that the Greek Orthodox church of St. George was ransacked on March 2nd. According to witnesses, the vandalism was caused by refugees residing on the island. This news came as tensions ran high due to the arrival of hundreds of refugees and migrants after Turkey "opened the doors" for them to enter Europe.
Christians Women Portrayed as Harassers at Abortion Clinic
March 2, 2020, NetherlandsMedia portrayed Christian women as anti-abortion activists and harassers. They are also being targeted on the doorsteps of abortion clinics.
MP Interviewed by Police for Questioning Church Leadership
March 2, 2020, FinlandOn March 2nd, member of the Finnish Parliament Päivi Räsänen faced a police interrogation because of a tweet she posted in June 2019. The tweet was directed at the leadership of her church and questioned its official sponsorship of the LGBT event “Pride 2019”, accompanied by an image of a bible text.
German Church Closed Outside Services Due To Vandalism
March 2, 2020, GermanyDue to several weeks of vandalism and misuse, demonstrated by, for example, red wine stains found between pews in the church of Saint Gallus in Rangendingen, the parish will only be open during church services. Also, food remains and broken glass were found in front of the Church door. Not only the Church was victim of vandalism, the mortuary in the cemetery was also targeted. Similar incidents have also happened in the neighbouring city Steinhofen. Anyone who has made observations about the incidents should contact the parish office, Father Artur Schreiber, phone 07476/ 13 32, or any police department.
Two Consecutive Profanations Of The Church Of Ennezat
March 2, 2020, FranceIn the last days, the church of Ennezat (Puy-de-Dôme) was profaned twice. On March 2nd and the week before, prayer books have been gathered in a corner and set on fire, luckily the damage to the church caused by the fire was not severe. Furthermore, candles were broken, fire extinguisher were damaged and the pampas grass contained in a jar was stolen. The church is closed until further notice. The police are investigating.
A Group of Vandals Attacked the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint George
March 2, 2020, GreeceOn 2nd March, the small church of Saint George near the village of Moria on the Island of Lesbos was vandalized by unknown perpetrators. Some locals blamed a group of migrants that live at the nearby camp, claiming that it happened when the police prevented a march of migrants demanding to be transferred to Athens. The perpetrators destroyed icons and furniture. According to the locals, the church has been vandalized several times.
Trémorel Church Vandalized
March 1, 2020, FranceDuring the night from March 1st to March 2nd, someone broke into and vandalized the church of Trémorel (Côtes-d'Armor). The tabernacle was destroyed and the consecrated hosts were found scattered on the ground.
Smashed Windows at Church in Bergkamen
March 1, 2020, GermanyA 18-year-old-man smashed several windows and doors of the church of the Resurrection and the nearby Martin Luther house on March 1st, using stones. He was cought by the police on the same day.
Orange Paint All Over Italian Church
March 1, 2020, ItalyThe church of the Blessed Virgin Mary Mother in Montesilvano was covered in orange paint on March 1st. An unknown perpetrator painted the walls of the church and over the statue of Jesus Christ in front of this religious building.
Broken Windows in Leipzig Church
March 1, 2020, GermanyOn New Years Eve, 25 windows were broken on the St. Thomas Church in Leipzig by thrown stones. If people would have been inside, it could have been quite dangerous said pastor Britta Taddiken.
Theft And Desecration n Kędzierzynie Church
February 29, 2020, PolandOn February 7th to February 8th 2020, an unknown person broke into a polish church in Kędzierzynie. The monstrance and the mass chalice were stolen and the tabernacle has been opened. Additionally, the Blessed Sacrament and consecrated messages were poured onto the altar. The damage amounts to 10.000 zlotys.
Surveillance Installed to Identify Perpetrators
February 29, 2020, ItalyDue to many recent acts of vandalism at churches in Arcene, municipalities have started using video surveillance systems and photo traps for the identification of the perpetrators.The last incident occured in the night between February 29th and March 1st where unknown people damaged the churchyard of San Rocco by leaving alcohol bottles and dirt as food, glasses, shopping bags and cans.
Desecration Of Theresienfeld Church
February 29, 2020, AustriaOn Saturday 29th, all candles in the church of Theresienfeld were found lit, the altar was covered in food remains, and cigarettes and paper was burned at the entrance of the church. The park bench at the nearby bus stop was also set on fire.
Remigius Church Damaged
February 28, 2020, GermanyOn February 28th, a perpetrator lit two candles and placed them placed one on top of and the other under the bench in the church of Remigius in Borken. The candles were discovered and put out at 17:55 by a witness. This led to minor damage.
Desecration of Tabernacle and Stolen Hosts in Church of San Carlo
February 28, 2020, ItalyOn the 28th of February, perpetrators desecrated the tabernacle and stole the sacred Hosts from the Church of San Carlo in Pavignano. The police started an investigation. They suspect a satanistic bias, for no things of valor were stolen.
Andancette Cemetery Vandalized
February 26, 2020, FranceSeveral Christian graves were vandalized in the cemetery of Andancette. A family who went to the grave of a loved one noticed the damage and alerted the gendarmes on Sunday morning. According to the mayor of Andancette, "around fifteen graves have been damaged with crucifixes, gravestones and plaques broken."
Theft and Desecration of Tabernacle in St. Michael Church
February 26, 2020, GermanyDuring the night between February 26th and 27th unknown perpetrators broke into the church Saint Michael in Vöhringen, damaged several doors, opened the tabernacle by force and stole two ciboria filled with consecrated hosts. The financial damage amounts to 20,000 euros and the religious loss is incalculable.
Arson in Gottsunda Church
February 25, 2020, SwedenOn the 25th February, the facade of the Gottsunda Church in Uppsala was set on fire. The fire is suspected to have been provoked. The police patrol discovered the fire, because the flames were several meters high and they called the rescue services. The church was made of wooden, so it took several damages to the facade and the inside. The fire looks like it was intended and the police is investigating a suspicious car which was captured by the cameras. No suspects have been arrested.
Collegiate Church Vandalized in Aveyron
February 25, 2020, FranceOn February 25th, an unknown person broke a door handle, attempted to force a display case, overturned statues, and broke the hands of the statue of Our Lady of Lourdes in the collegiate church of Notre-Dame de Villefranche-de-Rouergue in Aveyron.
Statue of the Virgin Mary Decapitated
February 24, 2020, FranceIn Limerzel, the statue of Notre-Dame de la Salette, dated from 1953, was found beheaded.
Degradation of St. John Bosco Church
February 23, 2020, FranceUnknown vandals damaged the church of St. John Bosco on 23 February. Father Sébastien Petitjean, the parish preist, and Daniel Latta, president of the factory council, visited the site. "We believe that these acts were committed during the night of Tuesday to Wednesday, or even the night before. The damage was done with violence because the stained glass is thick, armed with a metal structure," said the president. Gabriel Muller asked the technical services workers to intervene immediately. "Repairs are underway to restore the church to its original function. We have asked the municipal police and the gendarmerie to investigate. The installed cameras will probably talk. » The investigation is still ongoing.
Cartoon Mocked the Church and the Pope
February 23, 2020, SpainA blasphemous cartoon of the Pope and the Church was published by the Newspaper "El Diario", showing the Pope with a huge bag of money, paying the media.
Satanic Signs At Christ The Redeemer Church
February 23, 2020, PolandAn unknown person profaned the church of Christ The Redeemer in Konskie by writing: "You have god 666" (this number is a symbol of Satan in the bible) on the church walls. The inscription has been removed and a penitential service has been held in the church.
Surveillance System Installed in Church due to Vandalism
February 23, 2020, United KingdomDue to repeated vandalism, drug-dealing, and abuse of volunteers in the Holy Trinity Church in Exmouth, a surveillance system with seven cameras will be installed as a "necessary security measure."
Saint Louis Cathedral and Statue of Pierre Belain Vandalized with Tags
February 23, 2020, FranceOn the night between Sunday, February 24, 2020, to Monday, February 24, 2020, the Saint-Louis Cathedral and the statue of Pierre Belain d'Esnambuc were covered with tags