All cases
Repeated Vandalism of The Figure of Jesus
May 24, 2020, SpainThe figure of Jesus in Andujar was vandalized several times. This already happened in 2013, 2017, and in 2019, where it was completely destroyed. In May 2020, it was finally restored by two artists.
Alsace: Two Vandalized Churches in Munster
May 23, 2020, FranceThe Catholic and Protestant churches, an ambulance company, the railway station, two banks and a sports complex were vandalized on the night of 22nd to 23rd May in Munster in le Haut-Rhin. Tags such as "Anarchie vaincera" (Anarchy will win) and the number "666" spray-painted in color were found. These damaging acts shocked and dismayed the inhabitants of the peaceful little town nestled in the heart of the Hautes-Vosges mountains. The gendarmerie launched an appeal for witnesses to find the perpetrators.
Church Lights and Room Vandalized
May 22, 2020, United KingdomOn 22nd May, lightning technicians had to visit the Trinity Church in Yarm Road, Stockton, because the lights were not working. Vandals had smashed the church lights, raided it, and put fire to the room, where the tools were stored.
Gironde: 55 Vandalized Graves in a Cemetery in Gujan-Mestras
May 21, 2020, FranceFifty-five graves in the church cemetery of Gujan-Mestras were damaged by vandals during the evening of May 21st. Crosses and crucifixes were broken, as well as plaques and flower pots. Police opened an investigation.
Calvary Destroyed in Assé-le-Béranger
May 20, 2020, FranceA witness reported to the Observatoire de la Christianophobie on May 20 that the calvary erected in front of the Assé-le-Béranger town hall of Assé-le-Béranger had been broken by a sledgehammer. Some inhabitants of the small village of 450 people interviewed by the witness expressed shock over this act of vandalism which is estimated to have occurred in the previous two weeks.
Vandalism at St. Peter and Paul Church
May 20, 2020, GermanyOn 20th May in the evening, an unknown perpetrator devastated the St. Peter and Paul Church in Mühlburg, Karlsruhe. The unknown perpetrator spilled wax over the Figure of Mary, the wall, and the floor of the church. He also torn flowers from the wall and spread them all over the floor. It also looked like he tried to set fire to a wooden rack. The estimated damage is around a thousand euro. Witnesses are asked to report clues to the police.
Installation of CCTV After Repeated Vandalism At Church
May 20, 2020, United KingdomAfter repeated vandalism at St. Mary Magdalene Church in New Milton, the Church will install CCTV Cameras along with the reparation of their windows. In the past, a thanksgiving memorial service was interrupted by teenagers banging on the windows and a stone was thrown through a car's rear window when the teenagers were confronted.
Desecration and Theft in Saint-Jean-des-Cordeliers Church
May 19, 2020, FranceOn May 19th, desecration and theft were committed in the church of Saint-Jean-des-Cordeliers in Bergerac, Dordogne. The tabernacle and the ciborium were forced and the consecrated hosts inside were stolen. Other valuable objects were left there, so it indicates that this was an act of vandalism. The parish priest filled a complaint.
Robbery With Violence In the Church Notre-Dame des Pins
May 16, 2020, FranceA forty-year-old man violently broke into the church of Notre-Dame des Pins in Cannes to steal donations. He also beat up a volunteer.
Saint Boniface Statue Vandalized with Anti-Christian Graffiti
May 16, 2020, United KingdomResidents of Crediton (Devon) have expressed their disgust after the statue of St. Boniface was targeted by vandals. The graffiti, scrawled across the base of the statue, reads: "God is dead. Pagan justice."
Repeated Arson at Church An Maria Waldrast in Krefeld
May 16, 2020, GermanyOn May 16th, unknown perpetrators set fire to the memorial altar in the church An Maria Waldrast in Krefeld. Previous arson attempts had been reported to the police in February and March 2020. The police are investigating and suspects an intentional arson. A volunteer at the church discovered the fire and was able to extinguish it with another witness. There was no damage and no one was injured.
Church on Lesbos Island is Trashed And Used as Toilet
May 15, 2020, GreeceOn the 15th of May, a Facebook User and local from Moria posted images of Saint Catherine Church on Lesbos, which is being used as a bathroom. He reported that the smell inside was terrible, and that the metropolitan of Mytilene is aware of the situation but did not act or deal with it. Volunteers have offered to restore the Church.
Vandalisation and Damage to The Church at Montpezat-de-Quercy
May 15, 2020, FranceOn the night of Friday 15th to Saturday 16th, several persons entered the small Church of Pilou in Montpezat-de-Quercy. A bar of one of the windows of the sacristy was also loosened so that someone could get in. The candles and other pieces of plastic were burned. The perpetrators also used the cassocks and priestly clothing and put them on the crosses. The police were informed.
Theft in the Cathedral of Wiener Neustadt
May 15, 2020, AustriaOn the first day that the nationwide COVID-19 lockdown was lifted, unknown perpetrators gained access to the Cathedral of Wiener Neustadt on May 15th. They stole a statue known as the "Prager Jesulein," a Jesus statue with a golden crown from 1750, from the Trinity Altar. They then went on to the Mariazeller Altar on the opposite side and stole two crowns from a statue of Mary and Jesus. Both statues were placed inside of glass showcases. The theft did not cause much monetary loss, as the crowns were cheap replicas, but rather a cultural loss. This was not the first theft the church had to endure.
Hate Crime Against St. Mary Catholic Church Church
May 15, 2020, United KingdomOn the night of Friday 15th to Saturday, St. Mary Catholic Church in Ahoghill was attacked with paint thrown in front of the church and across the door. The police is treating the incident as a hate crime.
Graffiti on Gazzadina Church and the School of Vigo Meano
May 15, 2020, ItalyOn the night between 15th and 16th May, unknown perpetrators smeared a series of writings in the buildings of Vigo Meano and Gazzadina. The Parish Church of Gazzadina and the School of Vigo Meano were targeted. The wall facing west, and the wall of the sacristy were smeared with spray paint. The police started an investigation using the security cameras.
Smashed Display Window and Graffiti on St. Martini Church
May 15, 2020, GermanyOn the weekend of 15th and 16th May, unknown perpetrators smeared the showcase of St. Martini parish. They used black paint and left anarchist symbols on it. The police are looking for witnesses to this case and two other vandalism cases occurred on the same weekend. The Martini parish was led by the pastor Olaf Latzel, who was prosecuted in October 2019 for his comments on homosexuality and marriage. The Church had been vandalized several times before.
Thisnes Church Vandalized
May 13, 2020, BelgiumOn the 13th May, the church of Thisnes in Hannut has been victim of several acts of vandalism. Consequently, the church will be equipped with video surveillance systems.
Two Brutal Thefts within 48 Hours in Two Churches in Freising
May 12, 2020, GermanyTwice within 48 hours in mid-May, unknown perpetrators committed burglaries in Freising churches. They gained access to the buildings in an extremely brutal manner and caused great damage - but the value of the loot is low, in one case nothing was stolen. In order to gain access to various rooms, the perpetrator(s) also destroyed several window panes, among other things. According to initial estimates, the resulting property damage amounts to around 5,000 euros, disproportionally outweighing the cost of the stolen objects.
Covid-19 Regulations Did Not Allow Church Services Compared to Other Services
May 11, 2020, FranceThe Christian Democratic Party has filed an appeal with the Council of State to obtain permission to hold services before the end of May. Jean Frédéric Poisson requested the infringement of the fundamental freedom of worship. Small businesses, such as hairdressing salons, were given permission to operate, while religious services were not. He also asked for the re-establishment of worship services in the low-risk departments.
Destruction of the Summit Crucifix of Pic Saint-Loup near Montpellier
May 10, 2020, FranceBetween the evening of May 9th and and the morning of May 10th, unidentified vandals cut down the emblematic summit crucifix of Pic Saint-Loup at its base. The iron cross overlooking Montpellier, which weighs 900 kg and is nearly ten meters high, was reportedly detached with a blowtorch or drills and left hanging over the 658 meters from the top of the peak. Inscriptions in red paint reading "Larcins des sorcières hérétiques" (crimes of heretical witches", "Le Pic Laïque" (the secular peak), and "Witch Power" (in English) were left on the pedestal. Police are investigating.
Theft Of a Relic at Saint-Antoine in Gers
May 10, 2020, FranceSince Sunday 10th May, the Gendarmes has been investigating the theft of the Relic of Anthony the Great from the church of Saint-Anthony in Gers. The Relic is from the 15th century and is a silver-plated copper reliquary that represents the arm of Saint Anthony, which also contains the ossicles of a finger of the Saint.
The Brotherhoods of Cordoba Denounced Unfair Treatment by The Police in a Mass
May 10, 2020, SpainAfter a Mass was held on Sunday 10th May in the Brotherhood of the Virgen de la Cabeza. The police reported five parishioners who assisted the Mass. The Association of Brotherhoods of Córdoba have expressed their support to the Brotherhood and the organizer of the mass. The Brotherhood denounced an unfair treatment, given that the Mass was legally allowed and the requisites were met.
Parish Priest Fined for Celebrating Mass with Thirty People inside Church
May 10, 2020, SpainOn May 10th, municipal police fined the rector of Lloret for saying Mass with about thirty people inside the church. The priest, Martirià Brugada, however, defended his actions and, in fact, finished the Mass with the parishioners outside the church and the windows open.
Theft in the Coptic Orthodox Church St. Athanasius and St. Moritz in Münster-Sarmsheim
May 10, 2020, GermanyUnknown perpetrators broke into the Coptic Orthodox Church of St. Athanasius and St. Moriz. According to police reports on May 14th, the incident occurred on May 10th at about 1:30 pm. The police located marks on the front and back doors, where the perpetrators had tried to enter the church. Finally they smashed a roof window and climbed into the church. They ransacked all the rooms, damaged various objects and stole two incense burners.
Man Destroyed Windows of Church And Damaged Wall
May 10, 2020, PolandOn the 10th of May at night , the 38-year-old destroyed the windows of stained-glass and damaged the church wall in Sanok. He also destroyed two cars parked between the church and the rectory. He was captured by the witnesses and was held until the police arrived. The man was taken into custody.
Vandalism in Schelklingen
May 10, 2020, GermanyTwo 16- and one 18-year-old allegedly went on the rampage in Schelklingen over the weekend. They are accused of causing several damages, including 1000 euro damage. Police are looking for witnesses.
Vandalism of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church and Priest Insulted During Mass
May 9, 2020, PolandOn May 9th and May 15th, a man profaned the church of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Dabrowa Tarnowska and insulted the priest. He intentionally interrupted the services as well as went to the rectory and insulted one of the priests. The clergy felt earlier unprotected by the police and thought of putting private vigilance. This time the police reacted effectively and following investigation, they arrested the 42 year-old perpetrator. The court will keep him in custody for three months.
The Sainte-Jeanne-d'Arc de Menton Chapel Vandalized
May 8, 2020, FranceOn Friday 8th May, Dorian Aussel discovered an obscene drawing painted on the freshly painted wall by the front door of the Chapel Sainte-Jeanne-d'Arc in Menton. The perpetrators are unknown, but still Dorian Aussel, who is in charge of the Chapel, filed a complaint.
The Roof of a Chapel in Urville-Nacqueville Damaged
May 7, 2020, FranceOn 7th May, it was noted that the lower part of the stone roof of the Chapel Nacqueville-Haut has been damaged. The chapel was on ongoing reparations. It has also been discovered that the door was forced and someone attempted to break in. Around one square meter of the roof was removed. Three months ago in the same town, the cemetery had been also damaged.
Several Desecrated Churches on The Island of Lesbos
May 7, 2020, GreeceSeveral cases of extreme desecration and vandalization of Greek orthodox Churches have been reported in the last months between March and September 2020, mostly in Moria and the vicinity. These churches include the Church of the Virgin Mary of Tsiradou, The Church of Saint Raphael, The Church of Saint Catherine and the Church of Saint George. The Government of Hungary has given 30 000 Euros to restore the churches on the island of Lesbos.
Cornerstone Adoption and Fostering Service Seeks Judicial Review after Ofsted Downgrade
May 7, 2020, United KingdomThe High Court in Leeds held a judicial review of the watchdog Ofsted’s actions against Cornerstone Adoption and Fostering Service in North East England on the 6th and 7th of May. The Christian fostering agency took the government regulator to court for downgrading Cornerstone’s fostering service from “Good” to “Requires Improvement.”
Police Arrested Man after Church Window Smashed With Bias
May 7, 2020, United KingdomOn 7th May in Glasgow, a 53-year-old man smashed the window of a church. The police captured and arrested the man for vandalism attack labelled as "motivated by prejudice".
Desecration and Suspected Theft in Saint-Antoine Chapel in Bourg-en-Bresse
May 6, 2020, FranceIn the night of May 6 to 7 during the confinement, unknown perpetrators broke into the Saint-Antoine chapel in Bourg-en-Bresse. The parish priest found consecrated hosts scattered across the floor on the following morning. It was suspected that at least one chalice had been stolen as well.
Desecrated Tombs in the Eastern Cemetery, Crosses Torn Off And Thrown To The Ground
May 6, 2020, FranceOn 6. May, the eastern cemetery was found desecrated. Twenty-one wooden crosses were torn down and thrown to the ground. The cemetery was closed due to the Pandemic, which gave the opportunity for the perpetrators to vandalize it. The mayor condemned the desecration and announced that Nice would file a complaint to the police.
Abortion Images Banned After Pro-Life Campaign in Town Square
May 6, 2020, United KingdomOn 6th May, a judge ruled that the display of abortion images was a visual equivalent of "shouting into a person's face", and was, therefore, right to ban it. The pro-life organizer Mr. Hacking was given a community protection notice forbidding him the display of large photos of a fetus. The reasons were that people felt distressed and emotionally, mentally or even physically harmed through the images of the aborted fetus. Mr. Hacking said, that the real victim isn't the viewer who is negatively impacted by the visualization, but rather the unborn child.
Salzburg Catholic Organization Targeted with "Pro Choice" Vandalism
May 5, 2020, AustriaThe cars belonging to the Catholic initiative, HOME Mission Base Salzburg, were sprayed with "Pro Choice" and the windows were smashed by unknown vandals.
Wooden Cross in Church Courtyard Set on Fire
May 5, 2020, GermanyUnknown persons set fire to a three-meter-high wooden cross in the inner courtyard of the parish hall of the Catholic parish Edith Stein in Ludwigshafen during the night from May 4th to 5th. The main pillar was scorched by the fire. The police estimate the damage at 200 euros.
Three Meter Cross is Set on Fire in a Parish House in Ludwigshafen
May 5, 2020, GermanyBetween Monday 4th May and Tuesday 5th May, unknown individuals set fire to a wooden cross in the courtyard of the parish house of the Catholic parish of Edith-Stein in Ludwigshafen. The cross was three meters high, which was completely burnt and caused damage of around 200 Euro. The police started the investigations.
Mayor Decided to Close the Church and Forbids Entry
May 5, 2020, FranceOn Sunday 5th April,in the church of Saint-Martin in Menetou Ratel an anti-Catholic incident occurred. A family who wished to enter the church for meditation and prayer was forbidden the entry, as the mayor decided to close the church until further notice .
Graffiti About Burning the Church on The Parish of Santa María Magdalena
May 5, 2020, SpainOn 5ht May, the façade of the church of St. Mary Magdalene was painted with some graffitis: ''The only Church that illuminates is the one that burns" and an anarchist symbol.'' The priest Fr. Lozano found this painting on the wall next morning and posted a video to share his reflection on what happened and the readings that we can extract from them.
Cemetery Devastated Several Times in Martinique
May 5, 2020, FranceThe days before 5th May, the Riviere-Salée cemetery was repeatedly devastated by unknown vandals. Several vaults were damaged, the locks were forced, the doors were displaced, and the flowers were overturned. There were also bottles and garbage on the ground. The fence surrounding the cemetery was gaping. Therefore, there is a high probability that the perpetrators came during the night. The police are investigating.
The Olárizu Cross Painted with Graffiti in Vitoria
May 3, 2020, SpainOn the 3rd of May, the Cross of Olarizu was sighted with Graffitis of the symbol of the left political party, the words "feminism", "socialism" and "independence". The Cross had also been severely damaged in 2018, the perpetrators said it belonged to the past.
Theft of All Equipment for Online Church Service in Wermelskirchen
May 3, 2020, GermanyUnknown perpetrators stole all of the technical equipment of the Protestant Free Church in Dabringhausen on May 4th, which was vital in times of COVID-19 in order to be able to provide Sunday service online to the church community. The police presumed that the perpetrator must have had a car to transport all of the equipment and probably let him- or herself lock in, in the church on the evening before because no indication for a break-in was found. It is difficult for the church to quickly organize and finance new equipment, so that the online-service is not stopped for too long and also the re-opening of the church for small groups is halted due to police investigations at the church venue.
Arson with Gasoline at Village Church Caused Serious Damage
May 3, 2020, FranceIn the village Marais-la-Chapelle, during the night of 2nd to 3rd May, an arson attack took place in the entrance of the Church. The firefighters were called by a resident. There were traces of fuel detected in the findings. The oak door was destroyed and the flower pots melted, the interior of the church was blackened by the smoke, and the electrical structure was damaged.
Statue of Our Lady of Lourdes Destroyed
May 3, 2020, FranceOn the 3rd of May, in Munster, some vandals destroyed the statue of Our Lady of Lourdes. A cross has already been vandalised in this town in 2018.
Evangelicals Harassed and workers Discriminated Against
May 3, 2020, SpainThe Federation of Evangelical Entities of Spain (FEREDE) has denounced a ‘fierce media harassment’ on faithful as well as pastors in the churches in Torrejón de Ardoz. It has also denounced all forms of discrimination that the workers have been facing for their confession. The data provided by Health on the coronavirus had also denied that the COVID-19 cases are linked to evangelical churches in Torrejón.
Burglary at the Secours Catholique in Vallée-du-Tir
May 2, 2020, FranceIn New Caledonia, the Headquarters of the Charity of catholic organization Secours Catholique, was raided during the weekend of 2. and 3. May. The thieves broke down the doors, smashed the walls and ceiling. They stole computers, food and clothing. The attack destroyed 10 years of the association's work. The organization's headquarters were also ransacked for the first time in September 2019.
Chapel of Calvary Burned Down in Hautmont
May 2, 2020, FranceThe Chapel of Calvary was burned down during the night of 1st and 2nd May by unknown perpetrators. The same chapel was already vandalized in August 2016.
Smashed Windows of the Church in Frankenau
May 2, 2020, GermanyIn Frankenau, unknown perpetrators smashed the windows of the Church. The windows were discovered on 2nd May by the women who worked in the herb garden. This was the first case of vandalism in this church. The police is looking for the perpetrators and asking for clues. They suspect that the damage was made by a slingshot and a thick stone.
Crimes Against Churches in Austria
May 2, 2020, AustriaThe recent attack in December to Church St. Andrä in Graz brought questions about the hostility towards churches in Austria. The Minister of the Interior, Karl Nehammer, affirmed that between 2015 to 2019, 4657 crimes have been committed against religious buildings in Austria. In Styria alone, there have been 608 cases of attacks against churches.
Vandalism and Theft of Sacred Historical Objects
May 1, 2020, ItalyBetween end of April and the beginning of May, unknown perpetrators entered the small Church of San Francesco d'Assisi in Martirano. They ripped off two sacred objects from the walls and escaped. The sacred objects were of green stone and carved by an unknown sculptor. They weigh around 30 to 40 kilograms each, and dated back to the period between the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The carabinieri started investigating the crime. The perpetrators may have placed the stolen objects on the black market. To date, in the area of Martirano, this is the first theft against a sacred building.
Statue of the Virgin Mary Decapitated
April 30, 2020, FranceOn the 30. April in Bonnieux, a statue of the Virgin Mary was destroyed. Its head was taken off and placed on a metal bar on the fence of the sanctuary.
Priest Threatened With a Knife by an Afghan Man Staying at The Monastery
April 28, 2020, FranceIn Strasbourg, on 28. April, a 19-year-old homeless man, who had been welcomed in a monastery during the lockdown, threatened a priest with a knife. The home of the man had been closed due to the pandemic, and he was allowed to stay at the monastery of the Monastic Fraternities of Jerusalem. When the priest asked him to be more hygienic, the alcoholized man threatened the priest with a knife. The witnesses called the police, and he was arrested and taken into custody
Vandalism and Graffiti on Church and Chapel
April 28, 2020, GermanyOn 28th April, the area around the Chapel of our Lady and the Church of the Holy Spirit were devastated by vandals in Landstuhl. The wooden fence was trampled down and the flowers were torn out. The inscription "187" was left there. The outer wall of the church was smeared. The police investigations are ongoing, but so far, there are no references to the incidents.
The Parliament of Andalucía Wants to Prohibit the communion in The Masses
April 27, 2020, SpainIn the end of April, the Parliament of Andalusia presented a proposal to the Government of Spain to resume the Holy Masses during the Pandemic. However, the proposal calls for the prevention of giving of communion and the Holy Water stoups. On the other side, the Catholic Church has already been developing strategies to resume the Holy Masses and distribute communion safely, which is the true meaning of the Mass.
Suspected Arson in Parrish Church of Wadgassen
April 27, 2020, GermanyA suspected arson has been prevented when a churchgoer immediately alerted the fire department. Pastor Peter Leick assumes that the fire was arson.
Closure of Churches During COVID Lockdown but not Museums and Shops
April 27, 2020, Italythe Government imposed a Stop for Holy Masses, but allows shops and museums to prevail. Bishops and believers all around Italy showed disagreement and expressed their hurt feelings.
Afghan Asylum Seeker Arrested after Threatening to "Slit Christians' Throats"
April 26, 2020, BelgiumA Muslim migrant from Afghanistan was arrested on April 26th after he made serious threats against the employees of the asylum center in Helchteren. The 24-year-old man also said he wanted to 'slit Christians' throats' and would blow himself up to kill as many Christians as possible. The police had responded to the center earlier in the week when the man refused to wash his hands in compliance with the coronavirus regulations, claiming that there was alcohol in the soap and therefore he would not use it during Ramadan. That incident escalated when the man began coughing and spitting at people around him.
Arson at Historical All Saints Church
April 25, 2020, United KingdomOn Saturday 25th April, unknown perpetrators set fire to the historic Leicester city center All Saints Church, which was hosting a virtual Van Gogh exhibition. The motives remain unclear whether this was an act of vandalism or an attempt to steal a painting of the artist. The fire alarm raised in the morning. A large wooden door at a side entrance was badly damaged.
Theft and Vandalism Leading to Closure of Church During the Week
April 25, 2020, GermanyDue to recent theft and vandalism, the Church of the Redeemer congregation in Mannheim's Seckenheim district will remain closed on weekdays.
Break-In, Theft of Nativity Scene, and Vandalism in Church
April 24, 2020, United KingdomOn the night of Friday 24th April, thieves broke into St. Andrew's Church in Congresbury and stole two characters from its Christmas nativity display, Jesus and Mary and damaged wooden crosses. In addition, they snatched one of the three Kings, an ox, and the manager of baby Jesus. They also stole donations and several smaller figures from another nativity set. The thieves were captured on a neighbour's camera, and the incident was reported to the police.
Village Church Vandalized in Northern France
April 23, 2020, FranceThe village church of Saint-Remy in Marly-Gomont was found vandalized on April 23rd despite a coronavirus lockdown confining people to their homes.
Decapitation of Marian Statue in Sumène
April 23, 2020, FranceUnknown perpetrators decapitated a Marian Statue in Sumène on June 23rd. The attack was allegedly made with a stone that was found next to the statue along with the cut off head. The mayor of the city, Ghislain Pallier, already filled a complaint.
Three Armed Policemen Burst Into a Parisian church to Stop a Mass
April 22, 2020, FranceBishop Aupetit strongly denounced the incident, recalling that the law prohibits "police officers from entering a church with weapons".
Several Acts of Thefts and Vandalism of Churches across Austria
April 20, 2020, AustriaSeveral acts of thefts and vandalism of churches have occurred across Austria
Armed Policemen Burst Into a Parisian Church And Stop a Mass
April 19, 2020, FranceOn Sunday 19th April, three armed policemen burst into the church and ordered the priest to stop the mass.The parish priest of Saint-Andre-de-l'Europe was celebrating a Holy Mass with an Online broadcast for his parishioners in confinement. Inside the Church there were seven people, all involved in the celebration. The parish priests recall that the police is not allowed to enter a church with weapons, according to the law. The police can only intervene in a sanctuary at the request of the parish priest or in case of an emergency. One of the parishioners was also a policeman, who talked to the officers. It seems that a neighbour had alerted the police.
The Police Ordered the Closure of the Church and the end to Perpetual Adoration
April 19, 2020, SpainOn the 19th April, the police ordered the closure of the Church and the end of worship in the parish of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Sabadell. There were only one or two people present during each adoration, which did not go against the Covid-19 regulations. The bishops started doing arrangements for a reopening of the church.
Desecration of a Church in Mümling-Grümbach
April 18, 2020, GermanyOn 18th April, "Echo Online" reported that the protestant church in Mümling-Grumbach closed its doors after the discovery of a desecration and vandalism.
The Government Prohibits the Procession of the Santa Faz to Bless the City.
April 17, 2020, SpainThe Subdelegation of the Government prohibited on the 17th April the Procession of the Santa Faz relic to bless the city, which would have taken place on the 23rd April. The reason was that the act was not covered by the regulations on the state of alarm for the Covid-19 pandemic. The mayor and priests proposed alternatives for celebrating the procession without danger of contagion. However, the Council has not approved it. In other historical pandemics, the celebration had taken place.
Vandalism on Parish House And Urination on the Church of Omegna
April 17, 2020, ItalyOn the 17th April, an 22-year-old vandal smeared the walls of the parish house in Omegna. On April 18th, the parishioners found urine in the confessional of the parish church, where a man was seen entering by witnesses. The police started investigating both cases, and identified the man through the surveillance cameras. He was responsible for both acts.
Arson In St. James Church in Southhampton
April 16, 2020, United KingdomArson attack took place in the St. James’ Church in Southhampton. The fire is believed to have started in a toilet area inside the church between 9pm and 8am between the 15th and the 16th of April. After smoke was seen out of a window at around 10.37 o’clock, the firefighters came and put the fire down. The foyer was also full of smoke.
Attack on Church in Lesvos
April 14, 2020, GreeceThe small church of Agia Aikaterini, which is located on the road leading to the Moria refugee camp in Lesvos, was the target of unknown vandals who caused extensive damage in early April.
Religious Freedom Observatory Denounces Cancellation of Masses
April 13, 2020, SpainThe president of the Observatory for Religious Freedom and Conscience (OLRC) sent a letter to the Minister of the Interior, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, asking for "explanations" and showing her "discomfort" about the suspension of Masses in the course of their celebration that has taken place in different parts of Spain during Lent and Holy Week.
Vandalism in Church St. Nicholas
April 13, 2020, ItalyOn 14th April, the Church St. Nicholas and the Children's playground were found vandalized. The religious newspapers were thrown were thrown away and the slide of the playground was smashed. Mayor asked for witnesses to contact the police and expressed his rejection to this act. The police are investigating.
Arson Attack at Christ the King Church in Backnang
April 13, 2020, GermanyOn Easter Monday in the Christkönigskirche in Backnang, unknown perpetrators entered the church and set it on fire. This happened between 8 and 11 o'clock. They lit the Easter display on a high table and set fire to cloths and a pinboard. A witness was able to extinguish the fire and to prevent a greater damage, according to the police report.
Thieves Broke Into The Sanctuary of Mercy and Attacked Two Parish Priests And Personnel
April 12, 2020, SpainIn the early morning of Sunday 12th April, three individuals with covered faces assaulted the parish house of the Santuari de la Misericòrdia in Canet de Mar. The perpetrators entered to a whole on the fence that protects the rectory, trying to enter the ecclesiastical premises through a window. They went then to the quarters and attacked the parish priests Pere and Joan Travessa and the stewardess, who were beaten and thrown to the ground. The attackers asked where the money was stored but didn't get the information and attacked the custodian of the sanctuary and his assistant. This was the second time in less than a year, that catholic temples are attacked in Maresme.
Offensive Graffiti on The Square in Front of Saint Peter Church
April 12, 2020, FranceOn Sunday 12th April, an Inscription was found on the square in front of the Church in Osseja. This happened during Easter night, when Christians celebrated the Resurrection of Christ. The inscription says "The Church is not the House of God". The Father Christian Burillo reacted very saddened and said this gesture shows the suffering of the people in the city.
Police Suspended an Open-Air Mass Without the Participation of the Faithful
April 12, 2020, SpainOn the 12th of April, the police suspended a Mass being celebrated on the parish courtyard of San Jenaro de Madrid. Although the Mass was being held without the participation of the faithful, it was interrupted by the police and the priests had to be identified. The Madrid City Council stated that the parish had installed without authorization a megaphone outside the building, which had raised "complaints from neighbors".
The Police Evacuated a Holy Mass in San Fernando de Henares
April 12, 2020, SpainOn Easter Sunday, the Police evacuated the parish of San Isidoro in Valencia, were nine people and the priest were gathered. They also interrupted the prayer of the Rosary in an act of Eucharistic adoration. The temple had space for 700 people, so the ten people could sit with plenty of space between them, using masks and gloves. The police allowed them to finish the Mass and warned them that if they did not suspend the church services and activities from now on, they would be sanctioned.
Vejleå Church in Ishøj Vandalized with Islamist Graffiti
April 12, 2020, DenmarkOn April 12th, the Vejleå Church in Ishøj was vandalized with phrases such as, "We conquer Denmark," and, in Arabic, "There is no God but Allah."
Vandalism in Bizantine Church
April 12, 2020, GreeceVandals spray-painted anarchist slogans on the walls of the Byzantine-era Church of Prophet Elias in Thessaloniki.
Church of England Clergy Banned by Bishop from Ministering to Sick and Dying
April 9, 2020, United KingdomRight Reverend Stephen Cottrell, the Bishop of Chelmsford, wrote to all Church of England clergy and volunteer hospital chaplains warning them not to minister to any sick or dying hospital patients showing symptoms of the Corona virus. The intention of this effective ban is to reduce the risk of spreading the infection. However, according to Christian Today reporting on 9 April 2020: “The guidance applies only to temporary volunteer chaplains. Full-time NHS chaplains are permitted to continue ministering face to face”.
Attempted Arson and Vandalism at Christchurch in Graz-Eggenberg
April 8, 2020, AustriaAn unknown perpetrator smashed the window of Christ Church in Graz with a stone and then set newspapers on fire and threw them inside the church through the smashed window. Fortunately, the burning newspapers did not cause a fire inside the church. Witnesses saw the incident and reported it to the police, who asked for help in finding the perpetrator.
Anti-COVID Graffiti on Church Wall
April 7, 2020, GermanySt. Mary Church, St. Nicholas Church, and the Church of the Holy Spirit have been vandalized with anti-COVID graffiti. The churches in Flensburg have been repeatedly vandalized with letters written in red on the façade. "I find this method of expressing opinions completely inappropriate," says the pastor of St. Mary's parish.
Priest Spoke out About Church Vandalism
April 7, 2020, United KingdomThe Church of St. Edward was found vandalized with graffiti on the 7th April. The Priest of the Church, Father Callum Brown, expressed his concern.
Police Cancelled Rooftop Palm Sunday Mass
April 6, 2020, SpainOn Palm Sunday morning, the local police interrupted a Mass celebrated on a rooftop by the priest of the Church of the Paúls in Triana. The members of the community had improvised an altar and lectern. The priest used a speaker to reach the nearest residential blocks. While some residents informed the police saying the rules were being violated, other citizens were angry at the officers for interrupting the Mass. The priests said there were only eight of them on the rooftop, and they all lived in the same house. There was a confrontation between the neighbors supporting the Mass and the ones against it.
Priest Fined and Arrested For Processioning a Crucifix Alone
April 6, 2020, ItalyOn April 6, a the Priest Father Domenico Cirigliano was fined and arrested for 14 days by the police, as he was carrying the miraculous Crucifix from the Church of Blessed Virgin Mary in Rocca Imperiale. He was doing a personal procession through the streets, keeping enough distance from other individuals and his assistant. The Father had told the parishioners he would bless the city in this form of reduced procession. The police reported the act as public departure, not motivated by employment, need or health reasons and had made a demonstration or religious act affecting the streets. In other cities the processions were allowed by the civil authorities.
Model Of Basilica Of San Simplicio Di Olbia Vandalized
April 5, 2020, ItalyThe model of the basilica of San Simplicio in Olbia, a meticulous reconstruction and a symbol of the city, was damaged by vandals. Unknown perpetrators broke the roof and the top of the facade. This incident occurred while the city was on lock-down due to the corona virus. It was not the first time the monument had been vandalized.
Vandalism and Theft in Saint-Laurent Church in Lambezellec During the Lockdown
April 5, 2020, FranceOn Sunday 5th April, Father Jean Baptiste Gless noted the degradation and theft at the Church Saint-Laurent of Lambezellec in Brest. The candlesticks and candles were overturned and the lamp of the tabernacle was stolen. The parish priest refuses to close the doors of the church due to the degradation, because he says the perpetrators shall not win, he always leaves the door open in the morning, so that people can meditate and pray. During the Lockdown, the priest also prayed for the people of the town, and he hung a sign on the facade saying "Take care of you all, we pray for you".
Parish Offices of the Church of Amabilina Vandalized
April 4, 2020, ItalyUnknown intruders vandalized the parish offices of the San Giovanni Maria Vianney of Amabilina church in Marsala. The printer and the drawer of the photocopier were opened and the electrical wire was cut. Nothing was stolen because money and valuables had been removed while the church remains closed due to corona virus precautions.
Golden Cross Stolen from Osnabrück Chruch
April 3, 2020, GermanySometime during Holy Week unknown perpetrators broke open a glass case in the St. Joseph Church in the Miquelstraße in Osnabrück and stole a golden cross. The police are investigating and searching for witnesses.
The Police Evacuated A Church Even Though the Regulations Allow Mass in Churches
April 3, 2020, SpainOn 3. April, the national Police evacuated the church of San Servando y San Germán, in the district La Laguna of Cádiz. The Police said that the security measures for the Covid-19 Pandemic were not being held at the mass. The parish priest wrote afterwards an open letter, assuring that the fifteen parishioners in the Mass were taking the right measures, and that the evacuation was not justified.
Hateful and Stigmatised Speech Against Evangelical Christians
April 3, 2020, FranceFollowing the incident where The Open Doors Church was unfairly accused of spreading the Covid-19 infections, Christians have experienced intolerance and hate-speech all around France. Thierry Le Gall, from the national evangelical Council, mentions that in the last weeks they collected a lot of violent comments on social media, saying that the Christians should be erased or that they should not be in the country. Also, Pastors have received threats through letters and phone calls. Le Gall believes these attacks are because of ignorance about religion, intolerance and a scapegoat mechanism.
Window Smashed at Protestant Church
April 1, 2020, GermanyAn unknown person smashed a window of the evangelischen Gemeinde Mainz-Laubenheim with a stone between April 1st and 2nd. The police are investigating and searching for witnesses.
The Police Reported a Priest Who Was Celebrating Mass With 5 People
March 31, 2020, SpainOn the 31. March two police agents knocked on the door of the Church in Valldoreix and said to the priest "It's prohibited to open the Church and you are a murderer." They denounced the priest, although there were only five people present including the priest, and the Mass was celebrated with the regulations and on a legal basis.
Repeated Burglary At Catholic Church
March 30, 2020, GermanyOn March 30th between 09:00 and 19:45, unknown perpetrators broke into the Catholic church in the Brüder-Grimm-Straße in Vellmar. They opened the door of the sacristy, the organ control panel, the cover of the baptismal font, the safe, and searched several cupboards before fleeing in an unknown direction. The total damage amounts to 1.000 euro. The police are investigating and searching for witnesses.
Fire at Catholic Church in Rohrbach
March 29, 2020, GermanySunday afternoon unknown perpetrators set fire to the catholic church in the Sudetenstraße in Rohrbach. A stacks of newspapers caught fire at the rear entrance of the church. The firefighters quickly extinguished the fire, so only the church walls and the door were slightly affected. The police are investigating and searching for witnesses.
Police Raids on Italian Churches Raise Religious Freedom Concerns
March 29, 2020, ItalyAn unclear regulation about churches caused difficulties between churches and police. The Cardinal Gualtiero Bassetti of Perugia, president of the Italian bishops' conference, asked the government to clarify these rules. During the Lockdown, the churches were allowed to be opened, but the assistance of a Mass was not declared as a vital necessity. The police raided several Mass being celebrated by small groups of people separated throughout the church and some bishops received reports of hundreds of euros for organising a mass.
Polish Village Shocked over Vandalism in Cemetery
March 28, 2020, PolandDuring the night between the 28th and 29th of March unknown people vandalized several tombstones, knocked over plaques and crosses, and broke many candles in the parish cemetery in Wysoka, despite the corona virus lockdown measures in Poland. The police are investigating and searching for witnesses.