All cases

Arson and Destruction at Churches on Chios

November 10, 2019, Greece

Over the weekend of November 9-10, unidentified vandals broke windows and set the Agia Trapeza (altar) on fire, burning sacred items, in the Agios Haralambos Church. According to reports, this was the third church vandalized in Chalkios on the island of Chios within a week. In the Church of Panagia, a window was smashed and oil and candles were stolen and a fire was set in the Church of Agios Petros and Pavlos.

Desecration and Vandalism of Tonnay-Charente Church: Tabernacle Broken Open; Statue Decapitated

November 9, 2019, France

Just before an evening Mass on November 9th, unidentified vandals entered the Tonnay-Charente church and tore open the tabernacle of the altar of the Virgin Mary, breaking the doors. The consecrated hosts in the ciborium were thrown to the ground and the glass container holding a host consecrated for adoration was stolen. In addition, crosses were reversed and chairs and statues were broken, including one depicting St. Joseph holding the baby Jesus, which was decapitated by the perpetrators. The Bishop said, this was "desecration, not burglary."

Two Fires Set in Lleida Church

November 8, 2019, Spain

Unknown perpetrators set fire to an altar in the church of Sant Joan in Lleida (Lérida) on November 7th. The rector, Joan Ramon Ezquerra, reported that a day earlier, three bouquets around the church had also been set on fire. Mass could not be celebrated in the central nave and had to be moved to the chapel.

Second investigation: Finnish Christian MP investigated for 2004 pamphlet on homosexuality

November 5, 2019, Finland

On November 4th, the Finnish State General Prosecutor issued a press release announcing the launch of a pre-trial investigation into the publication and distribution of the 2004 pamphlet "Mieheksi ja naiseksi hän heidät loi" (in English, “Male and female He created them”), authored by Päivi Räsänen, the Finnish politician investigated by the police for a tweet in June 2019 quoting the Bible on the issue of homosexuality. Although the pamphlet was printed 15 years ago, it will be included in the case against the Christian politician because it is still “available online.” Räsänen, who served in the past as Minister of the Interior of the government of Finland, risks being accused under Section 10 of the Criminal Code of Finland for “ethnic agitation,” a crime punishable with a fine or prison.

Victory for Christian Refugees at European Court of Human Rights

November 5, 2019, France

Victory in international court bolsters protections for Christians who face life-threatening persecution in home countries.

'Battering Ram' Night-Raid Robbery at French Cathedral

November 4, 2019, France

A car fitted with a battering ram was driven into the door of the Cathedral Sainte-Marie d'Oloron in southwestern France on November 4th. Once inside the cathedral, thieves entered the chapel and sawed the iron bars protecting sacred and liturgical items. They stole chalices, ciboria, a centuries old nativity scene, and vestments used by the priest for the Mass. Authorities characterized the theft as organized and well-planned.

Saint-Florent Hermitage Chapel Vandalized in Oberhaslach

November 3, 2019, France

A chapel was vandalized on Sunday, November 3 in Oberhaslach near Molsheim. A statue of St. Bernadette in the chapel of the hermitage of St. Florent was beheaded and moved. The gendarmes are calling for witnesses.

Inflated Condoms and Vandalism in Saint-Vaast Church in Béthune

November 1, 2019, France

On November 1st, unknown perpetrators vandalised the Saint-Vaast church in Béthune. The Vandals knocked over chairs and inflated condoms. The city will file a complaint and the police are investigating.

Antique Bell From Old Chapel In Ypres Stolen

October 31, 2019, Belgium

On the eve of All Saints the bell of an old chapel located on the Saint-Yvon side, in Warneton, was stolen. Because of its historical value it was currently on display in the choir of the Sint-Jan church, in Ypres. The stolen bronze bell dates from 1728 and weighs 25 kilos.

Self-Described Satanist Vandalized 100 Graves in Cognac Cemetery

October 30, 2019, France

Just before All Saints' Day, about 100 graves were damaged or destroyed in the Breuil cemetery of Cognac. Christian symbols including crucifixes, crosses, and statues of the Virgin Mary and angels were targeted. An 18-year-old self-described Satanist who "hates all religions, especially Catholicism," was arrested by the police. The timing of the incident, given its close proximity to the feast of All Saints and All Souls, shocked local residents.

St. Stephen Church Attacked Again

October 28, 2019, Spain

St. Stephen Church in Zamora has been once again vandalized. Unknown vandals sprayed graffiti and signatures on the church walls. A few weeks ago, a small fire from burning papers was also set next to the wooden door of the church.

News story Frames Christians Negatively for no Reason

October 28, 2019, France

The News Site "20 Minutes" included the picture of a Christian gathering to illustrate a survey on the feelings of French women towards the "threat against secularism", published in "Le Journal du Dimanche" on 26 October. The survey showed a majority of people in favor of banning street prayers together with a photograph showing a gathering of Christians, subtitled "Those polled are particularly opposed to prayers in the street". In reality, the survey was conducted to explore the issues of secularity with Islam in France.

Parish Church Cemetery Vandalized in Zabrzu-Helence

October 27, 2019, Poland

More than 40 graves were vandalized in the cemetery of the Our Lady Mother of the Church (Maryi Panny Matki Kościoła) parish of Zabrzu-Helence during the night between October 26 and 27, just days before Catholics observe All Saints' and All Souls' Days. Granite tombstones were torn down and broken, and wooden crosses were destroyed by unknown vandals.

Theft and Vandalism in Church of Montferrand

October 21, 2019, France

The police arrested three young persons on October 21st. They had stolen candles and vandalized the church of Notre-Dame de Montferrand. The entrance door was broken and other objects inside were also damaged. The three perpetrators tried to flee but were caught by police officers.

"Satan Lives" Painted on Barcelona Church

October 14, 2019, Spain

The Spanish Observatory of Religious Freedom reported that "Satan Vive" was discovered written on the door of the church of San Juan Bautista de Gracia in Barcelona in October 2019

Fire Set in Neapolitan Basilica

October 10, 2019, Italy

The parish priest of the Basilica of San Giovanni Maggiore in Naples has condemned the fire set in the church's musician's chapel, known as the Ecce Homo. The fire had spread to the altar when firefighters were able to extinguish it.

Fire Set in Witzenhausen Church

October 10, 2019, Germany

Police reported that at 3:30 p.m. on October 10th, a fire was found in the the Evangelical Free Church (Christuskirche) in Witzenhausen. Police officers discovered that several sheets of paper were lit in the area of ​​a stairway directly in front of a wooden shelf, with an oily liquid used as an accelerant. The ignited papers went out without spreading and there was only minor damage to property.

Vandals set off firecrackers inside the church of Madonna della Neve

October 9, 2019, Italy

Vandals set off firecrackers inside the church of the Madonna della Neve, also known as Madonna della Tosse.

Berlin Pregnancy Counseling Center Ransacked by Activists

October 6, 2019, Germany

Radical feminists claimed responsibility for breaking into the Pro Femina crisis pregnancy center in Berlin during the night of October 5-6. They smashed the windows on the third floor, smeared a hallway with paint and butyric acid (a foul smelling chemical) and the slogan "Pro Choice!", and glued closed the locks.

Legal Extension of IVF Met with Staunch Opposition in France

October 6, 2019, France

Tens of thousands of French protestors took to the streets of Paris on October 6th to protest the draft bioethics law which passed the lower house of parliament on September 25th. The bill would, amongst other provisions, allow all women under 43 the right to "medically assisted procreation," including in-vitro fertilization (IVF), regardless of their relationship status, or sexual orientation. Currently, French law only allows access to IVF to heterosexual couples unable to have children through natural means, who are either married, or who have lived together for two years.

Córdoba Church Broken into; Consecrated Hosts Scattered on Altar

October 5, 2019, Spain

Before dawn on October 5th, one or more intruders entered the 18th century Chapel of La Rosa in the Córdoba provincial town of Montilla through a side door. Once inside, they found the keys to the tabernacle, opened the pyx inside and scattered several hosts on the altar, according to the Rev. José Félix García, pastor of the parish of Santiago, to which the chapel belongs. Police opened an investigation.

Vandals Desecrated the Chapel of Rosa de Montilla

October 5, 2019, Spain

On Saturday morning, one or more individuals entered the Chapel of the Rose in Montilla and desecrated it by spreading the sacred hosts on top of the altar. The case was reported to the police as a crime against religious feelings. The perpetrators entered through a side door, without needing to use the force, then they took the key of the tabernacle and spread the hosts from the ciborium.

Safety Fears for Iranian Convert to Christianity Facing Threat of Deportation

October 4, 2019, Germany

An Iranian Christian woman living in the state of Hesse in Germany fears for her life if she is forced to return to Iran, due to strict anti-conversion laws. The woman known as "Mahsa" fled Iran and traveled to Germany in 2015, after an attempted arrest by the religious police for her conversion to Christianity. A recent decision by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) denying her asylum limits Mahsa's options going forward.

Medical Practitioner Fired for Refusing to Adopt Transgender Pronouns

October 3, 2019, United Kingdom

Dr David Mackereth has been an A&E doctor for more than 25 years. The Christian lost his job at the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) for refusing to identify his clients by their chosen gender instead of their biological sex. He stated that the usage of 'transgender pronouns' would go against his conscience as both, a doctor and a Bible-believing Christian. Supported by the legal team of Christian Concern, he took his case to court.

Tribunal Rules Biblical View of Sexes "Incompatible with Human Dignity"

October 2, 2019, United Kingdom

A Christian doctor has lost an employment tribunal case, where he alleged that the Department of Work and Pensions breached his freedom of thought, conscience and religion pursuant to the Equality Act. Disability assessor, Dr. David Mackereth claimed discrimination on part of the Department of Work and Pensions for failing to accommodate his refusal to use pronouns which did not correspond with the biological sex of clients. In its decision, the panel stated that Dr. Mackereth's belief that "the Bible teaches us that God made humans male or female" was "incompatible with human dignity."

Medical Professionals Call for Conscience Safeguards if Northern Ireland Liberalizes Abortion Law

September 28, 2019, United Kingdom

Northern Ireland Minister received correspondence from more than 700 medical practitioners calling for conscience protections which would allow Christians and conscientious objectors within the profession the statutory right to refuse to participate in abortions.

Anti-Catholic Graffiti on Church of San Miguel de Fuencarral

September 27, 2019, Spain

On 27. September, the Church of San Miguel de Fuencarral was found spray-painted with anti-Catholic graffiti. In red paint the vandals wrote "Murderers", "Nazis", "Blood Stained", "Fascists" and threatened of burning the church. The police was notified.

Marseille Crucifix Vandalized for Fifth Time in Four Months

September 26, 2019, France

The crucifix monument on the grounds of the Saint-Patrice church in the Croix-Rouge district of Marseille, was found vandalized with red paint on September 26th. It was the fifth time since the middle of May 2019 that the Christ figure had been defaced with red or blue paint. Public employees removed the paint and Marseille public officials denounced the vandalism.

Saarland Government Denies Asylum to 400 Assyrian Christians

September 25, 2019, Germany

The Saarland Prime Minister Tobias Hans (CDU) rejected the request of the Assyrian Cultural Association Saarlouis allow about 400 Syrian Christians from the conflict-torn region of Northern Syria on the Khabur River to enter Saarland. Despite offers of respite and assistance from the existing Assyrian community in the German federal state, the government said it would only admit five refugees.

Trial Began for 2016 Ramadan Attack on Christian Refugee

September 24, 2019, Germany

The trial of a 26-year-old Afghan who was charged with committing serious bodily injury against a Christian convert at the Rottacher Traglufthalle asylum accommodation in 2016 began on September 24th.

Italian Court Ruling Opens the Door For Assisted Suicide in Italy

September 24, 2019, Italy

After surviving a 2014 car accident which resulted in tetraplegic paralysis and blindness, Italian disc Jockey Fabiano Antoniani (DJ Fabo) traveled to the Dignitas clinic in Switzerland to end his life. The subsequent ruling of the Italian Constitutional Court over proceedings made against his accomplice now opens the door for the legalization of assisted suicide in Italy.

Vandals Set Fire to the Door of the San Juan de Dios Convent of Olivenza

September 20, 2019, Spain

The Convent of San Juan de Dios de Olivenza was vandalized for the second time in a few days. At the end of August, it suffered a paint attack and on September 20th, it was set on fire. An investigation was opened to try to find out who or who is behind this vandalism.

Repeated Vandalism of Eglwysilan Parish Church In Wales

September 16, 2019, United Kingdom

Over the last few months, a church in Abertridwr, Wales endured repeated acts of vandalism, resulting in fears that it will have to close to public visits during the week. Damage included a stolen collection box, a damaged and defaced historic visitors book, in use since the 1940s, a flagstone outside the church was removed, and fire extinguishers were sprayed inside the church, causing both damage and financial burden.

Anti-Catholic Inscriptions Painted on Wall of Polish Church

September 16, 2019, Poland

Police in Olecko investigated acts of vandalism against the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Poland (kościele Najświętszej Maryi Panny Królowej Polski) where anti-religious phrases such as "Catholicism Deceives" and "Lead us not" (referring to part of the Lord's Prayer) were painted in black on the wall.

Zurich March for Life Disrupted by Violent Counter-Demo

September 14, 2019, Switzerland

The approved rally "March for Life" in Zurich on the afternoon of September 14th was disrupted by an unauthorized counter-demonstration. More than a thousand peaceful participants in the March for Life gathered on the Turbinenplatz to begin the march on an approved route in the city. At the same time, several hundred people -- called by some press reports a Red-Green alliance -- some with prams containing objects to be thrown (including stones and bottles), convened on the Josefswiese to start an unauthorized counter-demonstration parade. As they attempted to stop the counter-demo and prevent a clash with the March for Life, police were attacked with objects, including bottles and stones. Dumpsters were set on fire, a police vehicle was demolished, and firefighters were hindered by the protesters. In response, the police used a water cannon, rubber bullets, and tear gas to deter the protesters. Due to the violence, the police stopped the March for Life temporarily and ultimately shortened the route to prevent an encounter with the counter-demonstrators, some of whom were masked.

Woman Destroyed the Cruz del Arquillo of the City of Seville

September 10, 2019, Spain

The City Hall Cross in the Plaza de San Francisco in Seville, was partially destroyed by a woman who broke the horizontal portions of the cross and fled. The city government denounced the act.

Marseille Crucifix Vandalized Again

September 9, 2019, France

For the fourth time since May 2019, the crucifix monument on the grounds of the Saint-Patrice church in hte Croix-Rouge district of Marseille was vandalized on September 9th. As in previous incidents, the Christ figure was defaced with paint. In this instance the vandals used red paint to cover parts of the head and body.

Smashed Window of Protestant Church

September 5, 2019, Germany

A cobblestone was used to smash a stained-glass window of the Protestant Church of Kusel in Luitpoldstraße on August 5th between 3 and 4 pm. The damage amounts to 1250 euros. The police are investigating and searching for witnesses.

Church Desecrated with Satanic Tags in Giroussens

September 3, 2019, France

A secluded church in Giroussens was discovered vandalized with blue graffiti including an inverted cross on the front of the altar. Other images found in Notre-Dame-de-Sept-Fages included goat with horns, an inverted pentagram, and the message behind the altar: "Here an army is born." The mayor expressed anger and filed a police complaint

Christian Youth Center Vandalized

September 2, 2019, Italy

On Sunday morning, the plants were found married and the closets open in the church of St. Fatima. In the kitchen of the Youth Center, food and dishes were thrown on the ground and the pantries were looted and the whole place was left dirty. The police are running an investigation.

Religious Statues Damaged in Marseille

August 30, 2019, France

A Marseille resident reported to l'Observatoire de la Christianophobie that religious statues in various districts of the city had been damaged over several months. Incidents included: the hands severed from a statue of the Virgin Mary, the crown broken from another statue of the Virgin Mary, and the arms broken off a statue of the infant Jesus.

Arson Causes 100,000 Euros in Damage at Wildeshausen Church

August 30, 2019, Germany

Unknown perpetrators attempted to set fire to parts of the St.-Peter Kirche in Wildeshausen on August 30th at around 3 p.m. They lit hymn books on the stairs to the organ loft with sacrificial candles, but they did not catch fire. The perpetrators then apparently lit a hymn book and the seat cushion of a row of benches with matches and the candle flame. The cushion burned over the entire length of four meters but fortunately, the wooden benches did not catch fire. Damage from the smoke generated by the burning cushion caused extensive damage to the interior of the church and organ.

Church Equipped With Security Cameras Following Desecration

August 28, 2019, Italy

On the 28th August, the Mayor Massimo Paolini announced the installation of surveillance cameras in the Church of Our Lady of the Arc to control security and prevent vandalism, which has been targeting the church in the past months, including trashing and graffiti with satanic motives.

Finnish Politician Investigated for Hate Crime for Sharing Bible Verse

August 27, 2019, Finland

The Helsinki Police Department announced it had opened pre-trial investigations into Päivi Räsänen, a Christian Democrat MP, for her criticism of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland's (ELCF) participation in the Helsinki LGBT Pride events in June. She posted a photograph of Romans 1:24-26 from the New Testament on Facebook and wrote "How does the foundation of the church’s teachings, the Bible, fit with elevating sin and shame as reasons for pride?"

Police Investigate Church Arson in Saint-Amand-sur-Sèvre

August 24, 2019, France

Criminal investigators were brought on the scene after a suspicious fire began in the wooden library of the Saint-Amand church in Saint-Amand-sur-Sèvre on August 24th. The fire was brought under control by the gendarmes of the community of brigades (COB) of Cerizay-Mauléon dispatched to the site. Sixteen firefighters were also present as well as a team from Gérédis who cut off the electrical power to the building.

Youth 'defecates in Spanish church, smears feces on statue, walls'

August 21, 2019, Spain

Police announced on August 21st that an 18-year-old man would be charged with defecating in a shrine to the Virgin Mary and then smearing his feces on a statue of Christ and on the walls of the church, Spanish news agencies report. The incident, caught on CCTV, took place on July 26 at the Santuario de la Virgen de la Fuensanta in the Jaén provincial town of Villanueva del Arzobispo.

Fire Set in Front of Rheine Church

August 21, 2019, Germany

On August 21, the police were called to the St. Ludgerus-Kirche to investigate a fire. Unknown perpetrators set the newspapers on fire outside a door of the main entrance to the church.

Vandals Ransacked Carnwadric Church Of Scotland

August 20, 2019, United Kingdom

The Carnwadric Church, home to the Rainbow Centre and Carnwadric Win Project, in Scotland was ravaged on August 20th. The church door was found burst open on the next morning. The vandals stole cash boxes and laptops, knocked cabinets over, broke windows, tore TV`s off the walls and wrote the letters "AYT" (maybe a mark of a local young team) on the walls.

Surge in Thefts of Chapel Bells in the Var

August 19, 2019, France

Two bells classified as Historic Monuments were stolen in early August from chapels in Esparron-de-Pallières and Brue-Auriac, a month after bells stolen from Ginasservis.

''God is Dead'' Sprayed On Church

August 18, 2019, Germany

On the night of 17. to 18. August, unknown vandals spray-painted St. Peter Catholic Church in Bad Waldsee with the words "God is Dead" with black paint. The property damage amounts to 200 euros. The police are investigating and searching for witnesses.