All cases

More Abortion Clinic "Buffer Zones" Considered by Councils

April 23, 2018, United Kingdom

After the Ealing local council voted to ban prayer vigils and protests outside an abortion clinic by issuing a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) earlier in April, at least eight councils in the United Kingdom considered implementing abortion clinic "buffer zones."

Repeated Vandalism of Church and Convent in Rimini

April 22, 2018, Italy

The convent and church of Sorelle Povere di S. Chiara (Poor Clares) in the Piazzetta of San Bernardino in Rimini has been the victim of repeated vandalism. Most recently, on April 22nd, the glass door of the church was smashed for the fourth time in a few months.

Devastation in Saxony's Oldest Town Church

April 22, 2018, Germany

An unidentified person climbed the facade of the Kilianskirche in Bad Lausick, smashed a 4-meter stained glass window, and entered the church sometime between 10:30 pm and 12:30 am during the night of April 21st to 22nd. Once inside, the vandal severely damaged the carved late Gothic altar and pulpit with a sword. A chandelier was shattered onto the ground and a candlestick was damaged. Disastrous damage was avoided after altar candles, deliberately left burning in the wooden tower, went out before causing a fire.

Reward Offered for Information: Fourth Vandalism Attack on Church in Five Months

April 22, 2018, Germany

An unknown person smashed the stained glass windows of St.-Nikolaus-Kirche in Veen between April 19th and 22nd. This is the fourth vandalism attack in less than half a year.

Significant Damage Caused to Two Churches in Chemnitz; Organist Threatened

April 21, 2018, Germany

A 24-year-old Pakistani man was arrested on April 21st after a police investigation of significant damage in the Markuskirche in Chemnitz. The asylum seeker allegedly entered the night before and broke candlesticks, destroyed various bronze objects and several candles, and damaged the altar and the pulpit cover. A window was also destroyed and there was damage both in the sanctuary and the basement of the church. Damage was estimated to exceed 10,000 euros. Two days later, on April 23rd, he was again arrested after throwing stones at the windows of the Petrikirche church, causing about 3,000 euros in damage.

Crosses and Graves Damaged in Steinbach Cemetery

April 21, 2018, Germany

Unknown vandals caused damage estimated at several thousand euros over the Easter weekend in a cemetery in Fernwald-Steinbach. At least twelve graves were targeted, with wooden crosses and planted flowers damaged. In some other cases, the perpetrators tore out the gravestones and threw them in an adjacent meadow and on top of other graves. A police investigation was initiated.

Church Bell Tower Tagged with Obscene Graffiti

April 20, 2018, France

Locals discovered obscene graffiti on the bell tower of church of Saint-Vorles in Châtillon-sur-Seine.

Thefts and Damage Resulted in Restricted Visiting Times in Stonehouse Church

April 19, 2018, United Kingdom

Unknown vandals entered the kitchen of St Cyr's church in Stonehouse, breaking and damaging a serving hatch and stealing a fire extinguisher. As a result of a series of petty thefts, church managers made the decision to close the building when it is not being used for religious services or other social gatherings.

Church Ransacked in Pfäfers

April 19, 2018, Switzerland

On April 19th, an "emotionally disturbed" man set fire to fabrics and damaged liturgical objects, statues, and the organ in a St. Gallen church, causing more than ten thousand francs of damage.

Graffiti Threat on Vorarlberg Wall

April 19, 2018, Austria

During the 18th or 19th of April, unknown perpetrators vandalized a stone retaining wall in Rankweil with pink paint. Over ten meters, they sprayed the words "Deth (sic) to all Christians!" as well as a pentagram symbol. The retaining wall on Thomas-Lehrer-Weges leads to the Basilica of Rankweil, the pilgrimage church of Our Lady of the Visitation.

Statue of Christ the Redeemer in Fribourg Vandalized

April 17, 2018, Switzerland

A few hours after it was installed on Boulevard de Pérolles on April 17th, replica of Rio de Janeiro's famed Christ the Redeemer statue was vandalized by a 24-year-old Syrian asylum seeker.

Window Damaged at Northern Ireland Church; Investigated as Hate Crime

April 17, 2018, United Kingdom

Shortly after 10 o'clock on the night of April 17th, the First Presbyterian Church in Newry, Northern Ireland suffered a vandalism attack in which one of its stained glass windows was damaged. The window had been repaired just weeks before this incident after vandals had damaged it earlier in the year.

Pentecostal Church in Rousse Threatened by Municipality Councilors and Media

April 17, 2018, Bulgaria

The municipality of Rousse will expel the Third Evangelical Pentecostal Church claiming that it illegally occupies a municipal building. The announcement was made by councilors from the right wing party, International Macedonian Revolutionary Organization. After an inspection launched by the local authorities, it was decided that the place where worship services are held three times a week, would be closed.

Christ Figure on Crucifix Destroyed

April 15, 2018, Germany

During the weekend of April 14th-15th, unknown persons severely damaged the Christ figure on the Rottmann-Wegekreuz am Reckelsberg.

Vandals Destroy Crossroads Crucifix

April 15, 2018, Germany

For the fourth time in the last four years, someone destroyed the crucifix at the Kuckhof crossroads in Allerheiligen. In the most recent incident, the cross was demolished from its base and there was no trace of the figure of Jesus.

Tabernacle in Loire Church Vandalized

April 13, 2018, France

The tabernacle in the church of Saint-Jean-Saint-Maurice-sur-Loire, 15 kilometers from Roanne, was vandalized on April 13th. The intruders perhaps expected they would find ciboria and chalices by breaking the marble door of the tabernacle, but long ago liturgical objects of high value were moved to a more secure place. A complaint was lodged with the gendarmerie of Villerest.

Fire Set Behind Altar; Excrement Left in Confessional

April 12, 2018, Italy

An intentionally-set fire burned a curtain and part of a chair behind the altar of the church of San Giuseppe in the town of Torre del Lago Puccini on April 12th. Feces was later discovered in the confessional.

Theft in Torás Church

April 11, 2018, Spain

A band of thieves entered the church of Santa Quiteria during the night of April 11th, opened the tabernacle and stole a golden chalice containing consecrated Hosts, the most precious item for its religious value. They also destroyed donation boxes and took all the money. 

Saint-Rémi-des-Monts church Victim of Burglary

April 11, 2018, France

The Basilica of Mézières, Saint-Rémi-des-Monts was the victim of several attempts of burglaries on the night of April 11 to 12. The door locks of the sacristy and the reception (where the postcards are sold) were broken, while the trunk of the candles was forced with hammers.

UK Council Bans Pro-Life Vigils outside Abortion Clinic

April 10, 2018, United Kingdom

A London local council voted unanimously on April 10th to ban pro-life vigils outside a local abortion center that have been taking place without incident for 23 years. The Ealing council voted to use a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to stop pro-life advocates from praying outside the Ealing Marie Stopes abortion clinic and offering help to women as they enter or exit the building. Pro-lifers must now stay 100 meters away from the abortion center. It will be the first "buffer zone" in the United Kingdom.

List of Churches Removed from Granada's Website

April 10, 2018, Spain

On April 10th, the municipal government removed the list of churches and parishes that appeared on the City of Granada's on-line resource guide after an IU (United Left) councilman demanded their removal five days earlier. The twenty churches, all Catholic, appeared in a section with the title "Places of Worship." The deputy mayor responsible for communication announced that since the churches do not offer any municipal, public or administrative services, the entire "Places of Worship" section was deleted.

Unknown Perpetrators Vandalized Church in Straubing

April 10, 2018, Germany

The church of St. Stephan, in the Alburg district of Straubing, suffered various acts of vandalism on April 10th. They threw a figure of a saint from the altar, ripped out a microphone, threw a candle to the ground, spilled holy water, and destroyed an umbrella. They also smoked in the confessional, filling the interior with ashes and extinguishing the butts against the wooden door. The damage to the property was estimated at 3,000 euros.

BBC Scotland Posts Video Mocking Catholics

April 9, 2018, United Kingdom

The Bishop of Paisley criticized BBC Scotland for encouraging anti-Catholic prejudice. It posted a short film entitled ‘Homophobia in 2018, Time for Love’ on its Facebook page which depicts a priest holding a Mini Cheddar in a parody of the Host, and giving it to a woman who makes the sign of the cross, with a voice-over saying, “tastes like cardboard and smells like hate.” Bishop Keenan described the content as “beyond the pale, and unworthy of the BBC as a public service broadcaster.” The Archdiocese of St. Andrew's and Edinburgh also criticized the video for suggesting that Christianity fosters public hatred toward homosexuals. It was also said that "recent government figures on crimes with religious aggravations showed that 57% of these are now directed to Catholics, an increase of 14%.

15th Century Tomb of Fra Angelico Attacked in the Center of Rome

April 8, 2018, Italy

The marble tomb of the Italian Renaissance painter Fra Angelico was vandalized in the church of S. Maria sopra Minerva in the center of Rome, one of the most famous churches of the Italian capital. Vandals chipped off several parts of the marble tomb, carved by the fifteenth-century sculptor Isaia da Pisa.

Woman Stabbed Outside Coventry Church after Service

April 8, 2018, United Kingdom

A woman in her 30s was stabbed after attending the Eritrean community's Orthodox Easter midnight service at St. Margaret's Church in Coventry early on the morning of April 8th. The mother of three was found with a puncture wound in the abdomen at approximately 3:15 in the morning and taken to the hospital where she was listed in critical condition. The attacker, who reportedly fled on a bicycle, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder the following day.

Intentional Fires in Saint-Gervais-Saint-Protais Church in Langon

April 8, 2018, France

A passerby saw flames coming from the church and rushed in to extinguish the fire. Firefighters arrived quickly and were able to prevent the fire from causing extensive damage. Fires had been set in two different places: one at the candlesticks where the alter of the Virgin is situated, and the other at the entrance where leaflets and informational flyers are displayed.

Oil Poured Down Church Steps

April 7, 2018, Italy

On April 7th unidentified vandals poured frying oil down the grand stone steps in front of the church of San Giovanni Evangelista in Modica.

Saint-Michel Church in Holque Vandalized

April 7, 2018, France

Saint-Michel Church in Holque, a small French commune in northern France was vandalized.

Poulseur: Statue of Christ Shattered

April 7, 2018, Belgium

On the morning of April 7th, the sacristan of the church in Poulseur discovered it had been vandalized. A statue of a crucified Jesus Christ had been taken down from a hook and shattered into pieces. The extensive damage to the statue suggested that the perpetrators climbed onto the choir screen and threw it down to the ground from above. Other vessels with flowers were also knocked down and broken. The damage was reported to the police.

Catholic College Vandalized in Vendée

April 6, 2018, France

A day before about fifty students from Notre-Dame de l'Esperance College were to leave for a trip to England, they found their trip cancelled. All of the students' identity papers, which had been stored in a locker at school, were discovered cut in half and thrown into a garbage bin.The director of Notre-Dame de l'Esperance College sent a letter to the parents explaining that the trip was canceled and turned to the British Embassy for assistance. Police began an investigation.

Vandalism and Theft at Warmifontaine Church

April 6, 2018, Belgium

Unidentified perpetrators looted the church of Saint-Martin in Warmifontaine, breaking open the tabernacle with a crowbar, and stealing ciboriums containing consecrated Hosts, chalices, and hand-carved statues.

German Public Broadcaster Replaces Jesus Christ with Easter Bunny

April 6, 2018, Germany

A German satire TV recreated the Passion of Jesus Christ with a crucified Easter plush bunny in lieu of Jesus. Photomontages included the toy animal, among other things, on the cross and sitting among the Apostles for the Last Supper. The Christian Media Association KEP immediately filed a complaint to the broadcaster saying that it made "the central religious content of Christianity literally a joke."

Relic Stolen from Saint-Étienne de Toul

April 5, 2018, France

On April 5th, a student who works as a summer guide of the Toul Cathedral, Saint-Étienne, discovered that pieces of the relic belonging to the first bishop of Toul, St. Gerard, was missing. The relic is about twenty centimeters long and was pulled out from its holster.

Host Desecration in Spain: the Case before the ECHR

April 5, 2018, Spain

The Spanish Association of Christian Lawyers – Asociación de Abogados Cristianos – lodged an application with the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) with the help of the European Centre for Law and Justice (ECLJ), following the host desecration by the “artist” Abel Azcona.

Fires Set at Three German Churches in Ostholstein District

April 4, 2018, Germany

From April 1st to April 4th, fires were set in front of the wooden entrance doors of three churches in Heiligenhafen by unknown perpetrators.

Church in Vicht Ransacked; Fire Extinguisher Emptied

April 4, 2018, Germany

Vandals devastated the interior of the parish church of St. John the Baptist in the village of Vicht (Stolberg District) on April 4th.

Sacred Heart Painting in Chiesa Nuova Stolen

April 4, 2018, Italy

A painting was discovered stolen out of its frame on April 4th in Santa Maria Church. The painting was 19th century copy of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, signed by Pietro Gagliardi. Although the painting was not of significant value, the theft served as a reminder to the parish to increase security.

Deliberate Act of Desecration

April 2, 2018, France

On Easter Monday, the church of Domois in Fénay was desecrated and ransacked. Intruders shattered doors, broke objects, scattered candles, flowers, tablecloths, and religious symbols, church furniture and other items were destroyed. Tabernacles were opened and consecrated hosts were trampled and scattered all over.

Man Arrested for Graffiti on Churches, Gravestones, and Peace Pagoda

April 2, 2018, United Kingdom

After graffiti appeared across Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire from February 21st and April 2nd, police arrested a 34-year-old man in connection with the incidents. Graffiti painted in red included messages such as "Allah reigns" on a church, "kill all white scum" on the famous Willen Peace Pagoda, and "evil white failures" and "rape and replace" on a memorial in a graveyard.

Lighting Stolen from the Cross of the Holy Spirit

April 1, 2018, France

On April 1st, Easter Sunday, inhabitants of La Treille discovered that the solar panels, battery, and 70 LED lights which illuminated the La Croix Saint Esprit had been stolen. Unknown thieves had to climb 400 meters of rocky terrain to reach the cross. Losses amounted to 1,400 euros. The cross was installed less than a year before and was described as a reassuring "night light" for the 800 inhabitants of the valley. A complaint was filed.

Brittany: Tomb of Abbot Perrot Tagged

March 31, 2018, France

The tomb of Abbot Jean-Marie Perrot, founder of the Breton Catholic movement Bleun-Brug who was murdered by communists in 1943, was toppled and then sprayed with "anti-fascist" graffiti. The incidents coincided with the annual Easter Monday commemoration of the Abbot's death.

Eggs Thrown at Priest's House after Homily

March 31, 2018, Spain

Eggs were thrown at the door of a priest's home on Holy Saturday, March 31st, a day after he was criticized by LGBTI groups for a homily in which he questioned whether 'gender ideology' was a biased view of the nature of men and women, and whether it had a scientific basis.

Court Ruled 2015 Desecration of Cemetery was "Anti-Christian" Attack

March 29, 2018, France

On March 29th, the Court of Appeals in Toulouse ruled that Mohamed B., who desecrated and vandalized 215 graves, knocked down and broke crosses and other Christian symbols in a cemetery in Castres in 2015, was civilly liable for the religiously-motivated act. He had been found not criminally responsible due to mental illness, but on appeal, the court found him personally liable for compensation to AGRIF (Alliance générale contre le racisme et pour le respect de l'identité française et chrétienne).

No Prison for Men Who Entered Convent Demanding Nuns Convert to Islam

March 28, 2018, France

The two men who entered a Carmelite convent in November 2017 and demanded the nuns to convert to Islam or they would go to hell were released by a Verdun court on March 28th. The court, citing "diminished mental responsibility at the time of the incident" because the intruders had been suffering from "psychiatric disorders," freed the men after a trial.

Great Yarmouth Church Desecrated Days Before Easter

March 27, 2018, United Kingdom

A man walked into St Mary’s Catholic Church, set a couple of small fires and attempted to burn the icon taken off the church’s altar. The perpetrator left a Satanic image in the icon's place. The act was recorded by CCTV cameras and police arrested a suspect days later.

Small Fire in Church in Bavaria

March 27, 2018, Germany

An unknown person lit a glove filled with matches on a bench in the small church of St. Moritz in the tiny municipality of Mantel. Due to the glove's plastic material, the fire spread to a bench cushion and caused damage to the bench.

Notre-Dame-du-Bourg in Digne-les-Bains Tagged

March 26, 2018, France

A man was arrested on March 28th for painting satanic symbols ("666") on the cathedral, as well as tags on other buildings in the town between March 26th and 27th.

Man Shouted “Allahu Akbar" in the Cathedral of Cambrai

March 25, 2018, France

Shortly before the Palm Sunday Mass in the cathedral Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, a unidentified man shouted “Allahu Akbar” into the microphone. When approached by a parishioner, he ran away. Notably, the incident happened two days after an ISIS-inspired terrorist attack in southern France.

Parents Halt School Procession during Holy Week

March 23, 2018, Spain

The parents of a two-year old student objected to the school participating in the Viernes de Dolores (Friday of Sorrows) procession. The Escuela Infantil Sagrada Familia organized the procession from the school to the neighborhood parish on March 23rd as part of the traditional celebrations of the Holy Week. The school council approved the voluntary event, but the Andalusian educational authority cancelled it after the parents complained.

Desecration and Robbery in Bremen Convent; Police Seek Witnesses

March 22, 2018, Germany

An unidentified man forced open the tabernacle in the chapel of the convent of Bridgettines in Bremen to take the consecrated Hosts with the liturgical objects that were inside, as well as the relics of the founder of the Order, St. Bridget of Sweden.

Sinn Féin Politician Suspended for Voting against Abortion Referendum

March 21, 2018, Ireland

Member of the Irish Parliament, Carol Nolan TD was suspended from the left-wing Irish political party Sinn Féin for a period of three months after voting against a bill which would allow a Irish referendum on the Eighth Amendment which effectively bans abortion. Nolan said, "I voted according to my conscience and did not vote in favour of the legislation put before me as it was greatly at odds with my strong pro-life values."

Provocative Play Advertised in Front of Catholic Schools

March 21, 2018, Spain

The City Council of Madrid placed an advertising poster for a publicly-funded theatrical performance entitled "The place where the whores pray" (El lugar donde rezan las putas) directly in front of two Catholic schools. The play, performed at the public Teatro Español, was described by promoters as exploring "theater in times of rage."

Canada Summer Jobs Funding Program Becomes Religious Freedom and Conscience Rights Controversy

March 20, 2018, Canada

The Canada Summer Jobs program funding application for 2018 requires that applicants sign a statement supporting, among other things, abortion and transgender rights in order to be eligible for funding. Hundreds of applicants, including Christian charities, pro-life groups, and churches have refused to sign the attestation because of the government's positions on moral issues.

Madonna dell'Arco di San Callisto in Trastevere Vandalized

March 19, 2018, Italy

The 13th century fresco of the Madonna dell'Arco di San Callisto in Trastevere was tagged with a graffiti artist's signature on March 18th. Locals were outraged to discover a white signature across the beloved image. A suspect was arrested in early April.

Catholic Historian's Facebook Account Suspended Due to Post about Islam

March 19, 2018, Germany

Facebook suspended the account of Catholic historian Michael Hesemann for 30 days after he published a post commenting on the negative influence of Islam in the history of Europe and, specifically, in Germany.

Leftist Party Opposed to any Easter Activities at Schools

March 19, 2018, Spain

The political party Equo Andalucía demanded that the Junta de Andalucía (Regional Government of Andalusia) exercise extreme vigilance to prevent public schools from organizing and celebrating Easter processions for children during Holy Week. Party leaders reminded the government that they had registered complaints about children's processions the previous year.

Demonstration Against Immigration Law in the Basilica of Saint-Denis

March 18, 2018, France

Far-left activists and undocumented migrants demonstrated inside the Basilica of Saint-Denis on March 18th to protest the French government’s new asylum law before being forcibly removed by police, resulting in the evening Mass being cancelled.

Woman Fined for Projecting Cross on Church Facade

March 18, 2018, Spain

A woman in the community of Callosa de Segura was sanctioned 100 euros per day for projecting the image of a cross on the wall of the church of San Martin.

Acts of Vandalism in a Cemetery in Ardèche

March 17, 2018, France

On March 17th, locals discovered that 18 graves in the Saint-Romain-d'Ay cemetery had been vandalized, with crosses broken. Complaints were filed and the police began an investigation.

Spanish Actor Refuses to Appear in Court to Answer Religious Charge

March 17, 2018, Spain

Spanish actor and activist Willy Toledo announced that he does not intend to appear before a judge to respond to a complaint made by the Spanish Association of Christian Lawyers for having committed an offense "against religious sentiments." Toledo was investigated after he posted a rant in July 2017 against God, the Virgin Mary, and his criticism of a trial against three women who had been charged for their part in a 2014 anti-Christian procession in which the image of the Virgin Mary was replaced by a giant vagina ("el coño insumiso").

Blood Poured in front of Martinique Church

March 15, 2018, France

A witness discovered blood poured on the stairs and door of the Eglise de Bellevue in Fort-de-France on the morning of March 15th.

Police Discovered Hundreds of Works of Art Stolen from Churches

March 15, 2018, France

On March 15th, investigators found 100 works of art, from paintings and statues to ciboriums and candlesticks, with a value estimated at 100,000 euros in an apartment in Pas-de-Calais. Following September robbery complaints from two churches in Likques and Sainghin-en-Weppes, a coordinated investigation resulted in the arrest of three art students, two men and a woman, who admitted having stolen the works art from various churches in Hauts-de-France, as well as in Belgium, over a two-year period.

Swedish Social Democrats Seek to Ban all Religious Schools

March 13, 2018, Sweden

The governing party announced the proposal on March 13, 2018, citing concerns about "systematic gender segregation and opinions that do not belong in Swedish schools." Although no examples of problems in Christian schools were cited, they would be included in the plan. Jewish schools would be exempted.

"Allahu Akbar" Shouted in a Crowded Evangelical Church

March 11, 2018, France

A man burst into the crowded Evangelical Church of Wittenheim in Alsace during the Sunday service and shouted “Allahu Akbar” while mimicking the use of a weapon, frightening the congregation. The man, known to authorities for psychiatric disorders, was detained and sent to a psychiatric hospital.

Christians Assaulted for Protesting Sexually Explicit Ads in the Netherlands

March 11, 2018, Netherlands

Catholic protesters holding a prayer rally were physically harassed, spat on, and assaulted by LGBT activists on March 11th while denouncing retailer Suitsupply's advertising campaign featuring men "groping and kissing" each other.

Fire in Ravensburg Church; Damage Around Two Million Euros

March 10, 2018, Germany

On March 10th police and firefighters responded to a massive fire in the 14th-century St. Jodok Church. Firefighters were able to save valuable pieces of art, but the organ was completely destroyed. Initial damage estimates were at least 2 million euros, as the church had been completely renovated in 2010. In addition to that, a fire was also set in St. Martin's church in Schlier, only a few kilometers from Ravensburg. Police received an anonymous message after the incident reading, “More churches will burn.” The arsonist was arrested on March 21st and convicted in September 2018, receiving a seven-year prison sentence.

Fire in a Church in Ravensburg

March 10, 2018, Germany

A small fire in a church was reported in Ravensburg on the same day as a devastating fire in the St. Jodok Church.

Four Crosses Shattered around 16th Century Church

March 10, 2018, Spain

Four of the twelve 45 cm stone crosses atop the wall surrounding the Cantabrian church of San Jorge de Penagos, were destroyed during the night of March 10th. The bulletin board of the parish was torn and a window of the sacristy was broken. The sign pointing to the parish house, 2km away from the church, was also damaged.

Decapitated Statue of the Madonna in Sant'Angelo Lodigiano

March 10, 2018, Italy

In the morning of March 10th the statue of the Virgin Mary was found decapitated near the oratory of San Rocco at the church of Maria Madre della Chiesa in Sant'Angelo. The statue's head was discovered later, a hundred meters away.

At Least Five Madrid Churches Vandalized during International Women's Day Strike

March 8, 2018, Spain

On March 8th, International Women’s Day, the church of Espíritu Santo, the church of San Cristóbal, the Hermitage of San Isidro, the military church of San Andrés, and the church of San Jorge in La Coruña were all defaced with pro-abortion and anti-Catholic graffiti. The vandals identified themselves as feminists who were part of the "8M" women's strike, young communists, or anarchists. Locks on some of the churches were sealed with silicone to prevent the faithful from entering.

Niort: Teenager Stabbed in Notre-Dame Church

March 8, 2018, France

A 15-year-old boy praying at the church of Notre-Dame in Niort was assaulted around 6:30 p.m. on March 8th. Two hooded men ordered him to undress. When he refused, they stabbed him in the leg with a knife. The injured teen was transported to the Niort hospital by firefighters. No further information about the assailants was given by media reports.

Vandalism Against Seville Church

March 8, 2018, Spain

The church of the former convent of Santa Maria de la Paz in Seville, current canonical headquarters of the Catholic brotherhood of la Hermandad de la Sagrada Mortaja (Brotherhood of the Sacred Mortuary), was vandalized by unknown perpetrators with graffiti that read: "Ni Dios ni Amo" (Neither God nor Master).

Statue of Virgin Mary in Champagnat Stolen

March 7, 2018, France

The statue of Virgin Mary in an oratory in Champagnat was torn from its base and stolen on the eve of International Women's Day. An explanatory note was left by the vandals, saying that Mary did not want to remain behind an iron gate, surrounded by plastic flowers and peeling paint, but wished to "withdraw to meditate on the state of the sacred feminine" and that she would return.

Molotov Cocktail Found in Church Days after Threatening Graffiti Sprayed on Facade

March 6, 2018, Spain

On March 6th, a Molotov cocktail was found placed on the ledge of a window in the apse of the central parish San Miguel in Córdoba. The paper wick in the bottle had had been lit, but fortunately did not combust with the explosive materials inside.

Activist says "Burn the Episcopal Conference"

March 6, 2018, Spain

On March 6 during the television program Més 324 on the public broadcasting network Catalonia TV3, former CUP politician and activist Bel Olid encouraged participation in the March 8 feminist strike by saying: "Hem de cremar la conferència episcopal per masclista i patriarchal!" (We must burn the Episcopal Conference for machismo and patriarchyl!).

Arson at Saint-Gildas Church in Auray

March 4, 2018, France

On the afternoon of March 4th, a parishioner discovered thick smoke inside l'église Saint-Gildas. She observed two young women running from the church and immediately contacted the authorities. Firefighters discovered 10 separate fires had been set inside.

Bomb Scare in Bern Church

March 2, 2018, Switzerland

A 21-year-old Afghan man was arrested in Bern on March 2nd after he threatened to blow up the Heiliggeistkirche (Church of the Holy Spirit) near the main train station. Witnesses reported unusual behavior to the police. Upon arrival, police found the man in possession of "suspicious objects" which were later neutralized. The church was evacuated and the area around the church was sealed off for hours.

Local Government to Demolish Cross

March 1, 2018, Spain

The tripartite government of the Castellón municipality of Vall d'Uixó formed by PSOE (Spanish Socialist Workers' Party), Izquierda Unida (United Left) and Compomís (Coalició Compromís) announced the demolition of the cross in the small Plaza de la Paz (Freedom's Square). The removal was driven by the law of Historical Memory. However, the cross of Vall d'Uixó no longer contains any symbol that refers to the Civil War or the Franco regime.

Beloved Priest Murdered in Francophone Parish in Berlin

February 22, 2018, Germany

Father Alain-Florent Gandoulou, the head of the Catholic French-Speaking community, was murdered in his office around midnight.

Government Sponsored Festival whose Poster Depicted Church in Flames

February 22, 2018, Spain

The Lugo City Hall, governed by PSOE, sponsored a music festival in February 2018 whose promotional poster depicts Christian church in flames. The three-day festival called “A Candeloria” was organized for the 15th consecutive year. All participating musical bands shared in common "combative music" with "corrosive lyrics about the system and its institutions."

Strasbourg Cathedral Tagged

February 22, 2018, France

A facade and the double door of Strasbourg Cathedral were tagged during the night between February 20th and 21st with the anarchist message “Neither god nor master” ("Ni Dieu, Ni Maître").  

10 Churches in the French Regions of Loire-Atlantique and Morbihan Desecrated

February 21, 2018, France

During February at least ten churches in the French Region of Morbihan and Loire-Atlantique were desecrated or robbed, according to media reports. After police investigation, two men were arrested.

Church Desecrated in Erdeven

February 21, 2018, France

The tabernacle was desecrated in the church of Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul in Erdeven (Morbihan).

"Jesus Magazine" Mocked by French Daily Host

February 20, 2018, France

On the daily television program Le Quotidien, host Yann Barthès mocked the publication of a magazine called "Jesus" and comedian Vincent Dedienne joined in by singing "I have holes in my hands and in my feet." Eric Célérier, founder of the website Top Chrétien, publicly denounced this by noting that "mocking Jews is anti-Semitism and punishable by law. Mocking Muslims is Islamophobia. But strangely, it seems that making fun of Christians and Jesus is... humor."

City Hall Renovation Eliminates Christian Mosaic

February 20, 2018, Spain

Under the pretext of the restoration of the city hall's headquarters, the government of the town of San Fernando in Cadiz decided to remove the mosaic of the Sacred Heart of Jesus that had adorned the main facade of the building since 1941.

Alpes-Maritimes: Mission Cross vandalized in Grasse

February 18, 2018, France

On the morning of February 18th, municipal services workers discovered that the "Mission Cross" in Grasse had been vandalized during the night. The nearly 500 kg wrought iron cross was bent and the pedestal was deliberately moved into the roadway. The cross, dating from 1894, had been completely renovated by Jean-Marie Rouvier, of the Compagnons du Patrimoine en Pays de Grasse, in June 2016. Mayor Jérôme Viaud condemned the vandalism and launched a police investigation.

Christian Convert Attacked Outside Pentecostal Church

February 11, 2018, Sweden

A Christian Afghani asylum seeker was attacked after attending a worship service at a Pentecostal church in Karlstad.

Newspaper Publishes Journalist's Vulgar Tirade Against Catholics

February 10, 2018, Spain

The on-line journal Público published a writer's insult-and-expletive laden criticism of Catholics, priests, and a Catholic confraternity following a court judgment against a young man for posting an image mocking Jesus Christ on Instagram.

Council Votes in Favor of Buffer Zone around Abortion Clinic

February 7, 2018, United Kingdom

In a vote that would create the second so-called "buffer zone" around an abortion clinic in the UK, the Richmond Council voted in favor of a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) around a clinic run by the British Pregnancy Advisory Service. If it receives final approval at the next council meeting, the PSPO would make it a crime to hold prayer vigils near the clinic. The broadly-worded PSPO would also prohibit any form of interaction with staff or visitors to the clinic.

Vulgar Graffiti Sprayed on Brzeszcze Church

February 4, 2018, Poland

CCTV recorded a man and a woman spraying the door of a church with vulgar messages in English. Police began an investigation.

Teacher Fired for Sharing Biblical Views; Loses Discrimination Lawsuit

February 2, 2018, United Kingdom

Following a one-day trial, an Employment Tribunal dismissed a discrimination claim by a Christian teacher who was fired for answering students’ questions about her Christian beliefs.

Universities in Germany Excluding Christian Groups

January 28, 2018, Germany

The climate at Germany's universities has become increasingly anti-religious. The German Student Mission (SMD) collected and documented dozens of cases of discrimination against student-run religious groups, including Christian groups. Discrimination has included denying the groups the use of campus facilities, prohibitions on flyers, and denial of accreditation by student councils. For Christian groups, accreditation has been denied both because "religion has no place on campus" and objections to the groups' moral stances on controversial topics.

Manchester Votes to Ban Pro-Life Protests outside Clinics

January 24, 2018, United Kingdom

Manchester became the second local authority in England to vote to ban pro-life protests and prayer vigils outside clinics. Councillors in the city agreed on January 24th to "take all necessary actions within its powers" to stop what it said was the harassment by protesters against women using the clinics. After this vote, protests would not be banned, but the city will investigate whether a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) is warranted.

Professor Threatened Priest and Others in Nice

January 23, 2018, France

"Frank C.," a German philosophy professor, made death threats against a priest, a lawyer, a police officer, Christian Estrosi (the mayor of Nice), and magistrates in Nice. He was arrested and remanded for trial in Grasse.

Five U.K. Retailers Accused of Insulting Christianity in Five Months

January 22, 2018, United Kingdom

Five major U.K. retailers were accused of using advertising or packaging offensive to Christians in as many months. Ocado, an online supermarket, Fortnum & Mason, a luxury goods retailer, the bakery chain Gregg's, Domino's pizza, and Lidl all faced criticism for insulting Christians or Christianity.

Paris March for Life Crowds Underreported by Media

January 21, 2018, France

French media largely ignored the March for Life, and those who reported about it underestimated the number of participants, saying there were "more than a thousand" marchers. Police estimated 8,500 participants, while organizers reported that over 40,000 people marched.

Donation Box Stolen from Church in Mantes-la-Jolie

January 21, 2018, France

Shortly before starting Mass on January 21st, the priest of Saint-Jean-Baptiste church in Mantes-la-Jolie discovered that one or more individuals broke a window and two doors in order to steal the church donation box. The priest filed a complaint with the police.

Arson in Saxony Church

January 21, 2018, Germany

A passerby discovered smoke was rising from the funeral chapel in Annaberg-Buchholz on January 21, 2018. The police and fire departments were called. The police suspected arson and initiated forensic investigations.

Statue of Virgin Mary Beheaded in Växjö

January 19, 2018, Sweden

An unknown perpetrator chopped the head and hands off the statue of the Virgin Mary which stood outside St. Michael's Catholic Church in Växjö.

Afghan Convert ‘Could Face Death’ if Deported from Switzerland

January 18, 2018, Switzerland

ADF International filed an expert brief with the European Court of Human Rights in support of an Afghan citizen who faces deportation from Switzerland. A.A. (anonymized for security reasons) converted from Islam to Christianity and sought asylum, which the Swiss government denied. If returned to Afghanistan, he could face severe social and formal persecution, with punishments ranging from lengthy imprisonment to death.