All cases

Nativity Scene in Foligno Targeted by Vandals

January 3, 2014, Italy

The crib of the Nativity of St. Felicianetto was set on fire. Already several days before, the figure of Baby Jesus had been stolen.

Nativity Scene Vandalised in Hainaut

January 1, 2014, Belgium

A nativity scene set up in front of a church in Belgium was vandalised overnight. A shepherd was dismembered, the figure representing baby Jesus was lying on the ground and Mary and Joseph had be taken away. A fence which had been erected to protect the scene did not deter the vandals.

Member of Parliament Impersonated a Drunk Priest

January 1, 2014, Greece

A member of the Greek Parliament, Vangelis Diamantopoulos, dressed and acted as a drunk priest conducting a burial ceremony for the EU-IMF memorandum at New Year’s carnival in Northern Greece. Archbishop Ieronymos claimed that he was hurt by this behaviour and described the act as foolish.

Crib Scene Destroyed in Badia

December 31, 2013, Italy

A crib scene in the village of Badia was destroyed and heads of several of the figures were severed off.

Graffiti on Church of St. Augustine in Trani

December 30, 2013, Italy

The front of the Church of St. Augustine in Trani was splattered with paint and the stone lion in the courtyard of the church was spray painted.

Tabernacle Stolen at the Hermitage of Pasico Torre Pacheco

December 30, 2013, Spain

The Hermitage had to close the doors of its church from December 30th, 2013 to January 11th 2014, due to a theft of the tabernacle on the 30th of December.

Nativity Scene in Church in Hungary Vandalised

December 29, 2013, Hungary

Vandals destroyed figures of the nativity scene from a Lutheran Church located in Szentendre, Hungary, 20 km north of Budapest. In November, a cross was vandalised in the same church.

Series of Anti-Christian Vandalism in North Westfalen

December 28, 2013, Germany

More than forty acts of vandalism against Christian sites were recorded between September and December around Ibbenbüren, Saerbeck, Hörstel, Hopsten, Mettingen, Tecklenburg and Rheine. Especially large outdoor crosses and statues were targeted. Police think it is likely that the perpetrator is the same in all the cases.

Vandalism of Nursery of Church in Rennes

December 27, 2013, France

The nursery of Saint-Germain Rennes was set on fire causing damage to the Church. It was confirmed that the fire was not caused by electric problems.

Nativity Scene Vandalised in Paris

December 27, 2013, France

The statues of Mary and Joseph were destroyed in St. Séverin Church nativity scene in Paris.