All cases

Theft and Degradations in a Church in Sádaba

March 21, 2023, Spain

On the 21. March, intruders broke in the church of Sadaba for the second time in the week. The mayor pointed out that the stolen money only had a total amount of under 10 euros. However, the perpetrators made several degradations, including destroying the sacristy's door and throwing several items to the floor, including the clothes from the priests. The mayor expressed his support to the local priest.

Anti-Christian Tags Painted on Cardinal Saliège's Statue in Toulouse

March 19, 2023, France

On the 19. March, unknown vandals wrote the anarchist motto "Ni Dieu ni maître" (No God nor master) on the pedestal of Cardinal Saliège's statue in Toulouse. The Cardinal served as archbishop of the city during World War 2 and used all his power to rescue Jews from persecution and later received the title of Righteous Among the Nations. The current archbishop, Guy de Kerimel strongly condemned this degradation which "hurts both Christians and Jews". The degradation occurred precisely eleven years after Mohammed Merah's mass shooting at a Jewish school.

Repeated Break-in at a Catholic Community House in St. Ilgen

March 17, 2023, Germany

On 17. March, for the second time in the same week, unknown intruders broke into the community house of St. Aegidius. They robbed nothing but perpetrated significant damages. Police officers are looking for witnesses.

Vandalization of Objects representing John-Paul II in a Polish Church

March 14, 2023, Poland

On the 14. March, perpetrators vandalized the Sacred Heart church in Sieradz during the night, targeting stained glass portraits and posters of Pope John-Paul II. The stained glass and a glass door were broken too. The authorities were able to identify and arrest two perpetrators, which were two men in their 20s.

Viennese Catholic Church vandalized with Graffiti

March 12, 2023, Austria

On the 12. March, a person noticed that the side of the church at the Karmelitenplatz in Vienna's second district (Karmelitenchurch) had been vandalised with graffiti in black paint that says "No God" (Kein Gott). It is not sure when the graffiti was made or if it was filed with the police. The vandals also remain unknown.

Bordeaux Church Vandalized and tagged with Anti-Christian comments

March 12, 2023, France

The Church of the Sacred Heart in Bordeaux has recently been vandalized and defaced with offensive graffiti, causing shock among the local community. According to reports from French news outlets, the perpetrators attempted to set fire to the church's door and left hateful messages on the walls, including phrases such as "Thank you Satan" and "devil take me with you," expressing their opposition to God and allegiance to Lucifer. Witnesses have stated that the offenders may have been a group of intoxicated individuals who were present before firefighters arrived at the scene.

Young People Riot Inside Church and Insult worshipers During Mass

March 12, 2023, Germany

On Saturday evening, a group of young individuals caused a disturbance at a church in Munich. They rioted and used offensive language directed against the attendants of the mass. It was reported that the parishioners inside the church also heard a loud noise, and then they noticed the window pane had been broken. The priests and churchgoers were targeted with derogatory comments. The group of young people then left. The police were notified, they had not yet identified the perpetrators and are estimating the costs of the damage to property.

Basilica of La Mercé in Barcelona Tagged with offensive words

March 10, 2023, Spain

The Basilica of La Mercé located in Barcelona was vandalized once again. A spokesperson told the news that this had happened before. An unknown suspect has sprayed offensive remarks against the church and God. The newspaper el Debate also reported that they contacted the city council to help wash the words from the affected walls and are hoping to get an answer, since they got ignored the last time something similar happened.

"Buffer Zones" Clause in England and Wales Criminalize Silent Prayer or "Influence" Around Abortion Clinics

March 7, 2023, United Kingdom

On 7 March the House of Commons voted to comprehensively introduce buffer zones around abortion clinics to the Public Order Bill for the final time. The clause to the bill was approved by a majority of 299 MPs in favor to 116 against. Now that the Public Order Bill is set to become law, any form of "influence" around abortion clinics will be criminalised, including silent prayer or consensual conversations, de facto making "thought crime" a reality in the UK. Experts have commented that while harassment and intimidation are already illegal, this law would be a serious attack on freedom of speech and freedom of thought.

High Level of Anti-Christian Crimes in France Can't be Ignored Anymore: Collective Statement by 20 Personalities

March 3, 2023, France

The anti-Christian incidents have been rising in France, up to the point that 20 personalities from different organisations and careers have issued a letter to the authorities. The newspaper "Le Figaro" has published a collective statement signed by twenty french personalities asking for a better response against this problem in France and Europe. The article mentions recent news about two nuns who will leave the city of Nantes due to insecurity. The authors state: "If the worrying rise in violence against religions affects all believers, Christianity remains the primary target of anti-religious acts in France as in Europe." The statement asks the European Union to "react and recall that all anti-religious acts must be fought with the same force."

Graffiti smeared on the walls of St. Jacob's Church

February 24, 2023, Germany

The St. Jacob's Church in Köthen, Germany was vandalized on February 24 by an unknown perpetrator who smeared graffiti on the front and around the door of the 19th-century church. The police have been notified and are still investigating the motive behind the graffiti.

Statue of St. Joseph destroyed and fingers were cut off

February 22, 2023, Poland

In the Czarnkowsko-Trzcianecki district of Drawsko, an unknown perpetrator has destroyed the statue of St. Joseph. The perpetrator did not only destroy the statue but also cut off two fingers from the figure, as reported by asta24 Poland. A resident named Ryszard Jablonowski expressed his feelings towards the situation: "I looked at the statue and, to be honest, I am shocked by what I saw. I'm trying to explain to myself what this is all about. Is it that simply the youth did it for a joke." The Priest thinks that the marks on the statue could have been done by using a knife, as well as by cutting off the fingers of the St. Joseph statue.

Munich: Hymn Books Set on Fire and Church Vandalised

February 22, 2023, Germany

The Parish church of St. Heinrich in München was damaged by arson and vandalism on the 22nd of February, causing shock among the parishioners. While visiting the church, a 60-year-old woman found some hymn books set on fire. Before calling the authorities, the lady and an employee were able to extinguish the fire. The German news portal reported that a church room had also been vandalized, candles had been knocked over and hymn books were scattered on the floor. The perpetrators remain unknown.

Arson: 5,000 euros Damage at St. Andreas Catholic Church

February 18, 2023, Germany

Between the 18. and 19. of February, it was reported that the display board of the Catholic Church St. Andreas in Elbingerode was set on fire. The fire caused by unknown perpetrators destroyed the display case and the house facade, covering around 2 meters of the wall. The police are investigating and have estimated the costs of the damages at around 5,000 euros.

Paint Bomb Attack Defaced Church of St. Lambert's

February 17, 2023, Netherlands

The St. Lambert's Church in Etten-Leur was attacked with paint bombs by unknown vandals. The paint covered the front doors, pillars, stairs and a statue. The report says that the "paint had even run in under the door." The incident was reported on February 17. and it mentioned that the Church had recently finished renovating and is unfortunately ruined again. Secretary Johan Snijders explained how the paint was covering the entrance and has soaked up from the pillars, the perpetrators used multiple colours of paint. Snijders reported that the unknown person "had also left behind all sorts of items: books, candles, a laptop, a bag of jars of paint and even a broken pot of vegetables".

Parish Church of Tarouca Vandalised By unknown perpetrators

February 14, 2023, Portugal

Unknown perpetrators vandalized the Parish Church of Tarouca on February 14. The authorities have investigated the crime and have mentioned that the main churchyard doors were scratched, and the stained glass window was destroyed. The Parish said "We only know that it was an attack against a Monument, art, humanity, faith, and the Parish of Tarouca. And this is a crime!”

Church raided and desecrated in Ukraine: Windows and a Crucifix destroyed

February 13, 2023, Ukraine

On Friday the 13th, the church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Vinnytsia was vandalized and desecrated. The church belongs to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate. It was reported that "unknown persons broke almost all the windows, attacked the cross in front of the church with an axe, and broke the legs of the Saviour on Calvary." It was also said that due to the strong force used by the perpetrator throwing the axe and destroying the statue, it also broke other candlelights and other religious objects.

Statue of Virgin Mary Decapitated and Church Desecrated

February 12, 2023, France

The church of Saint-Martin located in Choisy-le-Roi was vandalized on the 12th of February. The French news portal has reported the statue of the Virgin Mary was decapitated and desecrated. Quoted "the church of Saint-Martin was vandalized by one or more individuals, according to information from Le Parisien confirmed by the Créteil prosecutor's office."

Devastating Damage to Baroque Church by Arson and Vandalism

February 10, 2023, Germany

The historical Baroque "Church of the Cross" in Wissen has been destroyed and desecrated on the 10th of February. The police have identified a 39-year-old perpetrator, who has caused damages worth millions of euros. According to the reports, the man broke open the back door of the church by smashing it with stones, vandalized the religious symbols and set fire to the high altar, which has been completely destroyed. Two firefighter squats were able to stop the fire, they were alarmed as people noticed smoke coming out of the church.

Pastor Devastated After Repeated Vandalism to His Church

February 10, 2023, Germany

The Marienkirche in Treuchtlingen has once again been vandalised by unknown perpetrators. On February 10. it was reported that perpetrators broke the windows of the Church, left used socks on an open Bible, as well as a box of cigarettes, and urinated on the corner of the room. Pastor Matthias Fischer was sadly not surprised after witnessing the scene. He expressed his emotions and frustration since there have been several cases of vandalism in the Marienkirche. However, Pastor decided not to report this case this time, as he says he has had much worse.

Paris: man arrested for making death threats against priests

February 7, 2023, France

On 7. February, a man was arrested by police in Paris for making death threats against multiple priests. According to a French news site, a staff member from the Saint-Sulpice church alerted the authorities about the suspect. It was also reported that the man had threatened a priest in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés parish. The Paris judicial police are investigating the case, and it was revealed that the man is on an S file for state security related to terrorism and a search file for a temporary ban from French territory. These developments are concerning and raise questions about the motives behind the threats and whether the man acted alone or as part of a larger group.

Church Vandalised Multiple Times in Catanzaro

February 5, 2023, Italy

A church in Catanzaro suffered a vandalic attack in early February (reported on the 5th February), causing damages worth 3000 euros. According to the sources, this church has been targeted before. "Dismay and anger. The umpteenth act of vandalism to which the Pistoia neighbourhood church of St. Mary of Hope [in Catanzaro], has been subjected provokes a reaction of indignation" reports Catanzaro Informa quoting Fr. Giorgio Pilò, parish priest of the vandalised church.

Charity Worker Faces Charges After Sharing About being ex-gay and converting to Christianity

February 3, 2023, Malta

Matthew Grech, a 33-year-old charity worker from Malta had a first trial on February 3, after being charged with allegedly promoting 'conversion practices.' The allegations came after Matthew held an online interview with PMnews Malta in which he shared his testimony of becoming a Christian. He talked about his past, saying that he identified as gay in the past and used to be confused regarding his sexuality. Although he never promoted "conversion therapies", the police have pressed criminal charges against him.

UPDATE: Charges Dropped Against UK Woman for Praying Silently

February 1, 2023, United Kingdom

Isabel Vaughan-Spruce had been arrested and charged with violating protest policy near an abortion center, as she was standing on the street and praying in her thoughts. UK authorities have now dropped the charges against her, but the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) warned that charges could start again in a near future. Vaughan-Spruce has said she wants to seek a clear verdict in court.

Orthodox Church Shelled by Russian Invaders in Oleshky

January 31, 2023, Ukraine

On January 31, it was reported that the Russian invaders have fired on a Church belonging to the Moscow Patriarchate in the town of Oleshky. The attack happened while a funeral was taking place, in which collaborate Zhuravko was being buried. The number of casualties after the incident is still under investigation.

Dutch Council of State Opinion: "Conversion Therapy" Banns Violate Religious Freedom

January 30, 2023, Netherlands

One year after a group of MPs proposed a Bill in the Netherlands to ban "conversion therapies" (February 2022), the Dutch Council of State declared that the proposed bill would be a violation of religious freedom. The proposed bill aimed to impose a fine of up to 22,500€ and a year of prison for anyone found guilty of offering conversion therapies. But in a recent opinion, the Council announced that there was no clear way to differentiate between actual victims of coercion and participants who chose such a practice voluntarily, emphasizing that intrusive forms of "conversion therapy" and coercion are already prohibited by the existing laws.

Swastika Sprayed Next to the Entrance Door of Church

January 28, 2023, Germany

On the afternoon of January 28., a perpetrator sprayed a red swastika symbol on the entrance door of the St. Wendelin Church in Neuses. It was reported that the act of vandalism was discovered right after the mass around 6:15 p.m.. The number 187 was also found next to it. An employee who takes care of the church, Klaus Schmitt, has removed the spray paint off from the wall.

Desecration of church in Koziegłowy. A man has been arrested.

January 27, 2023, Poland

On 27 January the church of Our Lady of Fatima in Koziegłowy near Poznań was desecrated. The perpetrator was a 41-year-old man who has been arrested. He knocked over a statue of the Virgin Mary, vandalized the manger, left the figure of Jesus in the baptismal font and damaged the church's sound system. The Metropolitan Curia of Poznań has called the faithful for acts of reparation.

Attack against two churches in Algeciras leaves one dead and at least four wounded — terrorist shouted "death to Christians"

January 25, 2023, Spain

On 25 January in the evening, a jihadist terror attack targeting two Catholic churches took place in Algeciras, Spain. Y. K., a 25-year-old Moroccan, has been arrested as the sole perpetrator of the attack, which he executed with a machete. An altar server was killed, and at least four persons are injured, including a priest in serious condition. Several witnesses indicate that he conducted the attack while shouting "Allah is great" and "death to Christians".

Unknown Vandals Damage Confessionals with Burnt Cigarette Marks

January 25, 2023, Austria

On the 25th of January, unknown perpetrators damaged the confessional chairs of a church with cigarette buds. The police have described the damages located in Saalfelden, Austria as willful damage to numerous pews. The investigation is still ongoing to find out the perpetrator(s).

Graffitis and Vandalism Return to Cathedral of la Seo

January 24, 2023, Spain

The "la Seo" Cathedral in Zaragoza has been vandalized again, as reported on the 24th of January. The facade of the church was graffitied in several parts of the outer walls with random words, pro-Moroccan slogans, anti-police slogans and anarchist symbols with red and black spray paint. The Church has said they filed a complaint, and the investigations are still going on.

Third Church Attacked With Arson in Paris During one Week

January 24, 2023, France

Between the 17. and the 25. of January, three Parisian churches have been attacked with arson by unknown perpetrators. Several fires have caused shock and sadness among parishioners in Paris. The last attack was on the Church of Saint-Laurent in the 10th district on the 24th. According to the findings, a Molotov cocktail was thrown at the left side of the door.

A Statue of Jesus on the Cross Shot at in Poland

January 23, 2023, Poland

During the weekend of the 23. January in the village of Krzrpielow, a Crucifix was desecrated. An unknown perpetrator shot the statue of Jesus on the cross that belongs to the Church of the Holy Trinity. The incident was reported to the police, who are treating the case as desecration, due to the lack of respect for religious feelings. The investigation is still ongoing, and the police are asking for help to find the perpetrator.

Perpertrators Smashed Windows of Church of St. Paul

January 23, 2023, Germany

On January 23., a witness reported to the police that several young people had destroyed the windows at the Church of St. Paul in Velbert. In a German news website, it said "small stones were used to damage the exterior glazing of the windows of the Bohemian Church." It was also reported that larger stones were found larger surrounding the Church. Fortunately, no persons were harmed. The police are looking for the vandals.

UK: Army Veteran Fined for Praying for His Diseased Son Quietly in His Mind

January 19, 2023, United Kingdom

The NGO ADF UK posted a video of two community safety accredited officers in Bournemouth interrogating a veteran who was standing on the street alone, praying in his thoughts. The officers told Adam Smith-Connor that he was praying inside a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) space, for which he was fined. According to the PSPO, certain activities such as acts of "disapproval" towards the abortion facility in the area are prohibited. Adam is at least the second person who was fined for praying silently on the street. He told the officers he was praying for his deceased son, which they considered an "act of disapproval."

Molotov cocktail thrown against the church of Saint-Martin-des-Champs

January 18, 2023, France

There have been multiple cases in France, where churches have been targeted for hate crimes, theft or vandalism. The newest incident happened on January 18. near Paris, where the church of Saint-Martin-des-Champs and its front door and facade were partially burned. An unknown perpetrator has thrown an incendiary device, which was reported to be a molotov cocktail, against the front door at around five o'clock in the morning.

Two Arson Attacks on Parisian Church Notre-Dame-de-Fatima

January 17, 2023, France

On the 17th and the 22nd of January, the church of Notre-Dame-de-Fatima, the 19th district of Paris, was hit twice by unknown arsonists. The Newspaper "Le Parisien" reported that the door of the church was sprayed with a flammable liquid. Then, the perpetrators used newspapers to start a fire, which fortunately did not spread inside the building.

Christian Receives Jail Sentence for Refusing Military Service on Conscientious Grounds

January 16, 2023, Ukraine

On the 16. January, 46-year-old Vitaly Alekseenko was given a one-year jail term for refusing the call to the military on conscientious grounds. The Ivano-Frankivsk Appeal Court rejected his appeal against his conviction and has sentenced him to jail starting on the 19th of January. Alekseenko is the fifth known case of court conviction due to conscientious objection, but he is the first one to receive a jail sentence. Alekseenko told Forum 18 that he is "not guilty under the law of God".

Drive-by Shooting: Suspect Jailed After Shooting 6 People Exiting a Church

January 14, 2023, United Kingdom

An unexpected shooting occurred in North London on January 14. at the St Aloysius Roman Catholic Church. The 22-year-old suspect drove and shot 6 people who were coming out of a memorial service inside the church. The victims were a 48-year-old who has severe life-threatening injuries; a 12, 21, 41, and 54-year-old. A 7-year-old girl was also injured and was in serious condition. The police department detained the suspect for questioning after his car was found parked on Sunday. It was also mentioned that the bullets came from a black Toyota C-HR.

Priest in Newry devastated his church had six windows and four bathrooms destroyed

January 13, 2023, Ireland

Near the city of Newry, vandalism occurred at a church on January 13. during the night. The perpetrator broke six windows and four bathrooms that were outside the Church of the Sacred Heart. Father Richard Naughton commented that he was "shocked to the core" and vandalism like this had never happened before. The cost for the reparation of the windows was estimated at thousand pounds. The perpetrator is still on the run. The police department has asked for witnesses to contact them as soon as possible.

Insults Tagged on Augsburg Cathedral and other anti-Christian Hate Crimes

January 10, 2023, Germany

on the 10th of January, the online news source MK-Online reported a rise in anti-Christian hate speech and vandalism in Bavaria. The most recent incident was red graffiti on the Cathedral of Augsburg that said "F*ck Jesus! He would have wanted it this way". The historical church dates back to Roman times. The reasons behind the perpetrator's actions are still under investigation and the cost of the damaged property lies around a couple of hundred euros. Other cases have been reported in Munich, where the Jesus figure was stolen. In an Augsburg Catholic Church perpetrators threw eggs and left insulting graffiti on the wall against the Word of God.

Vandalism Attack on the church of Saint-Lois Roi in Lyon

January 10, 2023, France

On the afternoon of January 10., it was reported that the Saint-Louis Roi church of Champagne-au-Mont-d'Or in Lyon was heavily vandalized by a perpetrator. The vandal broke windows and tossed to the ground two crucifixes, candles, books, and cases. District Councillor Tiffany Joncour posted a picture on twitter of a broken crucifix laying on the ground after the attack. The Minister of the Interior Gérald Dramamine later shared on Twitter that the suspect had been arrested.

Chapel of St. Julien Desecrated and Vandalized in Morbihan

January 8, 2023, France

The chapel of St. Julien in Morbihan has been desecrated and vandalised by unknown perpetrators on the 8th of January. The newspaper Le Télégramme revealed that all crosses were turned upside down, a statue of the Virgin Mary was wrapped with red electric lights, an ex-voto was damaged and a fire extinguisher was poured out on the church. According to the mayor of Morbihan, Patrick Le Roux, such acts had not been seen in the past in this city, "It is for me the expression of absolute evil and stupidity," he added. The destruction was found by a parishioner on Sunday afternoon.

Jesus Figure Stolen from Wayside Shrine Crucifix

January 8, 2023, Germany

Between the 19th of December and the 8th of January, the wayside shrine in Icking was vandalised. An unknown perpetrator unscrewed the Jesus figure from its cross and took it away. Now, the police have been notified and they are investigating the case.

5000 Euro Damage: Perpetrators Throw Explosives Towards Church

January 7, 2023, Germany

In the city of Halberstadt, a form of pyrotechnics were used to destroy church property at the Lüttgenfeldstraße, amounting to 5,000 euros in damage. Around 3:45 a.m. unknown persons threw crafted explosives over the fence of the church and caused damage to a nativity play which was handcrafted with plastic and wood. The explosion also caused damage to the façade of the church and a window. The police are seeking witnesses to find the perpetrators.

1,000 euros Worth of Damage to church in Ottersheim

January 7, 2023, Germany

Between the 7th and 9th of January, unknown perpetrators damaged the cupboards of the St. Martinus Church in Ottersheim. The police is running an investigation and looking for the perpetrators. The damaged cupboards amount to about 1000 euros worth.

Statue of Baby Jesus destroyed and Desecrated At church of St. James

January 6, 2023, Poland

During the night of 6. January, the statue of Baby Jesus from the Nativity Scene in the St. James Church was vandalized in Brzesko. According to the report, the right hands were cut off, and the statue was destroyed and left at the Jordan park. The pastor of the church commented: "This kind of profanation is not only an expression of stupidity, vandalism or thuggery on the part of some people, but it is first and foremost an attack on our religious feelings."

Two People Vandalise the St. John's Church in Miltenberg

January 4, 2023, Germany

It was reported that two young people vandalised St. John's Church on the 4th of January. They left traces of foam from the fire extinguisher all over the church and special items. The sacristan came to the church right after the incident happened and reported the crime. A cleaning crew tried to remove the foam, textiles and other valuable Paramentes also had to be cleaned. It seems that the Altar Bible has suffered permanent damage. The police are investigating.

Deadly Knife Attack Against Ukrainian Priest inside the Church

January 2, 2023, Ukraine

On the morning of January 2. in the Holy Virgin Church in Vinnytsia, an unknown man attacked the priest Anthony Kovtonyuk and cut him on the throat. The unidentified man had entered the church and started turning everything over, so the priest reprimanded him. Then, the perpetrator attacked the priest with his knife, as it was reported by the diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. The police came to the scene and apprehended the attacker, who has been arrested. Father Anthony was taken to the emergency services later transferred to the intensive care unit in a Vinnitsia hospital.

Historical Church of St Peter and St Paul in Turin Defaced with Graffiti

January 2, 2023, Italy

The Romanesque Church of Saints Peter and Paul located in Chianocco, Turin, has been spray painted by unknown vandals. The perpetrators painted inappropriate or obscene drawings and words on the stone wall of the old church. This was reported on the 2nd of January. In the next days, volunteers will come and help clean up the mess that was left behind. The police are investigating.