All cases

Historic Church Sprayed with Graffiti

February 19, 2019, Italy

The 12th century church of Santi Pietro e Paolo Castello Roganzuolo (Treviso) was marred with tags of marijuana leaves, insults to police, and the names of Italian hip-hop artists in green spray paint on the outer walls.

Exclusion Zone Legislation Passed in Ireland

February 18, 2019, Ireland

At a meeting of Louth County Council on February 18, 2019, a motion to prohibit any pro-life vigils within 500 meters of a hospital or clinic that provides abortion services was passed by a majority vote. Health Minister Simon Harris has called for such exclusion zones throughout Ireland.

Robbery Interrupted at Koblenz Church

February 18, 2019, Germany

Burglars were interrupted by a witness who entered the St. Josef Catholic Church in Koblenz in the afternoon of February 18th. One of the perpetrators, a woman, shouted several words upon which a man appeared from one of the adjoining rooms and both hastily left the site. Shortly after, they drove away on a motor scooter and the woman covered the license plate with her helmet. Investigations showed that the man had pried open the door to the adjoining room, however, nothing was missing.

Vandals Leave Alvito Church without Electricity

February 17, 2019, Italy

Using super glue, unidentified vandals damaged the wires in the electrical meter in the Chiesa di San Simeone Profeta, leaving the church without power and stopping the historic bell tower clock that had recently been restored.

Theft Of Consecrated Host In The parish Of Santa Isabel

February 17, 2019, Spain

At noon on Sunday 17th the parish priest discovered the theft of a consecrated host and a carrier containing four consecrated forms for celiacs in the church of Santa Isabel during the celebration of the Eucharist. Shattered pieces of the Blessed Sacrament and the virile were found by the priest in the garden. the theft and desecration was reported on Monday 18th. The police are invetigating and searching for witnesses. Furthermore, the diocesan bishop Amadeo Rodriquez has asked for prayers of reparation.

Iraqi Christian Attacked in Berlin for Christian Tattoo

February 16, 2019, Germany

A man in Berlin-Neukölln was beaten and threatened with a knife because of his Christian tattoo. The 27-year-old Christian from Iraq was approached by two men and asked about his religious tattoo. They also and demanded that he give a donation to a beggar. When he refused, the men punched him in the face, according to police. When the attacker pulled out a knife, the victim and his companion escaped into a shop and called the police. The police arrested a 24-year old Muslim man. The investigation continues.

Disappearance Of The Terms "Father" And "Mother" From The National Education Forms

February 12, 2019, France

On the 12th February, the National Assembly in France adopted the new usage of the terms "Parent 1" and "Parent 2" instead of "Mother" and "Father" to reflect diversity in the families. The idea of the new law is to embrace diversity in familiar settings. The deputy Jennifer de Temmerman called the traditional social and family models outdated. This law was criticized by the minister of Education, the deputy Xavier Breton and the movement Manif Pour Tous, calling it "politically correct but not real".

"The only church that illuminates is the one that burns" painted on Seville Church

February 11, 2019, Spain

During the night of February 11th, vandals spray painted the Church of San Martin with the words, "The only church that illuminates is the one that burns" ("La unica iglesia que ilumina es la que arde") along with an anarcho-feminist symbol.

Two Churches in Ávila Vandalized with Graffiti

February 10, 2019, Spain

"The church that illuminates is the one that burns" and other anarchist and feminist slogans and symbols were painted on two churches in small towns in Ávila. The Diocese of Ávila denounced the acts as attacks not only on the heritage of the small towns, but against mutual respect and religious freedom. A complaint was filed with the police.

Tabernacle Overthrown in Maisons-Laffitte Church

February 10, 2019, France

In the late afternoon of February 10th, the priest of Saint-Nicolas de Maisons-Laffitte discovered that the church's tabernacle had been thrown to the ground. The police arrested a 35-year-old man who confessed.

Dijon Church Desecrated

February 9, 2019, France

On February 9th, the church of Notre-Dame de Dijon was desecrated by unidentified perpetrators. The tabernacle was opened, consecrated hosts were scattered, the altar cloth stained, and a missal was torn. A Mass of Reparation was held by the Archbishop.

Thefts from Four Churches in Baden-Württemberg Region in Three Days

February 8, 2019, Germany

Between February 6th and 8th, four churches in the Baden-Württemberg region were victims of theft from offertory boxes: two churches in Rheinhausen, a church in Sasbach, and a church in Wyhl. Police are investigating.

Christian Cemetery Vandalized in Kamień Krajeński

February 6, 2019, Poland

The local cemetery in Kamień Krajeński was devastated by vandals sometime between January 29th and February 6th. Nine tombstones were damaged, crosses were overturned, vases for flowers destroyed, and the arm of a statue of Christ was broken off the grave of a deceased priest. The priest of the local church said it was desecration of a place of worship. Police were alerted and began an investigation.

Police Investigate Severe Desecration at Notre-Dame des Enfants in Nîmes

February 5, 2019, France

The prosecutor's office in Nîmes opened an investigation after severe desecration was discovered in the church of Notre-Dame des Enfants. A cross was drawn on a wall with excrement on which pieces of consecrated hosts were stuck. The tabernacle was broken and other consecrated hosts were destroyed.

Fire Set in Lavaur Cathedral; Crucified Christ Figure Vandalized

February 5, 2019, France

On the evening of February 5th, a strong smell of smoke alerted the secretary of the parish of Lavaur to a fire in the cathedral. When the firefighters arrived, only the altar cloth and the crèche had been consumed, but a cross was on the ground, along with a broken candle. The arm of Christ on a cross had also been twisted.

Roadside Crucifix Vandalized in Hautes-Pyrénées

February 5, 2019, France

A wooden crucifix located between Hèches and Avezac-Prat-Lahitte, in the municipality of Labastide, was discovered vandalized on February 5th. The perpetrators cut the cross one meter off the ground and left it there. When it fell, the Christ figure's arm was broken. The mayor ordered an investigation.

Saint-Nicolas Church in Houilles Vandalized 3 Times in 7 days

February 4, 2019, France

On January 29th, a Christ figure carrying a cross was thrown to the ground in the choir of the church of Saint-Nicolas. A few days later, on February 1st, the arms from the figure were broken. On February 4th, a statue of the Virgin and Child was attacked and shattered on the ground.

Theft from Talmont Church

February 3, 2019, France

The tabernacle was broken and the ciborium containing consecrated hosts was stolen from the church of Saint-Pierre de Talmont (Vendée) on February 3rd.

Consecrated Hosts Thrown inside Tabernacle; Ciborium Stolen

February 3, 2019, France

Before Sunday Mass on February 3rd, it was discovered that someone had broken into the tabernacle in the chapel of Sainte-Anne in Notre-Dame-et-Saint Junien Church in Lusignan, scattered the hosts, and stolen the ciborium where the hosts were stored. The police were called and began an investigation.

Churches in the Vendée Repeated Targets of Vandalism

February 3, 2019, France

Over the course of several months, statues have been pushed to the ground and broken into a thousand pieces, stones have been thrown at the stained glass windows, and the stoups and Christmas crèches have been damaged in two churches, Saint-Gilles and Sainte-Croix, in the parish of Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie in the Vendée. Similar damage has occurred in the neighboring town of Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez.

Church Vandalized in Kaiserslautern

February 2, 2019, Germany

The church "Am Heiligenhäuschen" was smeared with paint by unknown vandals late in the evening of February 2nd. Police are investigating.

Catholic School Vandalized with Graffiti

January 31, 2019, Spain

The exterior wall of the colegio de la Trinidad in Vistalegre was painted with vulgar anti-church graffiti. This school, whose interior houses a chapel, belongs to the Diocesan Teaching Foundation of Santos Mártires de Córdoba.

Thieves Stole Ciborium and Hosts from the Church of Madeleine

January 31, 2019, France

Thieves broke into the Church of Madeleine in Vendôme and stole a wooden tabernacle containing a ciborium and consecrated hosts.

Religiously-Motivated Murder of Christian Iraqi in Salzgitter

January 27, 2019, Germany

A 33-year-old Syrian man was arrested for the murder of his sister's lover, a 25-year-old Christian Iraqi. The prosecutor said the background of the crime may have been that the victim and accused belong to different religions and probable motive was that the accused, a Muslim, did not approve of his sister living with an "infidel."

Fifteen UK Churches Received Threatening Letters

January 22, 2019, United Kingdom

West Midlands police investigated handwritten letters threatening petrol bomb attacks and mass stabbings sent to fifteen churches in the UK from November to January.

Calvary Vandalized in Normandy

January 21, 2019, France

A public crucifix monument was vandalized with graffiti during the night of January 20-21 in Caen. Symbols included the anarchist "A," slogans in favor of PMA (assisted reproduction) legislation, "Jesus is trans," and a reference to an attack against a Christian pilgrimage tour bus two days earlier in Caen. Also present were stickers of the local libertarian communist union.

Diocesan House of Grenoble Hit with Graffiti; Windows and Doors Damaged

January 19, 2019, France

On the 14th of January, the Diocesan House of Grenoble hosted a pro-life event which drew a few hundred protesters. Between the 14th and 19th of January, graffiti was sprayed on the outer walls of the house and then between January 19th and 21st, its glass windows and doors were smashed.

Church Vandalized with Graffiti

January 18, 2019, Germany

Sometime between the 17th and 18th of January, the back wall of the Stephanuskirche was sprayed with graffiti by unknown persons.

St Simeonis Vandalized for Second Time in Two Months

January 17, 2019, Germany

A window in the back of the Evangelical church of St. Simeon in Minden was smashed during the night of January 17th by unknown perpetrators.

Greek Orthodox Church Vandalized in Esslingen

January 17, 2019, Germany

An unidentified perpetrator attacked the Greek Orthodox Church, damaging several windows and a glass ornament above the front door. Police opened an investigation

UPDATE: St. Jacques Church in Grenoble Destroyed by Intentional Fire

January 16, 2019, France

The church, whose frame was made of wood, was completely destroyed in a fire during the night of January 16th to 17th. When the firefighters arrived on site at 2:30 am, the church was already totally engulfed, and they could only prevent the flames from spreading to neighboring buildings. A hundred people had to be evacuated. The initial investigation indicated that the fire had started with a short circuit in the electrical system, however, an anarcho-libertarian blog post claimed responsibility. On October 7th, prosecutors said accelerants were found in the rubble and the fire would be treated as arson.

Private Catholic School Sprayed with Graffiti

January 16, 2019, Spain

The exterior wall of the colegio de Santa Victoria of the Madres Escolapias, a private Catholic school, was spray painted with phrases such as "Death to Fascism," "School is Jail," as well as an 'anarcho-feminist' symbol.

Attempted Robbery and Fire in Two Bas-Rhin Churches

January 14, 2019, France

During the afternoon of January 14th, police were called to the church of Saint-Georges after the priest discovered that unknown individuals had tried to break into the donation trunks and attempted to force open the door to the sacristy where objects of worship are stored. An hour later, police and firefighters were called to a fire at the Sainte-Foy church nearby. Police later arrested a man in his late-forties with a lengthy criminal record for setting the Sainte-Foy fire. He was then hospitalized for a psychiatric evaluation.

Arson Attempt at Russian Orthodox Church

January 13, 2019, Germany

Sometime between January 11th and 12th, an attempt was made to set fire to a wooden wall in the entrance area of ​​the Russian Orthodox Church (Russisch-Orthodoxen Gemeinde des Hl. Gross Martyrers Dimitrios von Thesaloniki) in Schwerin with a candle and oily liquid accelerant. Investigators found a small charred area on the wall of the wooden church because the liquid did not ignite.

UK Court agrees to hear Challenge to Ban on Pro-Life Prayer Outside Abortion Center

January 11, 2019, United Kingdom

A British court has ruled that a pro-life activist may challenge a legal decision banning prayer and support for women in crisis pregnancies outside a Marie Stopes clinic.

Molotov Cocktail Thrown at Church

January 10, 2019, Italy

"The true martyrs are in the sea" was painted on the wall of the church of San Rocco in Rovereto as the signature of the vandals who threw an incendiary device at the church, setting fire to the door. The attack appears to have been in response to a controversial nativity scene set up to "raise awareness of the tragedy of abortion which condemns children to a real martyrdom."

Christian Man Can't Use "Christ" or "Jesus" on License Plate

January 10, 2019, Sweden

The Swedish Transport Agency rejected blocked a Christian man’s request to use the word "Kristus" (Swedish for “Christ”) on his license plate, claiming the move could “cause offense” to those opposed to Christianity. When he asked to use the name “Jesus” instead, he was informed that word was blocked, too.

UK Deported Pakistani Christian Threatened by Islamic Extremists

January 9, 2019, United Kingdom

Asher Samson, a Pakistani Christian who fought to stay in the UK after allegedly being beaten and repeatedly threatened with execution by Islamic extremists in Pakistan, was deported back to Pakistan on January 9th. Samson, backed by thousands of Christians, attempted to persuade the UK government to allow him to stay after being threatened with execution by Islamic extremists in his home country.

Quickborn: Graffiti on Church

January 9, 2019, Germany

Unknown perpetrators vandalized an outer wall of the Quickborn Catholic church Maria - Hilfe der Christen with white spray paint. The lettering extended over a width of about 1.5 meters at a height of about one meter.

Major Damage to Church after Lead Theft

January 9, 2019, United Kingdom

Thieves stole the lead roof of All Saints Church, which dates to 1390. During the course of the theft the thieves caused extensive damage to the stone parapet on the roof. The damage was estimated at tens of thousands of pounds.

Profanation At Church Of Barcenaciones

January 3, 2019, Spain

On January 3rd 2019 the Blessed Sacrament was profaned in the parish church of Barcenaciones in Cantabria. A holy mass of reparation was held on January 5th in the evening.

Nativity Scene In Callosa De Segura Destroyed

January 1, 2019, Spain

On January 1st 2019 unknown people destroyed the nativity scene at the Alto del Aguila in the mountains of Collosa by kicking and throwing it down the hill. The nativity scene was later found 300 meters away from the top of Alto del Aquila, where it was placed by the porter and 300 other people on December 16th. Every year since 1962 the nativity scene is placed there. The porcelain figures and the old crib made out of methacrylate were completely destroyed. The residents of Callosa de Segura are outraged by this criminal act.

Two Telephone Bomb Threats against Vienna Cathedral in a Week

December 29, 2018, Austria

St. Stephen's Cathedral had to be evacuated twice in one week after anonymous telephone bomb threats by were received.

Anarchist Group Targeted Church with Explosive Device in Athens

December 28, 2018, Greece

On December 28th, a police officer and the church caretaker were injured when a small explosive device went off outside the Church of St. Dionysios in the Kolonaki neighborhood of Athens shortly before the Divine Liturgy was scheduled to begin. On January 19th, the anarchist group "the Iconoclastic Sect" claimed responsibility for the attack.

Burglaries in Two Churches in Freren Cause Property Damage of 9,000 Euros

December 28, 2018, Germany

Unknown perpetrators broke into a Catholic church and an Evangelical church in Freren, stealing small amounts of money from donation boxes, but causing about 9,000 euros in damage.

Monks Brutally Attacked during Robbery

December 27, 2018, Austria

Six monks were attacked, gagged, and bound during the course of a robbery at the monastery of Maria Immaculata in Vienna on December 27th. Several of the victims were seriously injured and police began a large-scale investigation.

Nativity Scene of Villassar de Mar Attacked and Destroyed

December 25, 2018, Spain

On the 25th December, a nativity scene in the municipality of Vilassar de Mar was found destroyed by vandals. The Catholic Tabarnia Twitter account posted a video showing the Baby Jesus with broken arms, a painting on the Virgin Mary, and damage to St. Joseph, the mule, the ox and the shepherds.

Man Arrested for Destruction in Church

December 22, 2018, Germany

A 19-year-old man was arrested after causing severe damage to the Apostelkirche in Kaiserslautern on the night of December 22nd. The accused destroyed three glass windows and sprayed the contents of a fire extinguisher in the church. When the police attempted to calm the man, he threatened the officers.

PC FINISHED! The Head of The Child Jesus from Nativity Scene Was Torn Off

December 22, 2018, Spain

On Saturday morning 22nd December, the new-bought figure of the Baby Jesus from the Nativity Scene of Tordesillas was found beheaded. The vandals also removed the horns of the cow from the nativity scene. There were no witnesses, as it must have happened during the night.

Olárizu Cross Attacked And Significantly Damaged

December 20, 2018, Spain

The Olárizu Victorian Cross was seriously damaged after being attacked by a group of unknown people during the night to 20th December. The vandals used a radial attached to some ropes to knock the cross down from the base. There was also a video of the vandals trying to cut the base of the cross. They destroyed the concrete formwork with a hammer and cut the irons. The police and the fire department went to assess the significant damage.

Fire and Vandalism in Trier Abbey and Church

December 18, 2018, Germany

Intruders entered the Benedictine abbey of St. Matthias through a window during the night of December 18th and ransacked several rooms and the adjacent church, breaking sacred objects, overturning furniture, and setting fire to songbooks and other papers. Police estimated the damage to be in the thousands of euros.

A Nativity Scene is Attacked and Burned in Cartagena

December 18, 2018, Spain

On the night to 18th December, two people set fire to the nativity scene in Santa Lucia, next to the port of Cartagena. The nativity scene had been organized by the neighborhood. There were witnesses who say the vandals threw a fireball in one of the corners where the birthplace was located. The neighbors surprised the vandals, who then run away. The fire caused several damages to the figures.

Strasbourg Christmas Market Shooting Declared Terrorism

December 11, 2018, France

Prosecutors announced that the attack on a busy Strasbourg Christmas market was an act of terrorism, committed by an Islamist extremist who had previously pledged alliance to ISIL. During the attack, the suspect shouted "Allahu Akbar." Security experts have said that the Christmas market was likely targeted both because it was crowded and its connection to Christianity and Christian symbolism. In response to the deadly attack, other Christmas markets across France implemented extra security measures.

Two Men Arrested for Stealing the Tabernacle from a Hospital Chapel in Vigo

December 10, 2018, Spain

The National Police arrested two men for the robbery in the chapel of the Alvaro Cunqueiro Hospital. The alleged thieves stole the tabernacle containing consecrated hosts from the hospital chapel during the night of December 10, and it was a woman who came to pray first thing in the morning that alerted them to the disappearance.

Shopping Mall Refused to Display Nativity but Advertised Christmas Market

December 5, 2018, United Kingdom

The Thistles Shopping Centre in Stirling, Scotland refused requests from the Legion of St. Mary's Association to display a nativity scene in the mall, saying they "pride themselves on religious neutrality." Despite this official position, the mall heavily advertised a "Christmas Market."

UK Home Office Admits Reason for Underrepresentation of Christian Refugees

December 5, 2018, United Kingdom

Christian refugees from the Middle East are widely underrepresented in the United Kingdom. In 2017, 4,832 Syrians were accepted to the UK, however, only 11 were Christians. The Home Office has acknowledged that Christian refugees in the Middle East are “reluctant” to enter the UNHCR refugee camp system, but refuses to state this is because of persecution.

French Mayor Fights State Over Nativity Scene

December 4, 2018, France

For the second year in a row, Mayor Robert Ménard, former journalist for Reporters Without Borders, installed a nativity scene in the courtyard of the town hall of Béziers. The French government filed a complaint for its removal in the administrative court, claiming the installation violated the law of 1905 on the separation of Church and State.

Doctors Claim their Concerns about Abortion Legislation in Ireland Not Taken Seriously

December 3, 2018, Ireland

Dozens of its members stormed out of the "Extraordinary General Meeting" of the Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP) concerning the Irish abortion bill on December 2nd. The members protested that their concerns and objections were not taken seriously and the ICGP “refused to accept members’ motions from the floor.” The spokesperson for the group of approximately 80 doctors, Dr Andrew O'Regan, told the media: "We feel disrespected and not listened to by our own college board."

Church Cellar Deliberately Flooded by Vandals

December 2, 2018, Germany

During an advent concert in the parish church of Claußnitz on Sunday, December 2, unknown people turned on a faucet in the boiler room and flooded the cellar with it. "The boiler was totally under water," said Pastor Christian Schmidt. When the damage was discovered, the fire brigade and police were alerted. Two firefighters pumped the approximately 60 centimeters high water out of the basement. The police estimated the damage to be several thousand euros.

Protests Against Polish Radio Maryja on its Anniversary

December 1, 2018, Poland

As Radio Maryja listeners gathered in Toruń to celebrate the radio station's 27th anniversary, a protest against public funding of the station took place a few kilometers away. Organized by a Polish secularist association, a small group protested at the monument of Nicolaus Copernicus.

Statue of Saint Anne Decapitated in Ille-et-Vilaine

December 1, 2018, France

A statuette of St. Anne with the Virgin Mary in a niche above a first floor window of a private home was removed and beheaded by an unknown vandal during the night of December 1st. The head was placed in front of the doorway of the home.

IS Supporting Refugee Physically Attacks and Threatens Christian Refugee with Death

November 30, 2018, Germany

The perpetrator, a radicalized IS supporter, was found guilty of physical attacks and death threats against a Christian refugee, which allegedly happened in the asylum center where both were staying. The charges were stated on the 30th of November 2018.

Anti-Discrimination Law Expanded in Switzerland

November 28, 2018, Switzerland

The Swiss Ständerat (Council of States) passed a law on November 28th adding discrimination based on sexual orientation to the existing criminal law prohibiting discrimination based on race, ethnicity, or religion. A broader version of the legislation, which included "gender identity" was passed by the Nationalrat (National Council) in October. Critics of the law noted that it could restrict freedom of expression and conscience, particularly for those who hold a traditional view of sexuality and marriage. Those who violate the law could face a prison sentence of up to three years.

Vulgar Graffiti Sprayed On The Facade Of Church

November 28, 2018, Spain

The parish of San Isidro de la Estación in Cártama, as well as the entrances to the parish hall and the office of Caritas, were spray painted with obscene images and phrases during the night of November 28th. The graffiti outraged the whole town and local police began an official investigation.

Pro-Life Student Group Banned at University in Scotland

November 27, 2018, United Kingdom

The Aberdeen University Students' Association (Ausa) prevented the affiliation of the Aberdeen Life Ethics Society, a pro-life student group. This means that the group would not be recognized as an official club of the University and thus would not be eligible to receive any funding for their events. The Ausa has an explicit pro-choice policy supporting "free, safe and legal access to abortion." The Life Ethics Society challenged the ban and accused the Ausa of censorship.

Fabrics on the Balustrades of a Church Set on Fire

November 27, 2018, Italy

In the parish church of Brusimpiano, a small Italian village, on the Swiss border, was attacked. So far unknown arsonists, set a plasticized fabric hanging on the church wall on fire. Once it was lit, the fire burned the whole fabric and caused serious damage to the wall behind of it, leaving it blackened.

Repeated Theft from Offertory Box in Hinterzarten

November 26, 2018, Germany

In the 'Maria in der Zarten' Catholic Church in Hinterzarten, the offertory box that is locked with a padlock was broken into again on November 26th. The unidentified perpetrators stole an unknown sum of money from it.

22 Statues on the Avenue of Saints Destroyed

November 25, 2018, Poland

Just three weeks after the the new "Avenue of Saints" in front of the Matki Bożej Śnieżnej Church in Zarzecze was unveiled, 22 of the 23 statues were broken by vandals on November 25th. Only the figure of St. Paul was unharmed. The figures in the Avenue of Saints were dedicated on November 11th on the 100th anniversary of regaining independence by Poland "as an expression of gratitude and an invitation to the saints to our future and our nation," said parish priest Jan Rokosz. 

"The Mafia never loses" - Ancient Church Vandalized with Graffiti

November 25, 2018, Italy

"The Mafia never loses" (“La mafia non perde mai”) and other graffiti were discovered by the volunteers of the "San Cataldo Baia della Legalità" association in an ancient church by the bay in Terrasini.

Historic Cornwall Church the Target of Arson

November 24, 2018, United Kingdom

Firefighters were called to St Mary’s Church in Penzance at around 4am in the early hours of November 24th by the key holder and his wife after the alarm sounded. A bin had been placed in front of the church door and set on fire. Witnesses reported that the fire nearly spread into the interior of the church. Police were given the CCTV footage and began an investigation. Damages are estimated at up to £10,000. 

After Repeated Vandalism: Church Forced To Close Its Doors

November 24, 2018, Germany

The Stadtkirche St. Georg in Neustadt was the target of vandalism during the night of the 24th of November. The Christmas tree and the loudspeaker system and cable covers on the wall were heavily damaged from having been kicked. In addition, the church was soiled with spilled red wine and cigarette butts. A week before, intruders caused damage in the church, as well. Although an an automatic locking system was installed, due to the vandalism, the church council decided to keep the church locked during the day.

Pro-Lifers Banned as University Group

November 22, 2018, United Kingdom

The group "Glasgow Students for Life" were banned from becoming an official group by the Student' Representative Council (SRC) at Glasgow University. As a result, the student group would not have access to funding, meeting rooms, or a stall at the freshers fair. The president of the SRC said the decision had been made because the aims of the society did not align with the values of the council. "Given the SRC’s campaigning on a number of related social issues over the years, including support for the recent Repeal the 8th campaign in Ireland, it would be contrary to our ethos to endorse a society which calls for limited rights for women."

Arson in Funeral Chapel

November 21, 2018, Germany

Unknown persons set fire to two benches in the altar room of the funeral chapel in Treysa on November 21st. The benches in the interior of the church were set on fire with paper waste and presumably fire accelerators. The fire caused considerable soot damage, but the building remained intact. The damage was estimated at 500 euros.

Parents Threaten Action against School that Required Children to Participate in Gay Pride Parade

November 20, 2018, United Kingdom

In November, several parents of children who were required to participate in a "Proud to be me" pride parade at the Heavers Farm Primary School in South East London threatened legal action. Despite numerous complaints from parents, they were informed that no opt-outs would be allowed. Parents, including Izoduwa Adhedo, reported that they were treated dismissively and victimized following their complaints. "I wasn't even trying to stop the Pride event. I just wanted my child to receive an education, rather than indoctrination," Adhedo said.

War Memorial and Church Defaced in Scotland

November 17, 2018, United Kingdom

A church and war memorial were hit by vandals sometime on the 17th of November in Coatbridge. The graffiti included Republican slogans like "RIRA" (Real Irish Republican Army). The incident happened just a week after Armistice Day - the day the Allies and Germany signed the peace treaty ending the First World War.

Persistent Littering and Vandalism in front of Cosenza Church

November 17, 2018, Italy

For years, the piazza and steps in front of the church of Santa Teresa in Cosenza have been littered with bottles, glasses, vomit and urine by young people who congregate there in the evenings and on weekends. However, as parishioners stepped past all of the litter and excrement to attend Mass on the weekend of November 17th, they discovered the steps to the church were defaced with graffiti.

Miniature Model of Church Destroyed and Offertory Box Looted

November 15, 2018, Germany

A wooden model of the small parish church in Bräunlingen was returned to its place next to the church altar after the damage caused by vandals had been repaired. A few days later, it was hit again by vandalism. The bottom plate of the model was forcibly torn open, the wood was shattered in the back, and part of the electronics were exposed. The offertory box on which the small church stands was looted, leaving only a few coins. Additionally the smaller of the two church towers, which was completely replaced in the past repair, was damaged again.

Prosecutors Believe Hague Stabbing in May Targeted Christians and Jews

November 14, 2018, Netherlands

New information from the prosecutor's office indicates that Malek F., a Syrian asylum seeker charged with 3 counts of attempted murder for stabbings in The Hague on May 5, 2018, was specifically searching for “Christian and Jewish kuffars," Arabic for non-believers. In a recorded conversation with his mother from prison, he said they were similar to “animals or retarded people” and that he was a "soldier of Allah."

Evangelical Church Vandalized

November 14, 2018, Germany

The Evangelical church of St. Simeonis in Minden was vandalized during the night on the 11th of November when unknown persons sprayed the southern church door and a wall with graffiti. In 2017, a precious 19th century window was destroyed.

Theft and Desecration of Madrid Church

November 13, 2018, Spain

On the 13th of November intruders broke into the church of Nuestra Señora de Madrid, desecrated the tabernacle, stole a ciborium, a small monstrance, and other objects from the parish office. The Cardinal Archbishop of Madrid, Carlos Osoro, expressed his pain, his prayers, and his condemnation for this desecration to the whole parish community and will soon hold an act of reparation in the church. The police began an investigation.

Thousands of Euros in Damage Caused by Rocks Thrown at Church Windows

November 13, 2018, Germany

On four afternoons in a row, between November 13th and November 17th, unknown perpetrators threw rocks at the stained glass windows of the church of St. Stephanus in Grevenbroich-Elsen. "In total there are 27 holes up to a diameter of ten centimeters and cracks [in the windows]," according to Gerd Reibel, Deputy Chairman of the Church Council. "We estimate the total amount of the damage to be between 3,000 and 4,000 euros," he said. The parish filed a police complaint.

Profanation and Robbery in a Parish Church in Madrid

November 13, 2018, Spain

On the 13th November at dawn, the parish of Our Lady of Madrid was vandalized and robbed by vandals. The perpetrators entered by forcing the door open and desecrated the tabernacle and stole the ciborium and a small monstrance, they also took objects from the parish office. The police is investigating.

British Government Denies Asia Bibi Asylum for Fear of Community Unrest

November 9, 2018, United Kingdom

Asia Bibi, who spent eight years on death row in Pakistan, was released from prison after the Supreme Court of Pakistan overturned her sentence for “insulting the Prophet Mohammed.” Her acquittal led to unrest and riots among Pakistan's Muslim hardliners, prompting the government to try to prevent her from leaving the country. Her husband, Ashiq Masih, pleaded to the UK government: “I am requesting the Prime Minister of the UK help us and as far as possible grant us freedom.” The British government reportedly rejected this request for fear of civil unrest.

Church Door Set on Fire

November 9, 2018, Spain

On the 9th of November the door of the parish church in Llamas de la Ribera was set on fire, causing severe damage. Police arrested the perpetrator.

Arson in Church; Heavy Damage to Renovated Organ

November 7, 2018, Germany

Police determined that a fire set to an organ in the St Franziskus Church in Gummersbach was intentional. The damage done to the organ was estimated to be in the six-figure range. Due to the rapid intervention of the fire department, greater damage was prevented. "Perhaps the whole church could have gone up in flames if the fire had not been discovered so quickly," noted Father Christoph Bersch.

Vandalism in the Church of Sainte Croix

November 7, 2018, France

A press release of the parish of Port de Bordeaux reported that there were “more then 40 chairs crumbled to pieces, tables and displays thrown over” in the 11th century church of Sainte Croix. Debout France – a local federation – published information about this incident on its Twitter expressing regret saying: “vandalism (…) is more and more frequent within our church.”

Historic Forest Church in Badia Tedalda Heavily Damaged by Vandalism

November 6, 2018, Italy

Several stained glass windows of the Lama Church were broken by rocks and the door was smashed by an axe. The damage was estimated at several thousand euros.

Vandalism at Wallyford Church

November 5, 2018, United Kingdom

East Lothian (Scotland) Police investigated a case of vandalism at the Wallyford Livingroom Church. Vandals smashed a window by throwing stones.

Vandalism to Parish Church

November 4, 2018, Germany

Sometime between November 4th and 7th, unknown perpetrators smashed in a window at the St. Walburgis Church in Menzelen-Ost. The damage was discovered by church staff on the evening of November 7th. The perpetrators threw an object into a glass window with lead glazing with an unknown object.

Parish Church Vandalized

November 2, 2018, Germany

Police reported that two teenagers are suspected of having caused at least €3,000 in damage to the Reichertshausen parish church St. Stephanus between August 31st and September 13th. Many statues were damaged: the wing of a dove (representing the holy spirit) was broken, the statue of John the Baptist was damaged, and the head of a statue on the altar was broken off. A foul smelling and foamy liquid was poured into the holy water. The sacristan who discovered all of this damage also found remainders of ashes and crumbs, spilled beverages, a burned prayer book, and the note “F… dich Gott” (“F… you God”) in a book for prayer requests. 

Offensive Graffiti and Vandalism in Church

November 2, 2018, Germany

Unknown perpetrators sprayed three walls and a prayer bench with offensive graffiti in the St. Benedikt-Kirche in Herbern. The local police spokesperson referred to the act as "antisocial behavior" and suspected "marauding teenagers" committed the vandalism sometime between 11 am and 5 pm on November 2nd.

Shocking Graffiti on Pietà

November 1, 2018, Germany

During the night before All Saints Day, the Pietà in front of the parish church St. Georg in Freising was defaced with black graffiti and vulgar sexual images. Just two weeks earlier, church painter Florian Böck had finished restoring the statue of the Mary, Mother of Sorrows (Mater Dolorosa), holding the corpse of Jesus Christ taken from the cross. Böck expressed his anger: “We really need to ask ourselves, who could do something like this?” and said it would be a long process to clean the statue and bring it to the previous status. The damage to the statue which dates back to 1640 was estimated by the police at around 3000 euros.

Over 100 Windows Smashed at Church in Ireland

October 31, 2018, Ireland

Sometime between the 29th and 31st of October, unknown perpetrators broke 104 windows at St Catherine’s Church in Tullamore. The police are investigating, and cannot exclude a targeted crime although the motive remains unclear. Parishioners expect up to €70,000 will be needed to renew the windows and enhance security.

Obscene Vandalism on Salerno Church

October 31, 2018, Italy

Vandals sprayed a phallic symbol in foam next to the Madonna on the bronze door of the church of Santa Maria a Mare a Mercatello. The priest, who called the act disrespectful and offensive, reported that this was not the first instance of vandalism, as the churchyard is a frequent target of vandals. Both the priest and the parishioners were upset and discussed closing the churchyard and installing security cameras in the area.

Three Windows of Village Church Destroyed

October 30, 2018, Germany

Unknown perpetrators smashed three stained glass windows with stones between the 28th and 30th of October. The Hamminkeln police began an investigation.

Christian Group Ordered to Pay for Extra Security at Oxford Event

October 29, 2018, United Kingdom

Oxford students voted to ban Christian Concern from hosting its Wilberforce Academy residential conference at Lady Margaret Hall, calling the group a “real threat to the physical and mental safety of students.” The college, however, said it would permit the group to use its facilities provided that it paid for extra security. A college spokesperson said that Christian Concern's "opposition to abortion, Islam and LGBTQ+" rights would lead to protests so it needed to pay "additional security costs."

"Rainbow Friday" May Violate Polish Constitution and Education Law

October 26, 2018, Poland

For the third year in a row, more than 200 schools across Poland participated in "Rainbow Friday," a campaign to celebrate and promote acceptance of LGBT issues. The Ordo Iuris Institute for Legal Culture examined whether such an addition to the school curriculum violated the education law and interfered with the constitutionally protected rights of parents to direct the education of their children. It encouraged parents who objected to their children's participation in the program to inform the schools of their wishes, and to report violations if their children are compelled to attend.

Repeated Incidents of Vandalism at Santiago de Compostela Church

October 24, 2018, Spain

At night, the church of Santa Susana in Santiago de Compostela is reportedly frequented by young people who use the dimly lit corners of the church as urinals. Additionally nearly all the windows have been smashed in and graffiti covers the exterior of the church.

Scottish Campaign calls Believers 'Bigots'

October 22, 2018, United Kingdom

An anti-hate crime campaign One Scotland, launched in September 2018 by the Scottish police and government, includes a poster directed toward religious believers which reads (in part), “Dear Bigots, you can’t spread your religious hatred here. End of sermon. Yours, Scotland.” Other posters in the campaign were directed toward 'transphobes' and 'homophobes.' Critics of the campaign have noted that it singles out religious believers and calls them bigots without any qualification, and it is based on a political ideology which discriminates against those who hold traditional views.

Second Church Arson in a Month in Heroldsbach

October 21, 2018, Germany

For the second time in a month, a fire was set in the St. Michael church in Heroldsbach. A witness noticed the fire around 5:45pm on Sunday, the 21st of October and called the authorities. The fire brigade was able to quickly extinguish the fire and prevent further damage. An intentional fire had been set in the same church on September 16th. The criminal police of Bamberg continued the investigation into both fires and continued to seek witnesses.