All cases

"Your mere presence is causing people harassment"

February 10, 2025, United Kingdom

Christian charity volunteer Isabel Vaughan-Spruce has again been targeted by police for standing silently in a buffer zone. This time, police officers told her that her 'mere presence' was causing 'harassment' and therefore prohibited behaviour in the area. Buffer zone laws in the UK continue to allow serious attacks on basic human rights.

Two churches in Wurzen attacked with arson

February 9, 2025, Germany

On 9 February, two churches in Wurzen were set on fire by unknown perpetrators. Fortunately, in both cases police officers were able to extinguish the fires before any major damage was done. However, the total damage at both locations is estimated at around 2,000 euros. The police are now investigating the attacks.

Arson and vandalism on Marigliano church

February 7, 2025, Italy

A 40-year-old man was arrested after a serious attack on a church in Marigliano on 7 February. The man set fire to the church door and destroyed several statues and furnishings in the churchyard. After a rapid investigation, police were able to identify and arrest the suspect.

Arson and vandalism at parish premises in Genoa

February 7, 2025, Italy

On 7 February, the police and fire brigade were called to the parish centre next to the church of Santa Maria dei Servi in Genoa. The authorities found a piece of wooden furniture set on fire and several blasphemous phrases and swastikas written on the walls. The police are now investigating the attack.

Church organ vandalised twice in two months

February 6, 2025, Germany

After a first episode of vandalism of the organ of the Holy Cross Catholic Church in Bretten-Büchig in December 2024, a similar attack took place earlier this month. In both cases, an unknown perpetrator poured a large amount of liquid over the organ, causing around €6000 worth of damage. The church remained closed for several days after the incident.

French municipality faces legal battle over displaying nativity scene

February 5, 2025, France

In December 2024, the town of Beaucaire was ordered to remove its nativity scene from the town hall by an administrative court, claiming its display violated secularism laws. Despite the ruling, the mayor refused to comply, resulting in further legal action and the threat of escalating fines. This marks the latest in a series of legal battles over Christian symbols in Beaucaire, which have been ongoing since 2016.

Man sets fire to door of Milan church

February 2, 2025, Italy

On the morning of 2 February, a man set fire to the door of the church of San Martino in Greco in Milan. A passer-by quickly noticed the fire and called the authorities, who quickly put out the threat. Police are now searching for the suspect.

UK imposes VAT on private education: Christian schools forced to close

February 1, 2025, United Kingdom

A UK policy change imposing VAT on private school fees came into force in January 2025, forcing schools to pay 20% of tuition fees to the Treasury. Many Christian schools, already operating on tight budgets, face closure or fee increases, reducing parental choice in education. Critics argue that the reform unlawfully discriminates against faith-based education and violates international rights protections.

Decapitated statue of Mary

January 30, 2025, Germany

Unknown perpetrators have damaged a statue of the Madonna in a chapel in Wasserburg am Inn in Upper Bavaria.

Christian Prayer App "Hallow" Threatened by EU Regulations

January 30, 2025, European Institutions (EU, ECHR, et.al.)

The Christian prayer app "Hallow", which reached number one on Apple's App Store in 2024, is now struggling to operate in the EU. CEO Alex Jones has expressed concern that strict regulations are effectively shutting down religious apps, raising concerns about digital religious freedom.

Two arson attacks on church in Jerez

January 26, 2025, Spain

On the night of 25 January, an attempt to set fire to one of the entrances to the church of San Miguel in Jerez was quickly smothered by the local population. However, just a few hours later, on the morning of 26 January, another fire was set at another door, this time requiring the intervention of the fire brigade. The police are now investigating both incidents.

Polish Petition Aims to Ban Minors From Receiving Confession

January 24, 2025, Poland

In October 2024, actor and activist Rafał Betlejewski launched a petition to ban children and teenagers under 18 from receiving the sacrament of confession. After gathering just over 13,000 signatures, the proposal is now being debated in the lower house of the Polish parliament.

Woman set fire to the Holy Scriptures

January 23, 2025, Poland

On 23 January, a 43-year-old woman set fire to a Bible in a church in Kępno and threw a vase and candles from the altar.

Another attack on a church in the Sardinia region

January 23, 2025, Italy

On the night of 23 January, unknown assailants vandalised the church of San Francesco in Oristano. The Christian community in Sardinia has suffered numerous attacks on religious sites in recent weeks. The police are now investigating all the incidents.

Sacrilegious theft in Sarajevo

January 21, 2025, Bosnia and Herzegovina

On 21 January, unknown assailants broke into the convent church of the Sisters of Charity of St Vinka in the centre of Sarajevo and stole the vessel monstrance the large consecrated host, scattering the other smaller ones in the sanctuary. Several other items were also stolen.

Facade of convent vandalised with pro-abortion tags

January 20, 2025, France

On 20 January, the façade of the Grande Bretèche convent, home to the Dominican Sisters of the Presentation, was vandalised with pro-abortion inscriptions in a repeat of a similar attack last year. This is the second year in a row that the convent has been vandalised after hosting a pro-life event.

Islamist Bomb threats to church in Palencia

January 18, 2025, Spain

Two Islamist bomb threats against a church via a Telegram group caused great concern and prompted the immediate deployment of security forces in the city of Palencia.

School counsellor sacked for promoting Christian views on marriage

January 16, 2025, United Kingdom

Gozen Soydag, who was sacked from a Catholic school in February 2023 for publicly promoting traditional Christian beliefs on marriage, has received news that the court has rejected all her claims. Ms Soydag will appeal the decision as she feels she is being discriminated against because of her faith.

"Low-status" prisoners in Belarus banned from religious practice

January 16, 2025, Belarus

In a growing assault on religious freedom, several prisoners in Belarus are being denied any contact with religious services or members of the clergy because they are considered 'low status'. The ban even prevents them from possessing religious literature or devotional objects.

Figure of Jesus vandalised and thrown in the garbage

January 15, 2025, Poland

On the night of 14-15 January, unknown offenders committed an act of vandalism in the cemetery of the Parish of the Nativity of St John the Baptist in Tychy-Cielmice, Poland. The oak cross was destroyed with an axe, and the figure of Jesus was removed from the cross, smashed and thrown into a rubbish bin. The police are now investigating.

UPDATE: £7,500 PROSECUTION COSTS FOR HOLDING BIBLE VERSE SIGN

January 15, 2025, United Kingdom

On 15 January 2025, the Crown Court rejected Stephen Green's appeals and confirmed his guilty verdict. The Christian preacher will now have to pay more than £7,500 in fines and prosecution costs for silently holding a Bible verse.

Occult vandalism at Lyndhurst church

January 15, 2025, United Kingdom

On 15 January, a severed deer head was found on the porch of St Michael and All Angels Church in Lyndhurst. A similar incident occurred at the same church four years ago.

Teacher Sacked for Christian Beliefs Appeals Tribunal Decision

January 14, 2025, United Kingdom

Ben Dybowski, a teaching assistant in Wales, was sacked after expressing his Christian views during a school seminar on diversity. Although the Education Workforce Council found no wrongdoing, an employment tribunal rejected his claim of harassment. He is now appealing the decision, raising concerns about the treatment of Christian teachers in Europe.

Second attack on Rennes Basilica within days

January 13, 2025, France

Following the destruction of a statue of the Virgin Mary a few days ago, unknown perpetrators have again vandalised the Saint-Aubin Basilica in Rennes. This time, a statue of the baby Jesus was found decapitated. The city of Rennes is facing a serious wave of hate crimes against Christians.

Nativity scene destroyed in Persico Dosimo

January 12, 2025, Italy

On the night of 11 January, unknown perpetrators seriously damaged a nativity scene in the churchyard of the Dosimo parish church. Several figures were smashed to pieces, a gesture that caused great indignation among the local population.

Church vandalised and statue destroyed in Rennes Basilica

January 12, 2025, France

Unknown perpetrators have destroyed a statue of Mary in the Saint-Aubin Basilica in Rennes. Attacks on religious symbols are a growing concern in the region.

Repeated vandalism of Salò nativity scene

January 9, 2025, Italy

Unknown persons have vandalised the nativity scene set up by the fire brigade for the local community. The vandals not only damaged the nativity scene, but also urinated on the scene and set off a firecracker in the middle of the hay.

Two arson attacks on Valledoria church in 4 days

January 8, 2025, Italy

The Church of Christ the King in Valledoria has been attacked twice in a very short period of time. The first arson attack took place during the celebration of mass on 5 January, and the second only a few days later, on 8 January.

Catholic teacher fired for upholding traditional Christian values

January 8, 2025, Austria

In Austria, a Catholic teacher has been banned from teaching for two years after being sacked for defending traditional moral values at public demonstrations. The teacher was also ordered to pay €24,000 in legal costs.

Unknown perpetrators vandalise religious figures

January 7, 2025, Germany

On the afternoon of 7 January, unknown perpetrators broke into the church of St. Francis Hochdahl in Erkhart. A leg of a religious figure, one of the Three Magi, disappeared and the burglars knocked over several other figures. Police are now investigating and looking for suspects.

Priest receives letter threatening parishioners

January 6, 2025, Italy

In early January, the priest of the San Giovanni Battista parish in Siniscola received a letter containing threats against two of his parishioners. The case is now being investigated by the police.

Fire set to nativity scene in Ingolstadt

January 5, 2025, Germany

A nativity scene was burned and vandalised in the Catholic church of St Pius in Ingolstadt. The parish priest reported that "the stable was thrown over down and one figure was completely burnt".

Figure of the Infant Jesus stolen from nativity scene in Aprilia

January 4, 2025, Italy

On 4 January, a figure of the Infant Jesus disappeared from the nativity scene set up by the Agroverde Neighbourhood Committee in a public park. "A gesture that deeply offends the sense of community and the faith of many people," said the committee and further stated: "It is an act of vandalism that demonstrates a total lack of respect for the traditions, symbols and religious feelings of many people."

Nativity scene in front of Roncoferraro church vandalised

December 31, 2024, Italy

On the night of New Year's Eve, unknown people destroyed the nativity scene on the square of the Roncoferraro church. The vandals tore to pieces almost all of the particular figures depicting the nativity and scattered the fragments in the surrounding garden. This is not the first time that similar episodes have occurred.

Police prevents terrorist attack on Elche Basilica

December 31, 2024, Spain

Spanish police have foiled a terrorist attack just before Christmas. Four suspects aged between 14 and 17 were arrested on 19 December during a raid in the city of Elche. The group is accused of planning an Islamist terrorist attack on a Christian church.

Sanctuary vandalised with fireworks in Ribordone

December 31, 2024, Italy

On New Year's Eve, unknown vandals caused extensive damage to the exterior walls of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Loreto in Ribordone. Locals are calling for more security measures as this isolated church is frequently vandalised.

Three suspects arrested after shooting at Istanbul church association

December 30, 2024, Turkey

Three suspects have been arrested following a shooting at the Association of Salvation Churches in Istanbul. On 30 December, three gunmen arriving in a commercial vehicle opened fire at the association's building in the Cekmekoy district on the Asian side of Istanbul.

Image of Infant Jesus destroyed in Valencia

December 30, 2024, Spain

The Nativity Scene of Cullera, in the Valencian Community, has been vandalised with the destruction of an image of the Infant Jesus.

Arson on previously attacked church in Regnano

December 29, 2024, Italy

On 29 December, the back wall of the parish house in Regnano was set on fire. Only two weeks earlier, the door to the bell tower of the church had also been vandalised and destroyed.

Vandalism and fireworks set off in church

December 28, 2024, Germany

A church in Lilienthal, Germany, was vandalised on 28 December. The offenders entered the unlocked church building and set off fireworks, among other things. They also damaged several organ pipes.

Nativity scene in Roque-Gageac set on fire

December 28, 2024, France

A nativity scene set up by the local council in the village of Dordogne burnt down on the night of Friday 27 to Saturday 28 December. Although investigations are still underway, the mayor strongly suspects that the fire was deliberately set.

Theft of tabernacle

December 26, 2024, Germany

On 26 December, the tabernacle was stolen from the church of St Joseph parish in Kollnau. The perpetrators, who are still unknown, stole the locked tabernacle from the choir of the church.

Man enters church on Christmas Day shouting “Allah Akbar”

December 25, 2024, France

On Wednesday 25 December, just before 5pm, a man entered the church of Saint-Louis in Saint-Germain-en-Laye (Yvelines) shouting "Allah Akbar".

Church soiled with urine and cigarette butts on Christmas Eve

December 24, 2024, Italy

On the night of 24 December, in the small church of San Rocco in Malpaga di Orzinuovi, near Brescia, the floor and chairs were covered in cigarette butts and urine. Nothing was stolen.

Church wall damaged by explosives

December 24, 2024, Italy

On Christmas Eve, 24 December, the church of Sant'Antonio Abate was the target of an act of vandalism. Unknown persons set off fireworks on the side of the sacred building, causing considerable damage. The explosion tore off part of the frame, and debris was found scattered on the ground.

Church in Waltrop repeatedly hit by vandalism

December 21, 2024, Germany

St Peter's Church in Waltrop has been plagued by vandalism: There have been repeated cases of damage, people urinating in the church, leaving faeces or breaking beer bottles. Not only are the church doors currently closed outside of service times, but the nativity scene has also been moved.

Theft of nativity scene figures

December 20, 2024, United Kingdom

On 20 December, it was reported that all the figures - Mary, Joseph, animals and the Infant Jesus - were missing from the nativity scene next to the church in Tunbridge, Wales.

Destruction of the Passion Cross in Krosno

December 19, 2024, Poland

In the Sanctuary of St John Paul II in Krosno, the Passion Cross and the figure of Jesus Christ hanging from it were desecrated on 19 December. The vandalism was particularly brutal, and the figure was broken into many fragments.

14-year-olds arrested for vandalising cemetery

December 19, 2024, Poland

Between 9 and 19 December, a series of acts of vandalism took place at the Central Cemetery in Szczecin. The perpetrators damaged tombstones, demolished graves, spilled wax from lighted candles and smashed them against tombstones. Two 14-year-olds were arrested for desecration.

Metz Nativity Scene Vandalised: Statues of Mary and Joseph beheaded

December 17, 2024, France

The figures of Mary and Joseph have been beheaded in a vandalism attack on the nativity scene in front of the Metz train station, the city authorities announced on 17 December. According to the town hall, an investigation is underway to find the perpetrators. A complaint has been lodged.

Desecration of graves with satanic symbols: Ritual motives "not ruled out"

December 17, 2024, Spain

In Seville town of El Viso del Alcor, the desecration of four coffins in the municipal cemetery on December 17 is being investigated. Authorities and specialists do not rule out ritual motivations. In Spain, an increase in attacks on Christian cemeteries is reported for 2024.

Vandalism: Withington church spray-painted

December 16, 2024, Ireland

St Peter's Church in Withington was vandalised on 16 December, with the door and interior sprayed with paint. Police officers described the damage as 'shocking and irreparable'.

Fire at Christian centre, suspected arson by left-wing extremists

December 15, 2024, Germany

As reported on 15 December, a pile of rubbish and bulky waste caught fire at the back of a building housing the Bremen police and the local Free Church welfare office. Left-wing extremists claimed responsibility and expressed hostility towards the Pentecostal Church.

Ban on funeral processions in Manduria

December 15, 2024, Italy

The mayor of Manduria, Gregorio Pecoraro, has approved an ordinance banning walking funeral processions. A local councillor is challenging the ban, saying it restricts religious freedom.

Nativity figurines disappeared

December 14, 2024, Italy

The statues of Mary and the ox disappeared from the nativity scene in front of the church of San Michele Arcangelo and Santa Lucia in Cesa, a hamlet in the municipality of Marciano della Chiana, on December 14.

Desecration of a church with a satanic symbol

December 13, 2024, France

The church of Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption in Guercheville (Seine-et-Marne) was the target of vandalism on the night of 13 December. Parishioners in the village raised the alarm after discovering the symbol 666 with an "S" on the front door.

Figure stolen from nativity scene, damage caused

December 8, 2024, Spain

Seven youths were reported in Santa Coloma for trying to steal the figure of the Virgin Mary from the municipal nativity scene at 4am on 8 December, causing damage. They fled after being surprised by the Town Hall guard and the night watchmen, but were identified a short time later in Sant Carles street.

Church in Bordeaux Vandalised Once Again

December 3, 2024, France

As reported on December 3, the Saint-Éloi church in Bordeaux suffered significant damage after a burglary and vandalism estimated at 10,000 euros, with a safe broken and stained glass windows behind the high altar damaged. In June, the church was tagged during a feminist march in the Gironde.

Acid instead of wine in the chalice

December 1, 2024, Italy

The Sunday mass in the church of Sant'Andrea on 1 December ended in hospital for a priest in the northern Italian community of Zignago - there was acid in the chalice instead of wine. The mass was interrupted and the congregation called the emergency services.

Two teens arrested for church vandalism causing £15,000 of damage

November 24, 2024, United Kingdom

Two teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of causing more than £15,000 of damage to the Grade II listed St Margaret's Church in Bowers Gifford on 24 November. It was the second time in a month that the church had been vandalised.

Fire set in Walldorf Church

November 15, 2024, Germany

Unknown persons threw several burning strips of paper into the basement of the Walldorf church.

French TV channel fined for presenting abortion as cause of death

November 13, 2024, France

On 13th November the French Communications Authority (Arcom) fined a television channel €100,000 for presenting abortion as the "first cause of death" during a Catholic programme.

Statue of Mary destroyed

November 10, 2024, Italy

A statue of Mary outside the local cemetery in Pievesestina, Cesena, has been smashed to pieces.

Pepper spray attack during mass in Prato

November 10, 2024, Italy

Unknown people entered the church of Santa Maria al Soccorso during Sunday mass and sprayed a pungent substance with pepper spray. The parish priest had to interrupt the service and finish celebrating mass outside. The perpetrators have fled.

Priest dies after being physically attacked by robber

November 9, 2024, Poland

A Catholic priest in Poland succumbed to serious injuries in the hospital on November 9 - six days after the physical attack in his parish of St. Albert by the 27-year-old man from Szczytno. The male suspect in this case is in custody, charged with attempted murder. The clergyman was attacked for the purpose of a robbery.

Altar tablecloth set on fire in Schweinfurt church

November 8, 2024, Germany

On November 8, a Tablecloth in the evangelical Church "Am Glockenhof" was set on fire in the afternoon. The fire burned the tablecloth and the diary on it. The damage caused is approximately 80 euros.

Two other churches desecrated

November 8, 2024, France

The churches of Truyes and Lignières-de-Touraine were desecrated and consecrated hosts were stolen. Four other churches in the diocese of Tours suffered identical events in the same week.

Figure of Jesus broken into pieces: Cross in Tarnow Vandalised

November 7, 2024, Poland

On the night of November 7, vandals broke a statue of Christ on the missionary cross in front of the church in Tarnow-Klikowa, into small pieces. Also, the statue's head was stolen. The parish priest and the faithful are convinced that it was a deliberate act of desecration.

Nun physically attacked in church

November 4, 2024, Italy

A nun was brutally attacked near Largo di Torre Argentina in Rome on 4 November. The nun was violently punched and slapped in the face after trying to push away the attacker, who had approached the tabernacle in a suspicious manner.

Fire set to Mannheim Church

November 3, 2024, Germany

On 3 November, an unknown person set fire to objects inside the Twelve Apostles Church in Mannheim, spreading to the carpet and a wooden table. The fire was extinguished before it spread further into the church building.

Fire set at the church doors

November 1, 2024, Italy

On the night of October 31, a fire damaged the entrance door of the Church of St. Francis of Assisi in Quartu.

"Disturbing vandalism: Joyrider rammed into church gate

November 1, 2024, Ireland

A person driving a car rammed into the gate leading to St Patrick's Catholic Church in Ahane, causing extensive damage to the gate.

Attempted arson in the church in Marseburg

October 31, 2024, Germany

Police have arrested the suspect in an attempted arson attack on a church in Mersenburg. The man is believed to have set fire to plastic objects in the toilet area.

New UK Buffer Zone Bill restricts silent prayer near abortion clinics

October 31, 2024, United Kingdom

On 31 October 2024, Section 9 of the Public Order Act 2023 (POA) came into force, introducing new restrictions on freedom of expression and religion within the so-called 'buffer zones' around abortion clinics in England and Wales.

Sacred objects stolen from church

October 30, 2024, Italy

Two wooden and brass crucifixes, a brass incense holder and a diary in the sacristy of the Church of Maria Santissima del Pane in Novoli were stolen on the night of 30 October.

Vandalism at Basildon church

October 28, 2024, United Kingdom

An incident of vandalism at St. Margarets Church in Bowers Gifford took place on October 28. The church sustained damage to various parts of the building including the roof, porch and stained-glass window.

Desecration and theft of hosts in Calvados

October 27, 2024, France

On October 27, the tabernacle of the Notre-Dame de Vire church in Calvados was broken into and the ciboires, as well as the consecrated hosts, stolen.

Prayer books set on fire on the altar

October 27, 2024, France

On 27 October, someone set fire to a dozen prayer books on the altar of the church of Chamalières-sur-Loire, causing a huge smoke cloud in the building.

Satanist tags on three churches

October 26, 2024, Ukraine

On the night of 26 October, three churches in Ternopol, Ukraine, were covered with Satanist tags, most of which read "666".

Religious statues vandalised

October 23, 2024, Germany

Unknown persons have damaged figures of St Bernadette and St Mary in front of the church in Venningen on October 23. A hand was cut off and the heads damaged. The figures are part of an implied Lourdes grotto next to the car park in front of the church.

"Ave Satan" painted on Church

October 22, 2024, Poland

On the night of October 22-23, the inscription "Ave Satan" was painted on the historic wall of the Holy Trinity Church in Kwidzyn. A 44-year-old man, known to local police for other crimes, was detained. However, he did not admit guilt.

Nativity scene set on fire at the Baptist church in Lechlade

October 22, 2024, United Kingdom

Between 10pm and 10.30pm on Tuesday 22 October, a shed at Lechlade Baptist Church in Sherbourne Street was set alight. The fire destroyed a Christmas display and caused damage to nearby benches and plants. Police are investigating.

Theft and desecration of consecrated hosts

October 20, 2024, France

On 20 October, someone broke into the church of Saint-Nicolas de Montigny and stole the chalice containing the consecrated host. Other consecrated hosts were scattered on the floor.

Theft of consecrated hosts

October 19, 2024, France

On the night of October 19, the church of Saint-Éloi Matigny in Somme was fractured and desecrated, the cup that contains the hosts has been stolen from the tabernacle.

BRITISH COURT CONDEMNS ARMY VETERAN FOR PRAYING IN HIS THOUGHTS

October 16, 2024, United Kingdom

Adam Smith-Connor has been found guilty of praying silently in an abortion 'buffer zone'. The controversial decision confirms serious restrictions on freedom of religion and even thought UK 'buffer zone' legislation.

Statue beheaded and replaced with Nazi photos

October 12, 2024, Poland

On 27 September, in Witaszyce, an unknown person cut off the head of the statue of Mary in a forest shrine. On October 12, five photos of the faces of Nazi soldiers were placed inside the shrine.

250kg mountain cross disappeared

October 12, 2024, Spain

The cross in honour of the mountaineers who died on the summit of Udalatx since 1971 has disappeared and its base has been sawn off, with a small saw and a written message mocking the symbol left on the stump. The cross, which was located between the border of Gipuzkoa and Bizkaia, weighed 250 kilos and was ten metres high.

Christian street preacher injured by assailant and arrested by police

October 10, 2024, United Kingdom

Christian pastor Dia Moodley was arrested and detained for 13 hours by Avon and Somerset Police after preaching about Christianity and Islam outside Bristol University during Ramadan in March.

UPDATE: Ireland's "buffer zone" law comes into force

October 10, 2024, Ireland

In October 2024, Ireland implemented a "buffer zone" law that prohibits any conduct that could "influence" abortion decisions within 100 metres of clinics. The law also restricts speech on private property near public areas, raising concerns about restrictions on religious freedom.

Theft and arson attack on a church in Melrand

October 6, 2024, France

The region of Melrand, France, has witnessed several attacks on Christian sites in recent years. The most recent occurred on 2 October, when unknown assailants stole several items and started a fire inside the church, which was quickly extinguished.

Man arrested for plotting church attack in Bergamo

October 4, 2024, Italy

On 4 October, a 22-year-old Egyptian man was arrested in Bergamo for spreading radical Islamist views on the internet and planning to blow up a church in the centre of Bergamo. Investigations revealed that he was planning to attack priests and other Christians.

Church attacked after postings inciting violence against Christians

October 3, 2024, Austria

On the morning of 3 October, a group of masked individuals used climbing equipment to scale the balustrade of St Charles Church in Vienna and remove a banner promoting the March for Life. Left-wing extremist groups are suspected of having damaged the property of the Karlskirche over a long period of time and of having verbally abused and threatened the elderly priest.

Church in Metz burglarised and desecrated

October 2, 2024, France

The church of Sainte-Famille in Metz was broken into and desecrated during the night of 2 October. Unknown perpetrators broke in through large windows, damaged and stole different objects and desecrated the tabernacle.

Vandalism in Rheydt's St Mary's Church

September 27, 2024, Germany

On September 27, unknown perpetrators knocked over the baptismal font of holy water, the ornate bronze dome and the font bowl in St Mary's Church in Mönchengladbach. Wax from the candles was scattered all over the church and flowers were thrown into the rubbish bins.

Head of statue of Mary torn off

September 27, 2024, Poland

An unknown perpetrator desecrated Cyranowska shrine at Karol Olszewski Square in Mielec, as reported on September 27. According to a witness to the incident, the glass of the chapel's cavity was broken, a statue of Mary was pulled out and its head was torn off.

Church in Neunkirchen devestated

September 26, 2024, Germany

As reported on September 26, the protestant church in Neunkirchen has been devastated. Vandals tore up hymn books and destroyed the altar Bible and other property. This is the second incident at the Protestant Johanneskirche in Neunkirchen.

Church hit by several attempted arsons

September 26, 2024, France

As reported on 26 September, the church of Miribel les Echelles in Isère - the church of Miribel les Echelles in Isère, which was deliberately damaged by fire last year, has suffered two further arson attacks. It has since been closed to the public while an investigation is carried out into the perpetrators of these repeated acts of vandalism.

Church Facade vandalised

September 24, 2024, Italy

The church of Santa Lucia was vandalised. The first 3 letters of Santa Lucia have been torn off. "We discovered the serious sacrilegious act this morning", said the president of the Guild of Masons of Santa Lucia, Franco Spiga, "after untying part of the writing, they threw it to the ground and tore it to pieces".

UPDATE: Controversial Irish Hate Speech Law Dropped

September 22, 2024, Ireland

After intense debate, the controversial 'hate speech' bill in Ireland was dropped in September 2024. The proposed legislation was seen as too vague and a serious threat to free speech.

St. Luc Church in Brest Desecrated: Tabernacle set on Fire

September 21, 2024, France

On Saturday 21 September 2024, a serious act of vandalism took place in the chapel of Saint-Luc church in Brest. The tabernacle on the altar was smashed and then set on fire. As a result, the church will remain closed to the public until 2 October.