All cases
Arson and vandalism at parish premises in Genoa
February 7, 2025, ItalyOn 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, GermanyAfter 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.
Repeated vandalism of roadside chapel in Laudermark
February 6, 2025, NetherlandsOn 6 February, unknown offenders vandalised a roadside chapel in Laudermark with polyurethane foam, causing extensive damage. According to the local parish, this is the second time in a short period of time that this public Christian symbol has been vandalised.
French municipality faces legal battle over displaying nativity scene
February 5, 2025, FranceIn 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.
Religious painting vandalised at cultural centre in Dydnia
February 3, 2025, PolandSometime between 31 January and 3 February, unknown offenders vandalised a historic painting depicting St Michael the Archangel, whose face was covered with yellow and dark brown paint. The painting was on display at the Municipal Cultural Centre in Dydnia.
Man sets fire to door of Milan church
February 2, 2025, ItalyOn 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 KingdomA 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, GermanyUnknown 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, SpainOn 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.