All cases
Vandalism in Miesenbacher Chapel in Ruhpolding
January 12, 2015, GermanyThe Daily "Traunsteiner Tagblatt“ of Bavaria reported on January 12, 2015, an incident of vandalism in the Miesenbacher Kapelle in Ruhpolding (Chiemgau). Vandals threw blessed liturgical candles around and hit a statue of the Virgin Mary with a statue of the baby Jesus, breaking the hands of the Jesus figure.
Desecration of Tabernacle in Chapel in Barbizon
January 10, 2015, FranceAn incident of desecration took place in the chapel of Barbizon, near Fontainebleau. Vandals broke open the door of the tabernacle, which is the place where the consecrated wine and host are kept. Both religious items, which carry significant meaning for Catholics, were thrown on the ground. Nothing was stolen.
Journalists’ Association Displays Anti-Christian Bias
January 10, 2015, CroatiaA Croatian journalist was reprimanded by her professional association for calling abortion murder in an online article. While anti-Christian expressions are generally accepted as "a matter of style“, her Christian-inspired opinion was not tolerated.
Profanation and Devastation of Statue of Mary in Perugia
January 9, 2015, ItalyA statue of the Virgin Mary was vandalized by a group of North-African immigrants with a Muslim background, according to locals. The parish priest of St. Barnaba, Fr. Alessandro Scarda, recounted: “They broke the statue in two pieces, and they then kicked it as if it was a ball. Afterward, they urinated onto the pieces.” The people of the parish gathered the remains of the statue, cleaned and glued them. The small statue was put back at its original location. The parishioners have gathered to pray at the statue after the vandalism. The police are investigating to confirm the identity and the background of the perpetrators. Muslim organizations and public figures have condemned the act.
Desecration and Theft of the Church Notre-Dame-des-Marais in Montluel
January 8, 2015, FranceUnknown perpetrators profanated a tabernacle. A chalice and consecrated hosts were stolen. Police was notified about the devastation, but the perpetrators remain unknown. The following Sunday morning Mass in the church had to be moved to the neighboring town of Dagneux. The Notre-Dame-des-Marais church had to be closed for five days.
Muslim Devastated the Church of Santa Maria Assunta in Cles/Trento
January 3, 2015, ItalyWhile entering the church, a Moroccan-origin Muslim was yelling in Arabic phrases from the Koran. Then he destroyed five religious statues and other religious objects in the church causing severe damage. Eventually, the 67 years old male was arrested by the Police and is now facing criminal charges.
Lifesize Calvary Scene Statues Overthrown in Cabourg
January 1, 2015, FranceLifesize statues of a calvary scene behind a church in Cabourg (Calvados) were vandalized in the night between December 31, 2014 and January 1, 2015. The statues of Mary and St. John were over thrown and found lying on the ground. The statues had been recently renovated.
Topless Protester Lifts Baby Jesus From Vatican Nativity Scene
December 25, 2014, InternationalA woman of the activist group Femen disrupted the nativity scene in St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City. The topless woman had ‘God is a Woman’ written on her torso. She stole a figurine of baby Jesus which had been unveiled by the pope the day before. The woman rushed to the manger in the center of the square, grabbed the Jesus figurine, and raised it above her head while shouting slogans against the Catholic Church. Police intervened.
Devastation of the Nativity Scene in Pecq
December 25, 2014, FranceThe Nativity Scene at the parish church of St. Wandrille in Pecq was severely vandalized by unknown perpetrators. The Holy Family and the cradle were stolen.
Church in Aisne Vandalized and Desecrated
December 25, 2014, FranceThe Church of St. Hilary of Berry-au-Bac in Aisne was devastated by vandals. The perpetrators have not only stolen valuable things, but also vandalized, defiled and profaned holy items of the church, including the church's tabernacles. The vandals remain unknown.
Rioting at Christmas Service at Catholic Church in Rheydt
December 24, 2014, GermanyFour children and one teenager rioted at a Christmas service at Our Lady’s Catholic church in Rheydt close to Mönchengladbach. They entered the service and yelled: „Scheiß-Christen“ (shit Christians). Several news outlets reported that the congregation had identified the youth as young Muslims.
Wayside Cross Motersawed by Muslim
December 22, 2014, AustriaAn old wayside crucifix with corpus was cut down with a motor saw in Groß-Enzersdorf, Lower Austria. A Muslim of Egyptian origin whose property was located close to the cross said that he it had „annoyed him“. The cross had been a destination for pilgrimages for over 60 years.
Services in St. Stephan’s Cathedral Interrupted by Protest
December 8, 2014, AustriaWhen Cardinal Schönborn was about to read the gospel in the liturgy of festivity of December 8th in St. Stephan’s cathedral, a performance artist stepped in front of the altar for a minute of silence dressed in read. Afterwards he marched out of the church together with about 20 activists to hand out leaflets picturing a nacked nun eating icecream to protest celibacy. Police investigate on grounds of a violation of freedom of religious practice.
Image of Virgin Mary Burnt in Cordoba
December 4, 2014, SpainThe image of Virgin Mary was completely destroyed by a fire in the chapel of San Sebastian Hospital in Palma del Rio. Evidence suggests that the fire was intentionally caused by arsonist, because nothing else got burnt. However, the mayor reminded people that it may have been the result of an unfortunate accident due to wiring. Many local faithful could not stop tears, because the image, an object of faithful adoration, was one of the oldest in Palma del Rio.
Christmas Market Named “Winter Festival” by Law in Kreuzberg, Berlin
November 30, 2014, European Institutions (EU, ECHR, et.al.)Local Parliament in Kreuzberg district of Berlin states that "The district office agrees upon a principle that, there is no permission to be granted for the events of religious communities in the public space". As a result, the previously called "Weihnnachtmarkt" (Christmas market) is from now on to be called "Winterfest" (winter festival).
Organized Campaign Against Building Religious Schools in Madrid
November 28, 2014, SpainA group of people organized a campaign against building religious schools in Spain and painted slogans "Your education - our destruction” on walls of the church of Santa Monica in Rivas Vaciamadrid. Moreover, some protesters in green jerseys (as a symbol of public schools) broke into the church with praying people to express their opinion. Local right-wing party PP decalred that it was another example of the radical atmosphere in the town.
Topless Protest in the Strasbourg Cathedral against Visit of Pope in the European Parliament
November 25, 2014, FranceAn activist of the feminist group “Femen” climbed the altar in Strasbourg's cathedral topless and waved the EU flag. The words “Anti-Secular Europe,” were written across her breasts, and “The Pope is Not a Politician” on her back.
Femen Vandalizes a Madrid Cemetery
November 20, 2014, SpainThe cementry of the Martyrs of Paracuellos del Jarama was vandalized by Spanish group Femen which is famous for physical and verbal agression against Christians. Activists carried signs such as "STOP20N” (the expression for not celebrating the date of death of famous Spanish dictator Francisco Franco and supporting his rule). They also wore slogans "No celebrate fascism” and "Stop fascism canonizing” on their bare torsos. People declared Femen's protest as act of an desecration of the sacred place. http://infocatolica.com/?t=noticia&cod=22550&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=NoticasTw&utm_source=infocatolicatw
Abortion Issue Meets Opposition in Sweden
November 14, 2014, SwedenNew Christian Democrat leader Ebba Busch Thor has reiterated her call for the introduction of a conscience clause, which would enable medical staff to refuse to carry out abortions.
Pensioner Dismissed from Red Cross After Protesting Same-sex Marriage
November 1, 2014, United Kingdom71-years-old Bryan Barkley was dismissed from the British Red Cross after his one-man protest in front of his church holding a placard saying “No same sex marriage” and “No redefinition of marriage”. His views were found incompatible with the principles of impartiality and neutrality of Red Cross.
Anti-Church Exhibit in Madrid Museum
October 29, 2014, SpainThe Spanish museum of modern and contemporary art exhibits a rather peculiar piece: matches with a sign reading “The only church that illuminates is a burning one". This slogan had also been painted by vandals on the walls of the churches all over the country. The matches also say: "Contribute!" and there is a picture of a church in flames on the box of matches.
Islamist Graffiti on a Monastery in Kosovo
October 13, 2014, KosovoA graffiti in support of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and the Albanian National Army (AKSh) appeared on the gate of monastery Visoki Decani in Kosovo on 13th October early in the morning. Another such graffiti were found on some of the buildings inside the compound of the medieval monastery protected by UNESCO.
Internat’l Human Trafficking Conference Cancelled Because Organizer Is Christian Abortion Opponent
October 12, 2014, SwedenAn international conference about human rights and human trafficking in Sweden and Europe was cancelled three days before it was supposed to take place by the Uppsala University. The reason was an article published in the Swedish newspaper "Aftonbladet" exposing Scandinavian Human Rights Lawyers, and their President, Mrs. Ruth Nordström, as a defender of unborn life and freedom of conscience.
Arson Attack on the Coptic Orthodox Church in Lichtenberg, Berlin
October 6, 2014, GermanyIn the early morning, unknown men pushed and lit a garbage can in front of the entrance of the Church of St. Anthony in Lichtenberg in Berlin. The fire spread to the oak door of the church. Fortunately, firefighters could prevent the fire from spreading. Nevertheless, the entrance area of the church had been badly damaged.
Priest Hospitalized After Attack During Silent Pro-Family Manifestation in Rovereto
October 5, 2014, ItalyOn Sunday, 5th of October, silent demonstrations against “gay marriage” took place throughout Italy under the name “standing sentinels” (“Sentinelle in Piedi”). During the gathering in Rovereto a group of anarchists demanded that the Sentinels leave and started to attack them. Two people, a priest and a young woman, had to been taken to hospital.
Church Set on Fire in Berlin
October 4, 2014, GermanyA Coptic church in Berlin was set on fire by yet unknown perpetrators in the early morning hours of October 4th. A dustbin was moved to the main door of the church and set on fire. The fire spread from the dustbin to the historical wooden door which was seriously damaged
Threat to Christians in Graffiti in Vienna
October 1, 2014, AustriaA graffiti on the ground on a popular walkers' and bikers' promenade outside Augarten park reads: "Occupy all churches. We will rise." (Besetzt alle Kirchen. We will rise." This is an outright threat to Christians in Vienna.
Bishop Locked into Parish Hall in Grosswarasdorf
September 30, 2014, AustriaÄgidius Zsifkovics, Austrian bishop of the diocese of Eisenstadt was locked into the parish hall of Grosswarasdorf by yet unidentified perpetrators.
Pharmacy in Neukölln Vandalized for Refusal to Sell “Morning-After-Pill”
September 26, 2014, GermanyIn the night from 25th to 26th September a pharmacy in Neukölln was vandalized because of the owner’s refusal to sell the morning after pill. Pharmacist Andreas Kersten refers to reasons of his conscience. The show window and the entrance room were painted all over by red color, the damage amounts to more than 500 Euro.
School Director Criticized for Displaying Madonna at School
September 20, 2014, CroatiaThe Director of a primary school was heavily criticized for displaying a 1,2m high statue of Holy Mary in a hall of his school. It is claimed it infringes the principle of state secularity and the separation of state and church.
Cross Removed from Cemetery's Gate
September 20, 2014, ItalyThe municipality of Crotone has planned replacement of the entrance gate to a cemetery. At this moment there is a new gate but without a cross, officially not to disturb the sensitivity of Muslims and other non-Christian religions.
Attack on Pro-Life Activist during Anti-Concordat Demonstration in Zagreb
September 20, 2014, CroatiaDuring an anti-concordat demonstration organized by the non-governmental organization „The Voice of Reason - A Movement for a Secular Croatia“ on the Flower Square in Zagreb, a counter demonstrator was attacked. Mrs. Ružica Ćavar, who is the President of the Croatian Pro-Life Movement, was carrying a poster expressing her opposition. A man attacked and injured Mrs. Ćavar so that she had to be transported to the hospital for medical treatment. The police arrested the attacker.
Attack Against a Nigerian Christian Woman
September 19, 2014, ItalyA Muslim from Mali living in Italy was arrested for a physical attack at a Christian Nigerian woman in Italy. The Nigerian woman had been threatened with death because she was wearing a chain with a cross, later on she was stabbed and needed to be hospitalized with serious injuries.
Attack at a Church in Berlin and at Christians Assembled in March for Life
September 19, 2014, GermanyA church in Berlin was seriously damaged because it offered its premises for abortion opponents. Also the Christians peacefully assembled at the so called “March for life” – a pro life manifestation in Berlin became targets of variety of attacks. Several German politicians criticized the event and described attending Christians as "religious fundamentalists".
Pro-Life-Activists Called “Conservative Dirt” by German Left Wing Party
September 17, 2014, GermanyThe regional council of the Left party in Türingen (Landesvorstand der Linken Thüringens) called the March for life organized every year by the national association of right to life as „an anti-feminist, anti-emancipatory and conservative dirt“.
Devastation And Profanation of the Church of the Ascension
September 14, 2014, GreeceUnknown vandals broke into the church of the Ascension on the day of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross and devastated it. They destroyed Christian symbols and icons and left the inscription „Eat shit, it’s a treat from Zeus“ on the altar. This shocked local faithful, priests from the church and the couple who saw the incident. Locals appealed to the police to catch the perpetrators.
Devastation of the Church Of Saints Helen And Konstantin in Nafplio
September 14, 2014, GreeceUnknown vandals broke into the church of Saints Helen and Konstantin in Nafplio and totally devastated the sacristy and the courtyard. They damaged stairs and walls of the building and soiled the backyard. Priests appealed to the police to identify the peretrators and asked people to help them.
Vandalism and Death Threats at Church in Leoben
September 2, 2014, AustriaThe Stadtpfarrkirche, the main city parish church, of Leoben was vandalised and damaged in the afternoon of Tuesday, Sept. 2nd. The perpetrators ripped apart paintings, and destroyed crosses and candle holders. The altar was displaced despites its heavy weight, and on the altar cross the writing „death to priests“ was smeared. The parish priest was also personally threatened with the smeared words „Priest go home, otherwise we will burn down your church.“ A woman was identified a few days later who claims that voices told her to vandalize the church.
Marriage Registrar Dismissed for Refusing to Perform Same-sex Ceremony But Subsequently Reinstated
September 1, 2014, United KingdomA Christian registrar was dismissed for indicating she would not be willing to perform same-sex marriages. Finally, she was reinstated after a successful appeal in which it was ruled that her employer had failed to take a “balanced view” of her religious beliefs.
Vandalism of a Statue of Christ in Krems
August 29, 2014, AustriaAn unidentified vandal destroyed a Calvary statue of Christ on the Mount of Olives of 200 kg weight in the Piaristen church in Krems. The damage amounts to 5.000 Euro. A similar act of vandalism took place 9 years ago, when a vandal was caught and condemned by court.
Church in Liege Repeatedly Vandalized
August 26, 2014, BelgiumThe Saint-Pierre Church of the Province and the Diocese of Liege in Belgium was vandalized again. Stones were thrown through the windows of the church breaking ten of them. A trunk with candle offerings was also broken again.
St-Pierre Church in Liege Vandalized Again
August 26, 2014, BelgiumSaint-Pierre Church of the province and the Diocese of Liege in Belgium was vandalized once more. Stones were thrown into the windows of the church and ten of them have been broken. Beside, a trunk with candle offerings was broken into.
Theft of Consecrated Hosts at a Pilgrims’ Hostel in La Roche-sur-Foron
August 17, 2014, FranceThe renowned Christian pilgrims’ hostel Benite-Fontaine in La Roche-sur-Foron in France was burglarized during the night from 16th to 17th August 2014. Bottles of communion wine were drunk and the consecrated hosts were stolen from the tabernacle.
Travelodge Removes Bibles from Hotel Rooms in Britain
August 15, 2014, United KingdomOne of biggest hotel chains in Britain, Travelodge, has decided to remove Bibles from the hotel rooms to avoid upsetting non-Christians. Travelodge bases its decision on ‘diversity reasons’ and explains that the country has become increasingly multicultural.
Christian Asylum Seekers Mobbed by Muslim Aslyum Seekers
August 11, 2014, GermanyChristians seeking asylum in Germany are reported to suffer anti-Christian attacks in homes for asylum seekers. Victims claim to be verbally abused and beaten by Muslim asylum seekers.
Vandalism against Sisters of the Lamb in Béthune
August 9, 2014, FranceOn Saturday, 9th August 2014, nuns of the Dominican Congregation the Sisters of the Lamb discovered that a caravan located in their premises that had been provided by a donor for various projects had been seriously vandalised. All of their tools were scattered on the floor, boxes of nails were overturned, there were several holes drilled in the roof, cabinets were ransacked etc. Books were piled under a bush indicating that the vandals were about to set a fire. Inscriptions on the door (their handwriting) give evidence that the vandals were probably young people.
Muslim Chechens Attack Christian Syrians In Berlin Refugee Camp
August 8, 2014, GermanyAround 100 Muslim Chechens have beaten Christian Syrians in a refugee camp in Berlin, Marienfeld. The motivation apparantly was religious hate. Five Syrians had to go to the hospital with serious injuries. 80 police men were finally able to get the situation under control, eight Chechens were allegedly taken to the police station for identification.
Devastation of the Chapel of Saint Andrew in Kimolos
August 1, 2014, GreeceUnknown vandals broke into the chapel of Saint Andrew in Kimolos, destroyed Christain symbols and icons and totally damaged the altar of the place.
Burglary And Robbery In The Chapel Of Saint Theodore in Tripoli
July 31, 2014, GreeceUnknown vandals broke into the chapel of Saint Theodore in Tripoli and damaged it. Additionally, they stole objects from the altar such as a baptismal font.
(/Northern Ireland) Arson Attack on a Church in North Belfast
July 20, 2014, United KingdomThe Catholic church in Newtownabbey has been a target of several hate crimes already. On July 20th, it was an arson attack. The wooden doors of the church were damaged by flammable liquid.