All cases
Church Vandalised for the Third Time in January
January 29, 2014, FranceThe church of Our Lady of the Assumption in Montceau-les-Mines, France, was vandalised for the third time this month. Dozens of candles were broken and the crib was taken. Clay pots and trees and other items were broken and crushed.
Desecration and Vandalism of Church in Charleville-Mézières
January 29, 2014, FranceDozens of candles were burned and destroyed, three chairs were broken and urine left by vandals in the church of Saint-Remi in Charleville-Mézières. Cans of beer were also left on the floor, curses were written on the guestbook. Obscene drawings were scribbled into the book of prayers.
Serious Desecration of Church in Baden-Württemberg
January 27, 2014, GermanyOn the night of January 27th, a unknown perpetrator broke into the Catholic church, Saint Georges which is located in a district of the city of Freiburg in Breisgau. Using a hammer the perpetrator vandalised the church causing damaged which estimates more than 12,000 euro. The tabernacle was also vandalised and the chalice and consecrated hosts stolen.
Invaluable Relic of Pope John Paul II Stolen from Chapel in the Region of Abruzzo
January 26, 2014, ItalyThieves broke into the church of San Pietro della lenca in the Abruzzo region breaking the protective iron bars and forcing their way in through a window. They left the collection box but took a crucifix and invaluable relic which contains a piece of gauze once soaked in the blood of the late Pope John Paul II.
Chapel Vandalised in Schlierbach, Alsace
January 24, 2014, FranceVandals attacked the Chapel of Our Lady of the Valley of Tears in Schlierbach and damaged the polygonal roof of the small sanctuary. They ripped off and stole copper plates and other pieces of metal.
Church in Haute-Saône Targeted by Vandalism
January 17, 2014, FranceThe Notre-Dame-du-Haut in Haute-Saône, was damaged by vandals who broke a painted window into thousands of pieces. They also damaged the inside of the chapel.
Vandalism at Church of St. Francis in Prato
January 17, 2014, ItalyVandals destroyed a marble font in the courtyard and targeted the Cathedral, where they tried to destroy the century pulpit which is located to the left of the main altar as well as the church of San Pier Fiorelli where a statue depicting St. Joseph was destroyed.
Church in Historic District of Prato in Tuscany Vandalised
January 17, 2014, ItalyA stranger entered the San Pietro church in Prato, Tuscany, and broke a basin and tried unsuccessfully to break another one before fleeing.
Cemetery Desecrated in Bavaria
January 15, 2014, GermanyA cemetery in the district of Pölting in the city of Neumarkt was desecrated. Crosses of several graves were pulled up and put back in upside down. Police suspect that this was done by young Satanists.
Scottish Secularists Want to Curb Churches’ Role in Education
January 14, 2014, United KingdomSecularists in Scotland have called on the government to remove religious representatives from education committees. Under the Local Government Act 1973, local authority education committees are required to appoint three representatives from religious organisations and the Edinburgh Secular Society wants to see a change in the law.
Church Vandalised in Gensac
January 14, 2014, FranceThe windows of the church of Our Lady in Gensac, France, were reported to have been vandalised.
Church of Saint-Georges in French Guyane Repeatedly Desecrated and Vandalised
January 14, 2014, FranceIntruders entered the church of Saint-Georges through a window. They pulled down and destroyed a large statue of Christ on the cross and stole two electric fans. When the sisters came for Mass in the morning they were shocked at what they found. This is the second time this month that the church has been the victim of vandalism.
Midwife Lost Job Because of Her Views on Abortion
January 13, 2014, SwedenA Swedish midwife did not get a job she was promised because of her “wrong view” regarding abortion. The woman who worked at Highland Hospital in Eksjoe was promised summer jobs and other temporary positions after completing further training in January 2014. However, after explaining to the department manager that she was not able to perform abortions because of her faith, she was told she was no longer welcome to take the jobs.
"Anonymous" Hacks Website of Archdiocese of Granada
January 13, 2014, SpainInternet activists "Anonymous,” known for protests against corruption, censorship and undermining the Catholic values, hacked the website of the Archdiocese of Granada.
Theft and Vandalism in Church in Palaia
January 12, 2014, ItalyThe parish church of Villa Saletta in Palaia was devastated by vandals who stole alms and damaged consecrated hosts. They also stole a fold chain that hung around the alter of Our Lady and a chalice from the tabernacle.
Deliberate Arson of a Chapel
January 10, 2014, FranceThe chapel of Aibre, France was found on fire. Police were called to the scene but the doors had already been damaged by the fire. They investigated and found bits of wood used to start the fire as well as remains of a product used to spread the fire more quickly.
Graffiti on Walls of Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Yecla Murcia
January 9, 2014, SpainGraffiti threatening religious freedoms of Christians was spray painted on the walls of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. The words, “Si no nos dejáis abortar, no os dejaremos rezar” (“If you do not let us have an abortion, we will not let you pray”) were written there in addition to different anarchists symbols.
Street Preacher Arrested for Mentioning "Sexual Sin" in Scotland
January 8, 2014, United KingdomTony Miano, a street preacher addressing lunchtime shoppers at Dundee High Street, Scotland, was arrested and held in custody to appear before the Dundee Sheriff Court. He was talking about “sexual sin” including “adultery, promiscuity and homosexual practice”. A woman called the police, who on arrival snatched away the camera of a friend who was filming the preaching and arrested the street preacher.
Church's Main Gate Covered with Graffiti
January 6, 2014, FranceObscene, Satanist and anti-Christian graffiti was spray painted on the church door of Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul in Haute Garonne. The police were notified and collected evidence.
Offensive Behaviour of Homosexual Couples During Religious Celebration
January 6, 2014, GreeceDuring the celebration of Epiphany of Christ in Piraeus, a number of homosexual couples started to kissing each other in oscentatious way, trying to show their protest against Christian morals and teaching. Local faithful and prayers declared themselves offended.
Muslims Distribute Intolerant Writings in Basel
January 4, 2014, SwitzerlandEvery first Saturday of the month, five Muslim men from the Islamic Central Bureau of Switzerland (IZRS) distribute Muslim texts at the Claraplatz in Central Basel. One of the books they distribute, the „Book of Simplified Comment“, suggests to murder Christians and Jews, and to take their money.
Desecration of Altar of Church in Paris
January 4, 2014, FranceA man approached the altar of Saint-Odile Church in Paris and through violent acts desecrated and destroyed the candle holder and hammered down the statue of St Therese of the Child Jesus. He also opened the baptismal fountain and spilled the water used for baptisms. The police were called but they arrived only an hour later after the man had already walked away. Witnesses said that the tall young man looked very determined in his actions.
Four Churches in Spain Targeted with Graffiti and Vandalism
January 3, 2014, SpainFour Catholic churches in Malaga, Spain, were targeted with pro-abortion graffiti and vandalism. Some of the slogans read: “Saca tus rosarios de mis ovarios” (Get your rosaries off my ovaries) and “Maria queria abortar” (Mary wanted to abort) as well as "Iglesia = Dictatura" (Church = dictatorship). Vandals also dropped balloons containing red paint, into a church, which burst and damaged a ceramic alter piece depicting the Virgin Mary.
Nativity Scene in Foligno Targeted by Vandals
January 3, 2014, ItalyThe crib of the Nativity of St. Felicianetto was set on fire. Already several days before, the figure of Baby Jesus had been stolen.
Nativity Scene Vandalised in Hainaut
January 1, 2014, BelgiumA nativity scene set up in front of a church in Belgium was vandalised overnight. A shepherd was dismembered, the figure representing baby Jesus was lying on the ground and Mary and Joseph had be taken away. A fence which had been erected to protect the scene did not deter the vandals.
Member of Parliament Impersonated a Drunk Priest
January 1, 2014, GreeceA member of the Greek Parliament, Vangelis Diamantopoulos, dressed and acted as a drunk priest conducting a burial ceremony for the EU-IMF memorandum at New Year’s carnival in Northern Greece. Archbishop Ieronymos claimed that he was hurt by this behaviour and described the act as foolish.
Crib Scene Destroyed in Badia
December 31, 2013, ItalyA crib scene in the village of Badia was destroyed and heads of several of the figures were severed off.
Graffiti on Church of St. Augustine in Trani
December 30, 2013, ItalyThe front of the Church of St. Augustine in Trani was splattered with paint and the stone lion in the courtyard of the church was spray painted.
Tabernacle Stolen at the Hermitage of Pasico Torre Pacheco
December 30, 2013, SpainThe Hermitage had to close the doors of its church from December 30th, 2013 to January 11th 2014, due to a theft of the tabernacle on the 30th of December.
Nativity Scene in Church in Hungary Vandalised
December 29, 2013, HungaryVandals destroyed figures of the nativity scene from a Lutheran Church located in Szentendre, Hungary, 20 km north of Budapest. In November, a cross was vandalised in the same church.
Series of Anti-Christian Vandalism in North Westfalen
December 28, 2013, GermanyMore than forty acts of vandalism against Christian sites were recorded between September and December around Ibbenbüren, Saerbeck, Hörstel, Hopsten, Mettingen, Tecklenburg and Rheine. Especially large outdoor crosses and statues were targeted. Police think it is likely that the perpetrator is the same in all the cases.
Vandalism of Nursery of Church in Rennes
December 27, 2013, FranceThe nursery of Saint-Germain Rennes was set on fire causing damage to the Church. It was confirmed that the fire was not caused by electric problems.
Nativity Scene Vandalised in Paris
December 27, 2013, FranceThe statues of Mary and Joseph were destroyed in St. Séverin Church nativity scene in Paris.
Nativity Scene in Urbino Set on Fire
December 27, 2013, ItalyA nativity scene which was part of the "streets of cribs of Urbino" was set on fire. The fire caused immediate devastation and there seemed to be multiple ignition points. In addition, the fire destroyed a lamp post and caused pieces of the entrance ceiling to fall down.
Figure of Baby Jesus Destroyed in Ceranova
December 27, 2013, ItalyThe figure of Baby Jesus in the manger which was part of a nativity scene in Ceranova was destroyed. The head and the fingers of one hand were broken off. The pieces of the manger and the figures of Mary and Joseph were carried inside to prevent further vandalism.
Burning Tires in Front of the Church of Misericordia in Reus
December 26, 2013, SpainTires were set on fire in front of the church of Misericordia in Reus, but, before the fire could spread further, neighbors telephoned the fire department and then extinguished the fire themselves, and the damage was contained. The front door of the church was slightly damaged, and the façade was affected by the smoke, but otherwise the sanctuary was unharmed.
Naked Woman on Cologne's Cathedral Main Altar During Christmas Services
December 25, 2013, Germany20-year-old Femen activist Josephine Witt jumped onto the altar of Cologne’s Catholic cathedral during Christmas services on December 25th. Her upper body naked and “I am God“ was written on her chest. Security staff removed her, and Cardinal Meisner continued the liturgy. Many people commented critically, saying that Ms Witt would have had other possibilities of voicing her opposition to the Church.
Graffiti on Faces of Saints in Church in Foggia
December 25, 2013, ItalySatanic shapes and writings such as “Satan lives”, was painted on the faces of the saints and a statue of Mary in the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Foggia.
Christmas Eve Eucharist Interrupted by Feminists in Barcelona
December 24, 2013, SpainA radical group of feminists broke through the midnight mass at the Church of San Felix, Sabadell, Barcelona, with shouts, curses and banners in favour of abortion. They stood at the alter and prevented the priest from continuing celebrating the Eucharist.
Nativity Scene Vandalised in Ancona
December 24, 2013, ItalyThe nativity of Guasco in Ancona was damaged by vandals who destroyed some figures and severed the arm of one of the shepherds.
Nativity Scene Destroyed in Ello
December 24, 2013, ItalyVandals destroyed a nativity scene in Ello during the midnight church service. The figures were all knocked down and some decapitated.
Christmas Advertisement Offensive to Catholics
December 24, 2013, CroatiaThe Croatian telecommunications operator Tele2, in its Christmas advertisement, had a black sheep/goat named Gregor acting as a priest or Church official. For the faithful, this was perceived as a mockery of the Church and its priests.
Aborting to Cancel Christmas Suggested on Facebook
December 23, 2013, FranceA message posted on the facebook page of Femen France calls on “cancelling the birth of Jesus” in order to protest against Christian pro-life campaigns. This message was accompanied by a picture which mimicked a half undressed Mary, the mother of Jesus, having an abortion in front of the Cathedral in Madrid.
Pro-Abortion Activists Disrupt Midnight Mass at the Church of San Félix in Sabadell
December 22, 2013, SpainRoughly 50 pro-abortion activists interrupted Midnight Mass at the church of San Félix in Sabadell. They surrounded the altar shouting and holding up abortion banners. The local authorities were slow to react, and the activists were gone by the time they arrived.
Feminist Desecrates a Church in Paris with a symbolic "abortion" of Christ
December 20, 2013, FranceFemen, a feminist group, mimed an act of an abortion when a topless young women headed to the alter and laid down a piece of veal liver supposed to represent a fetus and then urinated on the steps of the alter of the Church of St. Madeleine in Paris. The words: “344 bitches” were written on her belly; a reference to the manifesto of the 343 women who signed a call for the decriminalisation of abortion and the legalisation of abortion in April 1971. On her back was written : “Christmas is aborted.”
Crib Scene Destroyed in Solan
December 20, 2013, ItalyA crib scene in the St. Peter's Church was destroyed in Solan. The figures were broken and a hole was made in the bottom of a small pond which was part of the scene.
Bologna Basilica Intruded by Feminists
December 17, 2013, ItalyA mob of hooded feminists invaded the Basilica of San Petronio in Bologna, Italy and held a pro-abortion demonstration. They held up a large banner in front of the alter which read: "You Occupy the Counselling Centres - We Invade the Churches" ("Voi occupate Consultori, abbiamo invaso le chiese") and then chanted in chorus: "Get the Church Out of Our Ovaries."
Graffiti on Church in Conegliano
December 17, 2013, ItalyGraffiti was spray painted along the front of the Church of Campolongo in Conegliano. One sentence read: "3 canonical vode gnanca a porecan home to Papa Francesco quaquaraqua", meaning “three empty churches cannot accommodate even a poor man. Pope Francis is one who talks nonsense”.
Vandals Damage Nativity Scene in Vasto in the Province of Chieti
December 16, 2013, ItalyIn Vasto vandals caused great damage to a nativity scene by destroying the statue of Mary with a shovel. A strong smell of urine on the scene was reported as well.
LGBT-Friendly Guidelines Limit Freedom of the Press
December 16, 2013, ItalyThe Italian National Anti-Discrimination Office published guidelines on how to report on LGTB issues. The guidelines restrict freedom of the press and journalists’ freedom of reporting by requiring, amongst other things, that they must positively promote homosexuality and gay marriage and must not speak of “the right of a child to a mother or father, e.g. a male or female role model”.