All cases

Arson Attempt in Sicilian Church

June 3, 2018, Italy

On June 3rd at 11 o'clock at night, a man poured gasoline at the entrance to the church of San Giuliano in the Sicilian city of Messina and tried to set fire to the building. Firefighters extinguished the flames that had been partially isolated. The structure of the church was not damaged. Police arrested the alleged perpetrator shortly after in the vicinity of the property.

Window Broken in Church of Hahnenbach

June 2, 2018, Germany

Unknown people broke a window of the Evangelical church in Hahnenbach during the early hours of June 2nd. Later, they forced the back door of the building. Apparently nothing was stolen.

British MPs Demand "Buffer Zones" Outside Abortion Facilities

June 1, 2018, United Kingdom

One hundred sixty-one members of the British Parliament are demanding that Home Secretary Sajid Javid act on a proposal to introduce exclusion or "buffer zones” around abortion facilities, which would ban pro-life prayer, protest, and counseling of women conflicted about abortion.

Windows Broken in Jena Church

May 29, 2018, Germany

The Stadtkirche Sankt Michael in the city of Jena was subjected to two vandalism attacks in two days. On the night of May 27th, someone threw stones and broke two of the church's stained glass windows. Two days later, on May 29th, someone broke another window in the back of the church. Witnesses observed two teenagers behind the church and police began an investigation.

Fire Inside Büdesheim Church

May 27, 2018, Germany

On May 27th, unidentified people entered the church of Büdesheim between 12:00 and 7:00 pm and set fire to a sign hanging in the building.

Arson in Parish's Sports Facilities; Graffiti Threatening Parish Priest

May 26, 2018, Italy

Around six o'clock in the morning of May 26th, unknown people set fire to the rooms of the secretariat in the sports center of the Maria Madre della Chiesa parish in Casazza, a Brescia neighborhood, completely destroying its interior. In addition, next to one of the rooms affected by the fire, curses and serious insults against the parish priest were written with a blue marker.

Constant Vandalism in Sicilian Church

May 25, 2018, Italy

On May 25th, unknown persons entered the Chiesa Gesù Amore Misericordioso church in Canicattì, causing damage, breaking furniture, and staining the building with paint. Reports called this the "umpteenth time" the church had been vandalized because of repeated incidents.

Two Men Arrested for Destruction of Historic Crucifix

May 21, 2018, Poland

Two men were arrested for chopping the arm off and damaging the torso of an 18th century crucified Christ figure with a machete in front of the St. Dominic church in Nysa.

Man disrupts homily at Pentecost mass in Nantes

May 20, 2018, France

A man approached the ambo and took the microphone a few minutes into the homily during Pentecost mass and spoke in a foreign language. A few witnesses have reported that the intruder said "Allahu Akbar", the vicar, however, denies it.

Cemetery Vandalized in Indre-et-Loire

May 19, 2018, France

Between thirty and forty graves in the cemetery of La Riche were vandalized early in the evening of May 19th. Damage included smashed crucifixes. The mayor of La Riche called the act "pure vandalism," as no tags or other signs were left by the perpetrators. Families visiting the cemetery on the Pentecost weekend were distressed upon learning of the damage to their loved ones' graves. The city announced its intention to file a complaint, and urged affected families to do the same.

Statue of Our Lady of Lourdes Vandalised

May 18, 2018, France

Statue of Our Lady of Lourdes situated in the Grotto in Sainte-Gemmes-d'Andigné was broken in half during the night of May 18th to 19th. An investigation was launched immediately and two 17-year-olds confessed to the act of throwing rocks at the statue until it was broken in two. On June 6th they will be heard in the court. Damages amounted to 1000 euros.

Arson at the Madonna dell'Aiuto Church

May 17, 2018, Italy

During the night of May 17th, unknown persons entered and set fire to the church of Madonna dell'Aiuto in Trecastagni.

Fire in a Lyon Chapel

May 16, 2018, France

A fire broke out in la Chapelle Saint-Croix in the 6th arrondissement of Lyon in the afternoon of May 16th. It appeared that a fire set in the chapel's confessional started the blaze and three fire trucks were deployed to extinguish the fire.

Desecration and Theft in the Church of San Giacomo di Monselice

May 14, 2018, Italy

On May 14th, witnesses discovered that the tabernacle had been desecrated and two ciboriums containing consecrated Hosts had been stolen from the church of San Giacomo de Monselice. This was the 3rd robbery in the Padua diocese in five months.

Saint André Church in Grenoble Looted

May 13, 2018, France

Four boxes use to collect donations for the poor and for upkeep of the church were discovered looted in the Saint André church in Grenoble on May 13th. According to the parish priest, the perpetrators emptied the donation boxes and forced the drawers. Losses are estimated at around 600 euros.

Bulgarian Catholics and Protestants Unite to Oppose Proposed Religious Law: Updated

May 13, 2018, Bulgaria

Catholic and Protestant communities in Bulgaria have unified their efforts to prevent the adoption of two legislative proposals put before the parliamentary assembly in May 2018. The first, sponsored by the conservative GERB, the Bulgarian Socialist Party, and the ethnic Turkish Movement for Rights and Freedoms, would permit state subsidies only for major religious denominations. The second, tabled by the United Patriots, would require greater oversight of religious activities and financing.

Church Vandalized in Lombardy

May 11, 2018, Italy

Residents in Solbiate Olona discovered that young people had been repeatedly entering the Chiesa del Sacro Cuore and covering the floor with wax melted from votive candles. The church is loved by members of the community who take responsibility for keeping it clean.

Priest Assaulted during Mass

May 11, 2018, France

On May 11th, a man entered l’église de la Source à Saint Denis on the French island of Réunion during the celebration of the Mass, walked straight to the altar, and slapped Father Pascal Mussard. Many parishioners rushed to intervene. Police arrived soon after and handcuffed the man. After it was discovered that the perpetrator was "imbalanced" and had fled from a hospital hours earlier, the priest declined to file a complaint.

Google Halts Advertising on Irish Abortion Referendum

May 9, 2018, Ireland

On May 9th, Google announced that it would "pause" all advertising related to the upcoming Irish abortion referendum. The ban applies to all sites associated with the Google brand, including YouTube, and follows Facebook’s decision to ban any ads from advertisers outside of Ireland relating to the referendum. Opponents of the referendum, Pro-Life Campaign, Save the 8th, and the Iona Institute issued a joint statement condemning the tech giant’s decision as “shutting down a free and fair debate” and that it was "scandalous, and is an attempt to rig the referendum.”

Jihad Graffiti on Church in Sweden

May 7, 2018, Sweden

"Jihad" was painted on the outside wall of the church Sankt Olov in Skellefteå by unknown vandals. A representative of Skellefteå's pastorate commented on News Today that "it is obviously regrettable that we can not have our properties in peace." The Swedish national television SVT initially published a photograph of the affected church. Later they chose to eliminate it, indicating that the image was "too sensitive" to show.

Stained Glass Window Broken in Cölbe Church

May 5, 2018, Germany

Sometime between April 29th and May 5th, unknown vandals threw stones at the Catholic church on Gartenstraße in Cölbe, breaking one of the large stained glass windows adorning the building. Damage was estimated to exceed 1,000 euros.

Robbery in the Sacré Chœur of Toulouse

May 5, 2018, France

On the night between May 5th and 6th, one or more individuals visited the Sacré Chœur Church in Toulouse. Various religious objects were stolen by the thieves, including the chalice and the parterre. An investigation was opened to the local police office.

Six Recent Cases of Vandalism in Bamberg Churches: Witnesses Sought

May 4, 2018, Germany

Police are investigating at least six separate acts of vandalism in five churches in Bamberg in a short period. The property damage is estimated at more than 20,000 euros. On May 2nd, unknown people knocked the figure of Saint Joseph from its pedestal in the Convent of Heiliggrab, seriously damaging it. The next day at the convent, a large wooden crucifix was thrown to the ground. Also on May 3rd, two large figures of saints were overturned in St. Ottokirche.

Obscene Graffiti on Swiss Church

May 4, 2018, Switzerland

Unknown people painted a series of graffiti from the Wetzikerstrasse street to the Protestant church of Bäretswil. Some obscene drawings were sprayed with black silver paint at the church, along with the number 187 - the code of the US police for homicide cases - and also the words "F#ck you" and the acronym "Acab" (All Cops Are Bastards). The police of the canton of Zurich wrote in a statement that the damage to property caused by the vandals was estimated at around 10,000 francs.

Notre-Dame-du-Bout-du-Pont Closed by Municipal Decision Following Degradations Caused by Fire

May 4, 2018, France

For fifteen days the church Notre-Dame-du-Bout-du-Pont in Villeneuve-sur-Lot was closed. The decision was due to an incident that happened in the begining of the month. A neighbour saw smoke coming from the church by chance and alerted the police. Security forces arrived immediately on the spot and managed to extinguish the fire themselves with the fire extingusher. They found a candle under the table that serves to deposit prayer books which might have caused the flame. Unfortunately, it burned everything around. "This is obviously not her place and she did not arrive there alone", commented Father Bouchet .The church was recently renewed with many wooden furniture installed which are easily inflamed and suffer deepen damages.

Aggression and Threats againt Members of Association with Christian Values

May 3, 2018, Spain

Pedro Mejías, delegate of HazteOír in Cádiz, an association of Christian values for the defense of the rights of the family and of life, was the victim of a violent attack on May 3rd at a bar in Cádiz before a public event.

Church Windows Destroyed in Gronau

April 29, 2018, Germany

On April 29th, between 12 noon and 7 p.m., an unknown person intentionally destroyed four windows of the Evangelical Church on Bernhardstraße in Gronau.

Man Arrested for Threatening to Blow Up Cathedral

April 28, 2018, France

A 38-year old man was arrested after he burst into the Cathédrale Saint-Vincent de Chalon-sur-Saône during the Mass on April 28th, and threatened to blow everything up with a grenade and gestured toward his satchel. He also grabbed a Mass book and shouted "it is the Koran that should be read!" Parishioners promptly called the police and Ahmed X was soon placed in custody. Highly intoxicated, he remained in jail for two days before appearing in court to face charges. Due to 27 previous convictions, including violent offenses, the court ruled that he would be held in jail until his trial at the end of May. He is considered a recidivist under French law and could face enhanced penalties if convicted in this case.

Vandal Broke Statue of Saint Anthony of Padua in Bellariva

April 28, 2018, Italy

On the morning of April 28th the Franciscan friars in charge of the church of the Cuore Immacolato di Maria in Bellariva discovered that someone had broken the fingers of the statue of Saint Anthony of Padua while friars prayed in a chapel.

Destruction of Statue of the Virgin Mary in Loudun

April 27, 2018, France

At the church of Saint-Pierre in Loudun (Vienne) one or more individuals overturned a statue of the Virgin Mary placed on a pedestal. Pieces of the head of the Virgin were broken and the vase placed beside it was smashed on the ground. Leaflets to write prayer intentions were scattered on the ground. The priest lodged a complaint with the gendarmerie.

Arson Attempt in Kirchheim

April 26, 2018, Germany

Police investigated a fire and an arson attempt at the St. Martinus parish church in Kirchheim on April 26th.

Church in Guadeloupe Vandalized

April 25, 2018, France

One or more individuals allegedly broke into L'Eglise Immaculée Conception in Abymes, a village in Guadeloupe in the French Caribbean and vandalized the interior. The vandalism occurred during the night between April 24th and 25th.

Church Vandalized in Protest against Gas Pipeline

April 25, 2018, Italy

On April 25th unknown people attacked the church of Santa Lucia in Lecce. They threw eggs at the church and painted the windows and walls with black paint. Graffiti on the outer walls of the church included "No peace for Tap's accomplices." (“Nessuna pace per i complici di Tap"). The acronym "Tap" refers to the Trans Adriatic Pipeline.

Repeated Vandalism at Recklinghausen Parish

April 25, 2018, Germany

The parish of St. Peter in Recklinghausen has been the victim of repeated acts of vandalism, including people frequently urinating in the church, donation boxes being broken, mulled wine being poured into the holy water, and candles being used by drug addicts to heat their drugs. The church is open to the public every day until 6:00 pm.

Thieves Break Offertory Box in Menden Church

April 25, 2018, Germany

On April 25th, between 9:00 a.m. and at 3:30 p.m., unknown people used to a lever to pry open the money box for candle offerings in St. Maria Magdalena (Bösperde) church. The box was damaged and the money it contained was stolen.

Fire outside Church in Salzkotten

April 24, 2018, Germany

At about 9:00 pm on April 24th, a passerby discovered a burning wastepaper bin at the side entrance of the Marienkirche. Together with another witness, they managed to put out the fire before serious damage occurred. The container was destroyed and matches were found nearby. At the end of March, visitors to the church had discovered and extinguished a prayer book burning inside the church.

Political Anti-Abortion Graffiti Painted on Two Catholic Churches

April 23, 2018, United Kingdom

Carrickmore Chapel in County Tyrone and St. Patrick's Cathedral in County Armagh, both in Northern Ireland, were targeted by vandals. The graffiti specifically mentioned Sinn Fein and its advocacy for repeal of the 8th amendment, ahead of the referendum on the issue in the Republic of Ireland. Police investigated reports of criminal damage to both churches.

Red Paint Poured on Caresana Church Door

April 23, 2018, Italy

The door of the small church of San Giorgio in Caresana was stained during the night of April 23rd with blood red paint by unknown people.

More Abortion Clinic "Buffer Zones" Considered by Councils

April 23, 2018, United Kingdom

After the Ealing local council voted to ban prayer vigils and protests outside an abortion clinic by issuing a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) earlier in April, at least eight councils in the United Kingdom considered implementing abortion clinic "buffer zones."

Repeated Vandalism of Church and Convent in Rimini

April 22, 2018, Italy

The convent and church of Sorelle Povere di S. Chiara (Poor Clares) in the Piazzetta of San Bernardino in Rimini has been the victim of repeated vandalism. Most recently, on April 22nd, the glass door of the church was smashed for the fourth time in a few months.

Devastation in Saxony's Oldest Town Church

April 22, 2018, Germany

An unidentified person climbed the facade of the Kilianskirche in Bad Lausick, smashed a 4-meter stained glass window, and entered the church sometime between 10:30 pm and 12:30 am during the night of April 21st to 22nd. Once inside, the vandal severely damaged the carved late Gothic altar and pulpit with a sword. A chandelier was shattered onto the ground and a candlestick was damaged. Disastrous damage was avoided after altar candles, deliberately left burning in the wooden tower, went out before causing a fire.

Reward Offered for Information: Fourth Vandalism Attack on Church in Five Months

April 22, 2018, Germany

An unknown person smashed the stained glass windows of St.-Nikolaus-Kirche in Veen between April 19th and 22nd. This is the fourth vandalism attack in less than half a year.

Significant Damage Caused to Two Churches in Chemnitz; Organist Threatened

April 21, 2018, Germany

A 24-year-old Pakistani man was arrested on April 21st after a police investigation of significant damage in the Markuskirche in Chemnitz. The asylum seeker allegedly entered the night before and broke candlesticks, destroyed various bronze objects and several candles, and damaged the altar and the pulpit cover. A window was also destroyed and there was damage both in the sanctuary and the basement of the church. Damage was estimated to exceed 10,000 euros. Two days later, on April 23rd, he was again arrested after throwing stones at the windows of the Petrikirche church, causing about 3,000 euros in damage.

Crosses and Graves Damaged in Steinbach Cemetery

April 21, 2018, Germany

Unknown vandals caused damage estimated at several thousand euros over the Easter weekend in a cemetery in Fernwald-Steinbach. At least twelve graves were targeted, with wooden crosses and planted flowers damaged. In some other cases, the perpetrators tore out the gravestones and threw them in an adjacent meadow and on top of other graves. A police investigation was initiated.

Church Bell Tower Tagged with Obscene Graffiti

April 20, 2018, France

Locals discovered obscene graffiti on the bell tower of church of Saint-Vorles in Châtillon-sur-Seine.

Thefts and Damage Resulted in Restricted Visiting Times in Stonehouse Church

April 19, 2018, United Kingdom

Unknown vandals entered the kitchen of St Cyr's church in Stonehouse, breaking and damaging a serving hatch and stealing a fire extinguisher. As a result of a series of petty thefts, church managers made the decision to close the building when it is not being used for religious services or other social gatherings.

Church Ransacked in Pfäfers

April 19, 2018, Switzerland

On April 19th, an "emotionally disturbed" man set fire to fabrics and damaged liturgical objects, statues, and the organ in a St. Gallen church, causing more than ten thousand francs of damage.

Graffiti Threat on Vorarlberg Wall

April 19, 2018, Austria

During the 18th or 19th of April, unknown perpetrators vandalized a stone retaining wall in Rankweil with pink paint. Over ten meters, they sprayed the words "Deth (sic) to all Christians!" as well as a pentagram symbol. The retaining wall on Thomas-Lehrer-Weges leads to the Basilica of Rankweil, the pilgrimage church of Our Lady of the Visitation.

Statue of Christ the Redeemer in Fribourg Vandalized

April 17, 2018, Switzerland

A few hours after it was installed on Boulevard de Pérolles on April 17th, replica of Rio de Janeiro's famed Christ the Redeemer statue was vandalized by a 24-year-old Syrian asylum seeker.

Window Damaged at Northern Ireland Church; Investigated as Hate Crime

April 17, 2018, United Kingdom

Shortly after 10 o'clock on the night of April 17th, the First Presbyterian Church in Newry, Northern Ireland suffered a vandalism attack in which one of its stained glass windows was damaged. The window had been repaired just weeks before this incident after vandals had damaged it earlier in the year.

Pentecostal Church in Rousse Threatened by Municipality Councilors and Media

April 17, 2018, Bulgaria

The municipality of Rousse will expel the Third Evangelical Pentecostal Church claiming that it illegally occupies a municipal building. The announcement was made by councilors from the right wing party, International Macedonian Revolutionary Organization. After an inspection launched by the local authorities, it was decided that the place where worship services are held three times a week, would be closed.

Christ Figure on Crucifix Destroyed

April 15, 2018, Germany

During the weekend of April 14th-15th, unknown persons severely damaged the Christ figure on the Rottmann-Wegekreuz am Reckelsberg.

Vandals Destroy Crossroads Crucifix

April 15, 2018, Germany

For the fourth time in the last four years, someone destroyed the crucifix at the Kuckhof crossroads in Allerheiligen. In the most recent incident, the cross was demolished from its base and there was no trace of the figure of Jesus.

Tabernacle in Loire Church Vandalized

April 13, 2018, France

The tabernacle in the church of Saint-Jean-Saint-Maurice-sur-Loire, 15 kilometers from Roanne, was vandalized on April 13th. The intruders perhaps expected they would find ciboria and chalices by breaking the marble door of the tabernacle, but long ago liturgical objects of high value were moved to a more secure place. A complaint was lodged with the gendarmerie of Villerest.

Fire Set Behind Altar; Excrement Left in Confessional

April 12, 2018, Italy

An intentionally-set fire burned a curtain and part of a chair behind the altar of the church of San Giuseppe in the town of Torre del Lago Puccini on April 12th. Feces was later discovered in the confessional.

Theft in Torás Church

April 11, 2018, Spain

A band of thieves entered the church of Santa Quiteria during the night of April 11th, opened the tabernacle and stole a golden chalice containing consecrated Hosts, the most precious item for its religious value. They also destroyed donation boxes and took all the money. 

Saint-Rémi-des-Monts church Victim of Burglary

April 11, 2018, France

The Basilica of Mézières, Saint-Rémi-des-Monts was the victim of several attempts of burglaries on the night of April 11 to 12. The door locks of the sacristy and the reception (where the postcards are sold) were broken, while the trunk of the candles was forced with hammers.

UK Council Bans Pro-Life Vigils outside Abortion Clinic

April 10, 2018, United Kingdom

A London local council voted unanimously on April 10th to ban pro-life vigils outside a local abortion center that have been taking place without incident for 23 years. The Ealing council voted to use a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to stop pro-life advocates from praying outside the Ealing Marie Stopes abortion clinic and offering help to women as they enter or exit the building. Pro-lifers must now stay 100 meters away from the abortion center. It will be the first "buffer zone" in the United Kingdom.

List of Churches Removed from Granada's Website

April 10, 2018, Spain

On April 10th, the municipal government removed the list of churches and parishes that appeared on the City of Granada's on-line resource guide after an IU (United Left) councilman demanded their removal five days earlier. The twenty churches, all Catholic, appeared in a section with the title "Places of Worship." The deputy mayor responsible for communication announced that since the churches do not offer any municipal, public or administrative services, the entire "Places of Worship" section was deleted.

Unknown Perpetrators Vandalized Church in Straubing

April 10, 2018, Germany

The church of St. Stephan, in the Alburg district of Straubing, suffered various acts of vandalism on April 10th. They threw a figure of a saint from the altar, ripped out a microphone, threw a candle to the ground, spilled holy water, and destroyed an umbrella. They also smoked in the confessional, filling the interior with ashes and extinguishing the butts against the wooden door. The damage to the property was estimated at 3,000 euros.

BBC Scotland Posts Video Mocking Catholics

April 9, 2018, United Kingdom

The Bishop of Paisley criticized BBC Scotland for encouraging anti-Catholic prejudice. It posted a short film entitled ‘Homophobia in 2018, Time for Love’ on its Facebook page which depicts a priest holding a Mini Cheddar in a parody of the Host, and giving it to a woman who makes the sign of the cross, with a voice-over saying, “tastes like cardboard and smells like hate.” Bishop Keenan described the content as “beyond the pale, and unworthy of the BBC as a public service broadcaster.” The Archdiocese of St. Andrew's and Edinburgh also criticized the video for suggesting that Christianity fosters public hatred toward homosexuals. It was also said that "recent government figures on crimes with religious aggravations showed that 57% of these are now directed to Catholics, an increase of 14%.

15th Century Tomb of Fra Angelico Attacked in the Center of Rome

April 8, 2018, Italy

The marble tomb of the Italian Renaissance painter Fra Angelico was vandalized in the church of S. Maria sopra Minerva in the center of Rome, one of the most famous churches of the Italian capital. Vandals chipped off several parts of the marble tomb, carved by the fifteenth-century sculptor Isaia da Pisa.

Woman Stabbed Outside Coventry Church after Service

April 8, 2018, United Kingdom

A woman in her 30s was stabbed after attending the Eritrean community's Orthodox Easter midnight service at St. Margaret's Church in Coventry early on the morning of April 8th. The mother of three was found with a puncture wound in the abdomen at approximately 3:15 in the morning and taken to the hospital where she was listed in critical condition. The attacker, who reportedly fled on a bicycle, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder the following day.

Intentional Fires in Saint-Gervais-Saint-Protais Church in Langon

April 8, 2018, France

A passerby saw flames coming from the church and rushed in to extinguish the fire. Firefighters arrived quickly and were able to prevent the fire from causing extensive damage. Fires had been set in two different places: one at the candlesticks where the alter of the Virgin is situated, and the other at the entrance where leaflets and informational flyers are displayed.

Oil Poured Down Church Steps

April 7, 2018, Italy

On April 7th unidentified vandals poured frying oil down the grand stone steps in front of the church of San Giovanni Evangelista in Modica.

Saint-Michel Church in Holque Vandalized

April 7, 2018, France

Saint-Michel Church in Holque, a small French commune in northern France was vandalized.

Poulseur: Statue of Christ Shattered

April 7, 2018, Belgium

On the morning of April 7th, the sacristan of the church in Poulseur discovered it had been vandalized. A statue of a crucified Jesus Christ had been taken down from a hook and shattered into pieces. The extensive damage to the statue suggested that the perpetrators climbed onto the choir screen and threw it down to the ground from above. Other vessels with flowers were also knocked down and broken. The damage was reported to the police.

Catholic College Vandalized in Vendée

April 6, 2018, France

A day before about fifty students from Notre-Dame de l'Esperance College were to leave for a trip to England, they found their trip cancelled. All of the students' identity papers, which had been stored in a locker at school, were discovered cut in half and thrown into a garbage bin.The director of Notre-Dame de l'Esperance College sent a letter to the parents explaining that the trip was canceled and turned to the British Embassy for assistance. Police began an investigation.

Vandalism and Theft at Warmifontaine Church

April 6, 2018, Belgium

Unidentified perpetrators looted the church of Saint-Martin in Warmifontaine, breaking open the tabernacle with a crowbar, and stealing ciboriums containing consecrated Hosts, chalices, and hand-carved statues.

German Public Broadcaster Replaces Jesus Christ with Easter Bunny

April 6, 2018, Germany

A German satire TV recreated the Passion of Jesus Christ with a crucified Easter plush bunny in lieu of Jesus. Photomontages included the toy animal, among other things, on the cross and sitting among the Apostles for the Last Supper. The Christian Media Association KEP immediately filed a complaint to the broadcaster saying that it made "the central religious content of Christianity literally a joke."

Relic Stolen from Saint-Étienne de Toul

April 5, 2018, France

On April 5th, a student who works as a summer guide of the Toul Cathedral, Saint-Étienne, discovered that pieces of the relic belonging to the first bishop of Toul, St. Gerard, was missing. The relic is about twenty centimeters long and was pulled out from its holster.

Host Desecration in Spain: the Case before the ECHR

April 5, 2018, Spain

The Spanish Association of Christian Lawyers – Asociación de Abogados Cristianos – lodged an application with the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) with the help of the European Centre for Law and Justice (ECLJ), following the host desecration by the “artist” Abel Azcona.

Fires Set at Three German Churches in Ostholstein District

April 4, 2018, Germany

From April 1st to April 4th, fires were set in front of the wooden entrance doors of three churches in Heiligenhafen by unknown perpetrators.

Church in Vicht Ransacked; Fire Extinguisher Emptied

April 4, 2018, Germany

Vandals devastated the interior of the parish church of St. John the Baptist in the village of Vicht (Stolberg District) on April 4th.

Sacred Heart Painting in Chiesa Nuova Stolen

April 4, 2018, Italy

A painting was discovered stolen out of its frame on April 4th in Santa Maria Church. The painting was 19th century copy of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, signed by Pietro Gagliardi. Although the painting was not of significant value, the theft served as a reminder to the parish to increase security.

Deliberate Act of Desecration

April 2, 2018, France

On Easter Monday, the church of Domois in Fénay was desecrated and ransacked. Intruders shattered doors, broke objects, scattered candles, flowers, tablecloths, and religious symbols, church furniture and other items were destroyed. Tabernacles were opened and consecrated hosts were trampled and scattered all over.

Man Arrested for Graffiti on Churches, Gravestones, and Peace Pagoda

April 2, 2018, United Kingdom

After graffiti appeared across Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire from February 21st and April 2nd, police arrested a 34-year-old man in connection with the incidents. Graffiti painted in red included messages such as "Allah reigns" on a church, "kill all white scum" on the famous Willen Peace Pagoda, and "evil white failures" and "rape and replace" on a memorial in a graveyard.

Lighting Stolen from the Cross of the Holy Spirit

April 1, 2018, France

On April 1st, Easter Sunday, inhabitants of La Treille discovered that the solar panels, battery, and 70 LED lights which illuminated the La Croix Saint Esprit had been stolen. Unknown thieves had to climb 400 meters of rocky terrain to reach the cross. Losses amounted to 1,400 euros. The cross was installed less than a year before and was described as a reassuring "night light" for the 800 inhabitants of the valley. A complaint was filed.

Brittany: Tomb of Abbot Perrot Tagged

March 31, 2018, France

The tomb of Abbot Jean-Marie Perrot, founder of the Breton Catholic movement Bleun-Brug who was murdered by communists in 1943, was toppled and then sprayed with "anti-fascist" graffiti. The incidents coincided with the annual Easter Monday commemoration of the Abbot's death.

Eggs Thrown at Priest's House after Homily

March 31, 2018, Spain

Eggs were thrown at the door of a priest's home on Holy Saturday, March 31st, a day after he was criticized by LGBTI groups for a homily in which he questioned whether 'gender ideology' was a biased view of the nature of men and women, and whether it had a scientific basis.

Court Ruled 2015 Desecration of Cemetery was "Anti-Christian" Attack

March 29, 2018, France

On March 29th, the Court of Appeals in Toulouse ruled that Mohamed B., who desecrated and vandalized 215 graves, knocked down and broke crosses and other Christian symbols in a cemetery in Castres in 2015, was civilly liable for the religiously-motivated act. He had been found not criminally responsible due to mental illness, but on appeal, the court found him personally liable for compensation to AGRIF (Alliance générale contre le racisme et pour le respect de l'identité française et chrétienne).

No Prison for Men Who Entered Convent Demanding Nuns Convert to Islam

March 28, 2018, France

The two men who entered a Carmelite convent in November 2017 and demanded the nuns to convert to Islam or they would go to hell were released by a Verdun court on March 28th. The court, citing "diminished mental responsibility at the time of the incident" because the intruders had been suffering from "psychiatric disorders," freed the men after a trial.

Great Yarmouth Church Desecrated Days Before Easter

March 27, 2018, United Kingdom

A man walked into St Mary’s Catholic Church, set a couple of small fires and attempted to burn the icon taken off the church’s altar. The perpetrator left a Satanic image in the icon's place. The act was recorded by CCTV cameras and police arrested a suspect days later.

Small Fire in Church in Bavaria

March 27, 2018, Germany

An unknown person lit a glove filled with matches on a bench in the small church of St. Moritz in the tiny municipality of Mantel. Due to the glove's plastic material, the fire spread to a bench cushion and caused damage to the bench.

Notre-Dame-du-Bourg in Digne-les-Bains Tagged

March 26, 2018, France

A man was arrested on March 28th for painting satanic symbols ("666") on the cathedral, as well as tags on other buildings in the town between March 26th and 27th.

Man Shouted “Allahu Akbar" in the Cathedral of Cambrai

March 25, 2018, France

Shortly before the Palm Sunday Mass in the cathedral Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, a unidentified man shouted “Allahu Akbar” into the microphone. When approached by a parishioner, he ran away. Notably, the incident happened two days after an ISIS-inspired terrorist attack in southern France.

Parents Halt School Procession during Holy Week

March 23, 2018, Spain

The parents of a two-year old student objected to the school participating in the Viernes de Dolores (Friday of Sorrows) procession. The Escuela Infantil Sagrada Familia organized the procession from the school to the neighborhood parish on March 23rd as part of the traditional celebrations of the Holy Week. The school council approved the voluntary event, but the Andalusian educational authority cancelled it after the parents complained.

Desecration and Robbery in Bremen Convent; Police Seek Witnesses

March 22, 2018, Germany

An unidentified man forced open the tabernacle in the chapel of the convent of Bridgettines in Bremen to take the consecrated Hosts with the liturgical objects that were inside, as well as the relics of the founder of the Order, St. Bridget of Sweden.

Sinn Féin Politician Suspended for Voting against Abortion Referendum

March 21, 2018, Ireland

Member of the Irish Parliament, Carol Nolan TD was suspended from the left-wing Irish political party Sinn Féin for a period of three months after voting against a bill which would allow a Irish referendum on the Eighth Amendment which effectively bans abortion. Nolan said, "I voted according to my conscience and did not vote in favour of the legislation put before me as it was greatly at odds with my strong pro-life values."

Provocative Play Advertised in Front of Catholic Schools

March 21, 2018, Spain

The City Council of Madrid placed an advertising poster for a publicly-funded theatrical performance entitled "The place where the whores pray" (El lugar donde rezan las putas) directly in front of two Catholic schools. The play, performed at the public Teatro Español, was described by promoters as exploring "theater in times of rage."

Canada Summer Jobs Funding Program Becomes Religious Freedom and Conscience Rights Controversy

March 20, 2018, Canada

The Canada Summer Jobs program funding application for 2018 requires that applicants sign a statement supporting, among other things, abortion and transgender rights in order to be eligible for funding. Hundreds of applicants, including Christian charities, pro-life groups, and churches have refused to sign the attestation because of the government's positions on moral issues.

Madonna dell'Arco di San Callisto in Trastevere Vandalized

March 19, 2018, Italy

The 13th century fresco of the Madonna dell'Arco di San Callisto in Trastevere was tagged with a graffiti artist's signature on March 18th. Locals were outraged to discover a white signature across the beloved image. A suspect was arrested in early April.

Catholic Historian's Facebook Account Suspended Due to Post about Islam

March 19, 2018, Germany

Facebook suspended the account of Catholic historian Michael Hesemann for 30 days after he published a post commenting on the negative influence of Islam in the history of Europe and, specifically, in Germany.

Leftist Party Opposed to any Easter Activities at Schools

March 19, 2018, Spain

The political party Equo Andalucía demanded that the Junta de Andalucía (Regional Government of Andalusia) exercise extreme vigilance to prevent public schools from organizing and celebrating Easter processions for children during Holy Week. Party leaders reminded the government that they had registered complaints about children's processions the previous year.

Demonstration Against Immigration Law in the Basilica of Saint-Denis

March 18, 2018, France

Far-left activists and undocumented migrants demonstrated inside the Basilica of Saint-Denis on March 18th to protest the French government’s new asylum law before being forcibly removed by police, resulting in the evening Mass being cancelled.

Woman Fined for Projecting Cross on Church Facade

March 18, 2018, Spain

A woman in the community of Callosa de Segura was sanctioned 100 euros per day for projecting the image of a cross on the wall of the church of San Martin.

Acts of Vandalism in a Cemetery in Ardèche

March 17, 2018, France

On March 17th, locals discovered that 18 graves in the Saint-Romain-d'Ay cemetery had been vandalized, with crosses broken. Complaints were filed and the police began an investigation.

Spanish Actor Refuses to Appear in Court to Answer Religious Charge

March 17, 2018, Spain

Spanish actor and activist Willy Toledo announced that he does not intend to appear before a judge to respond to a complaint made by the Spanish Association of Christian Lawyers for having committed an offense "against religious sentiments." Toledo was investigated after he posted a rant in July 2017 against God, the Virgin Mary, and his criticism of a trial against three women who had been charged for their part in a 2014 anti-Christian procession in which the image of the Virgin Mary was replaced by a giant vagina ("el coño insumiso").

Blood Poured in front of Martinique Church

March 15, 2018, France

A witness discovered blood poured on the stairs and door of the Eglise de Bellevue in Fort-de-France on the morning of March 15th.

Police Discovered Hundreds of Works of Art Stolen from Churches

March 15, 2018, France

On March 15th, investigators found 100 works of art, from paintings and statues to ciboriums and candlesticks, with a value estimated at 100,000 euros in an apartment in Pas-de-Calais. Following September robbery complaints from two churches in Likques and Sainghin-en-Weppes, a coordinated investigation resulted in the arrest of three art students, two men and a woman, who admitted having stolen the works art from various churches in Hauts-de-France, as well as in Belgium, over a two-year period.