All cases

Antwerp Church Vandalized

January 14, 2018, Belgium

The Church of St. James (Sint-Jacobskerk) in Antwerp was vandalized sometime during the night between January 14th to January 15th. The church is frequented by the Chaldean brothers in Belgium.

Baptismal Font Stolen from Flavignac Church

January 14, 2018, France

On January 14th, church trustees discovered that a baptismal font was missing and presumed stolen on January 14th. The copper font, dating from 1922, object, had been located near the entrance of the church of Flavignac. Church trustees thought it was being repaired, but later discovered that had been stolen. The mayor noted that the theft must have occurred during the day, as the church is closed after 5 p.m. A complaint was lodged with the police.

Pastor excluded from volunteering at prison due to allegations of extremism by Imam

January 11, 2018, United Kingdom

Pastor Paul Song was excluded from volunteering at a prison in Brixton, South London after Muslim Imam accused him of being too radical.

Church Visit Disrupted by a Man yelling "Allah Akbar"

January 10, 2018, France

During a visit of a class from the Dauphiné high school to the church le collégiale Saint-Barnard in Romans-sur-Isère, a 34-year-old man allegedly reproached the female students for how they were dressed, before shouting "Allah Akbar." He also damaged the facade of the church. The man was later arrested.

Statue of Virgin Mary Damaged by Paint and Stones

January 6, 2018, Poland

Unknown vandals poured black paint and used stones to damage the statue of the Virgin Mary in the forest shrine in Gdynia. Police began an investigation and parishioners of Wawrzyńca prayed for the "conversion of the hears and minds" of the perpetrators.

Vandalism Trial in Gemonio Postponed Until June

December 31, 2017, Italy

A hearing, which was meant to happen on 27th of April 2022, was postponed until June due to health reason. The hearing relates to a case of vandalism where a group of children sprayed black spray paint on of the fourteen chapels of the Via Sacro in December 31st, 2017. The police examined video footage to identify the suspects who were 14 years or older.

Lons-le-Saunier: Repeated Vandalism and Disturbances in a Church

December 29, 2017, France

After weeks of disturbances and vandalism in the church of Cordeliers, the priest church filed a complaint with the police on December 29th. From the beginning of December, fire extinguishers had been found emptied, excrement found in the pulpit, and games had been played with candles creating a fire risk. Police began a forensic investigation.

Infant Jesus Stolen from Brussels Nativity

December 29, 2017, Belgium

Sometime during the night between December 28th and 29th, the nativity scene placed in the Grand Palace in Brussels was vandalized. The figure of the infant Jesus was stolen and the cradle was damaged. The police investigated.

Desecration and Theft of Consecrated Hosts from Spanish Parish

December 26, 2017, Spain

During the night between 26th to 27th of December the parish church of San Francisco de Sales in Parla, in the Community of Madrid, was desecrated when the tabernacle containing consecrated hosts was stolen. 

A Nativity Scene in Alzira Mountain Destroyed

December 25, 2017, Spain

On 25th December, the nativity scene installed on Sunday 17 December on the summit of Alzira's highest mountain, La Ratlla, was vandalised. Unknown perpetrators destroyed several figures and others went missing. The backpack in which the material was stored was empty, and the landmark of the mountain was also torn to pieces. The visitor's book was also damaged and the book was stolen.

Pharmacist’s Conscience Rights Appeal Dismissed

December 22, 2017, France

France's highest administrative court refused to hear the appeal of a pharmacist who was sanctioned for refusing to sell an IUD.

London Assembly Passed Motion to Clarify Police Power in "Buffer Zones"

December 21, 2017, United Kingdom

On December 21, 2017 the London Assembly passed a motion calling on the mayor to “clarify the powers available to [police] to arrest and prosecute” pro-life campaigners who pray near abortion clinics, accusing them of “obstruction, intimidation and harassment” and “threatening behavior.”

Government Guidance Ensures "Gender Inclusive School Environment"

December 13, 2017, United Kingdom

New government guidance by the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) encourages schools to “ensure the visibility” of transgender perspectives in the classroom.

Lottery's Advertisement Featured Model Posing as Crucified Jesus

December 13, 2017, Germany

German Catholic and Protestant leaders expressed outrage after Sophia Thomalla posed on a cross in lingerie for a lottery company's promotion. The advertising included the slogan "Christmas is now even more beautiful."

Christian Peer Fears Proclaiming Christianity could be a Hate Crime

December 12, 2017, United Kingdom

Lord Pearson of Rannoch posed the question to the British government: "Will they confirm unequivocally that a Christian who says that Jesus the only son of the one true God cannot be arrested for hate crime or any other offense?" The government's representative in the House of Lords refused to comment on the question.

Nativity Scene in Boadilla del Monte Vandalized

December 6, 2017, Spain

Figures of a nativity scene in Boadilla del Monte were found placed in obscene poses by unknown perpetrators.

Belgian Red Cross Branches Ordered to Remove Crucifixes

November 29, 2017, Belgium

The Provincial Committee of the Red Cross in Liège sent an email to all branches in Belgium ordering them to remove all crucifixes from their walls, to appear more secular.

Two Gates Stolen from War Memorial at Church in Mapperley

November 27, 2017, United Kingdom

Thieves have stolen two large gates from a war memorial at the Holy Trinity Church in Mapperley. The 1.2 meter gates were taken sometime between 6 PM November 26 and 8:30 AM November 27. Reverend Gill Turner-Callis said "they are the gates which lead to the churchyard and form part of the war memorial for all those who died in the Great Wars." Derbyshire police have investigated the theft from the Mapperley church.

‘Crucified Cow’ Displayed in Catholic Church by Artist as Comment on Wastefulness

November 23, 2017, Belgium

An “art” exhibit depicting 500 kg cow nailed to a cross hanging over a basin with 5,000 liters of milk was installed in the small parish church of Saint John the Baptist of Kuttekoven, in the Flemish town of Borgloon. The artist's message was to draw attention to food waste and housing shortages.

Statue of Mother Teresa to be Removed from Skopje

November 23, 2017, Other

The Minister of Culture Robert Alagjozovski of FYROMacedonia recommended the removal of a statue of Mother Teresa from the center of Skopje. The Balkan city is the birthplace of the Albanian-Indian Roman Catholic nun and missionary who was canonized by Pope Francis in 2016.

"God is Dead" Painted on Landerneau Church

November 19, 2017, France

During the night, vandals sprayed "God is Dead -- Nietzsche" and an inverted cross on the outside of the church of Saint-Houardon in Landerneau.

Spanish Nuns Fined for Restoring Church Organ

November 18, 2017, Spain

The Andalusian government fined a convent of Spanish nuns 170,000 euros for having a priceless church organ repaired without the state's permission. After public outcry, the fine was reduced to 1,1710 euros on December 19, 2017.

Pro-ISIS Group Circulated Image of Beheaded Pope on Poster Called "Christmas Blood"

November 17, 2017, Other

The pro-ISIS Wafa Media Foundation released a propaganda poster with an image depicting a jihadist standing over the torso of a prisoner in an orange jumpsuit while holding the head of the Pope. Written next to the Pope's head is "Jorge Mario Bergoglio."

ISIS Propaganda Called for Christmas Attack on Vatican

November 16, 2017, Other

During the week of November 16th, the pro-IS group Wafa Media Foundation released a propaganda poster depicting a jihadist armed with a rifle driving into St. Peter's Basilica in Rome with a written message warning of a Christmas attack.

Men Entered Convent Demanding Nuns Convert to Islam

November 10, 2017, France

On November 10th, two men rang the doorbell of the Carmelite convent of Verdum and asked to "discuss religion" and to tell them how Islam corrects the distortions of Christianity. During Vespers, the men prayed aloud in Arabic and told the nuns if they did not convert to Islam, they would "go to hell."

Art Stolen from Saint-Jacques Church in Dieppe

November 7, 2017, France

Eight works of art were stolen from the St. Jacques Church in Dieppe during the night between the 6th and 7th of November.

Church Vandalized in Brittany

November 6, 2017, France

The Saint-Ouen parish church of Plouay was vandalized on November 6, 2018. The central altar stone was moved and and arm was broken off the statue of the Madonna and child and stolen.

Fifth Summit Cross Destroyed in Bavarian Mountains

November 5, 2017, Germany

The 4-meter-high wooden summit cross on the Kotzen in the Karwendel mountians was vandalized during the weekend of November 5th. Police opened an investigation to determine if the series of incidents were committed by the same person.

Church Crosses Removed from Event Logo; Replaced after Complaints

November 4, 2017, Romania

The event logo for "Upgrade My City" in Timisoura, Romania depicted a skyline with church buildings, but with the crosses atop the steeples removed. After complaints, the crosses reappeared on the logos with an apology.

Church Devastated by Vandalism in Bremen-Lesum

October 29, 2017, Germany

Unknown perpetrators caused half a million euros in damage when they vandalized the St. Martini Church by filling two organs with construction foam, emptying a fire extinguisher, and pouring red acrylic paint on the floor in front of the altar and baptismal font.

Statue of the Virgin Mary Vandalized in Noyelles-lès-Seclin

October 28, 2017, France

The statue of Notre-Dame-de-Fatima was splashed with used oil during the night of October 27th to 28th. Adolescents confessed to the incident.

Graffiti on Church

October 28, 2017, France

The church of L'Ardoise was vandalized with anti-police graffiti by unknown perpetrators. The mayor condemned the act, calling it disrespectful and filed a complaint with the public prosecutor.

Court Rules Student can be Expelled for Quoting Bible on Facebook

October 27, 2017, United Kingdom

On October 27, Felix Ngole, a Christian student who was expelled from university after posting on Facebook his support of Biblical teaching on marriage and sexual ethics, lost his case in a judicial review of the university’s decision.

Catholic Pro-Life Student Union President Ousted

October 27, 2017, Ireland

Students Union at University College Dublin, a university founded by Blessed John Henry Newman, voted to remove Katie Ascough, the Catholic pro-life president of their student union. This vote came after Ascough, on legal advice, stopped the Union from publishing information about the cost of abortion and information relating to abortion pills.

Christian Graves Vandalized in Arthon-en-Retz

October 27, 2017, France

Two teenagers were arrested for vandalizing at least a dozen graves in the cemetery in Arthon-en-Retz on October 27th. Flowerpots, vases, and crucifixes were broken, and at least one crucifix was planted upside-down in the ground.

Galway: Church Interior Found Devastated

October 26, 2017, Ireland

On the 26th of October, the Holy Trinity Church on Errislannan peninsula in Galway was completely desecrated by vandalism.

French Community Ordered to Remove Cross from Statue of John Paul II

October 25, 2017, France

On October 25th the French State Council, the highest administrative court in France, ordered the removal of the cross atop the statue of Pope John Paul II in the community of Ploërmel because the symbol violates French secularism laws.

Secularist Associations Call for Removal of Virgin Mary from Police Medal

October 24, 2017, Spain

The secularist associations Europa Lacia and Movimiento Hacia un Estado Laico (MHUEL) have appealed the 2016 Supreme Court ruling allowing the image of Nuestra Señora María Santísima del Amor to appear on a medal used by the fraternal organization, Jesús el Rico de Málaga, associated with the national police. The prosecutor asked for the appeal to be dismissed.

"Drag Sethlas" Testified about Las Palmas Carnival Performance

October 23, 2017, Spain

Borja Casillas, better known as "Drag Sethlas" testified before a judge to respond to a complaint filed by the Spanish Association of Christian Lawyers. He is accused of hurting religious sentiments during his performance at the Drag Gala of the 2017 Carnival of the city in which he dressed both as the Virgin Mary and the crucified Christ.

Sacristy Ransacked in Belgian Church

October 22, 2017, Belgium

During the night between October 21st and 22nd, unknown perpetrators broke into the church Saint-Remi de Baulers and ransacked the sacristy. No valuables were taken.

Employment Tribunal Rejected Christian's Appeal

October 22, 2017, United Kingdom

A Christian who was dismissed as a Magistrate by the Lord Chancellor and Lord Chief Justice, after expressing his view that it was in a child's best interests to be raised by a mother and a father, lost his case in a Employment Tribunal claiming discrimination, harassment and victimization against an NHS Trust after being blocked from returning to his role as a non-executive director.

Catholic Priest Insulted as “Infidel” and “Swine” at Lidl Checkout

October 21, 2017, Germany

A parish priest, dressed in his normal clerical clothing, was verbally attacked in a supermarket in Werl by a man who called him a "pig" and an "infidel" as he shook the priest's shopping cart. The priest called the police, but they told him they wouldn't respond. Publicly insulting a person in Germany can be a criminal offense.

Pakistani Christian Attacked for Displaying Cross, Poppies on Car

October 20, 2017, United Kingdom

Tajamal Amar, a 45-year-old Pakistani Christian man, was beaten and left unconscious outside a restaurant. He reported that he was attacked by a group of Muslims who objected to him displaying a cross in his car and two large red poppies on the front of his car.

Parents' Campaign Forces Church School to Ban Christian Charity Group; Wants Symbols Removed

October 17, 2017, United Kingdom

After a parents' group complained about a Christian charity's "fundamentalist approach" in discussions of sin, St. John's Church of England Primary School in Tunbridge Wells agreed to block CrossTeach from running assemblies or giving lessons. The campaign also demands the removal of crosses, Bibles and clergy from Church of England school assemblies.

German Yoghurt Maker Weideglück Removed Santorini Cross from Packaging

October 11, 2017, Germany

Weideglück's Greek Yoghurt packaging uses an image similar to those used by Nestlé. Carrefour, and Lidl, which depicts the famous blue dome of the Anastasis Church in Santorini, but with the cross removed.

"Allahu Akbar" Graffiti on Church

October 8, 2017, Austria

Over the weekend in Ybbs (district of Melk) graffiti with messages such as "Allahu Akbar" ("God is great"), "Bomb the Kids," and "Bomb the Church" was found in various areas of the town, including on a church. Police began an investigation and offered a reward for information.

Oxford College Student Group Banned Christian Union from "Freshers' Fair"; then Reversed Decision

October 8, 2017, United Kingdom

A Balliol College student group at Oxford banned the Christian Union from its freshers’ fair on the grounds that it would be "alienating" for students of other religions, and constitute a "micro-aggression." They further claimed that Christianity was used as "an excuse for homophobia and certain forms of neo-colonialism" and that students might feel "unwelcome" if the Christian Union had a stall. After being reprimanded, organizers agreed that the Christian Union could participate in future fairs.

Christian Polish Prayer Initiative called Islamophobic; Controversial

October 7, 2017, Poland

The public prayer event "Rosary to the Borders" was called "a problematic expression of Islamophobia" by the Associated Press and "controversial" by the BBC and other media.

Some UK Schools Have Removed B.C. and A.D. Dating from Religious Education Classes

October 1, 2017, United Kingdom

B.C. (Before Christ) and A.D. (Anno Domini, meaning "in the year of the Lord"), have been replaced with B.C.E., which stands for Before Common Era, and C.E., meaning Common Era. The changes were justified "to show sensitivity to those who are not Christians."

Vandalism of Graves in Metz Cemetery

October 1, 2017, France

An unknown perpetrator entered the cemetery during the night of September 30th and October 1st and vandalized 20 graves. Crucifixes were removed from gravestones and thrown to the ground.