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OIDAC EUROPE REPORT 2024

November 26, 2024, International

In its “Intolerance and Discrimination Against Christians in Europe Report 2024” OIDAC Europe identified 2,444 anti-Christian hate crimes which were documented by police and civil society in 35 European countries in 2023, including 232 personal attacks on Christians, such as harassment, threats and physical violence.

Two teens arrested for church vandalism causing £15,000 of damage

November 24, 2024, United Kingdom

Two teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of causing more than £15,000 of damage to the Grade II listed St Margaret's Church in Bowers Gifford on 24 November. It was the second time in a month that the church had been vandalised.

Fire set in Walldorf Church

November 15, 2024, Germany

Unknown persons threw several burning strips of paper into the basement of the Walldorf church.

Statue of Mary destroyed

November 10, 2024, Italy

A statue of Mary outside the local cemetery in Pievesestina, Cesena, has been smashed to pieces.

Pepper spray attack during mass in Prato

November 10, 2024, Italy

Unknown people entered the church of Santa Maria al Soccorso during Sunday mass and sprayed a pungent substance with pepper spray. The parish priest had to interrupt the service and finish celebrating mass outside. The perpetrators have fled.

Priest dies after being physically attacked by robber

November 9, 2024, Poland

A Catholic priest in Poland succumbed to serious injuries in the hospital on November 9 - six days after the physical attack in his parish of St. Albert by the 27-year-old man from Szczytno. The male suspect in this case is in custody, charged with attempted murder. The clergyman was attacked for the purpose of a robbery.

Altar tablecloth set on fire in Schweinfurt church

November 8, 2024, Germany

On November 8, a Tablecloth in the evangelical Church "Am Glockenhof" was set on fire in the afternoon. The fire burned the tablecloth and the diary on it. The damage caused is approximately 80 euros.

Two other churches desecrated

November 8, 2024, France

The churches of Truyes and Lignières-de-Touraine were desecrated and consecrated hosts were stolen. Four other churches in the diocese of Tours suffered identical events in the same week.

Figure of Jesus broken into pieces: Cross in Tarnow Vandalised

November 7, 2024, Poland

On the night of November 7, vandals broke a statue of Christ on the missionary cross in front of the church in Tarnow-Klikowa, into small pieces. Also, the statue's head was stolen. The parish priest and the faithful are convinced that it was a deliberate act of desecration.

Nun physically attacked in church

November 4, 2024, Italy

A nun was brutally attacked near Largo di Torre Argentina in Rome on 4 November. The nun was violently punched and slapped in the face after trying to push away the attacker, who had approached the tabernacle in a suspicious manner.