All cases

Vandalism of Cemetery in Mülheim

October 22, 2011, Germany

Strangers ravaged on the graveyard of Styrum in Mülheim and damaged 30 graves in the night from Oct 22 to 23.

Statue of Mary Stolen in Nord-Pas de Calais

October 21, 2011, France

It was very difficult for the inhabitants of Agnez-les-Duisans to realize that the Statue of Mary holding baby Jesus had disappeared and its emplacement had been very much damaged. The police is enquiring.

Double Standards in UK Foreign Aid: Indifference to Rights of Christians

October 20, 2011, United Kingdom

The former Conservative minister Ann Widdecombe pointed out the UK government's double standards in its threats to cut aid to countries which persecute gay people while turning a blind eye to persecution against Christians.

"Black Block" Manifestation Assaults a Church

October 20, 2011, Italy

During a "Black Block", a left wing militant manifestation in Rome, an unknown number of people entered the parish of Santi Marcellino e Pietro al Laterano and destroyed the crucifix and a statue of the Virgin Mary of Lourdes.

(Scotland) Christmas Snubbed by Government

October 19, 2011, United Kingdom

The Scottish Government failed to mention Christmas in its “Winter Festivals” programme. In an official news release the Government mentions St Andrew’s Day eleven times, Hogmanay five times and Burns Night several times. But Christmas is not mentioned at all.

Anarchist Damage Lateran Basilica in Rome

October 16, 2011, Italy

A small group of anarchist targeted the Basilica of Saint John Lateran in Rome. Various damages were detected, including the destruction of a statue of Mary.

"Occupy Rome" Activists Destroyed Sacred Icons During Demonstration

October 15, 2011, Italy

A group of youth who were marching as part of the anti-capitalist movement "Occupy Rome", detoured from the main stream of the parade, and made their way into Saints Marcellino and Pietro Parish, located between Labicana and Merulana streets. The youth, with their heads covered and handing sticks, broke into the parish house and took the statue of the Immaculate Conception and a crucifix. They carried the sacred icons outside the parish premises to the street, where both were destroyed and the debriefs left on the street.

Vandalism at Immaculate Conception Church in Vohwinkel

October 12, 2011, Germany

On October 12th unknown perpetraters vandalized the parish church of the Immaculate Conception in Vohwinkel. They damaged valuable pieces of art: a sword was pulled off a statue and attached to a crucifix, and a branch of a seven-branched candelabrum was torn off.

Vandalism in Presbytery in Rüthen-Menzel

October 12, 2011, Germany

Strangers set fire to the entrance door of the presbytery by means of petrol in Rüthen on Oct 12th. The fire had already made its way under the door and set the tapestry on fire when it was discovered and extinguished. Police asked the public for help.

Recurring Vandalism at Cemetery in Essen

October 11, 2011, Germany

Recurring instances of vandalism at Essen cemetery amount to 30 000 Euros in damage. The acts of vandalism include the stealing of vases, the removal of letters on graveyards, the ignition of over 50 compost containers in the time period of a few weeks. Several relatives of those whose graves had been attacked were under significant emotional distress.