All cases

Stolen Virgin Mary Statue Found Damaged at Demolition System

August 18, 2022, Germany

A statue of Mary had been stolen from the Lady Chapel in Beckum and was found on the 18th of August. Employees of the Wocklum quarry found the figure, which was badly damaged, in the conveyor system that is used to feed the stones to the sand production. It was a great coincidence that the statue could be rescued, according to the police press officer Wibke Honselmann. "It was supposed to be destroyed in the Wocklum quarry, but the corpus blocked the plant," Honselmann said. Before the unknown perpetrators threw the statue into the pit, the head, hands and feet had been cut off. Police are investigating

Renovated Wall Of St. James Church Was Soiled By Vandals

August 18, 2022, Germany

In the city of Creußen, the recently renovated wall of the St. Jakobus Church was soiled and graffitied. The incident took place on the 12. August and was reported on the 16. August and the police are now looking for witnesses. According to the police, the inner wall of the crypt passage was defiled. The unknown perpetrators were possibly youths who threw moistened earth at the white inner wall. The damage to the property is estimated at around 200 euros due to the time-consuming removal of the graffiti and the re-painting.

Arson by Young Vandals Who Entered Church With Bicycles

August 18, 2022, Italy

Teenager vandals entered the Church in Pionca di Vigonza with their bikes and set fire to a Crucifix on the 18. August. One parishioner noticed the smoke coming out of the Church. The Carabinieri has identified two young boys, who committed the arson by placing candles under a Crucifix inside the church. Fortunately, the flames were extinguished within minutes. The police is still investigating to identify other perpetrators.

50,000 Francs Damage with Biased Graffiti to Five Churches in Basel

August 17, 2022, Switzerland

An unknown perpetrator has vandalised several churches in Basel, as it was reported on the 17. August. Two of the churches that were vandalised were the St. Joseph Church and the Holy Spirit Church. In the St. Joseph Church, there was a message saying "Jesus Christ, Allahu Akbar" in white paint. The Holy Spirit church was severely damaged, as there were numbers and letters scratched into the sandstone and other inscriptions were made with black and red pen. In total there were 5 churches vandalized.

Desecration of Cementery in Lwówek Slaski: Crosses and Graves Destroyed

August 17, 2022, Poland

On the night of August 17-18, 2022, unknown perpetrators committed an act of vandalism at the municipal cemetery of Lwówek Slaski. Crosses were broken, pots and flowers scattered. Among others, the grave of a small child was damaged, while a cross on a neighboring tombstone was turned over.

Armed Robbery of a Priest in Zabrze

August 17, 2022, Poland

On August 18, a 43-year-old man carried out an armed robbery on a priest of one of the parishes in Zabrze.

'Screaming, Fires, Fights, Graffiti and Litter' at St John's Churchyard in Worcester

August 17, 2022, United Kingdom

Residents of Worcester, England, are protesting against the gangs of young offenders who occupy the churchyard around St. John's Church and engage in various forms of depredation, graffiti, attempted arson, defacement, robbery, etc.

Parish of Saint Mary in Santander Desecrated and Robbed by Unknown Perpetrators

August 16, 2022, Spain

On the 16. August, the tabernacle of the parish of Santa María Reparadora in Santander was desecrated. The perpetrators stole the ciborium with the consecrated hosts that were reserved inside, as well as the virile of a monstrance. The Diocese of Santander and the National Police confirmed that a group of unidentified individuals desecrated the temple. It seems that at least one parishioner witnessed the incident, seeing how two persons went to the tabernacle, opened it, and took the sacred objects. Fr Antonio Arribas, media delegate of the Diocese, told ACI Prensa that the incident has been reported to the Police.

Church of Plampalacios Vandalized With Graffiti

August 16, 2022, Spain

On the 16th of August graffiti was discovered on the Romanesque church of the uninhabited village of Plampalacios. The Aínsa-Sobrarbe Town Council reported the case of vandalism. The incident was discovered by the boss of a flight firm that is in the vicinity, Rafael García. Some neighbours reported seeing a group of people coming with a vehicle in the evening of Tuesday. The church had no graffiti before that day.

The Statue of Saint Michael Stolen from the Church of Cause-de-Clérans

August 16, 2022, France

It has been reported that on the night of 16 to 17 August, individuals entered the church of Notre-Dame de l'Assomption in Cause-de-Clérans to steal the statue of St Michael. They came to the church on foot, taking care to park their vehicle close by so as not to wake the inhabitants of the town. On the way they lost the sword of St Michael and pieces of the plaster of the statue.

Sacrilegious Raid in Mother Church in Castellammare del Golfo

August 15, 2022, Italy

On 15. August, the sacred St Nicholas' relic has been stolen from the Mother Church in Castellammare del Golfo, near Trapani. Also missing is the crucifix that was placed in the hands of the statue itself, the cross of the tabernacle was broken and the Synod lamp moved.

Statue of the Virgin stolen from cementery in France

August 15, 2022, France

On August 15, the Virgin of the cemetery of Guignicourt-sur-Vence was stolen. The statue of Our Lady of Lourdes, which was placed in a niche in 1949, was taken away. The town hall does not despair of finding another one to replace it, according to the local press.

Statue of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux Stolen from the Church in Cernay-lès-Reims

August 15, 2022, France

On 15 August, an 80 cm high, heavy plaster statue of Saint Theresa dating from the 1930s was stolen from the church in Cernay-les-Reims, east of Reims. The theft was reported in the evening.

Three Armed Individuals Robbed Church Presbytery and Threaten Priest During A Ceremony

August 14, 2022, France

Three armed and masked individuals robbed the presbytery of a church in Gironde during a baptism ceremony on the 14. August. The perpetrators stole a chest that contained the money of a week's collections. As one of the priests found the robbers, one of them pointed his handgun at him while the others fled. The police were immediately alarmed, but they did not manage to arrest the criminals. The amount of damage is around 2000 Euros and the police has opened an investigation.

Church of Buissenal Vandalized with Hateful Message

August 14, 2022, Belgium

The Church of Buissenal was vandalized on the night of 13. to 14. August by unknown perpetrators. The vandals broke into the building by destroying stained glass windows and left a message on the main altar with the word "EVIL". They also defaced two grave markers in the cemetery.

Church Desecrated With Insulting Tags in Rouen

August 14, 2022, France

The doors and several sections of the façade of the Saint-Patrice church in Rouen were tagged with insulting slogans and militant symbols on the night of Saturday 13. August. The Diocese released a statement expressing the sadness due to the desecration and announced that the parish has filed a complaint with the police for damage to property. The tags were removed from the historic Church on the 16. August.

Major Theft of Sacred Objects From Waginger Church Discovered

August 13, 2022, Germany

In Waging am See, 25 boxes full of stolen sacred objects have been found. This was reported on the 13. of August. The Bavarian State Criminal Police Office (LKA) is currently investigating the stolen goods. It seems that the stolen objects are from the Waging church on the Mühlberg and other churches as well. Ludwig Waldinger, press representative for the LKA commented: "Where did the things come from?" Due to the large number of objects found there, "the whole thing is taking longer than initially thought". A couple of days before it became known that sacred objects were missing from the church in Waching on the Mühlberg. The items were chalices, votive tablets and chasubles.

Church Vandalised in Glodeni

August 13, 2022, Moldova

On the morning of August 13, the Glodeni police received a call about an act of vandalism in the town's church. Police officers arrived on the scene found that unknown persons had vandalised the building of the chapel property of a church near the old cemetery. According to preliminary information, an icon and a cross with the image of Jesus Christ were damaged.

Vandalism of a Chapel of Our Lady of Fatima in Jablonowo Pomorskie

August 13, 2022, Poland

On the night of August 13-14, 2022, unknown perpetrators vandalised the shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, located on the grounds of the parish of Christ the King in Jablonowo Pomorskie. The vandal coated the transparent casing of the statue of Our Lady with heated wax and smashed the candles standing in front of the shrine.

Tags in a Church in Lille

August 13, 2022, France

Tags in English were made during the night of 13 to 14 August on the church of Saint Maurice in Lille. Local media has also expressed indignation with the town hall's silence: "A defaced religious building is always a shock for the religious community attacked. The elected officials of the towns concerned are used to reacting. But for some time now, and particularly in town halls held by left-wing politicians, double standards have been commonplace. A mosque is tagged and the support is immediate. Not so for Catholics.

Anarchist Tags on the Cathedral of Poitiers

August 13, 2022, France

For two weeks, the walls of Poitiers centre had been regularly attacked by tags, reported Centre Presse on Saturday 13 August. One of those defacements was also found on the Saint-Pierre cathedral. A phenomenon that annoys many inhabitants, who do not hesitate to express themselves on the issue via social networks or in the street.

55-year-old Man Destroys Icon and Cross in Church

August 13, 2022, Moldova

On August 13., the police were notified that a 55-year-old man allegedly destroyed two items of the church's. These were an icon and a cross. The Moldovan suspect has been detained and the police are investigating.

Sacred Valuables Stolen From Church in Bad Schönborn

August 12, 2022, Germany

Shock at the Catholic Church of St. Lambertus in the Karlsruhe district: thieves stole a safe and valuable sacred objects on 12. August. The priest's personal chalice was also stolen. Estimated amount of damage: 200,000 euros. The theft is specifically tragic because the stolen objects are sacred and necessary to hold religious services. Police are investigating.

Church Windows Repeatedly Smashed in Bargebur

August 12, 2022, Germany

Unknown persons have repeatedly damaged church windows in Bargebur. Already the previous week, a stone was thrown into a window of the church. This time another eight windows were smashed. Police are investigating.

A Statue of a Madonna Mysteriously Disappears on the Border Between Italy and France

August 12, 2022, France

Located right on the Italian border, above the lake of Bresses in the Mercantour, the 80 cm high statue of the Virgin installed by the Italians has disappeared or was stolen in early August, reported a hiker on Facebook.

Refuge Denied to Iranian Christian Convert in Germany

August 11, 2022, Germany

Germany rejected the asylum application made in 2018 by Hassan, a 44-year-old Iranian who converted to Christianity in Iran and was prosecuted for the same reason. When he testified before the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees in Germany, he disclosed that he learned about Christianity in Iran through his brother-in-law, who had been imprisoned for his activities and was then killed for practicing his faith in jail. During the second week of August, the European Court of Human Rights refused to listen to Hassan's case, meaning now he faces the threat of being deported to his home country, where he will likely face imprisonment or death.

Perpetrators Spray-Painted Church of San Benedetto

August 11, 2022, Italy

The columns and the flower boxes of the Church of San Benedetto in Livorno have been spray-painted with red tags. Some of the inscriptions that defaced the Church said "No Nazi" and "1312". It is presumed that it is the same vandals that have vandalized a statue of Canapone in the Piazza XX Settembre. A concierge hopes that the security cameras might help identify the perpetrator.

Church of Sant'Antonio Abate Vandalised

August 11, 2022, Italy

On 11. August the church of Sant'Antonio Abate was vandalised by unknown perpetrators. They sprayed writings on the walls of the church and excrements were also left on the ground. According to an investigation by the Carabinieri of the local station, the mirrors of some nearby parked cars were also damaged. There are currently no video surveillance cameras in the area.

Church Window Damaged in Neunkirchen

August 11, 2022, Germany

Vandals were on the loose in the district of Neukirchen last week. Unknown perpetrators damaged a round-arched window of the church on Bruchstraße on 15. August.

Plaque Honouring War Hero and Candlesticks Stolen From Church

August 9, 2022, United Kingdom

For the third time on the year, the village church of Saint Gregory the Great in Morville has been the target of theft and vandalism. This time, the thieves stole a plaque commemorating a war hero, Thomas Hoblyn-Robins (from WWI). This happened on the 9. of August. On the same day two brass candlesticks, one brass vase and two brass candleholders were stolen. The police are asking for witness information.

Attempt to Steal from Tabernacle in the Church of St. Lazzaro

August 8, 2022, Italy

A 45-year-old man injured his hand while attempting to break into a tabernacle in the church of San Lazzaro in Bologna. The man was identified by the carabinieri thanks to surveillance cameras. On the 8 August, the man tried to open one of the tabernacles of the church of San Lazzaro, but in doing so he injured himself and decided to give up. Returning home, he called the 118 emergency services to get medical attention. After finding the damaged tabernacle, the priest checked the images taken by the church's security cameras.

Church of l'Assumpció Vandalized with Paint Bombs

August 7, 2022, Spain

On the 8th of August, the Municipality of Les Borges del Camp posted on Twitter photos and a video of the vandalistic attack on the church during the night. Unknown perpetrators threw pink paint bombs at the church's walls and wooden door.

Swedish Historian Dick Harrison: "Persecuted Christians get no Headlines"

August 7, 2022, Sweden

The historian Dick Harrison recently wrote a review of a book called "The First Right: Freedom of Religion. Freedom from Religion", written by the deputy secretary general of the Swedish Evangelical Alliance, Jacob Rudenstrand. The historian commented that the book was worth reading and pointed out that the current persecution of Christians "hardly gets any media attention."

Two Men Disrupt Sunday Mass Shouting Obscene Gestures on the Church of San Bartolomé

August 7, 2022, Spain

On Sunday 7. August, tthe police in Murcia arrested two men after they attacked the church of San Bartolomé during the celebration of Mass. The perpetrators, aged 24 and 27, who are originally from Estonia, entered the church shouting and obscene gestures. The parish priest and several parishioners tried to intervene and stop them before they gained access to the tabernacle. The parishioners told the police officers the details of the incident and regretted the lack of respect by these individuals for their faith and the violation of their freedom of worship. The perpetrators have been handed over to the Examining Magistrate's Court on duty.

Around 10 000 Euro Damage, Window Panes Smashed in Evagelical Church

August 6, 2022, Germany

Between the 6. and 9. August, unknown perpetrators smashed the window panes of an Evangelical church in Beinum, Salzgitter, by using stones. The police issued a press release about the incident and are investigating. The damage is estimated at around 10 000 Euro.

Attack and theft of Rosary from a Statue of Our Lady in Poland

August 5, 2022, Poland

On the night of August 5-6, 2022, an unknown perpetrator profaned the statue of Our Lady of Medjugorie located in the park near St. Joseph Church in Stargard. The vandal damaged the windows and stole the holy rosary held in the hands of the statue of Our Lady.

Town of Picauville Closed All Churches to Visits Due to Previous Acts of Vandalism

August 5, 2022, France

The town hall of Picauville has taken the decision on the 5th of August that churches will remain closed, due to the high amount of vandalism. Claudine Marie, the second deputy major, commented about recent incidents: "Damage took place on Wednesday 3 or Thursday 4 August. In particular in the church of Amfreville, where the trunk was torn off to take the little money that was inside. This caused some additional damage to the wall where it was hung." Masses and other religious celebrations will still take place.

Catholic Church Vandalized With Graffiti, Bible Desecrated

August 4, 2022, Germany

Unknown perpetrators vandalized the Catholic Church of the Good Hirte, using a marker pen to write words and sayings on the pillars and walls inside the church. They further desecrated a Bible, which was open for reading, and a fresco in a side niche. Pastor Gerd Möller said that "the fresco, in particular, will not be easy to restore". According to the Pastor, the attack took place during the morning on August 4 and the damage caused amounts to 10,000 euros. He further added that "the immaterial damage cannot be estimated. A church is a place of encounter with God and prayer. These places are of inestimable value for people who practice their religion". The parish filed a criminal complaint with the police who launched an investigation to find the perpetrators.

Leipzig Church Broken Into and Burgled

August 4, 2022, Germany

Between the early afternoon of August 4 and the morning of the 5th, unknown people broke into a church located in the west of Leipzig. They entered through a window and searched several rooms inside the building. The door of one of the offices was forced open and the room was looted. There is not yet any available information regarding the stolen items and the damage caused. The case was reported to the police who launched an investigation, deeming this a case of aggravated theft.

Unknown Perpetrator Cut Off Three Trees on Church Property

August 4, 2022, Germany

For no apparent reason three trees in front of the church in Sümmern have been cut off. The cut off trees were lying on the ground, so the reason for the cutting was clearly not theft. The police are investigating.

Floor Tiles From Church of the Holy Spirit Stolen

August 3, 2022, Italy

On the 3rd of August, it was reported that unknown thieves stole part of the floor tiles from the church of the Holy Spirit in piazza Cirillo in Aversa. The thieves took parts of the floor but left their tools behind. The authorities believe it is unlikely that the criminals wanted to return, as the church is closed to the public and deconsecrated. The carabinieri is investigating with use of security cameras.

Church of San Giovanello and Surrounding Area Repeatedly Vandalized

August 3, 2022, Italy

It was reported on the 3rd of August that the church of San Giovannello is being constantly vandalised and spray painted by unknown persons. According to the newspaper, they receive daily complaints and pictures of the church being daubed on every corner by vandals, including the surroundings. The newspaper suggests installing a video surveillance system.

Attempted Break-In Into the Church of Reconciliation

August 3, 2022, Germany

German Police are investigating an attempted break-in at the Reconciliation Church in the Bännjerrück district of Kaiserslautern. The event took place on the 3rd of August, as the perpetrators tried to gain access to the church, but did not succeed. Nevertheless, the burglars caused damage estimated to be at least 200 euros.

Canada: 260% Rise in anti-Catholic Hate Crimes, but no Media Coverage

August 3, 2022, Canada

The Canadian police released the hate crime data for 2021 on the 3rd of August, showing an alarming rise in anti-religious hate crimes: from 530 cases in 2020 to 884 in 2021. Anti-Catholic hate crimes rose 260%: while there were 43 cases in 2020, it rose to 155 in 2021. Catholics were the second most target group after Jews. Main News Broadcasters reported on these worrying numbers, but although Anti-Catholic motives were the second most targeted religious group and showed the highest rise among all categories, the media only used examples from other groups.

Church Entrance Defaced With Graffiti

August 3, 2022, Germany

In Wörth am Main during the first week of August, unknown persons defaced the entrance area of St. Nicholas Church with graffiti. The police have been notified and are asking for information. It seems that the crime was committed between 3 and 4 August. The perpetrators defaced the stone staircase of the main portal with paint. The damage to the property is estimated at around 500 euros.

Russia: Government Pressure on Religious Leaders to Support War

August 2, 2022, Russia

The Russian government has been pressuring religious leaders to support Putin's invasion of Ukraine, using tactics such as warning, prosecuting, and fining the believers and leaders who publicly voiced that they oppose the war. From the beginning of the Russian invasion, between February 24 and the 20th of July, 16,380 people were detained for speaking out against the war in public protests, in publications on the internet, and in other demonstrations of protest. Between March 5 and July 14, there were 3,303 cases opened under the new Administrative Code Article 20.3.3, which criminalizes "Public actions aimed at discrediting the use of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation", and is used to punish any form of "anti-war statements either in public spaces or online".

Unknown Vandals Riot in Church and Set Praise Book on Fire

August 2, 2022, Germany

On the 2nd of August afternoon, unknown perpetrator(s) vandalised a church in the Zähringerstraße. The individuals damaged flyers and a praise book with fire, they threw over altar candles and stands and damaged a holy figure. Also, an unknown number of candles were stolen. The police has taken over the investigation of the damage to property and asks for information from witnesses.

Vandalised Steps at the Church of Aumetz

August 2, 2022, France

Steps leading to a secondary exit of the church in Aumetz in Moselle were vandalised - the edge was broken. The vandalic act most probably took place on 2. August. The town hall has filed a complaint.

Religious Objects Looted from Church of St. Mary's Assumption

August 1, 2022, Germany

Thieves looted the church of St. Mary's Assumption in Appelhülsen on the 1st of August. They stole three gold-plated metal candle coasters, a copper bird figurine screwed onto the baptismal font, various votive offerings crosses and a metal rod, which was in the hand of a statue of Our Lady. The police in Dülmen are asking for information.

Commemorative Plaque For Pastor Oskar Brüsewitz Stolen

August 1, 2022, Germany

In the city of Zeitz in front of the church, the memorial plaque for the pastor Oskar Brüsewitz was stolen. The theft was discovered on the 1st of August. The plaque was still attached to the pillar until the 27th of July. According to a witness, a man was seen trying to remove the plaque on the 27th of July in the evening. The witness says the man was disturbed when he was approached. A police investigation is ongoing.

Polish Cemetery Desecrated in Piekary Śląskie

July 31, 2022, Poland

On the 31 of July, the cemetery in Piekary Slaskie was desecrated by unknown perpetrators. 42 gravestones have been destroyed, the tombstones and crosses were knocked over, and flowers and some crosses were set on fire, according to Łukasz Czepkowski, spokesman for the Baker police. The police are investigating and trying to identify the perpetrators

Chapel in the Commune of Quistinic Vandalised

July 31, 2022, France

The Saint-Roch de Kergroix chapel, in the commune of Quistinic in Morbihan, was vandalised on the weekend of 31 July. The two doors of the building were broken into, but no theft was reported in the building. The commune filed a complaint. On the following 2 August, several fires of criminal origin destroyed a hedge in the village of Kerquéré - the mayor recalled the vandalism of the chapel in the local press, where he announced that he would file a complaint following the fire.

Vandalic attack against church in Maków Mazowiecki

July 30, 2022, Poland

On July 30, a woman at St. Joseph's Church in Maków Mazowiecki noticed that a man, most likely under the influence of alcohol, entered the sanctuary. He headed for the side aisle, where there were paintings used in processions, and deliberately kicked them. Under the impact, the paintings fell over. Two of them have damaged frames. The woman tried to stop him, but to no avail; the man left the scene before police officers arrived.

Theft of Relics and a Medieval Statue from a Church in the Manche

July 30, 2022, France

Relics and a medieval statue probably dating from the 13th century were stolen from the church of Saint-Médard and Saint-Gildard in Crépon in the Manche region in July. On their website, the Friends of the Crépon church give details: "During the month of July 2022, the Crépon church was the target of several thefts perpetrated without breaking and entering and probably in broad daylight. The first targeted relics contained in four reliquaries displayed on secondary altars in the nave and the second a remarkable sculpture, discovered in 2019 during work carried out in the nave of the church, and which was kept in the sacristy, a room which is usually locked." Relics are sacred objects.

"Burn In Hell" Sprayed in the Facade of the Church of Our Lady

July 29, 2022, Switzerland

On the 29. July, the wall of the Church of our Lady in Zurich was found with inscriptions in red paint saying: "Burn in Hell", "Strike Fundamentalists on the Mouth" and an anarchist symbol, along with paint dripped over the staircase. For the time being, the parish staff is not allowed to clean up the graffiti, while the crime is being investigated by the police. The shocked priest said he had never experienced anything like this.

Human Rights Group: Germany's Migration Office Ignores the Persecution of Iranian Christian Converts

July 28, 2022, Germany

During a press conference on the 28. July, the "International Gesellschaft für Menschenrechte (IGFM)" reported on the indifference and even bias present in the BAMF (the Migration Office in Germany) in regard to the fate of Iranian Christian converts, who face persecution or even death if deported to Iran. Pastor Dr. Gottfried Martens, an expert on legal practice and deportation procedures recalls how representatives would make fun of the statements of Christian Iranians, he stated that court hearings were "pure gambling". Many Iranian converts shared their hardships and disappointing experiences with the german authorities.

Liturgical Organ and Music Equipment Stolen During the Day

July 28, 2022, France

On 28. July, the Norman councillor discovered that the liturgical organ and the sound equipment of the church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste were stolen in Omonville la Rogue. A complaint was filed with the Police.

New Report: Christian converts from Islam are unprotected in Europe

July 28, 2022, European Institutions (EU, ECHR, et.al.)

A new report by the European Centre for Law and Justice (ECLJ) reveals the persecution that European Muslims who convert to Christianity face. It also sheds light on the fact that the rights and freedoms of people who wish to leave the Islam religion are not adequately protected. According to the report "it is difficult and more generally dangerous for a Muslim to leave his religion" in France.

Church in Heilbad Heiligenstadt Vandalised in the Middle of the Night

July 28, 2022, Germany

Unknown persons vandalised a church in Heilbad Heiligenstadt on 28 July. "Between 1 and 5.30 p.m., unidentified persons vented their destructive rage in the St. Martin's Church on the church square in the old town. The perpetrators had tagged several pillars, spilled candle wax on the floor and broken a glass vase and a basin of the holy water dispenser. The stone staircase was also damaged by the vandals. The police have launched an investigation and an appeal for witnesses.

Attempted Arson at St. Nicholas Church in Knokke-Heist

July 28, 2022, Belgium

Destroyed by arson in 2013 already and then rebuilt, the St. Nicholas Church in Westkapelle, a section of the Flemish municipality of Knokke-Heist on the Dutch border, was set on fire on 28. July. Passers-by noticed smoke coming from the church. They went inside and noticed that the candle stand was burnt out. The fire was quickly extinguished and an investigation was launched - which points to vandalism by teenagers.

Anti-Christian Taggs Painted on 16th Century Church

July 26, 2022, Italy

In Matera, unknown vandals defaced the 16th Century Church of the Immaculate Conception with anti-Christian phrases. The Pisticci administration announced: "This time it is an even more serious act because it has hit one of the symbolic assets of our historical-artistic heritage, certainly among the most beautiful and important in our country." The municipal administration reported the act to the authorities and asked citizens to help in identify the ones responsible. One of the inscriptions said "F*ck your God" or "Son of a *?"

Tourist Ransacks Basilica of Boulogne-sur-Mer

July 26, 2022, France

On the 26. July at night, a US-American tourist ransacked the Basilica of Boulogne-sur-Mer. In the pictures posted by the police on Twitter one can see benches were knocked down, statues broken on the ground, the altar was ransacked and other sacred objects were damaged. The man was arrested by the local police.

The statue of Our Lady of Beauraing set on fire

July 26, 2022, France

The statue of Our Lady of Beauraing in Kanfen, a commune in the Moselle region near the Luxembourg border and Dudelange, has been vandalised on 26. July - unknown persons have burnt it. The previous statue in the same oratory was stolen outright, and was made of bronze.

Profanation of a Roadside Shrine in Przemyśl

July 25, 2022, Poland

During the night of July 25-26, a shrine with a statue of the Virgin Mary was profaned in the district of Przemyśl, in Poland.

Vandals Damage Monheim Church with Fire

July 24, 2022, Germany

On the 24. July, unknown perpetrators set fire to a church in Monheim am Rhein. The incident was discovered by a church employee, who noticed in the evening that all candles were on the altar and behind the altar had been lit. They also found lit pieces of paper and matches on the floor that left burn marks. Police are investigating.

Break-In Attempt In Monastery Church

July 24, 2022, Germany

According to the police, an attempt was made to break open the entrance door of Schönau Monastery Church between Saturday evening and Sunday morning. As the church door was unlocked on Sunday morning, the damaged lock was found on the floor. However, the unknown perpetrators did not get inside the church. Damage amounting to about 150 euros was caused.

Anti-Christian Symbols Graffitied on Walls of the Catholic Church of St. Bartholomäus

July 24, 2022, Germany

The Church of St. Bartholomew in Zeiskam was damaged by unknown perpetrators on the 24. July with anti-Christian and obscene tags. One can see photos of the exterior façade defaced with red paint spray. Some of the symbols are an inverted cross, a star inside a circle (a witchery symbol) and a penis. The St. Bartholomew's Church Foundation has filed a complaint with the police.

A Man Interrupts The Holy Mass Shouting and Hits A Parishioner

July 24, 2022, France

On Sunday 24. July, a 25-year-old resident of Chambourcy was arrested after he seriously disrupted a Holy Mass in the church of Saint-Germain, in Saint-Germain-en-Laye (Yvelines). The man, who happened to be Muslim interrupted the celebration by shouting and calling the parishioners "hypocrites" and "shitty Christians". As a parishioner approached him to ask him to leave, the man hit him with a headbutt and knocked out two of his teeth.

Several attempts of Arson to Church in Mengen

July 23, 2022, Germany

On the days around the 23. July, several cases of attempted arson took place in the Liebfrauenkirche in Mengen. Easily combustible objects were set on fire several times inside the church by unidentified perpetrators. According to the police, there was a danger that the fire would spread to the furnishings, but fortunately, the fires went out by themselves. The criminal investigation department in Sigmaringen is looking for witnesses.

Perpetrators Desecrate and Rob Saint-François-d'Assise Church

July 23, 2022, France

The church of Saint-François-d'Assise in Perpignan was desecrated on the 23. July in the afternoon by a group of vandals. The perpetrators ransacked the church and the sacristry, they threw the consecrated hosts to the ground and attempted to set fire to a statue of the Virgin Mary and dried flowers. They also broke the safe and looted the little money that was in the church from offerings and donations. The police is investigating the case.

Church of Saint Francis of Assisi in Perpignan Desecrated and Profaned

July 23, 2022, France

A "gang of young people" desecrated the church of Saint Francis of Assisi in Perpignan on 23 July, stealing the ciborium, throwing the consecrated hosts to the ground and attempting to set fire to a statue of the Virgin Mary. A "gang of young people" desecrated the church of Saint Francis of Assisi in Perpignan on 23 July, stealing the ciborium, throwing the consecrated hosts to the ground and attempting to set fire to a statue of the Virgin Mary. On the day of the crime, the church had remained open as usual, but now it is closed outside of services," says Marc Olivier, the parishioner who discovered the scene of desolation.

Repeated Arson to Church in Landshut

July 22, 2022, Germany

A burning pew with a strong smoke development in the new parish church of St. Margaret in Landshut caused much damage to the church. Since this is not the first incident of this kind in the recent past in the parish church of St. Margaret, and an accident or spontaneous combustion can be ruled out at this point, it must be assumed to all appearances that the fire was caused by arson. The police have started an investigation on the spot.

Attempted Arson in Weißenau Church

July 22, 2022, Germany

The Ravensburg Criminal Investigation Department is investigating attempted arson after an unknown person apparently tried to set fire to a wooden door of the church of St. Peter and Paul in Weißenau on 22. July.

Expert Identifies Religious Illiteracy among UK Elected Officials

July 22, 2022, United Kingdom

During an interview with the Christian Institute, Dr. James Holt, Chair of the Freedom Declared Foundation, said that there is a lack of religious literacy among some elected officials in the UK. He noted that at the recent International Conference on Freedom of Religion and Belief in London, the issue seemed to be addressed mainly as a foreign policy issue and not a domestic concern. He considers that "much more needs to be done" to counter anti-religious hatred in the UK and secure religious freedom.

Vandals Attack Church of of San Michele in Lucca

July 22, 2022, Italy

On the 22nd of July, the church of San Michele in Lucca was attacked by vandals. Someone destroyed a piece made of stone which framed the door on the right side of the church and scattered the pieces on the steps of the church. The parish priest, Don Lucio Malanca lodged a complaint with the police. He also found shattered glass on the floor from a bottle he believes was used to scratch the marble.

Attempted Break-In Into St. Alexander Church

July 22, 2022, Germany

Between the 21st and 22nd of July, unknown perpetrators tried to break in into the St. Alexander Church in Wallenhorst but were not successful. The perpetrators tampered with the door lock, an antique stained glass at the side entrance of the church and at the back of the devotional chapel, and left all places damaged. The police are looking for witnesses for more information.

A Moroccan man breaks into Zaragoza's Basilica del Pillar shouting "Allah is great"

July 22, 2022, Spain

A Moroccan man was arrested in Zaragoza, after breaking into the Basilica del Pilar in Zaragoza shouting: "Allah is great, he is the only true God, yours is false and you are infidels".The young man also threw a copy of the Qurʾan into the church and left then left. He was later arrested by the police.

Theft and Vandalism at the Church of Pleumeur-Gautier

July 21, 2022, France

The church in Pleumeur-Gautier (Côtes-d'Armor) has been the target of acts of vandalism and theft on the 21st of July. Candles were lit on the altar, which could have caused a fire and other objects were stolen. The mayor, Pierrick Gouronnec, visited the church to see the damages. The Gendarmerie Brigade is currently doing an investigation and the church has been put under increased surveillance.

Death Threats Sent to Priest in Sevilla

July 21, 2022, Spain

The priest of the municipality of Camas in Sevilla, Pedro José Rodriguez Molina, received a note with death threats on the 21. July. The note said "Ardereis como en el 36" (You will burn like in 36) and "Cloro al clero" (Chlorine to the clergy). The priest posted the note on his social media profile.

Saint Clément Church in Nantes Tagged with LGBT Slogan

July 21, 2022, France

A tag with a LGBT slogan was drawn on a pillar of the Saint Clément church in Nantes during the night of 21-22 July.

Liturgical Tablecloths Stolen From Church's Altar

July 20, 2022, Italy

At the Holy Conception parish in Civitavecchia, a 51-year-old man stole the liturgical tablecloths from the church's altar. The cloths disappeared around the 20th of July, but the thief was tracked down by the police with help of security cameras.

Minors Reported For Several Damages To Churches

July 19, 2022, Italy

The doors and windows of the churches in the area of Portomaggiore have been smashed by teenage vandals in the time of April and May. This has been reported on the 19th of July, as the carabinieri identified four minors. The crimes include breaking doors, glass windows, walls and air conditioners. The carabinieri opened an investigation.

Church Window Smashed With Stones in Austria

July 19, 2022, Austria

Between July 10 and 19, unknown vandals smashed two windows in the parish of St. Paul in Klein. The perpetrators threw stones at the windows, creating a total of five holes distributed over the panes' surface. The total amount of the property damage has not been assessed yet but, according to the police, it is estimated to be around several thousand euros, since "these are very old and colorful stained glass panes".

Crowns Stolen From Our Lady of Grace Painting

July 19, 2022, Italy

In the Church of San Rocco in Santa Croce sull'Arno, the silver crowns that rested on the heads of the image of Our Lady of Grace and the Baby Jesus were stolen by unknown perpetrators. The incident took place on the 19. July and the police are investigating. The vandals also damaged the altar and stained the tablecloth with their footprints.

Unidentified Women Smear the Facade of Church of St. Agostino

July 18, 2022, Italy

The facade of St. Agostino's Church, located in via Principi D'Acaja, was smeared with writings by perpetrators who were unaware of the security cameras in the vicinity. Thanks to the surveillance system the police were able to identify those responsible for damaging the church. Federico Battel, the commander of the Municipal Police of Pinerolo, disclosed that "we are talking about some girls, probably adults, from the shooting we recognize the faces well, now we are working to trace the names and surnames. Subsequently, we will proceed to report for damage and the costs of the restoration will also be charged".

Update: Grandmother Fined for Praying on the Street Wins Her Appeal

July 18, 2022, United Kingdom

Rosa Lalor, who on the 24th of February of 2021 was fined for praying silently on the public street, and later decided to challenge the sanction, won her appeal. At the time, the police considered that she did not have a "reasonable excuse" to be outside, even though she explained that she was simply "walking and praying" and that daily exercise was allowed. She received a fine of £200 and was then detained in the police car. Rosa Lalor decided to challenge the fine, with the help of ADF UK and won the case in court.

Authorities Confirmed Arson to Church in Lessen

July 18, 2022, Germany

On the early evening of July 18, two people attending the church in Leezen noticed smoke building up in the rear area of the church and alerted the authorities. According to the police's preliminary investigations, a box with candles was lit on fire inside the church, deeming this case an "attempted serious arson". However, the extent of the damage caused could not be assessed yet. The police are looking for witnesses who might have seen people acting suspiciously on the church grounds. The arson motive was confirmed later on.

Mayoral Candidate Fired for Voicing Christian Beliefs

July 18, 2022, United Kingdom

A Christian mayoral candidate for Lewisham, Maureen Martin, has launched legal action after being sacked for her statement on Christian beliefs about marriage in her election manifesto. She was dismissed by her housing association employer L&Q for "gross misconduct" following three complaints of "hate speech" against her, as she expressed her belief that a marriage between a man and a woman was a "fundamental building block in society" and the "safest environment to raise a child".

Destruction of Crucifix in Płoty

July 18, 2022, Poland

Unknown perpetrators have destroyed the missionary crucifix located at the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Sorrows in Płoty. The investigation found that the act of devastation was carried out between July 18 and 20.

Vandalism Around the Gethsemane Church in Prenzlauer Berg

July 18, 2022, Germany

On 18 July posters in support of Ukraine and against conspiracy theories,in the vicinity of the Gethsemane Church in Prenzlauer Berg, in Berlin, but also inside the church, were vandalised. According to the local press, this is not the first time. A show case of the church has also been vandalised in the past.

Window Smashed with Stone in parish of St. Andreas

July 17, 2022, Germany

Unknown persons broke a window of the rectory of St. Andrew's parish on the night of 17 and 18 July. The sexton of the parish noticed the damage early Sunday morning and the stone that was used was found in the room behind it. The damaged window faces the Andreasplatz, but there was no intrusion into the premises. The police started an investigation and are looking for witnesses.

Vandalism in St. Martini Cemetery

July 17, 2022, Germany

A citizen reported to the police that four benches had been thrown into the pond at St. Martini cemetery in Stadthagen. It is not yet known if the benches were damaged by this act, nor who threw them into the water. The police are investigating the case.

Repeated Property Damage in the Catholic Church in Dierdorf

July 17, 2022, Germany

Between July 16 and 17, a glazed door of a Catholic Church was destroyed by unknown people. During the previous week, another attack took place in the same church, in which unknown perpetrators destroyed a stained glass window. Both cases were reported to the police who opened an investigation.

Three Vandals Break-In in Church, Steal Religious Objects and Ring Church Bells

July 17, 2022, Poland

During the night between the 16th and 17th of July, three young people, aged 20, 21, and 25, broke into a church in the Świebodzin Commune, while under the influence of alcohol. They entered the church by breaking the padlock and, inside, stole the chalice, cyborium, and message boxes, worth a little over 400 euros. However, according to the police, after leaving the church building, they left the stolen objects in the bushes and entered the bell tower, rang the bells and hence woke up the town residents. The perpetrators were identified and detained by the police. They were charged with "theft with burglary" and can face up to 10 years in prison.

Group of Young Men Harassed and Humiliated Priest

July 17, 2022, Slovakia

Bishop Halko in the city of Pohoda was attacked by a group of drunken young men, who broke bottles, banged on his cabin, and soaked him with water before other people who laughed at the scene. The incident took place during the night and was reported on 17.07.2022. The priest also recalls that the people shouted at him with insults and hung an LGBT Flag on his cottage. It seems that the group attacked the priest after he had expressed his opinion regarding the LGBT movement on TV.

Walls of Roman Pantheon Sprayed With The Words "Aliens Exist"

July 16, 2022, Italy

Unknown vandals sprayed blue paint graffiti on the outer facade of the nearly 1900-year-old Roman Pantheon, where it could be read "aliens exist". As the area outside the Pantheon is not under complete surveillance, the security cameras were not useful to help find the culprits. However, the case was reported to the police who immediately launched an investigation. The Pantheon is one of the best-preserved buildings from Roman antiquity and experts are working on removing the paint from its walls.

Ukraine: Orthodox Priests Tortured By Russian Forces

July 16, 2022, Ukraine

Dymytrij Rudyuk, the Lviv Metropolitan of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OKU), accused the Russian army and the Moscow Patriarch Cyril of being responsible for torturing Ukrainian Orthodox priests. In an interview, he claimed that "the majority of OKU priests had to flee the Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine. Those who stayed are often tortured. Five Orthodox priests were shot and a priest-monk was cruelly tortured to death".

Evangelical Church Signs Targeted By Vandals

July 16, 2022, Germany

The Protestant Gethsemane Church in Berlin-Prenzlauer-Berg was vandalised (again) by unknown perpetrators. The police announced on Thursday that unknown persons graffitied the display case at the church in Stargarder Straße in the night from 15 to 16 July and damaged several posters on various political topics. The police is looking for witnesses for the investigation. In the past, the church has repeatedly been the target of attacks in which, among other things, posters with political content were destroyed.

Two Men Detained For Stealing Sacred Objects from Chapel

July 15, 2022, Poland

On July 15, two men, aged 28 and 29, suspected of having broken into a chapel in the Brody commune were detained by the police. In addition to the break-in, they stole liturgical objects worth nearly 500 euros, which the police were able to recover.

Swedish Church Vandalized With Swastikas and Penises

July 15, 2022, Sweden

During the night between July 15 and 16, unknown perpetrators vandalized Rydboholm's church in Borås with swastikas, penises, and the word 'Hitler'. The security company was the first to notice the graffiti on the church's facade. When Pastor Sven-Erik Olsson arrived at the church, he noticed how much worse the case actually was: "There is graffiti on windows, on doors, flower pots and even on the stone stairs in front of the gate. It's outrageous, it's the whole community's church". The police were alerted and are looking into the case.