All cases

Christian Family Faces Prosecution for Homeschooling if Deported Back to Germany

September 25, 2023, Germany

A Christian family is asking the Biden administration to intervene in their deportation after they lived in the USA for 15 years seeking asylum from prosecution in Germany. The Romeikes had fled Bissingen, Germany in 2008 after being threatened with prosecution for homeschooling their five children. Homeschooling in Germany is tightly regulated and only allowed under certain circumstances.

Vandals deface church with blasphemous writings

September 25, 2023, Italy

During the night of September 25, a group of youth defaced the walls of the parish church Santi Giovanni e Agostino and some facades in la Spezia. According to the media, the slogans included blasphemous writings.

Desecration of the Virgin of Flores Convent Church

September 19, 2023, Spain

The Virgen de las Flores Convent Church in Malaga was vandalised. The attack happened in the morning of September 19. In the sanctuary of the Virgen de las Flores Convent they scattered the consecrated hosts on the floor, took the mantle of Mary and the image of Baby Jesus.

Posters defame pro-life campaigners as "religious fundamentalists"

September 17, 2023, Spain

In Madrid, around the Isadora center, located in the university district, abortion supporters have placed signs on the streetlights that read: “Attention: Dangerous religious fundamentalists on the loose,” “STOP fanaticism,” “40 Days hating women” or “40 days against human rights”. The slogans were directed against the 40 Days for Life prayer initiative.

Two Cases of Desecration in Hospital Chapel in Puerto Real

September 14, 2023, Spain

On the 14th of September, CNA reported that a hospital chapel in the town of Puerto Real, in the Diocese of Cádiz and Ceuta, had recently been desecrated twice. The first time, nothing was stolen but someone moved the tabernacle so that it was out of joint and left a dirty glass in it. The second time, the consecrated hosts were stolen and the veil of the tabernacle was torn off. The police were notified.

Hateful Graffiti On Residence of Cardinal of Cologne

September 13, 2023, Germany

The official residence of the Cardinal of Cologne, Rainer Maria Woelki, was smeared with hateful graffiti on the September 19. The entrance gate to the archbishop's house was also sprayed with powder from a fire extinguisher.

Christ Church in Derry Desecrated

September 12, 2023, Ireland

Christ Church in Derry was found with multiple broken windows, including a stained glass window. Vases of flowers were knocked over, a decanter used for communion was stolen, and faeces were found smeared on the pages of a psalm book.

UPDATE: UK Home Secretary Clarifies that "Silent Prayer" is not Unlawful

September 8, 2023, United Kingdom

The Home Secretary of the UK has now clarified that “silent prayer, within itself, is not unlawful” in a letter for the police forces across the country. This statement comes in response to many months of controversy over "buffer zones" outside abortion facilities that have led to the arrest of several citizens for praying silently in their minds inside a buffer zone.

Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission: "Azerbaijan Pursues ‘Elimination of the Entire Christian Population and Its Churches’ in Nagorno-Karabakh"

September 6, 2023, Armenia

As the humanitarian situation of Armenian Christians behind Azerbaijan's blockade in Nagoro-Karabakh becomes critical, the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission of the US Congress conducted a hearing on 6 September to explore the situation. Experts heard by the commission pointed out that Azerbaijan’s actions clearly constituted a genocide, as it is using starvation as a form of ethnic cleansing. Georgetown University adjunct professor David L. Philips argued that the final intention of Azerbaijan is the “elimination of the entire Christian population and its churches.”

Church Organ Console Worth 5000 Euro Stolen

September 6, 2023, Germany

Between September 4th and 6th, an organ console worth 5000€ was stolen from a church in Detmold. This is not only significant because of the monetary value but it also hinders the ceremonial process of the mass. Local police assumes that there were at lease two people involved in the theft and started an investigation.

Theft and Desecration of Tabernacle from a Church in Mönchengladbach

September 5, 2023, Germany

In the night of September 4th to 5th, unidentified thieves managed to break into the church in Mönchengladbach by entering through a window of the neighbouring building and then using the shared basement. They left with the tabernacle, the golden chalice inside it and two more boxes of unknown content. Since the tabernacle is quite heavy, police expects that more than one person must have been involved in the crime. The exact damage is unknown since it is not clear what the tabernacle and the chalice are made of gold. The local police started an investigation. 

Severe vandalism, desecration and death threats inside a chapel in Pedregalejo, Malaga

September 5, 2023, Spain

On September 5 a man broke into the Corpus Christi parish church in Pedregalejo (Malaga) and caused considerable damage to the parish hall while uttering death threats and shouting "God doesn't exist", among other derogatory phrases against the Church. The offender smashed several paintings, including one of Mary, a carving of Christ crucified, a pedestal of Mary, several chairs, a candelabra and some glass.

Gilded Statue Stolen from Church in Denbighshire

September 5, 2023, United Kingdom

A 252-year-old statue of a pelican has been stolen from St Dyfnog Church in Llanrhaedr, Denbighshire. The 0.6 meter gilded statue was stolen between August 22 and September 5. The carving, which has been hanging in the church for at least 100 years, was situated next to the altar in the church. The North Wales Police are investigating the theft.

UPDATE: Päivi Räsänen Stands Trial Again For Sharing her Christian Worldview

September 1, 2023, Finland

During the 31st of August and the 1st September, Finnish Politian Päivi Räsänen and Lutheran Bishop Juhana Pohjola stood trial at the Helsinki Court of Appeal for the charges brought against them of "inciting hatred" against LGBT people. These charges are based upon a Twitter post made by Räsänen in 2019, as well as a pamphlet and a radio interview. Last year, Räsänen and Pohjola were unanimously acquitted of all charges, but due to the appeal by the prosecutor, they stood trial again. The verdict will be announced in November 30th.

Church in Bodmin Closed to Visitors after Repeated Vandalism

September 1, 2023, United Kingdom

St. Petroc's Church in Bodmin was opened to visitors outside of services but on September 1 the church announced that it has been forced to close because of repeated vandalism. A spokesperson of the church said that it hoped to reopen to visitors in time, and that it was working with the police on the issue.

UPDATE: Hieromonk Ioann Kurmoyarov sentenced to three years in jail for oposing war in Ukraine

August 31, 2023, Russia

The verdict of the Court against Fr Ioann Kurmoyarov was given on 31 August and has finally sentenced the hieromonk to 3 years in a penal colony accused of disseminating false information about the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.

Glass Door of St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna Destroyed with Hammer

August 27, 2023, Austria

In the evening of August 27, on the fringes of a Syrian protest, a glass door of the St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna was smashed with a hammer. The police, who were present due to the rally scheduled for the evening, immediately arrested the perpetrator armed with two hammers. The man was taken to the hospital, in case he was suffering from psychosis - the police considered a connection with the demonstration unlikely.

Six Stone Crosses were broken from the crowns on Budapest's Margaret Bridge

August 25, 2023, Hungary

On the night of August 24, three men broke 6 stone crosses from de crowns on Margaret Bridge in Budapest. The perpetrators were filmed by CCTV cameras and an investigation has been launched by the police to identify them.

Church Hall Targeted by Persistent Vandalism

August 25, 2023, United Kingdom

The Loyola Centre in Wishaw, a community church hall adjacent to St Ignatius’s Church, has become the target of ongoing vandalism. Young vandals caused significant damage over the summer of 2023, including throwing stones, rocks, and bricks at the center's windows.

Muslim Man hurls Insults and throws rocks at the windows of a church in Sweden

August 22, 2023, Sweden

A man targeted a Catholic church in Haninge, near Stockholm, with stones while shouting "Allah Akbar, I'm going to rape Jesus." The video is uploaded by 'Fares Aziz', he posted the video on TikTok. It is not exactly clear when the event took place and how local authorities responded.

Vandals set fire to a cross on the summit of Nagy-Szénás mountain

August 20, 2023, Hungary

Vandals set fire to a wooden cross erected a few years ago in the Nagy-Szénás mountain, near the village of Nagykovácsi. This happened on August 20, when Hungary celebrates its first king St. Stephen I and the State Foundation Day. The burning of the cross, erected on the 550-metre-high peak, has provoked strong anger among the villagers who have already started a fundraising campaign to replace the cross as soon as possible. The perpetrators have not been identified.

Medieval Stone Cross Stolen from Church in Lincolnshire

August 19, 2023, United Kingdom

A medieval stone cross was taken from St. John The Baptist Church in Great Carlton between 1:45 and 7:30 PM on August 19. The cross had been described as "priceless to the church in historical terms". The police are still searching for information and for the perpetrator.

Organ Stolen From St. Mary's Church

August 19, 2023, Germany

On August 19, unknown perpetrators stole an organ from St. Mary's Church, which was open 24/7. Taking advantage of this fact, church employees suspect the theft had been planned in advance, also considering the organ weighs around 50 kg, requiring at least two people to carry it, as well as an adequate vehicle to transport it in. The damage is estimated to amount to around 5,000 euros. The police were alerted and started an investigation into the occurrence.

Man attacks church in Turin in broad daylight by throwing rocks and insulting Christians

August 17, 2023, Italy

On August 17 a foreign man attacked the historic church of Santa Cristina in Turin's Plazza San Carlo in broad daylight. The attack can be seen in a video that is circulating on the Internet. In the video, the man can be heard cursing at the worshippers inside the church, and shouting: 'F****ng Christians'. The perpetrator was arrested by the police and was taken to a hospital, as he injured himself while throwing stones against the church.

Cyprus: Man harasses priest in Monastery by reciting the Islamic profession of faith

August 17, 2023, Cyprus

On August 17, a video surfaced on the Internet showing a man in the Apostolos Andreas Monastery in the Karpasia peninsula of Turkish-occupied northern Cyprus, harassing a priest by reciting the Shahāda (Islamic profession of faith). Legal proceedings have been initiated against the provokator.

Belarus: Pastor of the New Life Church Minsk Arrested Again

August 15, 2023, Belarus

Pastor Viachaslau Hancharenka of the New Life Full Gospel Church in Minsk, was detained together with his son-in-law Illia Budai on the 15th of August. According to the news, 20 armed policemen broke into his house, searched and detained them. He was sentenced to 10 days in jail and his son-in-law to 5 days in jail for resisting the detention.

Church Vandalised in the Saale-Holzland district

August 15, 2023, Germany

Unknown people vandalized a church in Dornburg-Camburg, a town located in the Saale-Holzland district.

Saint-Martin de Dunières Church Closes Due To Vandalism

August 15, 2023, France

The Church of Saint-Martin de Dunières announced on August 15 that it would remain closed, except for services, until further notice. The cause was a series of acts of vandalism which happened in the past two months.

Vandal tried to break an icon in the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra during service

August 13, 2023, Ukraine

An unidentified individual entered the church of Venerable Agapitos of the Kyiv Caves and struck an icon of Jesus twice with a stone during the Divine Liturgy. The parishioners stopped his actions and called the police, who detained the attacker.

Liturgical Objects stolen from St. Norbert Church

August 13, 2023, Germany

Between the 12th and 13th of August, unknown perpetrators robbed St. Norbert Church in Bocholt. They forcibly entered the church through a side entrance and stole a golden chalice a silver host bowl used for the liturgy, a laptop, and a safe from the church.

Windows at Village Church in Gullane Smashed

August 12, 2023, United Kingdom

On the night of August 12, the windows were smashed at the church of St. Adrian's in Gullane. The Rev Simon Metzner stated that there had been reports of youths drinking and smashing bottles in the area. He was unsure of the cost of the damage but stressed that police were looking into the issue.

Repeated Vandalism at Bonn Cathedral

August 12, 2023, Germany

On the night of August 12, Bonn Cathedral Basilica again became the target of vandalism and attempted theft during the night, marking it the fourth incident in eight months.

Vandals devastated facilities of the Santa Maria Liberatrice parish in Milan

August 8, 2023, Italy

On the night of 7-8 August, a group of unidentified vandals entered and destroyed the parish facilities of the Santa Maria Liberatrice parish in Vigentino, Milan. "The area with all the objects was ransacked, plus two fire extinguishers were emptied. There was white powder everywhere," told one of the founders of the association that is helping to clean and repair the destruction. The carabinieri investigating the case are also voluntarily helping with the clearing clear out of service hours.

UPDATE: Councillor Supporting Christian Councillor's Freedom of Speech Now Faces Criminal Investigation

August 8, 2023, United Kingdom

On August 8, Wellingborough Town Councillor Anthony Stevens, 50, was searched in his house in front of his wife and children, taken to the Kettering police station, and heavily questioned, for posting tweets from his personal account supporting the case of Christian Councillor King Lawal. King Lawal faced suspension as a Councillor, investigations and other forms of cancelling and discriminatory treatment for tweeting that "Pride" is a sin in June 2023. Mr Lawal launched a petition, which has been signed by over 26,000 people, calling on the Chairman of the Conservative Party, Greg Hands, to intervene in his behalf. Cllr Stevens shared the petition and tweeted in support of Cllr Lawal saying: ‘If you value free speech please sign and share’. Officers showed Cllr Stevens his tweets and asked him why he supported the petition. Cllr Stevens stated that he is a free speech absolutist and that even if he does not agree with someone, he believes in their right to express their beliefs. Cllr Stevens was released on bail, his mobile phone was seized to be searched for further evidence. He is required to surrender himself at Kettering police station on November 1. He has made a complaint to the Independent Office for Police Conduct regarding his treatment.

Church vandalised with Red paint in Lucca

August 7, 2023, Italy

Unknown perpetrators targeted the side entrance of the Basilica of San Paolino in Lucca with red paint. The parish priest Don Lucio Malanca told the newspaper "La Nazione" that they have experienced of repeated acts of vandalism. He said: "Unfortunately, this is not even the most serious act of vandalism suffered by our Lucchese churches and monuments in the historic centre".

Serbian Orthodox church vandalised in Kosovo the night before its commemoration

August 7, 2023, Kosovo

The Office for Kosovo and Metohija of the Government of the Republic of Serbia reported and shared pictures of a vandalic attack that the church of Saint Petka suffered on 7 August. The church is located in the settlement of Suvi Do, close to Mitrovica, and belongs to the Serbian Orthodox Church. The church was attacked the night before its dedication day (temple's glory day).

"World Youth Day" monument in Leiria vandalised with anti-Church inscription

August 6, 2023, Portugal

On the night of August 6-7, the monument with the letters "Leiria" in the city of the same name in Portugal was vandalized with an anti-Church slogan. The letters were put in commemoration of World Youth Day 2023 in Portugal painted with the colors and the logo of WYD.

Recently inaugurated St Anthony statue decapitated and vandalized in Portugal

August 5, 2023, Portugal

The statue of St Anthony recently inaugurated in Torres Novas was vandalised on August 5. It was found the next morning with the head cut off, the statue of the Infant Jesus destroyed and a carton banner written "God is dead" and "You paedophiles." The damage was valued at €13,000.

"God is Trans" tagged on Religious Panel during World Youth Day

August 5, 2023, Portugal

On August 5, a tile panel depicting the Ecce Homo (an image of Jesus Christ), the 5th station of the ancient procession of "Nosso Senhor dos Passos," was vandalized with the graffiti "God is trans" in the city of Torres Novas. This panel had recently been restored and blessed.

Vandals raid medieval church in Varigotti and destroy several objects

August 5, 2023, Italy

Unknown vandals entered San Lorenzo's medieval church in Varigotti on the night of 5-6 August and destroyed several things during the raid. Apart from ransacking the premises, they also stole offerings and other equipment from the church.

Arson in Großröhrsdorf destroys 300 year old protestant church

August 4, 2023, Germany

On August 4, the baroque protestant church of Großröhrsdorf, a small town in Saxony, burned down to the ground. After a week of investigation, the criminal investigation department determined that the cause of the fire was arson and a suspect has already been arrested.

Church of Saint Peter desecrated in Désaignes

August 4, 2023, France

On August 4, the church of Saint Peter of Désaignes, in France, was vandalized on its interior. A crucifix was damaged, leaving the arms of Christ broken, when it was taken down and left near the altar. There were also tags painted with silver paint on two pillars on either side of the altar, representing the male and female symbols. The gendarmerie is conducting an investigation.

Porsche digitally removes Lisbon's landmark Christ statue from advertisement

August 2, 2023, Portugal

German luxury car brand Porsche digitally removed the statue of Christ the King in Lisbon from an advertisement celebrating 60 years of the Porsche 911 filmed in Portugal and published on 2 August. After the unreasonable removal of the monument caused outrage among Christians, the brand apologised for the "error" and re-published the video with the Christ unedited.

Satanic Symbols sprayed on Church Wall in Graz

August 2, 2023, Austria

In the night of 1st to 2nd of August, a church in Graz was vandalised with graffiti. Perpetrators painted inverted crosses on the outside walls of the church. Inverted crosses are known to be anti-Christian, satanic and occultist symbols. The police were notified and have started an investigation.

St. Oswald's Parish Church Reduces Opening Hours After Vandalism

August 1, 2023, United Kingdom

St Oswald's Parish Church in Oswestry has implemented new opening hours in response to reports of vandalism and unacceptable behaviour on its premises. In a Facebook announcement, a church spokesperson expressed regret over the need to reduce the opening hours, citing recent incidents of vandalism and unacceptable behaviour as the driving force behind the decision.

Vandalism at the Church of San Sebastiano

August 1, 2023, Italy

On the evening of August 1, unknown perpetrators vandalised the plaster and some masonry parts of the Church of San Sebastiano in Montopoli.

Statue of Mary Damaged in L'Aquila Church

August 1, 2023, Italy

In L'Aquila a young man damaged a statue of Mary in the church of San Pio X. According to initial police reports, the young man defaced the statue with a Hebrew tetragram after waiting for the departure of worshippers. He then forcibly pulled the statue from its pedestal, causing damage to its arm and legs.

Vandalism Strikes Historic Cleeberg Church

August 1, 2023, Germany

A historic village church in Cleeberg, dating back to 1355, has been targeted by vandals, leaving the community in shock. The occurrence, discovered on the evening of August 1, involved the destruction of property and the desecration of religious items, including damages to the Bible on the altar.

Church remains closed after disturbances

July 31, 2023, United Kingdom

Between July 30 and July 31, unknown individuals caused disturbances at St. Andrew's Church in Barningham. The perpetrators entered the church and took plants and pots from a funeral service, rolled up a carpet, interfered with the church organ, and discarded wrappers. The church now has to be locked during the day.

Vandals Damage Statues in Chapel in Żuklin

July 31, 2023, Poland

In Żuklin, in Kańczuga commune, two religious figures were vandalised by unknown perpetrators. The damage caused to the chapel was noticed by residents who were shocked upon discovering the act of vandalism. The eyes of a statue of Mary and a statue of Jesus were defaced.

Desecration of a painting of the Last Supper

July 31, 2023, Poland

On July 31, the Parish priest of the Our Lady Queen of Poland church in Chojnice reported that the Last Supper painting near the church entrance was vandalised. Specifically, one of the Apostles' faces was cut out.

Teenager Sets Fire to Liebfrauenkapelle

July 31, 2023, Germany

On the 31st of July, a fire broke out in the Liebfrauenkapelle in Neuhausen, damaging several furnishings. The authorities were promptly alerted by a 78-year-old man who was passing by and had noticed a teenage boy running away.

Theft and vandalism in the Grästorp's Church

July 31, 2023, Sweden

On July 31, 2023, the perpetrator caused significant damage to a church in Grästorp. The man smashed a window and emptied a fire extinguisher in the church. The damage is estimated at SEK 13,350 (1,400 euro), according to the indictment. At the same time, he and an unknown accomplice committed theft by taking a cassock. The perpetrator was arrested, but denies the offence.

Chapel of San Vicente Vandalised Again

July 30, 2023, Spain

On the 30th of July, the chapel of San Vicente de O Grove was vandalised once more. Its door was forcibly opened, all the windows in the sacristy were shattered, and a broken flower pot, which did not belong to the chapel, was left there. Parish priest Juan Ventura Martínez filed a complaint with the Civil Guard following the incident.

63-Year-Old Sets two Bibles on Fire on Church Altar

July 30, 2023, Germany

On the 30th of July, a 63-year-old man set fire to two Bibles on the altar of a church in the Ravensburg district. Firefighters intervened to restrain the man before the police arrived and arrested him. Due to the firefighter's prompt intervention, the fire did not spread to the church or its furniture.

Monstrance and Money stolen from Church

July 29, 2023, Germany

On July 29, unknown perpetrators broke into the parish church in Fulda and stole the monstrance. They also stole some money.

Severe Vandalism in the Church of Notre-Dame in Lencloitre

July 29, 2023, France

On July 29, the church of Notre-Dame de Lencloître was the target of acts of vandalism by unknown perpetrators. The vandals broke into the tabernacle, threw the ciborium and hosts to the ground and broke the candles. They also left tendentious drawings on dusty chairs. The parish priest has reported the incident to the police.

Vandalism to Cemetery and Church

July 28, 2023, Germany

On July 27, the cemetery in Rimbach has been vandalised. Grave lights were knocked over, holy water containers tore out, flowers were bent over, etc. According to the media, there have already been repeated acts of vandalism and damage to property in the church in Rimbach throughout 2023. Coat hooks were also torn from the church benches, books were thrown into the holy water, wax was poured into the holy water and similar acts were carried out.

Monstrance with Host Stolen from Fulda Parish Church

July 28, 2023, Germany

Unknown perpetrators stole a monstrance with a consecrated host from the city parish church. The theft, discovered by the sexton during the church's closing on July 28, involved the breaking of a pane glass to access the sacred item. The case was reported to the police who started investigating it as a serious case of theft.

Church of the Madonna dei Farauli Targeted by Vandals

July 28, 2023, Italy

On the 28 of July, the Church of the Madonna dei Farauli in Sternatia was attacked by vandals. An unknown perpetrator(s) threw stones at the window on the entrance door of the church, destroying the glass.

Hermitage in Puente de Génave desecrated

July 27, 2023, Spain

One July 27, the San Juan Bautista hermitage in Peñolite, Puente de Génave, was broken into and desecrated.

Man uses stolen cross to injure another man

July 27, 2023, Germany

On July 27, a man stole a cross and a priest stole from St. Joseph church in Ebersberg, Bavaria. Wearing the stole, he then used the cross to attack another man.

Sweden: Christian Bakery Reported After Declining To do a Homosexual Wedding Cake

July 26, 2023, Sweden

At the end of July, it was communicated that a Swedish bakery has been reported to the Discrimination Ombudsman after they declined to make a wedding cake for a gay couple. The Christian bakers believe that the person who ordered the cake already knew their religious beliefs and intentionally generated this case.

Vandalism at Mariengrotte of St. Martin Church

July 26, 2023, Germany

Between July 26 and 28, unknown vandals damaged a statue in Mariengrotte, between the Church of St. Martin and the parish office. A flower vase was also found destroyed and sacrificially candles were found smeared in the church. The police were notified and opened an investigation to find the culprits.

Theft and Vandalism at St. Catherine Church

July 26, 2023, Poland

On the night of the 26th of July, unknown perpetrators broke into the Church of St. Catherine in Rożnów, robbing and damaging the property. Offerings from two donation boxes were stolen, and damage was caused to the stained glass window of St. Maksymilian and the baptismal font.

Human excrements left in sacristy after theft

July 26, 2023, Austria

On July 29, a thief broke into the Romanian Orthodox church of Stegersbach, Austria, after the evening prayers. Next to stealing 150-200 euros from the donation box, the thief also left human excrements in the sacristy.

Fire at the Church of Santa Maria di Gesù

July 25, 2023, Italy

The Maredolce Castle and Park Association in Palermo have taken legal action, filing a complaint for arson in response to the fire at the fifteenth-century Santa Maria di Gesù church, while investigations of the origin of the fire are still ongoing. The blaze, which occurred on July 25th, resulted in the partial destruction of the church, including the loss of its Renaissance ceiling, a fifteenth-century wooden sculpture of Mary and Jesus, and several other artworks. Moreover, the body of Saint Benedict the Moor, venerated in the church, disappeared in the flames.

Russian Missile Strikes Holy Transfiguration Cathedral

July 23, 2023, Ukraine

In the early hours of the July 23, a Russian missile struck the central altar of the Holy Transfiguration Cathedral in Odesa, reducing a large part of it to rubble. The building and the three lower floors were partially destroyed, while the interior and icons were significantly damaged. The Ukrainian Orthodox Church called for an immediate, final break of ties with the Russian Orthodox Church.

Vandalism and Threats in Lutheran Church in Riga

July 23, 2023, Latvia

On July 23, a man wearing a face mask entered the Old Lutheran Church of St. Gertrude in Riga and vandalised the church. He damaged a baptismal vessel and an icon, scattered sand, poured water on the vessel and left the church. When entering the church he also threatened the church warden not to call the police or he would physically assault her. The pastor of the parish, Chris Kalnins, also reported that the attacker made death threats against the pastor.

Theft and Damage in Villach-Auen church

July 21, 2023, Austria

Unknown perpetrators broke open the window of a church in Villach-Auen, Austria. By breaking open a door, they then gained access to the sacristy, rummaged through the cabinets and stole the donation box.

San Fabiano Church in Suna vandalised

July 17, 2023, Italy

As reported on July 17, unknown perpetrators vandalised the Church of Saint Fabian and Sebastian in Suna, apparently using a sledgehammer which they swung against the façade of the small church on the Suna lakefront, ruining the plaster.

Austria: Youths wanted to "Shoot all Christians" in their School Class

July 16, 2023, Austria

On the 16th of July, two youths stood trial in Leoben on charges of terrorist association and criminal organization. A 16-year-old and a 15-year-old planned a terrorist attack on MS Bruck school, since early 2022. The police found out through their chats that the plans were far advanced. When questioned, the perpetrators confirmed that they "wanted to shoot all the Christians in the class". The boys have now been convicted by law.

Bell Stolen from Berlin Church - Widespread thefts from church properties

July 16, 2023, Germany

Unknown persons have stolen a church bell weighing around half a tonne from the premises of the Protestant church in Berlin-Heinersdorf. "This is a very painful loss for me and the congregation," pastor Anne-Kathrin Finke said.

Tabernacle Broken into at St Jacob Church

July 16, 2023, Germany

In the night from July 15 to 16, an unknown perpetrator broke into St Jacob church in Schraudenbach. The thief stole valuable objects and broke into the tabernacle of the church. Extensive property damage was caused.

UK: Man has his job offer rescinded after Company learns about his Christian Beliefs

July 14, 2023, United Kingdom

Felix Ngole, a Christian social worker, had a job offer by Touchstone Support withdrawn after the company found out that he won a free speech case over his Christian views. He says: “The reasons they gave for withdrawing the job offer were an attack on me and my faith." Ngole is now taking Touchstone to an employment tribunal.

Italian Church Vandalised: Statue Destroyed & Altar Damaged

July 14, 2023, Italy

On the 14th of July, the Saint Lucia church in Fondo, Italy, was found vandalised. The altar was damaged and a statue destroyed, with the vandals leaving a bottle of beer in the hands of the statue. The provincial councillor in Trento, Denis Paoli, condemns the attack: “What happened constitutes an intolerable outrage not only for the religious community but for the entire civil society."

Germany: Arson Damages Cloth and Bible in Steinfeld, Second Case This Year

July 13, 2023, Germany

On the 13th of July, 2023, an unknown vandal set fire to a cloth laying on a stand in the Roman Catholic church in Steinfeld, Germany. The cloth was completely burned and a Bible damaged, amounting to 300 euros in damage. This is the second case of arson in this church in the last three months.

Paving Slabs Stolen from Historic Church in Llandovery

July 13, 2023, United Kingdom

Paving slabs, including a distinctive large blue piece of slate, have been stolen from St. Mary's Church in Llanfair-ar-y-Brun. The church warden discovered the theft on July 13. The vicar, Paul Pritchard, said that replacing the slabs would be difficult, given they already did not have sufficient funds to repair a collapsed wall at the church.

Two Acts of Vandalisation in Ticino Canton, Italy

July 12, 2023, Italy

On the night of Wednesday the 12th of July, the Lourdes-Grotto in the Italian town of Fescoggia was vandalised, with the flowerpots overturned. Giorgio Bazurri, of the parish Fescoggia: "Popular faith is being attacked here, the cultural tradition of those who built these chapels." This is not the only case of vandalism in the area: the face of a statue of Mary the Greina region was also found smeared with black paint recently.

Suspected Arson In Bavarian Church: Altar Cloth Goes Up In Flames

July 11, 2023, Germany

On Tuesday afternoon, the 11th of July, an altar cloth on a side altar in the St. Laurentius church was found in flames, with a damage amounting to around 5000 euros. The police have started an investigation. According to their findings, arson cannot be ruled out.

Multiple Crosses Vandalised near Königsbach

July 11, 2023, Germany

On the night of July 11 to 12, a cross northeast of Königsbach was taken completely off its socket and broken into three pieces. The cross had already been vandalised earlier in September 2022. Furthermore, another penitential cross in the same area was damaged twice in March 2023.

Christian Activist In Belarus Jailed Again

July 11, 2023, Belarus

On the 11th of July 2023, Dmitry Dashkevich, a Christian political activist in Belarus who was imprisoned last year, was supposed to be released. However, the authorities unexpectedly arrested him again. Dmitry Dashkevich is a Belarusian activist, he was the leader of the Belarusian democratic movement "Young Front" in 2004-2015. He has been repeatedly detained by the authorities since the early 2000's, already serving two years in prison from 2011-2013.

Repeated Urination in German Church Over The Past 18 Months

July 10, 2023, Germany

In the past year, the door of the Saint Joseph church in Stadthagen was smeared with faeces, the holy water font was filled with urine, and now the sanctuary was found urinated as well. Due to these attacks, the church has decided to close its doors to the public during the day, says Father Markus Grabowski: "For months our church has been urinated in, multiple times. We're tired and don't know what else to do but to close."

Far-left activists hinder entrance to church and disrupt mass

July 9, 2023, France

According to reports by local media and religious groups, 40 far-left activists gathered in front of the church of Saint Pierre de Colombier on Sunday, July 9, shouting anti-Christian slogans and hindering the faithful to attend the morning mass. They furthermore disturbed the mass by playing loud music and shouting in front of the door.

UK: Parents Could face Prosecution For Refusing To use their Children's Preferred Pronouns

July 7, 2023, United Kingdom

The New Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in England and Wales has published a new Trans Equality Statement that defines forms of abuse towards trans victims, including "withholding money for transitioning", "refusing to use their preferred name or pronoun" or "Body shaming or criticising the victim for not being 'a real man/woman' if they have not undergone reassignment surgery." It also states that these actions can be considered as domestic abuse by family members and partners. Therefore, the CPS guidance makes parents vulnerable to prosecution, if they do not agree with transgender children.

Vandals Smear Seed Oil on Entrance of Church and Convent

July 7, 2023, Italy

On the 7th of July, seed oil, which was supposed to be distributed to assisted families by Caritas was found smeared on the entrance of the Purgatoria al Castello church and convent in Carini, near Palermo. The vandals have not been identified.

Crucifix Stolen From Altar of Nürnberg Church

July 7, 2023, Germany

On Friday,July 7 2023, in Nürnberg, Bavaria, a crucifix worth 200 euros placed on the altar of the Herz-Jesu church was stolen. The robbery happened around 1.30 PM in the afternoon. The police have started an investigation.

Perpetrators Vandalize German Church: Bible Pages Torn Up

July 7, 2023, Germany

In the afternoon of the 7th of July, 2023, the Liebfrauenkirche in Waldshut-Tiengen was found vandalised: the Bible was torn and the Easter candle was damaged. It was used to hit the piano, which damaged the paintwork. The police have started an investigation.

Man tries to stab priest during mass

July 7, 2023, Spain

A middle-aged man assaulted a priest who was distributing communion during mass in the Cathedral of Santiago. He tried to stab him in the neck with a sharp object and punched him with a fist.

Two Churches Desecrated in France And Religious Items Stolen

July 5, 2023, France

The Saint-Martin Church in Avallon was found vandalised on the 5th of July, 2023. The tabernacle which contains the consecrated hosts was damaged and a monstrance and two ciboria (chalices which contain the hosts) were stolen. This is not the first incident of its kind in Avallon: on June 28th, the St-Lazare church was targeted and a pyx containing hosts was stolen. Two complaints have been filed.

Hateful Grafitti Damages Church in Germany

July 5, 2023, Germany

Unknown vandals smeared the walls of a church in Kirchberg, Böbingen an der Rems, with unreadable graffiti and two Nazi swastikas. The damage was found on the 7th of July, the police are still searching for witnesses.

High Court Reinstates Christian Governor Dismissed for Questioning School's Sex-Education Policy

July 5, 2023, United Kingdom

A Christian governor and mother who was dismissed for raising concerns with the trans-affirming sex-education policy at her children's primary school has been reinstated by the High Court. The mother, who was granted anonymity by the Court in order to protect her children, reached a legal settlement with the school after being kicked off its Governing Body for pointing to legal errors in its Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) policy. She first raised her concerns with fellow governors in March 2021. She pointed out that the Gateshead School's RSE policy could be unlawful, and shortly later, she was accused by the school managers of opposing their "collective decision." She was removed as governor in June 2022. The High Court recognized that the decision to remove her was unlawful and she was reinstated in August 2023.

Statue vandalised in Rabastens Church

July 5, 2023, France

On July 5, a statue of Mary was found vandalised in the Notre-Dame-du-Bourg Church in Rabastens. The statue has been sprayed with red paint. According to France 3, a local resident criticised the lack of reaction from the town's mayor.

Arson to Church Damages Altar in France

July 4, 2023, France

In the early morning of July 4th 2023, a man set fire to the altar of the church Notre Dame de Kerdro in Locmariaquer, France. The fire was quickly brought under control by firefighters and only damaged the altar and some religious furniture. A complaint was filed to the police who arrested a 35-year-old man in connection to the fire. The man is set to be brought before the court in November.

Arson attack on Church in Colle Cannuccio

July 4, 2023, Italy

On July 4, the door of the Church of the Holy Trinity in Colle Cannuccio, Italy, was splattered with gasoline and lit on fire. Luckily, the fire did not spread and only the door was damaged as a result. Blasphemous writings and swear words were also painted on the parking lot. 

Statues of Jesus and Mary decapitated in Viennese Park

July 3, 2023, Austria

Images of Jesus and Mary were beheaded and vandalized in a prayer garden in a district of Vienna, Austria. The prayer garden is considered a spiritual oasis for visitors. The alarm was raised by two bypassers who discovered the devastated prayer garden. The police have been notified and they are conducting investigations to identify the motives and the perpetrators. A video by "Project Telos" shows the devastation of several objects in the garden, and the direct targeting of the statues of Mary and Jesus.

Arson Attack On German Church, Police Are Investigating The Crime

July 3, 2023, Germany

In the evening of the 3rd of July, the firemen of the town of Schramberg, Germany, were called out to the church of Saint Maria - Heilig Geist where a stranger had set a table on fire in the back of the church. Dean Rüdiger Kocholl is deeply shocked and worries that the attack may have been planned. On top of setting the table on fire, new signs had been placed on the donation boxes, stating a new purpose for the donated money: for example, for drugs, alcohol and satanism.

Arson attack on Altar of church in Limoges

July 3, 2023, France

The altar of a church in Limoges, France was set on fire. Luckily, the fire was discovered by parishoners who came to the church for prayer and put out before it could spread.

Vandals Destroy Altar Piece in Ansbach with A Knife

July 2, 2023, Germany

A canvas painting that served as an altarpiece in the Heilig-Kreuz-Kirche in Ansbach was torn by a knife on Monday morning, the 3rd of July, 2023. The picture was made by the Ansbacher artist Georg Friedrich Bischoff (1819-1873). The restoration of the image is estimated to cost 2000-2500 euros.

Severe Vandalism to Church in Rüdesheim am Rhein

July 2, 2023, Germany

In the night of July 1st to 2nd the St. Jakobus church in Rheinfeld am Rhein was severely vandalised. The intruders left without stealing anything but caused damages to the amount of 38 500€. Among other things, the intruders damaged an historical window and the church's organ. Police were notified and have started an investigation.