All cases
Devastation in Saxony's Oldest Town Church
April 22, 2018, GermanyAn unidentified person climbed the facade of the Kilianskirche in Bad Lausick, smashed a 4-meter stained glass window, and entered the church sometime between 10:30 pm and 12:30 am during the night of April 21st to 22nd. Once inside, the vandal severely damaged the carved late Gothic altar and pulpit with a sword. A chandelier was shattered onto the ground and a candlestick was damaged. Disastrous damage was avoided after altar candles, deliberately left burning in the wooden tower, went out before causing a fire.
Theft in Torás Church
April 11, 2018, SpainA band of thieves entered the church of Santa Quiteria during the night of April 11th, opened the tabernacle and stole a golden chalice containing consecrated Hosts, the most precious item for its religious value. They also destroyed donation boxes and took all the money.
Vandalism and Theft at Warmifontaine Church
April 6, 2018, BelgiumUnidentified perpetrators looted the church of Saint-Martin in Warmifontaine, breaking open the tabernacle with a crowbar, and stealing ciboriums containing consecrated Hosts, chalices, and hand-carved statues.
Deliberate Act of Desecration
April 2, 2018, FranceOn Easter Monday, the church of Domois in Fénay was desecrated and ransacked. Intruders shattered doors, broke objects, scattered candles, flowers, tablecloths, and religious symbols, church furniture and other items were destroyed. Tabernacles were opened and consecrated hosts were trampled and scattered all over.
Court Ruled 2015 Desecration of Cemetery was "Anti-Christian" Attack
March 29, 2018, FranceOn March 29th, the Court of Appeals in Toulouse ruled that Mohamed B., who desecrated and vandalized 215 graves, knocked down and broke crosses and other Christian symbols in a cemetery in Castres in 2015, was civilly liable for the religiously-motivated act. He had been found not criminally responsible due to mental illness, but on appeal, the court found him personally liable for compensation to AGRIF (Alliance générale contre le racisme et pour le respect de l'identité française et chrétienne).
Great Yarmouth Church Desecrated Days Before Easter
March 27, 2018, United KingdomA man walked into St Mary’s Catholic Church, set a couple of small fires and attempted to burn the icon taken off the church’s altar. The perpetrator left a Satanic image in the icon's place. The act was recorded by CCTV cameras and police arrested a suspect days later.
Arson at Saint-Gildas Church in Auray
March 4, 2018, FranceOn the afternoon of March 4th, a parishioner discovered thick smoke inside l'église Saint-Gildas. She observed two young women running from the church and immediately contacted the authorities. Firefighters discovered 10 separate fires had been set inside.
Desecration and Theft of Consecrated Hosts from Spanish Parish
December 26, 2017, SpainDuring the night between 26th to 27th of December the parish church of San Francisco de Sales in Parla, in the Community of Madrid, was desecrated when the tabernacle containing consecrated hosts was stolen.
A Nativity Scene in Alzira Mountain Destroyed
December 25, 2017, SpainOn 25th December, the nativity scene installed on Sunday 17 December on the summit of Alzira's highest mountain, La Ratlla, was vandalised. Unknown perpetrators destroyed several figures and others went missing. The backpack in which the material was stored was empty, and the landmark of the mountain was also torn to pieces. The visitor's book was also damaged and the book was stolen.
‘Crucified Cow’ Displayed in Catholic Church by Artist as Comment on Wastefulness
November 23, 2017, BelgiumAn “art” exhibit depicting 500 kg cow nailed to a cross hanging over a basin with 5,000 liters of milk was installed in the small parish church of Saint John the Baptist of Kuttekoven, in the Flemish town of Borgloon. The artist's message was to draw attention to food waste and housing shortages.
Galway: Church Interior Found Devastated
October 26, 2017, IrelandOn the 26th of October, the Holy Trinity Church on Errislannan peninsula in Galway was completely desecrated by vandalism.
Desecration in Madrid Church
September 6, 2017, SpainUnknown perpetrators broke into the parish of the Virgin of Bethlehem in Alcalá de Henares during the night of 5th and 6th of September 2017. They looted the altarpiece of the high altar, including the tabernacle containing consecrated Hosts, the ciborium of a chapel and a small monstrance containing a consecrated Host. The attackers threw the consecrated Hosts on the floor. Police were called and a Mass of Reparation was scheduled.
Church Profaned in Layrac: Young People Smoked Shisha on the Altar
August 31, 2017, FranceAfter a report of continuing disorderly conduct in the church of Saint Martin de Layrac, surveillance equipment revealed that a group of young people had been sitting on the altar smoking the lighted shisha with candles during the month of August. The police intervened and the parents were summoned.
No Charges Filed against Porn Makers for Church Sex Film in Tilburg
August 15, 2017, NetherlandsProsecutors rejected a complaint from Saint Joseph's Catholic Church in Tilburg after two actors were filmed having sex in the confessional box. The video was posted on a Dutch porn website earlier this year. Dutch authorities said the pornographic film was offensive but there was no longer a blasphemy law in the Netherlands. A reparation Mass was held due to the desecration in the church.
Church Desecrated in Villarreal
July 14, 2017, SpainThe Basilica San Pascual de Villarreal was desecrated on July 14, 2017. One or more perpetrators forced open the tabernacle and stole the ciborium containing consecrated hosts. This act of desecration requires that a Mass of reparation be celebrated according to Canon Law.
University Chapel Attacked with Incendiary Devices
June 23, 2017, SpainThe chapel of the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), the second most important public university in the region and one of the main universities in Spain, was attacked with incendiary devices thrown through a window early in the morning of June 23, 2017. In addition to trying to destroy the chapel, the perpetrators left the slogan "The only church that illuminates is the one that burns" on the walls.,
Cemetery Desecrated in Pondrôme
June 18, 2017, BelgiumDuring the afternoon on June 18, 2017, the cemetery of Pondrôme in Belgium was vandalized. Unknown vandals entered the cemetery and desecrated several graves, destroyed crosses, plaques and other memorial items on the burial sites. The reaction of the villagers of Pondrôme was one of anger and incomprehension. The Mayor Marc Lejeune filed a complaint with the police after being informed of the vandalism and said citizens should not be quick to assume the vandals came from the Fedasil refugee accommodation, which is next door to the cemetery.
Photographer and Naked Model Caught in Church
June 13, 2017, FranceA photographer taking pictures of a naked model were caught in the center aisle of the church Saint-Antoine de Compiegne in Oise in front of the altar by two parish members who went to the church to pray the rosary for the Christians of the East.
Mass Desecration of Serbian Orthodox Graves
June 6, 2017, KosovoDuring their annual visit to the Serbian Orthodox Cemetery in Mitrovica Kosovo, relatives discovered that 90 percent of the graves had been desecrated. Tombstones had been destroyed and broken on the ground. The grieving families were shocked and deeply hurt by this destruction and desecration.
Swastika Graffiti Discovered in Cemetery
June 4, 2017, FranceAccording to a witness, blue swastika graffiti was found on at least four graves in the Causses-et-Veyran Cemetery on June 4, 2017. One of the graves attacked with a swastika was a bas-relief depicting mourners holding Christ after his death on the cross. The grave plaques belonged to the same family, other items from the graveyard were also moved and thrown on the ground.
Several Cemeteries Vandalized across France
May 31, 2017, FranceBetween May 24th and May 31st, 2017, four cemeteries in France have been vandalized. The cemeteries have had their graves, including Christian graves, desecrated, crosses, vases and grave plaques destroyed to various degrees. Each cemetery has had their own suspects and three people have been identified and questioned by the local police, two cemeteries suspects remain unknown.
Cemetery Vandalized in Saint-Brès
May 27, 2017, FranceTwo teenagers entered the cemetery of Saint-Brès France and destroyed two graves, crosses, statues, and grave plates. The police were called and the two teenagers were identified through surveillance cameras.
Cross at General De Gaulle's Grave Vandalized
May 27, 2017, FranceTwo unknown perpetrators were seen entering the cemetery of Colombey-les-Deux-Eglises, where General de Gaulle's grave is located. One of the two men was suspected of having climbed on the grave and reversed the cross of the grave. Police are investigating.
Cemetery Desecrated in Fouchécourt
April 22, 2017, FranceIt is estimated that a dozen graves were desecrated, including Christian graves, and one coffin was opened at a cemetery near Fouchécourt between the 21st and 22nd April 2017. The local community is upset and angry.
Complaint Discussed for 2016 Cemetery Desecration
April 13, 2017, FranceIn the summer of 2016, a video circulated on the internet showing a model posing on the graves in a cemetery in Tarn-et-Garonne, France. The local residents discovered this video and filed a complaint with the county council. In January 2017, another video with the same model, the same poses, and the same location was found online and the local residents filed another complaint to the county council. This county council discussed in April 2017 whether to lodge a formal complaint in order to bring the matter before an investigating judge.
Cemetery Vandalized and Tombs Destroyed
April 13, 2017, BelgiumIn Ougrée, Belgium more than 50 graves were vandalized, several dozen tombs were destroyed and the crosses on the graves were thrown on the ground. The families of the deceased are upset that such vandalism occurred. This is the second time this month that the cemetery has been attacked.
At Least Four Shrines Vandalized in Saint-Expédit
April 4, 2017, FranceOn April 4, 2017 a witness reported the disappearance and decapitation of several religious statuettes in roadside shrines in Saint-Expedit, in the east of Réunion. This comes two days after the devastation of the site of the Black Madonna. In a shrine at the exit of the village of Bois-Blanc, the body, foot, and head of a statuette were left broken and scattered on the altar. The other statues had been taken, but offerings remained untouched. Nearby, at a shrine on the way to Cambourg in Saint-Benoît, four statuettes were decapitated. On the route de la Plaine, the well-known shrine, all statues were missing, and an auditor confirmed that this was also the case in the shrine located in the Jamaican sector in Saint-Denis.
Site of the Black Madonna Ransacked on Réunion; Cross of the Jubilee Destroyed
April 2, 2017, FranceOn April 2, 2017, a groundskeeper discovered the statue of the Black Madonna Rivière-des-Pluies (la Vierge Noire à la Rivière-des-Pluies) had been thrown to the ground and completely destroyed at a religious site where many faithful go to pray. The Cross of the Jubilee, placed in front of the church, was also vandalized. The priest of the parish expressed shock and disappointment that “people will desecrate holy places” and said that the site would be temporarily closed while the gendarmerie investigated. Parishioners expressed shock, sadness, and anger at the destruction.
Thirty-two Graves Desecrated at the Batignolles Cemetery in Paris
March 20, 2017, FranceBetween 16 and 20 March, 2017 during the night, 32 graves - mostly Christian - were excavated and searched. Officials presume the perpetrators were looking for valuables. A thorough inspection of the cemetery of 15,000 graves, on about ten hectares, was carried out. Surveillance of the premises was strengthened.
Historic Church the Victim of Arson
February 12, 2017, United KingdomThe Church of the Ascension in Salford was completely destroyed by a fire which was described as arson by police. It was built in 1869 and had recently undergone a £250,000 restoration with funds raised over three years. CCTV footage reportedly shows a young man running from the church at the time the fire broke out.
Arson in Private Chapel in Omessa
February 6, 2017, FranceThe owner of the chapel of Santa Rita, which he renovated, discovered the door had been forced open, cards and a rosary were left on the altar and set on fire. Luckily, the fire did not spread to the rest of the chapel.
Convent in Avon the Victim of Theft and Desecration
January 31, 2017, FranceUnknown perpetrators broke into the convent of the Carmelites of Avon during the night of January 31, 2017, stole computer equipment, holy objects, and broke open the tabernacle containing consecrated Hosts.
At Least 30 Tombs Vandalized and Profaned in Finistère
January 7, 2017, FranceSome time in the night of January 6 - 7, at least 30 graves in the cemetery of Brennilis were vandalized, with crosses and crucifixes overturned or broken and headstones toppled. Police are investigating.
Christmas Nativity Set on Fire on Eve of Epiphany Holiday
January 6, 2017, FranceUnknown perpetrators intentionally set fire to the straw at the base of the nativity scene in the Cathedral of Saint-Étienne, burning all of the figures. The Archbishop expressed the pain of the community, saying that the display expresses the heart of the Christian faith.
Chapel in St. Radegund Damaged by Vandals
January 1, 2017, AustriaOn New Year's Eve, unknown perpetrators vandalized a chapel, damaging a statue of the Virgin Mary and burned prayer books and wooden objects nearby. Damages are estimated at around 1,000 euros. Police are investigating.
Chapel in Brunau am Inn the Victim of Theft and Vandalism
January 1, 2017, AustriaUnknown perpetrators beheaded a statue of St. Barbara and stole a Christ figure from a cross and several other sacred objects. Damage is estimated at around 5,000 euros. Police are investigating.
Church Desecrated in Crete
December 18, 2016, GreeceUnknown perpetrators entered the Orthodox church of the Archangel Michael near Lagoliou, set sacred books on fire in the sanctuary, and sprayed "Allah is great" in Arabic on the walls.
Priest Attacked While Celebrating Mass
November 17, 2016, SpainWhile he was celebrating Mass in the parish church of Nuestra Señora de Covadonga in Madrid, Fr. Lino Hernando was attacked at the altar by an unknown person who threw him to the ground, kicked and insulted him. The aggressor also threw around consecrated Hosts and other worship items from the altar. The police were immediately alerted and arrested the perpetrator.
Judge Dismisses Charges Against Artist Who Stole Consecrated Hosts
November 16, 2016, SpainAbel Azcona stole more than 240 consecrated hosts from Masses celebrated in the cities of Madrid and Pamplona. He later took nude photos of himself arranging them on a floor to spell the word ‘pederasty.’ He was charged with an offense against laws respecting religious sentiments. However, on November 16, 2016, a judge dismissed the case against Azcona. In his ruling, the judge described the consecrated and stolen hosts as “small white round objects.” He claimed that there had been no desecration of the sacred hosts because according to the Spanish Royal Academy dictionary desecration is defined as “treating something sacred without due respect or using it for profane purposes.”
Stolen Tabernacle and Ciborium Found in Cemetery
November 10, 2016, SpainThe Bishop of San Sebastián reported that the tabernacle and ciborium containing consecrated Hosts which had been stolen from the chapel earlier in the week had been found in a cemetery. The ciborium was empty.
Desecration in Cemetery Chapel
November 7, 2016, SpainIn a letter to members of his diocese on November 9, 2016, Bishop José Ignacio Munilla, Bishop of San Sebastián, denounced "a very grave desecration against the Blessed Sacrament" committed in the cemetery chapel of Polloe. The tabernacle was stolen, as was the ciborium and the consecrated Hosts it contained. The bishop announced a reparation Mass would be celebrated in the same chapel on November 20th.
Thieves Desecrate Church of Santa Maria in Ocaña; Steal Valuable Objects
October 17, 2016, SpainThe intruders gained access to the church after breaking a fence and window. They stole consecrated Hosts that were in the tabernacle and stole valuable religious jewelry, left other Hosts and various objects lying on the floor, and vandalized numerous images of virgins and saints.
Serial Church Arsonist Expelled from Spain; Banned from Schengen for 10 Years
October 7, 2016, SpainSpanish authorities expelled the Moroccan man who admitted setting a fire in a church that destroyed several images of the Virgin Mary and then violating a restraining order by destroying a cross atop another church in September.
Serbian Orthodox Chapel turned into Public Toilet
October 3, 2016, KosovoA recently repaired and cleaned cemetery chapel was turned into a public toilet and a garbage dump, with many graves overrun with weeds, despite a custodian employed by the Priština municipality.
Saint-Henri in Neuilly-Plaisance Desecrated and Burglarized
September 26, 2016, FranceDuring the night from September 25 to 26th, one or more individuals broke into the church. Once inside, they stole the collection box containing donations to the church. They opened the tabernacle and threw the consecrated Hosts on the floor.
Moroccan Man Arrested for "Islamist" Attack on Spanish Church
September 8, 2016, SpainA Moroccan man admitted setting a fire that destroyed an ancient altarpiece and beautiful images in the church of Fontellas in Navarre on September 8, the day recognized by Catholics as of the Nativity of the Virgin (the day of the birth of the Virgin Mary).
Church Desecrated in Grandate
August 13, 2016, ItalyDuring the night of August 13, 2016, unknown persons forced open the door of the church of San Bartolomeo in the Como province and attempted to break open the tabernacle containing consecrated Hosts, broke the marble lectern, and topped the statue of Our Lady of Lourdes, breaking her hands and nose.
Venice Church the Site of Two Anti-Christian Incidents
August 7, 2016, ItalyFour women wearing headscarves entered the Church of San Zulian, approached the crucifix, and spat on it. They then moved among the tourists undetected. The day before, on July 6, 2016, two young men, described as "Asians," received Communion, and then spat out pieces of the Host onto the ground and fled.
Desecration at Church in Les Herbiers
July 18, 2016, FranceFour young men broke into the church of Saint-Pierre and overturned benches, broke vases, and emptied a fire extinguisher. They urinated and defecated in the holy water on the altar and on the altar itself.
Church in Toulouse Profaned and Vandalized
July 14, 2016, FranceThe church of Saint-Pierre des Chartreux was vandalized: The tabernacle door was torn off and part of the book collection of the prayers of the faithful was burned. Other objects were overturned. A police report was filed.
Evangelical Church Burned in Calais
July 12, 2016, FranceNo casualties were reported, but the damage was considerable: the roof collapsed and the building was destroyed. The cause of the fire is being investigated and arson has not been ruled out.
Man Burst into Church and Smashed Ancient Crucifix to the Ground
July 12, 2016, ItalyThe young man of North African origin rushed into the church of St. Jeremiah, in Cannaregio, Venice and threw a large crucifix to the floor, heavily damaging the religious artifact.
Arsonist Arrested for Abbey Fire
July 10, 2016, FranceA 42-year old man confessed to setting at least fifteen fires including one that damaged the Abbey Saint-Austremoine in Issoire on July 3. The blaze, which destroyed a confessional, a table and some chairs, was quickly extinguished. The fire caused great upset among the population. The suspect was indicted for "intentional damage by dangerous means to people."
Church Desecrated in Messina
July 3, 2016, ItalyThe church of Santa Elena was the victim of desecration, theft, and vandalism on July 3rd. The parish priest discovered the tabernacle completely emptied, smashed and detached from the wall. A statue of the Virgin Mary was decapitated, and a ciborium full of consecrated Hosts was stolen, along with an ancient reliquary containing a fragment of the Holy Cross.
Bonn Basilica Vandalized
June 21, 2016, GermanyA 24-year-old man was arrested after he entered the crypt of the shrine to the city patrons Cassius and Florentius and caused extensive damage to the crypt, tabernacle, and the sarcophagus in which the relics of the saints are held.
Two Church Fires in a Weekend in Narón
June 11, 2016, SpainIn the early hours of Friday, June 10th to Saturday, June 11, two clearly intentional fires were discovered in two different churches in Narón. Each resulted in significant damage to the religious buildings. Incendiary devices were found in both churches. The fires were investigated by agents of the state security forces, as well as the local Narón police.
Church the Victim of Two Fires in One Day
May 24, 2016, BelgiumIn Mont-Sainte-Geneviève, two fires significantly damaged an historic church. The first started in the sacristy. The fire fighters had just left the scene after managing to control that fire when another much bigger fire in the church roof was reported.
Three Incidents in Churches in the Same Region in Just Two Weeks
May 22, 2016, FranceIn a press release Father Benoît Delabre reported that on May 15th the altar in the Church of St. Madeleine-de-l'Île was set on fire in Martigues, about 800 kilometers south of Paris. On the same day, another unknown person desecrated the tabernacle which contained the consecrated hosts in the church at Jonquières in the same region. Additionally, Father Delabre himself was attacked a week later by a man he caught at the church door who appeared to be “trying to steal something.”
Evangelical Church Attacked in Manosque
May 18, 2016, FranceAn Assemblies of God church in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azurin was the victim of arson. Bibles and other books inside the church were stacked up and burnt, according to Pastor Alain Denizou.
Arson in Calais Church
March 28, 2016, FranceL’église Saint-Pierre suffered deliberate damage during the afternoon of Easter Monday: five separate fires started inside the building while it was open to the public. The abbot has filed a complaint.
Theft of Consecrated Host in Andalucia
March 11, 2016, SpainIn the afternoon of March 11th, a small container holding the consecrated host was stolen from the Franciscan Monastery in Jaén.
Serbian Orthodox Church Desecrated and Looted in Kosovo
February 28, 2016, KosovoOn February 28th, Slobodan Djoric, the priest of the Church of the Dormitition of the Most Holy Mother of God in Pejčići, reported to the police that the 17th century church had been the victim of theft and vandalism.
Church in French Antilles the Victim of Desecration, Theft, and Vandalism
February 24, 2016, FranceDuring the night between February 23-24, burglars entered the church of Saint-Augustin in the Guadeloupe town of Saint-Claude and destroyed the tabernacle, opened the ciborium and removed the consecrated Hosts, and stole the entire sound system.
Historic Bruyères-le-Châtel Church Vandalized; Consecrated Hosts Stolen
January 31, 2016, FranceUnknown perpetrators broke a window, overturned the tabernacle, stole the ciborium containing consecrated Hosts, and sacked the sacristy. The bishop of Evry called it a "rampage." According to a parishioner, this was not the first time the church had been a victim, as graffiti had been found last year. However, this attack was much more serious. "Consecrated Hosts were stolen. For someone who doesn't believe, this probably does not matter much. For [Catholics] it is the most serious. It is the body of Christ. It is Jesus who was attacked." For the bishop of Evry, "this is a real attack against the Catholic Church. It is the symbol of the sacred that has been affected. There is a will to do harm." (Translated from French).
Seville Church the Victim of Burglary
January 24, 2016, SpainThieves have stolen three silver ciboria, chalices and the contents of collection boxes from the Corpus Christi church.
Cantal: Church Robbed of Ciborium and Consecrated Hosts
January 15, 2016, FranceA theft occurred in the Church of Notre Dame de Quézac, sometime between Thursday, January 14th and Friday 15th. A ciborium, a gold sacred vase containing a hundred consecrated Hosts, was stolen from a tabernacle, a small wardrobe. The police have opened an investigation.
Arson and Desecration at Fontainebleau Church
January 10, 2016, FranceThe sixteenth century church Saint-Louis was entirely burnt out, images, including that of the baby Jesus, were desecrated, and the ciborium containing consecrated Hosts was stolen.
Seventh Cemetery in 18 Months Desecrated by Vandals
December 1, 2015, FranceThis time, thirteen crucifixes were torn from their graves and were thrown to the ground, broken, or planted upside down.
Second Ukrainian Orthodox Church Desecrated in Same Town
November 29, 2015, OtherA new church dedicated to Our Lady of Iveron, in the town of Rokitno in the Rovno region (Western Ukraine), was desecrated by vandals.
Spanish "Artist" Claims to Have 32 New Consecrated Hosts, Some Stolen by "Fans" during Reparation Mass
November 28, 2015, SpainAbel Azcona announced he has 32 new consecrated Hosts stolen by fans who went to different Masses to get them.
Spanish Artist Stole and Desecrated over 200 Consecrated Hosts
November 23, 2015, SpainAs part of an exhibit, Abel Azcona placed the hosts on the ground in a public art gallery to form the word “Pederasty".
Church Used to Film Obscene and Offensive Video
November 23, 2015, FranceA musical group called "Les Chrétiens des Alpes" (Christians of the Alps) filmed a YouTube video in the church of Saint-Étienne in Dingy-Saint-Clair, which portrays priests in a sexually vulgar manner.
Ukrainian Orthodox Church Plundered and Desecrated
November 22, 2015, OtherThe perpetrators stole money from the cash register of the church, and lit fires in five different locations in the building.
Thieves Destroyed a Parish Church in Pajarillos, Spain
November 21, 2015, SpainThey stole a tabernacle, ciborium, chalices, patens, a candelabrum, and some of the sound equipment from the Church of San Ignatius of Loyola
Spanish Church Vandalized with Arabic Graffiti; Holy Objects Destroyed
November 2, 2015, SpainThe unknown perpetrators broke into the Church of our Lady of Carmen in the Spanish town of Rincon de la Victoria, Andalusia, smashed wooden statues of the Virgin Mary and Jesus on the cross, and spray painted "Allah" on the wall.
Desecration at Baden-Baden "Autobahn" Church
October 23, 2015, GermanyThe altar, tabernacle, and pews of the nationally-known church were desecrated by swastikas and other Nazi symbols carved into the wood, and acid poured onto the stone.
Serious Desecration and Theft at the Chapelle d’Effiat à Montrichard (Loir-et-Cher)
October 14, 2015, FranceOn the morning of October 14, the Tabernacle was forced open and the Ciborium containing ten consecrated Hosts was stolen.
French Chapel Sacked by Vandals
October 8, 2015, FranceLa Chapelle du Champ Fleuri in Masny, was the victim of desecration: The altar was overturned, the organ in pieces, Communion wafers littered the ground, a statue of the Virgin Mary, venerated by Catholics as the mother of Jesus, was decapitated, and liturgical vestments were burned
French Church Desecrated and Vandalised
October 4, 2015, FranceIntruders into the church of Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul in Blanzy damaged the Tabernacle by attempting to force open the door, damaged the organ, and set fire to the statue of the Virgin Mary.
French Church Desecrated
September 19, 2015, FranceIn the afternoon of Saturday, September 19, 2015, the church of Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul d’Habas (Landes) was badly vandalized. Various liturgical objects were desecrated: the altar was stained by food, crosses inverted, missals torn. The entire church was degraded with scattered flowers, candles, sheets of paper and posters torn. A complaint with the police was filed.
All Sacred Objects Stolen from French Chapel
September 18, 2015, FranceA small chapel in Le Brethon, France, was robbed of all of its sacred objects during the week from Monday 14 to Friday, September 18. The few sacred objects it housed have all disappeared, namely, a processional cross, statuettes, votive offerings and all of the crosses. Additionally, a painting of Mary Magdalene, donated by an amateur painter was also stolen. Because of the isolated location of the chapel, and that it is always open to the public, officials have not been able to determine exactly when the theft occurred.
Burnt Confessional Investigated in L'Ile-Bouchard
September 18, 2015, FranceA confessional in the church Saint-Gilles de L’Ile-Bouchard (France) was burned and the organ was damaged on the 18th of September.
French Church is Victim of Repeated Vandalism
September 16, 2015, FranceL’église Saint-Martin in Sangatte, France is yet again a victim of vandalism. On September 16th, a volunteer at the Blanc-Nez Pentecostal parish returned to Saint-Martin to close the doors for the evening and immediately discovered smoke emerging from the church. She also noticed broken candles littering the ground and that small decorations were taken down. Thick smoke surrounded the altar of wood and marble, and it was apparent that the small fire could have easily spread to the wooden furniture and carpets, completely destroying the church.
Bremen Church the Victim of Burglary, Desecration and Vandalism
September 15, 2015, GermanyUnknown perpetrators broke into the St. Pius Church and stole the tabernacle with consecrated Hosts, offertory boxes, and sprayed fire extinguishing powder all over the inside of the church.
UK Burglars Urinate in Holy Water
September 10, 2015, United KingdomBurglars broke into a Sunderland church, smashed a window (causing more than £1,000 in damage) and used fire extinguishers to try to break down doors. Although nothing was stolen, someone urinated in the holy water font.
43 Graves in French Village Damaged and Vandalized
September 3, 2015, FranceOn the 3rd of September 2015, the destruction of 43 graves was discovered in the small French village of Montjavoult. Swastikas were spray-painted on 6 of them and crosses were broken off and left on the ground. Authorities have reason to believe that this act was political in nature, and not just the prank of drunk young people. The investigation is ongoing.
Two Men Arrested for Setting Fire to Lutheran Church in Sweden
September 1, 2015, SwedenDuring the evening of the 26th of August, a Lutheran church Åmåls, Sweden was attacked by arsonists. The perpetrators used at least one Molotov cocktail to set fire to the building, and broke several windows in the church and the parish hall. The motive for the arson is unclear.
Orthodox Church Destroyed by the Albanian Authorities
August 26, 2015, AlbaniaOn the 26th of August, local officials destroyed the Orthodox church St. Athanasius, which is located in the village of Dhermi, in southern Albania.
Broken and Desecrated Statue of the Virgin Mary in Reunion, France
August 23, 2015, FranceA Statue of the Virgin Mary has been purposely destroyed, its chest impaled on a spit, and the other pieces of the statue were left in a plastic bag on the side of a road. This event happened next to the chapel Notre-Dame-de-la-Paix a few days before the 23rd of August. The sight of the destroyed statue has shocked locals, and drivers passing by haven't dared to disturb the broken pieces. No explanation yet has been given to this act of vandalism.
Attempted Arson in Chapel Saint-François of Rennes
August 14, 2015, FranceThe chapel Saint-François of Rennes was the victim of an attempted arson during night between August 13 and 14th.
40 Christian Tombs Desecrated in French Cemetery
August 3, 2015, FranceOn the 3rd of August, local policemen found that 40 graves had been desecrated in a cemetery in the town of Labry, in northeastern France. 35 funeral ornaments, mostly crucifixes and plaques were displaced, and 4 were broken.
Castres : Dozens of Christian Tombs Vandalized
April 15, 2015, FranceThe Saint-Roch cemetery in Castres (Tarn) was vandalized on 15th April, 2015. Dozens of tombs were ransacked, funerary objects systematically thrown to the ground.
Tomb Desecration during Easter in Lębork
April 5, 2015, PolandDuring Easter, unknown perpetrators profanated buried corpses in tombs in the churchyard in Lębork in the district of Pomerania. The bones were taken from their coffins.
Series of Desecration and Thefts at Churches
February 8, 2015, FranceFive French churches were the victims of theft, vandalism and desecration within three days at the hands of unknown perpetrators.
Desecration of Tabernacle in Chapel in Barbizon
January 10, 2015, FranceAn incident of desecration took place in the chapel of Barbizon, near Fontainebleau. Vandals broke open the door of the tabernacle, which is the place where the consecrated wine and host are kept. Both religious items, which carry significant meaning for Catholics, were thrown on the ground. Nothing was stolen.
Profanation and Devastation of Statue of Mary in Perugia
January 9, 2015, ItalyA statue of the Virgin Mary was vandalized by a group of North-African immigrants with a Muslim background, according to locals. The parish priest of St. Barnaba, Fr. Alessandro Scarda, recounted: “They broke the statue in two pieces, and they then kicked it as if it was a ball. Afterward, they urinated onto the pieces.” The people of the parish gathered the remains of the statue, cleaned and glued them. The small statue was put back at its original location. The parishioners have gathered to pray at the statue after the vandalism. The police are investigating to confirm the identity and the background of the perpetrators. Muslim organizations and public figures have condemned the act.
Desecration and Theft of the Church Notre-Dame-des-Marais in Montluel
January 8, 2015, FranceUnknown perpetrators profanated a tabernacle. A chalice and consecrated hosts were stolen. Police was notified about the devastation, but the perpetrators remain unknown. The following Sunday morning Mass in the church had to be moved to the neighboring town of Dagneux. The Notre-Dame-des-Marais church had to be closed for five days.
Church in Aisne Vandalized and Desecrated
December 25, 2014, FranceThe Church of St. Hilary of Berry-au-Bac in Aisne was devastated by vandals. The perpetrators have not only stolen valuable things, but also vandalized, defiled and profaned holy items of the church, including the church's tabernacles. The vandals remain unknown.
Image of Virgin Mary Burnt in Cordoba
December 4, 2014, SpainThe image of Virgin Mary was completely destroyed by a fire in the chapel of San Sebastian Hospital in Palma del Rio. Evidence suggests that the fire was intentionally caused by arsonist, because nothing else got burnt. However, the mayor reminded people that it may have been the result of an unfortunate accident due to wiring. Many local faithful could not stop tears, because the image, an object of faithful adoration, was one of the oldest in Palma del Rio.
Sacrilegious Pictures Taken in a Church in Bilbao
June 10, 2014, SpainThe model posed for the photographer naked in the interior of the Bilbao church. Many local faithful found it blasphemous and repulsive for the Christian religion. The photographer came to the church without the parish priest’s permission. He claimed that he took the keys from his mother who is responsible for cleaning the church.