All cases
Theft of Money and Consecrated Hosts in Vitry-sur-Seine
January 7, 2022, FranceIn the night of January 6th, unknown persons broke into the Saint-Germain church of Vitry-sur-Seine. There, they broke open the three tabernacles and took the ciborium with the consecrated hosts as well as stealing some money donated by the parishioners. The desecration of the hosts showed their malignant intent.
Figure of Baby Jesus Destroyed in Diest
January 7, 2022, BelgiumOn the 7. January, the nativity scene on display at the historic Church of St. Suplice in Diest was the victim of vandalism. Unknown perpetrators destroyed the figure of baby Jesus by tearing off his head, one arm and one leg.
Several Thefts at Nativity Scenes in Sint Truiden
January 7, 2022, BelgiumOn January 7th, the baby Jesus was stolen from the nativity scene at the Saint Martin church in Sint Truiden. This was not the first of such thefts as earlier, said sexton Etienne Thomas. He recalls: "one of the brass angels on the main altar was unscrewed and stolen," and before that, some copper candlesticks were taken. These incidents were just part of the repeated vandalism the Saint Martin church has been facing.
Nativity Figures Stolen by Youth
January 6, 2022, GermanySixteen and twelve-year-old boys were caught after they took the baby Jesus from a nativity scene in Saarburg and altered some of the other figures during the first week of January. The stolen figure was thrown into the Saar and the youth have been charged with other acts of vandalism.
Saarburg Church Heavily Desecrated and Vandalised
January 5, 2022, GermanyUnknown vandals broke through the door of the Protestant church on the Schlossberg in Saarburg, Germany, on January 5th. The perpetrators urinated in the church and left vomit and cigarette ashes. This disrespectful act was the second crime in the church after candlesticks had been stolen the previous year.
Theft and Damage of Liturgical Objects in France
January 5, 2022, FranceSacred objects in the Saint-Symphorien church in Genouilly, were damaged and taken by unknown thieves. They stole the liturgical piece that displays the host, and after breaking through the tabernacle door, took two ciboriums that hold the host. Michel Legendre, the mayor of the commune, plans to file a complaint about this disrespectful act.
Three Statues Defaced and Basilica Vandalised by a Man in Saint-Denis
January 5, 2022, FranceA man came to the basilica of Saint-Denis and used an iron bar to damage three statues on the 5th of January. The rector of the cathedral-basilica said he had filed a complaint on the same day and the vandal was quickly arrested. The 30-year-old man caused several material damages. At first, the man came to the Basilica and was refused access to a space behind the altar, prohibited to the public. He returned a little later, armed with an iron bar, with which he attacked the display cases in which religious objects (crucifixes, statuettes and other trinkets) were exhibited. Then, the man threw three plaster statues to the ground.
Arson to Chapel of the Madonna by Unknown Perpetrators
January 4, 2022, ItalyUnknown vandals broke into the chapel of the Madonna in Cima Sappada by breaking the lock, which was reported on the 4th of January. The perpetrators took the tablecloth off the altar and lit a fire inside the chapel by using wooden stacks and the tablecloth. Some passing hikers noticed that the door had been opened and reported the damage to managers of a nearby refuge. Fortunately, the damage was not extensive.
Statue of Saints Destroyed in Marl Church
January 3, 2022, GermanyOn January 3rd, an intruder entered the Barbara Church in Marl-Hamm and destroyed statues of saints. "When exactly they came in, we unfortunately do not know," said Sister Aloysiana. The doors to the church were not locked and the police were investigating the crime.
Christ Child Theft in Modling Nativity
December 31, 2021, AustriaThe Christ Child figurine was stolen from a nativity scene in the Herz-Jesu parish in Modling. It was over fifty years old and had little monetary value so the Vicariate Councillor & Pastoral Assistant Alexandra Kommer expects it was done as a prank adding: "Who does something like that?" The police started an investigation to find the thieves.
Church Located in Mönchengladbach Vandalised with Satanistic Graffiti
December 28, 2021, GermanyGraffiti has been sprayed on the sandstone around the Church of the Sacred Heart in the Bettrath-Hoven district. The words "Satan" and "Hail Satan" were written in green paint on the large wooden doors of the church's main portal and on the façade. A pentagram was also sprayed on the church building.
Theft of Consecrated Hosts in San Michele's Church in Menna
December 27, 2021, ItalyAround the 27. December, the consecrated Hosts of the San Michele Church in Menna were stolen by unknown perpetrators. The mayor of Vasto Francesco Menna denounced the incident: "It is deplorable what happened in the church of San Michele in Vasto, where a pyx with consecrated hosts was stolen." The mayor asked the citizens to collaborate with the investigators to identify the person responsible.
Several Figures Stolen from Nativity in Cuenca
December 25, 2021, SpainThe figures of the Child Jesus and St. Joseph were taken from a Nativity scene in Cuenca, Spain on December 25th. Several of the other surrounding figures were scattered and but it is unknown who did it. The rector of the Seminary of Cuenca, José Antonio Fernández, accurately wrote on Twitter: "This is a hate crime."
St. Peter's Church Heavily Vandalised on Christmas Eve
December 23, 2021, United KingdomOn the night of December 23rd, a group of unknown people vandalised the St Peter's Church at Upper Arley in Worcestershire. The perpetrators urinated inside the church, damaged pews and a piano with graffiti, tore off a door and stole irreplaceable items. They urinated near the church altar and left the bell tower's doors open, which left the place unprotected against the rain. According to Louvain Beer, treasurer and lay minister at the church, the police did not attend the case until the 27th of December, and now they are investigating it as a hate crime.
Church Closed After Vandalism Act in La Roche-Maurice
December 23, 2021, FranceSevere acts of vandalism were observed in the Saint -Yves church in La Roche-Maurice on December 23. Christiane Le Goff, the staff member responsible for the church schedule, closed the church the next day. She tells, “The crib was overturned, hydro alcoholic gel was poured on papers and obscene drawings were been made on the register. It's the second time this week”.
Anti-Christian Tag on Bouteillerie Cemetery Wall
December 21, 2021, FranceThe phrase "F*** Christ the King" was written on the cemetery wall in Bouteillerie on 21. December and had dual meaning since it is located near the Christ the King chapel. This wall has been frequently used by ultra-left taggers to express their extrem opinion.
Statue of Virgin Mary Defaced in the Abbaye aux Hommes in Caen
December 21, 2021, FranceOn December 21, a small statue of the Virgin Mary holding Jesus was defaced with spray paint. Located in the Abbaye aux Hommes in Caen, Mary was depicted to be vanquishing Satan with her foot on a serpent. This most likely was the cause for the act.
Special Stones Torn out and Cross Stolen from Altar in Oldenburg Church
December 18, 2021, GermanyParishioners were heart broken when an unknown intruder wrenched some semi-precious stones out of the alter in the Oldenburg Forum Church of St. Peter. The stones, which were taken out on the 18th of December, belonged to a wooden crucifix that had been in place since 1877. In addition, an alter cross decorated with silver was also stolen on the same weekend.
Burglary and Desecration in Godega Church
December 9, 2021, ItalyUnknown intruders broke into the church of Pianzano on December 12th. The parish priest said they forced their way into the cabinet where the holy vessel's were kept but those were not touched. However, some of the Holy Masses were missing and they found the keys to the sacristy as the offerings for the candles were gone. The sacristan of Pianzano found the break in and was disappointed by it.
Between 70 and 80 Graves Desecrated in Tarnobrzeg
December 7, 2021, PolandThe Sobów cemetery in Tarnobrzeg, was vandalized on December 7th. A man who regularly visits the cemetery reported to the police that between 70 and 80 graves have been desecrated: crosses were torn off, broken figures, and the slabs have also been moved. The sight was totally devastated and the author of the crime had no respect for a place.
Pastry Shop Display Nativity Scene Made with Sexual Organs
December 7, 2021, SpainChristian Lawyers has filed a complaint against a pastry shop in Seville for the exhibition of a nativity scene made with male and female sexual organs. The irreverent scene is in sight of everyone and shows disrespect towards Christians. In its complaint, Christian Lawyers states that "the establishment has advertised the nativity scene on its social networks and despite being aware that it has offended a good number of citizens, it has not moved it."
Church in Regensburg Terribly Damaged by Vandals
November 29, 2021, GermanyOn the 29th of November between 11a.m and 7 p.m, an unknown person went on a rampage in the Holy Spirit Parish Church in Regensburg and damaged several sacred objects. The offender stole a cross from the altar, urinated in a corner, broke a chandelier off the altar of Mary, and tipped several lighted candles over. The police were looking for witnesses who can give information about this incident.
Relic from St. Joseph Stolen in Macherio
November 28, 2021, ItalyIn the church of Saints Gervase and Protasius in Macherius, a relic from St. Joseph, placed next to a figure of the saint, was stolen a few days before November 28th. This relic of St. Joseph was a piece of cloth that was kept inside a glass case. The incident was reported to the Carabinieri who are now investigating the matter.
Sacred Painting from 1706 Damaged in Rampage
November 28, 2021, ItalyThe chapel of St. John the Baptist of via Bergamas in the historic center of Gradisca was vandalized on November 28th. The unknown individual, broke into the church, threw candles on the floor and against the altar, damaged a sacred painting from 1706, and then smeared the walls and a wooden notice board with candle wax. The rampage left the chapel in complete disarray and showed obvious malice toward the church.
UK Report: More than 4,000 crimes committed at churches in One Year
November 22, 2021, United KingdomAccording to the Countryside Alliance, an organisation that has been reporting on crimes committed at churches across the UK, during a period of 12 months from 2020 to 2021, there have been over 4,000 crimes committed at churches and religious premises. The figures were gathered from 40 of the country's 45 police forces, which revealed there were 4,169 incidents of theft, vandalism, physical assault or burglary across the UK during one year, despite the eight months of lockdown. During the last 4 years, the organisation has documented 30,169 crimes.
Catholic Church of Christ the King in Gothenburg Vandalised
November 13, 2021, SwedenThe Catholic Church of Christ the King and its chapel were vandalized on November 13. Fr. Tobias Unnerstal, the parish Priest of the Christ the King Church, reported the incident to the police. The members of the parish prayed for those responsible for the vandalistic acts.
Repeated Theft in Church in Bochum-Langendreer
November 12, 2021, GermanyOn November 11th, burglars broke into the St. Mary's Church in Bochum-Langendreer, for the third time in just a few weeks, and stole valuable objects. This time, oil vessels, which are used for baptisms, and consecrated hosts, which are used for the Holy Mass, where stolen; both of which have particularly great religious value. Father David Ringel, lamented "I am very surprised that sacred places are not kept sacred and that people do not know that religious feelings are also hurt here."
Holy Figures Stolen from Church in Lower Rhine Wesel
November 12, 2021, GermanyTwo wooden figures of St. Dominic and St. Catherine of Siena as well as a bronze figure "Mary with Child" were taken from a church in Lower Rhine Wesel on November 12th. "The thieves also took metal crosses,... money from an offertory box, and five metal candlesticks," the police added. The items were of great monetary and spiritual value but it was not known who took them.
Pornographic Video Filmed Behind the Altar of a Church in Bree
October 29, 2021, BelgiumA video of a couple having sex behind the alter of the Sint-Michielskerk in Bree was shared on a number of social networks and led to a police investigation. The pair have apparently been identified but not officially confirmed. The police commented, "these are criminal offenses. It concerns public indecency and the distribution of pornographic images. We cannot communicate anything further."
Repeated Acts of Vandalism and Theft in the Catholic Church of Reilingen
October 28, 2021, GermanyThe Catholic in Reillingen suffered of multiple cases of vandalism and also in the year before several thefts. A gilded consecrated cross, was stolen from a pedestal in front of a Virgin Mary statue in Reilingen. A year later, the cross which was from the St. Wendelin church, has been replaced. This theft was after multiple candles and candlesticks were stolen in the preceding months.
Man Pours Fecal Matter over a Statue of the Virgin Mary
October 26, 2021, PolandIt has first been reported that a man had been vandalising a statue of the Virgin Mary by pouring fecal matter over it for several months, the most recent incident being in October 26. in 2021. The last incident was recorded by a security camera, which made it possible to identify the perpetrator. The 57-year-old man has received a one-year sentence of restriction of liberty and has been charged with the costs of the proceedings.
Theft of Consecrated Hosts in Toledo Chapel
October 11, 2021, SpainOn October 11th, thieves took the tabernacle and consecrated hosts from the chapel of the Sisters of "Stella Matutina" in Illescas (Toledo). The desecration was reported and the Guardia Civil started an investigation into it.
Thefts of Consecrated Hosts in the Days Leading Up to Halloween
October 10, 2021, SpainAccording to a report by ABC, the theft of consecrated Hosts in Spain has been a yearly phenomenon that occurs with special emphasis in the days leading up to halloween. This year, on the 10th of October, the consecrated tabernacle which contains the hosts was stolen from the convent of the Sisters of Maria Stella Matutina in Toledo.
Windows of Sankt Elisabeth Church in Bonn Broken
October 7, 2021, GermanyThe windows of the Sankt Elisabeth Church in Bonn were the victim of a vandalistic attack, as they were damaged by unknown persons throwing stones at them. On October 7th, the windows were found broken and the sexton had to pick up the shattered glass.
Former Lutherchurch Desecrated and Looted
October 7, 2021, GermanyThe former Lutherchurch, which is now used as a social center for volunteer work, was heavily vandalized during the first week of October. The damage was extensive, as many items were stolen, the infrastructure was damaged and perpetrators left human excrement on the Chapel. According to the statement on Facebook, it was not the first time they faced vandalism.
Church in Sankt Mang Closed due to Vandalism
October 6, 2021, GermanyThe Maria Himmelfahrt church in Sankt Mang was forced to close because of repeated attacks by vandals. The damage included sacrificial candles destroyed and scattered, scripture stands overturned, and the thanksgiving altar looted. A complaint was filed in October.
Desecration of Graves at St.Mary's Church in Wexford
October 5, 2021, IrelandThree headstones at the graveyard of St.Mary Church have been desecrated after they were vandalised with red graffitis on . The parish prieste, Cllr Michael Sheehan, has expressed his concern and has asked to "anyone who knows any information on this to make it known to the guards and that the full rigors of the law be applied.” He further stated: "I think it’s despicable that anyone would feel so low that they would have to attack a person’s grave. St Mary’s is the site of some really old graves, dating back from centuries gone by."
Church in Badia Vandalised Multiple Times
October 3, 2021, ItalyOver the course of a month the church in Badia has been vandalised in various ways: glasses were broken with stone, stones were pulled out of the walls and dog excrements smeared on the facade of the church. The last damage was perpetrated by smashing the windows with stones. Stones falling inside the church also caused damage to the wooden pews. Police are investigating.
Sacred Items Stolen from Parish Church in Saint-Léger
October 3, 2021, FranceA complaint was filed by Father Nicola Berthier for the theft of objects of worship form the church in Saint-Léger-sous-Beuvray. On October 3rd, he found the sacristy door forced open and two chalices, a paten, and a ciborium all missing. These are all sacred objects used in mass and their theft is deeply hurtful for the church.
Cross of Church Cemetery in Tempelberg Smeared and Vandalised
October 2, 2021, GermanyA large cross that stands in front of the small cemetery at the church in Tempelberg was desecrated. Unknown perpetrators smeared and vandalised the cross. The incident occurred on Germany's Unity Day, which is annually celebrated on 2 October. Police are investigating.
The Stations of the Cross in Wettemhausen Vandalized
September 28, 2021, GermanyThe Stations of the Cross were severely vandalized on September 28th in Wettemhausen. Some of the figures were overturned while other had been dismembered. Glass beads had been demolished and the Burgau police were examining the scene for indications of who the perpetrators may have been.
Joan of Arc's "Heart" Stolen in Nimes
September 25, 2021, FranceA 19-year-old boy discovered, after he came back from holidays, that a bronze heart containing a reliquary of Joan of Arc had been stolen.
Thieves Steal Sacred Objects of the Laurentius Chapel in Waltrop-Leveringhausen.
September 25, 2021, GermanyDuring the night of the 25th of September, a golden monstrance with the relic of Saint Laurence and a baroque cross were stolen from the altar of the St. Ludgerus parish. On Monday, the parish was surprised to find everything but the monstrance, returned in a bag in the neighboring garden. The intent of this was unknown but it was suggested that the thieves had a guilty conscience. Bernd Brinker, said of the monstrance which was never found, "The ideal value is great for the community, which has cherished and cared for the chapel for decades."
Several Windows Smashed at Catholic Church in Villmar-Aumenau
September 20, 2021, GermanyStarting on September 19th and then continuing for about a week, unknown villains were smashing the windows on the Catholic Church in Villmar-Aumenau. A cleaning person discovered the vandalism and promptly informed the parish who, in term, told the police. An investigation was started and the damage amounts to around 1,000 EUR.
Arson at Church in Mantua
September 19, 2021, ItalyOn September 19th, the statue of Madonna was scarred by arson in the Santa Caterina church in Mantua. The fire, which was started at the altar, burnt the tablecloth covering the alter and also damaged some sacred furnishings including the statue. Fortunately, the damage was not extensive, but the crime affected the religious community.
Surveillance Camera Caught Two Burglars inside St.Liborio's Church
September 19, 2021, ItalyImages from CCTV showed that a car was driving away from the church of San Liborio where religious objects and 5.000 Euros in cash, which was contained in a metal cupboard, were stolen. The two perpetrators, 37 and 46 years-old and with previous convictions, were identified after a quick investigation by the local police station
Two Arson Attempts in a Church in Waldmünchen
September 17, 2021, GermanyAn unknown perpetrator seems to have tried twice to set the church in Waldmünchen on fire. The first time by placing a candle on the floor of the closed-off side altar with an advertising leaflet from church on it, shortly after the leaflet caught fire. On the next Saturday he tried it again by throwing a burning paper into the area of the fenced side altar. Fortunately the rest of the church was not damaged and the fire was contained. The police are investigating.
Two More Organizations Vandalized by Activists in Run-Up to March for Life
September 17, 2021, SwitzerlandIn the run-up to the March for Life, three different pro-life Evangelical centers were vandalized in two different cities, Zurich and Emmenbrücke (Lucerne). The perpetrators painted the offices of the Pro-Life organization in Lucerne with Graffiti between 15-17 September. Also, the organization Zukunft CH foundation was defaced with graffiti. The attacks were claimed on an anarcho-autonomous pro-LGBTQ information platform. "It is worrying that on certain socio-political issues it is obviously no longer possible to express oneself freely without being affected by hatred and vandalism," said the AES, Zukunft CH, and "Pro-Life" in a joint statement issued on September 21.
Monstrance Stolen from Church in Fourmies
September 16, 2021, FranceOn 16 September, the glass door of the chapel of the church of Saint-Pierre was forced open with a crowbar. The perpetrators stole a tin monstrance. "The object was not of great material value, but it had spiritual value. This monstrance was used for Adoration every Friday, reports Abbé Potier. The thieves did not take the lunula, i.e. the glass vessel containing the consecrated host. The object is incomplete and therefore cannot be sold as it is. "I am very hopeful that it will be abandoned somewhere and we will eventually get our hands on it again sooner or later". The police are investigating.
About Fifty Graves Vandalised in Poitiers Hospital Cemetery
September 16, 2021, FranceA family that was visiting the Hopital des Champs cemetery alerted the police on 16 September, after they found around fifty graves, which were tagged with the symbol of Sidaction. Police are investigating.