All cases
Vandalism in a Church in Sarano (Treviso)
November 20, 2011, ItalyVandals broke in Santa Lucia’s church in Sarano, stole the church offerings as well as three patens and a robe. They also threw the Eucharstic hosts to the flour and damaged the sacristy.
Five Christian Icons Vandalised on a Week of Anti-Christian Raids in Dax (Landes)
November 18, 2011, FranceThree images of Mary and two crucifixes were vandalised in the city of Dax between November 10th and 18th. The statue of Mary located in Pontonx church was covered from the top to the bottom with red paint; the face of a Virgin located at the Saugnac-y-Cambran junction was covered with red as well; and the Virgin of Buglose´s face was covered with black paint. One of the vandalized crucifixes was painted in red and the arms cut off, while the one located inside Rion-des-Landes church was covered with red paint.
Catholic Cemetery of Sussargues Vandalised
November 12, 2011, FranceThe cemetery of the village of Sussargues in France has been vandalised. The perpetrator(s) damaged about thirty graves and memorials. Crucifix were broken or turned upside down, statuettes of the Virgin Mary were planted head in the ground. Satanists tags are visible on many graves.
Church Desecrated in Vauréal
November 12, 2011, FranceThe church of Sainte-Claire of Vauréal has been desecrated and Christian symbols specifically attacked. A city councilor criticizes the lack of response of governmental institutions.
Vandalism Against Wayside Crosses and Corpusses
November 7, 2011, SwitzerlandIn the Swiss village of St. Pantaleon-Nuglar, unknown perpetrators have attacked Christian images several times. Corpusses were pulled off crosses, taken away or destroyed. One corpus was hung on a tree. Now, the image of a naked woman was sprayed on a cross which had formally been vandalised and stripped of the corpus. A charge against unknown persons was submitted by by the private owner of the wayside cross.
Vandalism at St. Georg Church in Munich
November 5, 2011, GermanyFor several years local youth have been vandalizing St. Georg Church in Munich. They took tiles off the roof, sprayed graffiti on the outside walls, urinated into the holy water vessels and set fire at the local graveyard. The attacks were ongoing in November 2011. Some of the youth are known to the parish priest, who does not reported them to the police. One of the youth stated in a TV interview with blurred image that he was Moslem and felt uncomfortable with the majority denomination. The priest says that many youth are aggressive towards the Church due to emotional neglect they suffer at home.
Vandalism at Cemetery in Niedereschach
October 30, 2011, GermanyOn the night of October 30th, vandals raged on the graveyard of Niedereschach, damaging graves, memorial candles, statues of Mary and of angels, flowers, and jardinières. They also pulled out wooden crosses of fresh graves and lined them up upside down which could indicate a satanic background.
Vandalism at Cemetery in Westerkappeln
October 28, 2011, GermanySeveral cases of vandalism were recorded on the graveyard in Westerkappeln between October 26th and October 28th, including the use of graveyard lanterns as foot balls.
Vandalism at Graveyard of Ostbevern
October 25, 2011, GermanyIn Ostbevern, strangers knocked off the nose, feet, and part of the knee of a figure of Christ located on the graveyard. This is not the first time that the statue suffered from vandalism.
Vandalism of Church in Kallenhardt
October 22, 2011, GermanyAn attempt of arson occured on October 22nd at the church of Kallenhardt. As a consequence, the church, which was freely accessible for prayer and recollection, had to remain closed for a longer period of time.
Vandalism of Cemetery in Mülheim
October 22, 2011, GermanyStrangers ravaged on the graveyard of Styrum in Mülheim and damaged 30 graves in the night from Oct 22 to 23.
Statue of Mary Stolen in Nord-Pas de Calais
October 21, 2011, FranceIt was very difficult for the inhabitants of Agnez-les-Duisans to realize that the Statue of Mary holding baby Jesus had disappeared and its emplacement had been very much damaged. The police is enquiring.
"Black Block" Manifestation Assaults a Church
October 20, 2011, ItalyDuring a "Black Block", a left wing militant manifestation in Rome, an unknown number of people entered the parish of Santi Marcellino e Pietro al Laterano and destroyed the crucifix and a statue of the Virgin Mary of Lourdes.
Anarchist Damage Lateran Basilica in Rome
October 16, 2011, ItalyA small group of anarchist targeted the Basilica of Saint John Lateran in Rome. Various damages were detected, including the destruction of a statue of Mary.
"Occupy Rome" Activists Destroyed Sacred Icons During Demonstration
October 15, 2011, ItalyA group of youth who were marching as part of the anti-capitalist movement "Occupy Rome", detoured from the main stream of the parade, and made their way into Saints Marcellino and Pietro Parish, located between Labicana and Merulana streets. The youth, with their heads covered and handing sticks, broke into the parish house and took the statue of the Immaculate Conception and a crucifix. They carried the sacred icons outside the parish premises to the street, where both were destroyed and the debriefs left on the street.
Vandalism at Immaculate Conception Church in Vohwinkel
October 12, 2011, GermanyOn October 12th unknown perpetraters vandalized the parish church of the Immaculate Conception in Vohwinkel. They damaged valuable pieces of art: a sword was pulled off a statue and attached to a crucifix, and a branch of a seven-branched candelabrum was torn off.
Vandalism in Presbytery in Rüthen-Menzel
October 12, 2011, GermanyStrangers set fire to the entrance door of the presbytery by means of petrol in Rüthen on Oct 12th. The fire had already made its way under the door and set the tapestry on fire when it was discovered and extinguished. Police asked the public for help.
Recurring Vandalism at Cemetery in Essen
October 11, 2011, GermanyRecurring instances of vandalism at Essen cemetery amount to 30 000 Euros in damage. The acts of vandalism include the stealing of vases, the removal of letters on graveyards, the ignition of over 50 compost containers in the time period of a few weeks. Several relatives of those whose graves had been attacked were under significant emotional distress.
Church of Langrune-sur-Mer Vandalised
September 30, 2011, FranceThe Church of Saint Martin in Langrune-sur-Mer (Calvados), a XIIIth century church, was targeted by vandals. Many damages were caused: flowers on the ground, flower pots smashed, prayer books ripped, candles broken into pieces... The police have also found signs that the vandals had the intention to put the church on fire but had not succeeded.
Vandalism at Cemetery in Schönau
September 17, 2011, GermanyA 16 year-old admitted being responsible for the desecration of numerous graves in Schönau on the 17th of September. He had knocked over memorial candles and gravestones, and had pulled out a wooden cross and destroyed it.
Catholic Cemetery of Buxy Wrecked
September 13, 2011, FranceTwenty graves and tombstones have been desecrated in the small village of Buxy in Burgundy. The 2,000 residents of Buxy and their mayor are shocked and incredulous, the police has opened an investigation.
Smearings on a Catholic Church in Dijon
September 13, 2011, FranceThe Saint-Michel Catholic church of Dijon has been smeared on during the night on September 13th. The mayor’s office quickly responded by clearing out the inscriptions. One could see a scored of cross and read «No Gods, no Masters».
Crucifixion Group Defaced in Wassenberg-Myhl
August 25, 2011, GermanyOn August 21st a crucifixion group was defaced with black paint in Wassenberg-Myhl by strangers.
Church Set on Fire by Vandals in Begijnendijk
August 14, 2011, BelgiumVandals started a devastating fire in the parish church of Saint-Lucie in Begijnendijk (Flemish Brabant). They entered the church through a window and put fire to the curtains and chairs. The damage is significant and the church was closed for several weeks.
Masked Vandals Attack Pro-Life Office in Austria
August 8, 2011, AustriaThe office of Johannes Bucher, the European Regional Director of Human Life International’s (HLI), was attacked after a pro-life march in Salzburg, Austria. The office suffered seven broken windows, causing thousands of Euros in damage.
Cemetery Vandalized in Champniers
July 30, 2011, FranceThe cemetery of Champniers and its surroundings were vandalized at the end of July 2011. Crosses were tossed, and statues of Marie damaged, flower pots thrown to the ground.
Vandalism at St. Ann's in Ascheberg
July 28, 2011, GermanyUnknown perpetrators urinated into a Holy Water vessel of St. Ann Catholic church, in Ascheberg. They also damaged organ pipes, several apostle statues and a censer. The damage amounts to several thousand Euros. The police has not yet convicted the vandals and does not rule out that they are a gang of teenagers.
Swastika on a Church Door in Bessans
July 27, 2011, FranceThe Church of Saint Jean Baptiste of Bessans (Savoie) was vandalized in the night from July 26th to July 27th. Swastika were painted on the door of the church and "Adolf Hitler" written on the church steps. The vandals apparently tried to break open the door but did not succeed.
Church Vandalised in Saint-Jouin-Bruneval
July 16, 2011, FranceThe church of Saint-Jouin-Bruneval in the Seine Maritime department of Normandy has been vandalised during the night from Saturday 15th to Sunday 16th of July. An unknown number of person came through the door of the church tower, descended a ladder and took a choir bench to break down the door of the sacristy which they completely wrenched. They tumbled the candles and the candle-holders and then ripped off a wooden chest near the main altar. Finally, they broke open the offertory-box were to take its contents.
Vandalism at St. John's in Heidelberg
June 30, 2011, GermanyUnknown perpetrators ravaged in the church of St. John’s in Heidelberg on June 1st. Police confirmed that they sloshed around drinks on the altar and in the area of the organ, put meatballs in the organ pipes and dog dirt on the clavier.
Cemetery of Saint-Lys Desecrated
June 30, 2011, FranceThe cemetery of La Moutonne of Saint-Lys in the department of Haute-Garonne has been vandalized in the night from Thursday to Friday, June 30th, 2011. Memorial plaques were lying on the ground, damaged. A bench of the cemetery had been split into pieces, urn compartments had been opened and no less than twenty graves had received stroke of large stones flung against them, thus breaking plaques, ceramics and flower pots.
Vandalism in the Cemetery of Belleville-sur-Meuse
June 30, 2011, FranceFifteen Christian graves were damaged in the cemetery of Belleville-sur-Meuse and many crosses and statues broken into pieces. Ashes of three deceased have been scattered. Several crosses, marbles and plaques were broken into pieces and scattered on the ground. Statues of Christ were wrenched and let to lay on the floor.
Closing of Churches After Vandalism Acts
June 22, 2011, FranceThe churches of Rieux-Minervois and of Toucy had to be closed after several acts of vandalism and thefts.
200-year-old Greek Orthodox Chapel Demolished “By Accident” in Northern Cyprus
May 26, 2011, CyprusThe 200-year-old Greek Orthodox Chapel of Saint Thekla in the village of Vokolida, Cyprus was demolished, allegedly by accident. The demolition was condemned publicly by the Turkish Cypriot authorities and two individuals were arrested for destroying the church and a promise was made to rebuild it. Nevertheless, due to several reasons, this has not yet been performed.
Vandalism at Cemetery in Velen
May 21, 2011, GermanyUnknown perpetrators knocked over gravestones and pulled out plants in a cemetery located in Velen.
Attempt of Arson at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Elmar
May 13, 2011, GermanyAn attempt of arson was noticed by a neighbour at Immaculate Heart of Mary church in Elmar on May 13th. Stranger(s) tried to set fire to several items in the church, including curtains, carpets and cushions. Locals extinguished the fire with water. The damaged amounts to about 2000 €.
Attacks on the Parish Church of Navalcarnero, Madrid
May 10, 2011, SpainThe parish church of “Nuestra Señora de la Asunción” suffered great damage on Sunday May 8, as several religious images made of plaster were destroyed. Local police arrested the assailant, a 35-year-old male local resident, who had made previous threats toward the church. As stated by Pastor Marcos Fermin, this is not only a financial problem for him - but bears also great emotional pain.
Vandalism at the “Diálogo” Library in Madrid
May 10, 2011, SpainThe Diálogo library in Madrid suffered serious damage as an unidentified pertpetrators smashed the window in which books related to the beatification of Pope Juan Pablo II were displayed. The library is well-known for specializing in religious subjects.
Vandalism at Church in Anschar
May 7, 2011, GermanyVandals broke into the church of Anschar on May 7th, damaged several objects in the main church, threw down a crucifix and paintings in the sacristy, and tore everything out of the closets. Nothing was stolen, but fixing will be expensive. A new alarm system will be installed shortly to prevent any further attack. The incident was reported to the police.
Saint Statues Beheaded in Burgos
April 30, 2011, SpainThe sculptures of St. Peter and St. Laurent located outside the gate of San Esteban Church in Burgos were beheaded. The Church was built during the XIII century in a Gothic style; the sculpture of St. Peter had been restore six years ago while St. Laurent's image had been under renovation 12 years ago. The decapitation took place on the night of Good Friday.
Vandalism at Nathan-Söderblom Church in Reinbeck
April 30, 2011, GermanyA gang of about 20 youth has been rampaging repeatedly around the Nathan-Söderblom church in Reinbeck in the spring of 2011, including the urination into a work of art that represents the grave of Christ. Police and social service have not been able to calm down those involved, and are considering hiring a social worker to find a remedy.
Church Vandalised in Bonneval (Eure-et-Loir)
April 27, 2011, FranceThe church of Bonneval has been vandalised on Holy Thursday. According to Father François Muchery, the damage was quite substantial: on the prayer book one can see obscene drawings and words, statues have been damaged and urinated on and candles were smashed.
Statue of the Virgin Marie Beheaded in La-Roche-Sur-Yon
April 24, 2011, FranceOn the night of Sunday, April 24th, around 3:00 am, the statue of the Virgin Mary located behind the church of the Sacred Heart of La Roche-sur-Yon has been beheaded and then thrown on the ground. It’s head was transported to the other side of the park.
Church Vandalised in Echirolles
April 24, 2011, FranceThe church of Saint-Jean-Bosco of Echirolles has been victim of desecration. The main Crucifix was found broken on the floor. Missals had been flung to the ground and benches damaged and turned over. Apparently, the perpetrators had entered the church by forcing a side door. No theft has been reported.
Catholic Church Vandalised on Good Thursday
April 21, 2011, TurkeyTwo men armed with swords and knives broke into a Catholic Church in Adana last Thursday. After learning that the priest was not in the church, the 26 year old aggressors proceeded to vandalise the property.
Trespassing and Damages in Aladinici (Mostar)
April 21, 2011, Bosnia and HerzegovinaVandals broke into the mission church of Aladinici and cause substantial damage.
Church in Adana, Turkey Vandalised
April 21, 2011, TurkeyOn 21 April 2011 two men broke into a Catholic church and completely destroyed three statues. They also left marks on the altar, smashed window panes and threw flowerpots around.
Church in Altavista Vandalised
April 20, 2011, SpainFather-Claret Parish, located in Altavista (Lanzarote), was vandalised by burglars. According to the media, the criminals broke into the church searching for money. Once they realised no money was there, they vandalised the property, causing significant damage. Before they left, they threw away the vase containing the holy communion.
Fire Set to Sagrada Familia in Barcelona
April 19, 2011, SpainOn April 19, 2011 hundred of tourists were evacuated from one of the most popular places of worship in the world, the Sagrada Familia Basilica, in Barcelona. A fire was intentionally started at the sacristy, and a 65 year old man was arrested in possession of a lighter and pieces of fabrics that could have been used to set the fire. No major damage was reported to Gaudi´s masterpiece. The fire burnt for about 45 minutes according to El Pais newspaper. While the fire was set up intentionally, the reasons for the attack remain unknown. Media reported the man to be “gravely disturbed”. It is clear whether the fire setting was an intentional attack against Christianit or not.
Church Vandalised at Aulnay-Sous-Bois
April 18, 2011, FranceThe church of Saint-Jean of Aulnay-Sous-Bois has been twice vandalised in April. The parish priest and the numerous catholic community are chocked before such acts.
Vandalism in Christian Cemetery of Zavidovici
April 17, 2011, Bosnia and HerzegovinaChristian graves and tombstones were vandalized in Zavidovici on April 17th, 2011.
Assault on the Church of Santa Maria Magdalena de Ciempozuelos (Madrid)
April 14, 2011, SpainOn a Thursday morning a group of vandals broke into the Church of Santa Maria Magdalena, destroying the altar shrine and the crown of the Virgin. The church suffered great damage, and the content of the collection box was stolen.
Vandalism at Nathan-Söderblom Church in Reinbek
April 14, 2011, GermanyA gang of about 20 youth has been rampaging repeatedly around the Nathan-Söderblom church in Reinbek in the spring of 2011, including the urination into a work of art that represents the grave of Christ. Police and social service have not been able to calm down those involved, and are considering to hire a social worker to find a remedy.
Church Tagged in Vannes
April 4, 2011, FranceFour young men attacked the church Saint-Pie-X in Vannes, insulting believers and claiming to denounce «fundamentalism». They underlined the «political» nature of their behavior and claimed to defend «anti-clerical values».
Trespassing and Damages in Ovcarevo
March 31, 2011, Bosnia and HerzegovinaVandals broke into the mission church of Ovcarevo and caused serious damage.
Church Vandalised and Set on Fire in Pézenas
March 29, 2011, FranceThree young men entered the church of Saint-Martin of Conas at approximately 8:00 p.m. They broke a stained window, set fire in the sacristy, broke crosses, statues, benches and chairs and damaged the main altar. The damage which was discovered the next morning, are estimated to a cost of 50 to 100.000 euros.
Fire Set to Catholic Church in Barcelona
March 23, 2011, SpainDuring the night of March 22th, early morning of March 23th, 2011, a group of radical feminists started a fire at the doors of San Vicenç Church, in the Sarriá neighbourhood, in Barcelona. According to the priest Manuel Valls this was the fifth attack against the church in the last three years.
More Than 50 Graves Desecrated in Séjalan
March 19, 2011, FranceMore than fifty graves have been vandalized: funeral ornaments, flower pots and crucifix have been broken. Windows were damaged and tagged with the satanic number «666».
Vandalism in Madrid Church
March 15, 2011, SpainThe Ascensión del Señor Church, located in the Madrid suburb of Carabanchel, a working class neighborhood, has suffered the loss of their most precious sacred items, the chalice with the Eucharist and the Holy Oils. The Church, build 60 years ago in a poor vicinity, has no item of value, and "the burglars knew about it", affirms Francisco Pérez, the church Pastor. Fr. Perez adds: "They only took the most precious treasure for our community, the body of Christ".
University Chapel Desecration at Complutense University in Madrid
March 11, 2011, SpainOn March 11, 2011, Paula Nieto, the President of the Students Union at the Complutense University in Madrid, reported incidents at the Moncloa campus law school chapel in a radio interview. According to Nieto, several students locked themselves in the chapel, smoked weed and drank beer, while making statements against the Catholic Church. Nieto argues the attacks come from an ultra-left student group named Contrapoder.
Desecration of University Chapel
March 10, 2011, SpainAt Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM) a group of 50 young people stormed the chapel of the Somosaguas university campus to protest against the Catholic Church.
Way of the Cross Vandalised in Castilla y Léon
March 10, 2011, FranceThe way of the Cross of the calvary of Bercianos de Aliste in the diocese of Zamora (Spain) was vandalised. Three ancient granite crosses were highly damaged. Father Lorenzo Martin, parish priest of San Mamed was shocked and filed a complaint.
Christian Grave Vandalised in Montecastello
February 28, 2011, ItalyA marble grave stone was destroyed and the tomb opened.
Thefts in Sarajevo’s Cathedral
February 23, 2011, Bosnia and HerzegovinaAn unknown number of people broke in the Cathedral of Sarajevo, stole various objects and damaged the interior of the Christian place of worship.
Church of Briosne-les-Sables Vandalised
February 22, 2011, FranceThe small church of Briosne-les-Sables was vandalized; the door was broken opened and the altar was damaged. Claude Trouillet, mayor of Briosne-les-Sables and the parish priest Father Jean-Marc have filed a complaint.
Statue of Mary, Mother of Jesus, Destroyed in Church
February 20, 2011, LiechtensteinUnknown perpetrators have destroyed a statue of the Virgin Mary by pulling it from the altar in a church in Schaan / Liechtenstein.
Chapel of Caubin Vandalised
February 19, 2011, FranceThe Chapel of Caubin, a XIIth century Historical Monument was the target of vandalism on Saturday, February 19th. Three windows were broken open with stones, lanterns and projector destroyed and crosses of the cemetery broken into pieces.
Communion Vessels Stolen From Church in Majadahonda
February 18, 2011, SpainAfter a fire was set at the doors of Santa Catalina Mártir Church in Majadahonda on December 25th, 2010, the tabernacle containing two communion vessels was stolen in February 2011. The perpetrators used a lever to commit the crime, and took advantage of the fact that the Chuch doors remain open for prayers and meetings.
Cemetery Vandalised in Alès
February 12, 2011, FranceTen to twelve graves were desecrated in the cimetery of Silhol in Alès. Stone crosses were broken and thrown to the floor. Funeral ornaments were destroyed and the door of a tomb was damaged.
Stoning of a Church
January 17, 2011, Bosnia and HerzegovinaOn January 17th, 2011, the church of Blagan-Buna (Mostar) was attacked with stones and its windows crashed.
Church Partially Burned, Religious Symbols Put on Fire
January 16, 2011, FranceA Christian Church building in Hérouville-Saint-Clair, the outskirts of Caen, was vandalized at about 6 am on a Sunday morning. The Church of St. Francis, partially burned, cannot not accommodate the faithful until rebuild.
Vandalism at St. Barbara's in Peißenberg
January 13, 2011, GermanyA group of teenagers was causing great damage in the parish church of St. Barbara in Peißenberg over a longer period of time. They tossed down lamps, lit numerous candles and burnt death cards, rumpled altar cloths and stuffed them into the holy water vessel; they threw altar candles around in the church, and wrote with chalk on the church’s door. The sacristan had to dump 40 liters of holy water twice, and clean the distribution vessel, in which the youth had urinated.
Church Shattered and Partially Burned
January 1, 2011, FranceOn Saturday January 1st between 12 a.m. and 3 p.m. the church of Montfermeil was severely damaged and partially burned. According to sources, a group of individuals forced and broke the door to the place of worship with the help of a car. They then set fire to a bunch of paper that was inside the church. Thus, three additional rooms, including the room used for worship of children, were damaged and must now be rebuilt.
Vandalism Against The Church of Aiguefonde
January 1, 2011, FranceThe parish church Sainte Claire of Aiguefonde (Tarn) was victim of series of vandalism attacks. Given the amount of the damage, the church will have to be completely restored in order to prevent the window and vault from collapsing.
Parish Several Times Severly Attacked by Muslim Youth
December 30, 2010, FranceFaithful of the parish St John in Avignon are being annoyed, often during the mass service, by insults and agressions, thefts, attempts of arson, and even a car bomb left by Muslim youth. The little community of Christians in a city which hosts an arabic-moslem majority begins to feel afraid of praying together. The parish priest understands that there is a "startling code of silence both for media and politics about the issue".
A Church Vandalised in Gourin, Brittany
December 5, 2010, FranceA man destroyed much of the furniture of the Church of Gourin, probably on Sunday, December 5th in the afternoon. Benches, the harmonium, flower pots but also the altar, the tabernacle and stain glass windows were the targets.
Harsh Persecution of Muslims Converted to Christianity
December 1, 2010, United KingdomIn Great Britain many converts from Islam to Christianity are forced to worship in secret at the risk of their own lives according to the report of the French Internet Portal “Observatoire de l’islamisation” which resulted in a report broadcasted 2010 on British TV.
Threats and Attempts of Fire in a Church Near Avignon
November 6, 2010, FranceSaint-John’s parish near Avignon has been the target of a number of threats and intimidations: insulting tags in the church’s walls, feces thrown on the church, a young man even entered the church during mass, urinated and screamed to the parishioners: “we’ll toast you all in fire, you and your church”. A fire was also started in a tree growing against the church, probably in order to burn the church itself. Father Gabriel, the parish priest, regrets and condemns “an increasingly aggressive and violent climate”.
Tabernacle and Holy Sacrament Desecrated in Billière
October 29, 2010, FranceVandals broke in the XIIth century church of Saint Laurent de Billière, near Pau, on Friday, October 29th. The tabernacle was forced opened and the consecrated hosts scattered on the ground.
127 Graves Desecrated in Igny-Comblizy
October 23, 2010, France61 headstones were revered and their crosses unsealed and another 66 graves also but less heavily damaged. Graves, headstones, flowerpots and funerary objects were thrown all around the cemetery.
Saint-Louis Church in Brest Tagged
October 21, 2010, FranceAnti-Catholic and Satanic symbols were found on the walls and doors of the church of Saint-Louis in Brest. Elected officials are shocked and say in a written statement: “All places of worship, whatever they are, are places that must be respected.”
Lutheran Church in Michalovce Vandalised
October 14, 2010, SlovakiaOn October 14, 2010, the Lutheran Church in Michalovce was found seriously damaged. It had been broken into, possibly by Satanist, who had turned the major cross upside down, burnt the altar vestments, damaged the baptismal font, and wrote insults to God and saints onto the altar.
Steady Increase of Desecrating Acts in French Cemeteries
October 12, 2010, FranceOngoing: A report of the Gendarmerie Nationale underlines the fact that most desecrations since 2005 have been aimed at Christian cemeteries and other Christian places of worship.
Call for “Islamic Crusade” Sprayed on Church in Strasbourg
October 12, 2010, FranceThe Catholic church of Saint Florent in Strasbourg was vandalised by Islamists who spray painted the door of the church, calling for an Islamic Crusade. One could read in black marker on both wings of the door: “Jerusalem to the Muslims” and “The Crusade for an Islamic Holy Land.”
Church Sainte Madeleine Tagged in Besançon
October 10, 2010, France“All catho are bastards” and other anti-Catholic symbols were tagged on the church Sainte Madeleine in Besançon. Mgr Lacrampe, bishop of Besançon issued a statement in which he says: "During the night of October 9th to 10th, individuals wrote on the door of the church of Sainte Madeleine in Besançon abusive language against Catholics. I strongly condemn these irresponsible acts which lack of respect towards the public building as well as towards the community to whom it is entrusted. I reaffirm that nothing can justify the hatred of others or contempt for people and their faith."
Theft and Desecration in Bazas’ Cathedral
October 9, 2010, FranceAn unknown number of burglars entered the cathedral, broke-opened the tabernacle and took a 1930 monstrance of brass and wood. They also broke several stained windows. For Father Arnaud, the parish priest, “this attacks the very essence of our faith.” He experienced this burglary as “a sacrilege and a desecration,” he said.
Vandalism in Austrian Church Building
September 29, 2010, AustriaRepeated vandalism including defecation committed by youth in church building in Upper Austria.
Chapel Desecrated in Bastia, Corsica
September 26, 2010, FranceThe chapel of the crypt of Notre-Dame de Lourdes, in Bastia, was attacked most likely on Monday, September 27th. The altar was sprayed with urine and statues of the Virgin were plunged into a water vase, head down.
20 Graves Damaged in Frontenay-Rohan-Rohan
September 21, 2010, FranceAbout twenty graves were desecrated, tombstones and memorial plaques scattered in the Catholic cemetery of Frontenay-Rohan-Rohan.
Church Vandalised in Juniville
August 26, 2010, FranceDuring the night of August 26th to 27th, the church of Juniville has been attacked and vandalised: candles were thrown on the ground, the tabernacle was broken and posters were torn and burned on the ground.
Cemetery Vandalised in Laon
August 22, 2010, FranceDuring the night of Saturday 21st to Sunday 22nd of August, about fifty graves in the German military cemetery of Laon were vandalised. Crosses were extracted from the ground or completely broken.
Cemetery Vandalised in Hénin-Beaumont
August 8, 2010, FranceFifteen graves and a Catholic chapel have been targeted. A cross was destroyed. Among the graves vandalised, three vaults were particularly damaged. The doors of three grave buildings were broken open and their windows broken. On other graves, funerary objects such as crosses or flowers pots were broken and scattered all around the cemetery.
Church of Pouan-les-Vallées Wrecked
July 27, 2010, FranceThe XIIIth and XVIth century’s church of Saint-Pierre-les-Vallées in Pouan was wrecked in the night of July 26th. An employee noticed the knocked over Cross in the church’s courtyard. As he went to inspect the rest of the church, he saw the disastrous state of the church: crucifixes overturned, glass chandeliers smashed to pieces on the pavement, stations of the Cross burnt, an altar overthrown and the ogive vault overlooking the high altar very damaged.
Church Wrecked in Limoux
July 24, 2010, FranceIn the parish Church of Limoux, the chandeliers, the statue and the crucifix which decorated the tabernacle were overthrown and vandalized. They laid on the ground, bent or broken, when the acts were discovered. Behind the altar, the nativity scene and the chapel of the Virgin Mary were wrecked. The church is open continuously, visitors discovered the damage in the beginning of the afternoon and called the police. The police had to close the church for the afternoon but it could be reopened for a scheduled evening concert.
Church Desecrated in Echillais
July 18, 2010, FranceOn Monday July 21st, the sacristan of the medieval church of Echillais discovered that the church had be stained, desecrated and that the vandals had probably entered in it with there scooters.
Christian Cemetery Vandalised
May 14, 2010, FranceActs of vandalism in cemetery target Christian graves in particular.
Church Burglarised and Vandalised
May 13, 2010, SwitzerlandUnidentified criminals burglarised and vandalised a Catholic church in Switzerland. The act included desecration of the Eucharist and of the Bible.
Blessed Sacrament Chapel Vandalised in Salindres
May 13, 2010, FranceAn unknown individual vandalized the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament of the church of Saint André de Salindres and urinated in the chapel.
Several Attacks on Churches Recorded
May 1, 2010, GermanyThe renowned daily reports on a noticeable rise in quality and quantity of attacks against Church buildings.
Birth Place of Josef Ratzinger Vandalised
April 13, 2010, GermanyIn the night of April 13th the birthplace of Josef Ratzinger, now Benedict XVI, was vandalised. The house in Marktl am Inn was sprayed on with "insulting contents".