All cases

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.

Religious Objects Stolen in a Series of Robberies in German Churches

July 1, 2023, Germany

Multiple religious items were stolen on the night of the 30th of June to the 1st of July, 2023, at the Heilig Kreuz church in Mönchengladbach, Germany. The thieves came in by forcing the door to the church and from the main room there they came into the sacristy by breaking the window. Two individual patens were stolen and one chalice with paten was stolen. The police have started an investigation. 

Blasphemy Uttered by 16-year-old During Festive Mass

July 1, 2023, Italy

Amidst several acts of vandalism, perpetrated by young people, a sixteen-year-old was identified as responsible for disturbing a mass by shouting blasphemeous curses at the back of the cathedral during a festive mass. His identification was possible due to the testimonies of those present in the church

Research Study shows Christian students' Perceptions of religious freedom in UK Universities

June 30, 2023, United Kingdom

In a recent study by four universities focusing on religious experiences among university students showed that, although the majority of students perceived a diverse and open atmosphere to different religions, there was still a small percentage (10%) of students that felt pressured to withhold their beliefs. Christian students emerged prominently as one of the most affected religious groups, facing challenges and unique perceptions within secular academic environments.

UK Survey Highlights Christian Students Being Silenced on University Campus

June 30, 2023, United Kingdom

A survey by Coventry University has detected varying levels of silencing among Christian students sharing experiences of prejudice and discrimination. Among students of other religions, Christian students stand out as feeling pressured to change their worldview.

Statue of Mary destroyed in Church in Fonzaso

June 30, 2023, Italy

On June 1, the statue of Mary was found destroyed in a church in Fonzaso. Perpetrators put the broken statue on the altar of the church. The statue was an important symbol for the church, which is named after the Nativity of Mary and the community is shocked about the incident.

Ireland aproves 'buffer zones' that limit Freedom of Assembly, similar to those in England and Wales

June 29, 2023, Ireland

On the 29th of June, the Irish Government approved legislation to introduce 100-metre buffer zones around abortion clinics similar to those already in place in Northern Ireland and with the PSPO's and the Public Order bill in England and Wales. In the same way as in the UK, the legislation does not distinguish between harassment and peaceful activism such as silent prayer or mere physical presence inside the buffer zone.