All cases

Vandals damage church wall with fire

December 16, 2024, Germany

Between 14 and 15 December, unknown persons set fire to the church behind the large chapel on Büscherweg, Kierspe, damaging the back wall of the church.

Vandalism: Withington church spray-painted

December 16, 2024, Ireland

St Peter's Church in Withington was vandalised on 16 December, with the door and interior sprayed with paint. Police officers described the damage as 'shocking and irreparable'.

Fire at Christian centre, suspected arson by left-wing extremists

December 15, 2024, Germany

As reported on 15 December, a pile of rubbish and bulky waste caught fire at the back of a building housing the Bremen police and the local Free Church welfare office. Left-wing extremists claimed responsibility and expressed hostility towards the Pentecostal Church.

Ban on funeral processions in Manduria

December 15, 2024, Italy

The mayor of Manduria, Gregorio Pecoraro, has approved an ordinance banning walking funeral processions. A local councillor is challenging the ban, saying it restricts religious freedom.

Nativity figurines disappeared

December 14, 2024, Italy

The statues of Mary and the ox disappeared from the nativity scene in front of the church of San Michele Arcangelo and Santa Lucia in Cesa, a hamlet in the municipality of Marciano della Chiana, on December 14.

Desecration of a church with a satanic symbol

December 13, 2024, France

The church of Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption in Guercheville (Seine-et-Marne) was the target of vandalism on the night of 13 December. Parishioners in the village raised the alarm after discovering the symbol 666 with an "S" on the front door.

Pastor and Christian community offered protection by police

December 12, 2024, Germany

Protestant pastor Ralf Sedlak has been the target of several threats and attacks following a sermon criticising the Hamas attack on Israel in October. The police are now being called in to protect him and his family, as well as to provide security for church services as all members of the congregation face hostility.

Church walls defaced with graffiti

December 9, 2024, Germany

Between December 6-9, unknown perpetrators defaced the facade of a facade of the Catholic community center St. Christophorus with graffiti. The white graffiti defaced both the north and west sides of the church building.

Figure stolen from nativity scene, damage caused

December 8, 2024, Spain

Seven youths were reported in Santa Coloma for trying to steal the figure of the Virgin Mary from the municipal nativity scene at 4am on 8 December, causing damage. They fled after being surprised by the Town Hall guard and the night watchmen, but were identified a short time later in Sant Carles street.

Minors Devastate Church

December 7, 2024, Germany

An 11-year-old and a 16-year-old caused a riot in a church in Bisingen in the Zollernalb district on 7 December, causing property damage of around 3,000 euros. They damaged a vase, antique candlesticks, plants and plant pots, and scattered books on the floor. Sheet music was scattered on the floor, the Advent wreath was knocked over and everything was lying around. The damage is estimated at 3000€, said a police spokesman.