All cases

Fire set to Mannheim Church

November 3, 2024, Germany

On 3 November, an unknown person set fire to objects inside the Twelve Apostles Church in Mannheim, spreading to the carpet and a wooden table. The fire was extinguished before it spread further into the church building.

Tabernacle forced, hosts stolen

November 2, 2024, France

On the night of 2 November, the church of Saint Ame in Herlies was desecrated. The tabernacle was forced open and hosts were stolen. A mass of reparation was held.

Fire set at the church doors

November 1, 2024, Italy

On the night of October 31, a fire damaged the entrance door of the Church of St. Francis of Assisi in Quartu.

"Disturbing vandalism: Joyrider rammed into church gate

November 1, 2024, Ireland

A person driving a car rammed into the gate leading to St Patrick's Catholic Church in Ahane, causing extensive damage to the gate.

Third arson attack in a month

October 31, 2024, Netherlands

The Multicultural Christian Church of Amsterdam Zuidoost was hit by an explosion, the third attack in a month. At around 1.50am, a person smashed a window of the church and threw powerful fireworks inside, causing an explosion that severely damaged the ceiling and other parts of the building.

Attempted arson in the church in Marseburg

October 31, 2024, Germany

Police have arrested the suspect in an attempted arson attack on a church in Mersenburg. The man is believed to have set fire to plastic objects in the toilet area.

New UK Buffer Zone Bill restricts silent prayer near abortion clinics

October 31, 2024, United Kingdom

On 31 October 2024, Section 9 of the Public Order Act 2023 (POA) came into force, introducing new restrictions on freedom of expression and religion within the so-called 'buffer zones' around abortion clinics in England and Wales.

Sacred objects stolen from church

October 30, 2024, Italy

Two wooden and brass crucifixes, a brass incense holder and a diary in the sacristy of the Church of Maria Santissima del Pane in Novoli were stolen on the night of 30 October.

Vandalism and thefts at Vervie cemeteries

October 28, 2024, Belgium

At the end of October, a grave in the cemetery in Verviers, in the province of Liège, was found to be severely damaged; the stele had been completely overturned. A few days later, crosses were stolen from the cemetery in Trois-Ponts, which is in the same area.

Vandalism at Basildon church

October 28, 2024, United Kingdom

An incident of vandalism at St. Margarets Church in Bowers Gifford took place on October 28. The church sustained damage to various parts of the building including the roof, porch and stained-glass window.