All cases
Minors Reported For Several Damages To Churches
July 19, 2022, ItalyThe doors and windows of the churches in the area of Portomaggiore have been smashed by teenage vandals in the time of April and May. This has been reported on the 19th of July, as the carabinieri identified four minors. The crimes include breaking doors, glass windows, walls and air conditioners. The carabinieri opened an investigation.
Church Window Smashed With Stones in Austria
July 19, 2022, AustriaBetween July 10 and 19, unknown vandals smashed two windows in the parish of St. Paul in Klein. The perpetrators threw stones at the windows, creating a total of five holes distributed over the panes' surface. The total amount of the property damage has not been assessed yet but, according to the police, it is estimated to be around several thousand euros, since "these are very old and colorful stained glass panes".
Crowns Stolen From Our Lady of Grace Painting
July 19, 2022, ItalyIn the Church of San Rocco in Santa Croce sull'Arno, the silver crowns that rested on the heads of the image of Our Lady of Grace and the Baby Jesus were stolen by unknown perpetrators. The incident took place on the 19. July and the police are investigating. The vandals also damaged the altar and stained the tablecloth with their footprints.
Unidentified Women Smear the Facade of Church of St. Agostino
July 18, 2022, ItalyThe facade of St. Agostino's Church, located in via Principi D'Acaja, was smeared with writings by perpetrators who were unaware of the security cameras in the vicinity. Thanks to the surveillance system the police were able to identify those responsible for damaging the church. Federico Battel, the commander of the Municipal Police of Pinerolo, disclosed that "we are talking about some girls, probably adults, from the shooting we recognize the faces well, now we are working to trace the names and surnames. Subsequently, we will proceed to report for damage and the costs of the restoration will also be charged".
Update: Grandmother Fined for Praying on the Street Wins Her Appeal
July 18, 2022, United KingdomRosa Lalor, who on the 24th of February of 2021 was fined for praying silently on the public street, and later decided to challenge the sanction, won her appeal. At the time, the police considered that she did not have a "reasonable excuse" to be outside, even though she explained that she was simply "walking and praying" and that daily exercise was allowed. She received a fine of £200 and was then detained in the police car. Rosa Lalor decided to challenge the fine, with the help of ADF UK and won the case in court.
Authorities Confirmed Arson to Church in Lessen
July 18, 2022, GermanyOn the early evening of July 18, two people attending the church in Leezen noticed smoke building up in the rear area of the church and alerted the authorities. According to the police's preliminary investigations, a box with candles was lit on fire inside the church, deeming this case an "attempted serious arson". However, the extent of the damage caused could not be assessed yet. The police are looking for witnesses who might have seen people acting suspiciously on the church grounds. The arson motive was confirmed later on.
Mayoral Candidate Fired for Voicing Christian Beliefs
July 18, 2022, United KingdomA Christian mayoral candidate for Lewisham, Maureen Martin, has launched legal action after being sacked for her statement on Christian beliefs about marriage in her election manifesto. She was dismissed by her housing association employer L&Q for "gross misconduct" following three complaints of "hate speech" against her, as she expressed her belief that a marriage between a man and a woman was a "fundamental building block in society" and the "safest environment to raise a child".
Destruction of Crucifix in Płoty
July 18, 2022, PolandUnknown perpetrators have destroyed the missionary crucifix located at the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Sorrows in Płoty. The investigation found that the act of devastation was carried out between July 18 and 20.
Window Smashed with Stone in parish of St. Andreas
July 17, 2022, GermanyUnknown persons broke a window of the rectory of St. Andrew's parish on the night of 17 and 18 July. The sexton of the parish noticed the damage early Sunday morning and the stone that was used was found in the room behind it. The damaged window faces the Andreasplatz, but there was no intrusion into the premises. The police started an investigation and are looking for witnesses.
Vandalism in St. Martini Cemetery
July 17, 2022, GermanyA citizen reported to the police that four benches had been thrown into the pond at St. Martini cemetery in Stadthagen. It is not yet known if the benches were damaged by this act, nor who threw them into the water. The police are investigating the case.