All cases

European Parliament Adopts "Hostile" Report on Persecution of Religious Minorities

May 4, 2022, Belgium

A report titled "Persecution of minorities on the grounds of belief or religion," was adopted by the European Parliament in Brussels on May 4th. It has since been called “openly hostile towards religion” by human rights experts since it in places points to religion as a threat and a driver of humanitarian crises. It also failed to mention the persecution of Christians in the Middle East and Africa, but states that "sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), including abortion, are being banned in the name of religion." Although the report had some positive points it did not always refer to religion favorably.

Attempted Arson in Hüttersdorf Church

May 4, 2022, Germany

An unidentified arsonist tried to ignite the doors of a church on Berliner Straße in Hüttersdorf but failed. On May 4th, a witness saw from her place a lighted candle next to the wooden door of the church but before it could cause significant damage, it tipped over and went out. The Lebach Police were looking for people who could provide more information about the incident.

Teenage Girls Vandalize Völklingen Church

May 2, 2022, Germany

In the morning of May 2nd, two 11 year old girls threw candles and song books on the ground in the St. Eligius church in Völklingen, Saarland, and smeared a banana on the wall. They returned in the afternoon and knocked over some displays and commemorative candles. They left before the police arrived but the officers found them at a nearby supermarket; at which point, they were handed over to their mother after some strict words.

Fascist Symbols Painted on Church in Petrinja

May 2, 2022, Croatia

The church of St. Spiridon the Wonderworker in Petrinja was targeted with Ustasha symbols on May 2nd. This graffiti has fascist implications and shows opposition to pluralistic societies. The police were investigating the incident in hopes of finding the perpetrators and stopping further hate crimes in the future.

Sacred Pictures of Saints in Milazzo Ruined with Knife

May 1, 2022, Italy

Pictures in the Madonna del Lume church of Milazzo were ruined by an unknown individual who cut them with a sharp object on the 1st of May. It was a series of ten prints including pictures of the Martyrdom of St. Sebastian, the statue of St. Rita, and one of Madonna del Carmelo. The pictures were slashed through the middle and the mayor of the city said of the act: "This gesture was made by people who disgust me."

Several Thefts of Sacred Objects in Tuscany

May 1, 2022, Italy

In the last weeks of April, there were several thefts of sacred objects from churches in Tuscany. The carabinieri in Florence identified a Romanian individual who was behind most of the crimes as after his home was searched, a number of these items were found including paintings and statues. The police were investigating the crimes to find a possible accomplice.

Extreme leftist Mob Attacks Parishioners and Church in Angers

May 1, 2022, France

On May 1st during a trade union demonstration, a group of leftist activists - also identified as Antifa - attacked parishioners in front of the Notre-Dame des Victoires church in Angers. The group went by the name of "the Angevin Anti-Fascist Network (RAAF)." The parishioners were attending the 11-hour Mass, while others had positioned themselves in front of the church to prevent attacks. The mob still threw paint on the building and squashed eggs on the ground. They shouted "homophobic slogans" and later returned with a banner directed at Catholics that read, "We are here to challenge those who are dedicated to deifying themselves." The police had to intervene to stop further violence.

Burglary at Church in Hamm

May 1, 2022, Germany

Between May 1st and 2nd, burglars broke into the St. Mary's Church in Hamm and stole around 100 euros from the donation box. They forcefully entered through a window and once inside, searched the sacristy and then looked through cupboards which they had violently opened. The property damage was around 500 euros and the police, who were investigating the crime, needed more information.

Property Damage to Church in Dieburg

May 1, 2022, Germany

Unknown people forcefully entered the Dieburg Church on Forsthausstrasse, who were possibly looking for something to steal. Although nothing was taken, the damage inflicted on the church was around 1000 euros as they also tried to break open a door inside the church. The incident was reported to the police.

Martin Luther Bust Destroyed at Höchen Church

April 30, 2022, Germany

A bust of Martin Luther, in front of a church in Höchen, was entirely demolished by an unknown vandal on April 30th. The police were looking for witnesses.