All cases

Children from Football Club Threatened with Sanctions if They go to First Communion Ceremony

May 24, 2022, Spain

The Castilla-La Mancha Football Federation refused to change the date of a match, forcing the young players from Membrilla's football team to choose between celebrating their first communion or playing the league final. The Federation further threatened them with sanctions, since the parents choose the church instead of submitting to the sports institution.

Paint Bombs Thrown at Church in Tacoronte, Tenerife

May 23, 2022, Spain

A few days before the 23rd of May, the façade of the Santa Catalina church in Tacoronte was splashed with red paint by an unknown person. The primary target of the graffiti was a plaque that has been in place since 1938 and bears the name of the founder José Antonio Primo de Rivera on it. Although he was a political figure which could be the motive for the attack, a church has also suffered the consequences and it will take around 3,000 euros to restore.

Vandals Try to Break-In in Church Leaving 3000 Euro Damage

May 23, 2022, Germany

Unknown people attempted to break into the church in Melsung on May 23rd and caused significant damage. The tried to open the doors and windows to gain access to the inside of the church but were unsuccessful. The property damage was around 3,000 euros.

Windows Broken by Teenagers at Ringmer Church

May 23, 2022, United Kingdom

The stained glass windows of the Church of St. Mary the Virgin in Ringmer were broken by youth with catapults and ball bearings on May 23rd. The police identified the culprits and confiscated their catapults. A police spokesperson said: “The youths will subsequently be coming into Lewes Police Station to account for their actions.”

Church in Abruzzo Attacked with Stones

May 23, 2022, Italy

The façade of the Church of S.Onofrio, connected to the Convent of the Zoccolanti of Raiano, was kicked and stoned by unknown people on May 23rd. The church dates back to the 17th century and is in Abruzzo. A complaint was filed and the carabinieri started an investigation but people were left dismayed and angry.

Red Tags Smeared on Church in Andria

May 23, 2022, Italy

The façade of the Church of the Madonna del Carmine in Andria was tagged with red paint on May 23rd. This was not the first of such incidents and the State police immediately began an investigation to find out who painted the graffiti.

Chapel of Our Lady in Legionowo Vandalized

May 23, 2022, Poland

Shortly after the statue of the Pope was vandalized in Legionowo, the Chapel of Our Lady at the roundabout near Krasińskiego Street was devastated. The unknown perpetrator broke the glass in front of a figure and bent the cross. The police were investigating the incident to find the criminal who would be charged with offending religious feelings and damage to property.

18 Graves Vandalised at Cemetery and Knocked Down Crosses

May 23, 2022, France

Between the 22 to 23 May, 18 graves were vandalized or damaged in the cemetery of Rocquemont, a commune located between Rouen and Saint-Saëns. The perpetrators damaged ornamental plaques, decorations and flower pots. A person who lives near the cemetery heard the noise that night and reported it.

Newtown Church Windows Vandalized For a Second Time

May 22, 2022, United Kingdom

After the windows of the St. David's Church in Newtown were broken the month before, someone returned to break them again on the 22nd of May. The church has not been used for many years but is a historic building and a religious symbol. Paul Williams, a local, said: "This is really sickening yet again. Whoever you are, stop it."

Statistics in Brussels show: 53 Churches Vandalized and 1 Mosque

May 22, 2022, Belgium

Between 2019 and 2022, 53 cases of church vandalism were recorded in Brussels, while only 1 mosque was vandalized in the same region and time frame. Dominiek Lootens, leader of the Vlaams Belang group in the Brussels Parliament, wrote to Prime Minister Rudi Vervoort and asked him to communicate the extent of the damage, reported "Our Central Europe". The report also pointed out that the media and politics failed to mention these numbers as they refuse to recognize this type of biased discrimination against Christians.