All cases

Christian Asylum Seeker Wins on European Court of Human Rights

April 26, 2022, Switzerland

In 2018, a Pakistani national who had converted from Islam to Christianity requested asylum in Switzerland but was rejected by the authorities. Despite them recognizing his conversion, The Federal Administrative Court rejected the request; however, upon taking the case, the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) ruled in favor of the applicant. They held that articles 2 and 3 of the ECHR would be violated should he be sent back to Pakistan.

1500 Euro Worth Destruction and Vandalism in Attendorn Cathedral

April 26, 2022, Germany

The police were called to investigate a crime in the St. John the Baptist church in Attendorn on April 26th. The church said that the destruction was done to candlesticks, the Agatha altar, a holy water font, parts of a bench, and a disinfectant dispenser. Books and writings were also thrown around. The damage, around 1,500 euros, was thought to have been done by a slim young man, with dark hair, between the ages of 15 and 20.

Man Urinates on Church Trani

April 26, 2022, Italy

A man was seen on video, on the 26th of April, urinating in the churchyard of Sant'Agostino in Trani. Judging by the stench, others have done the same thing which eventually causes lasting damage to the walls that then have to be repaired. This man obviously had little respect for this sacred sight.

Church Windows in Newtown Smashed

April 25, 2022, United Kingdom

The windows of the St. David's Church in Newtown were smashed by vandals on April 25th. It was not known who did the act and someone who was closely affiliated with the church said it was "absolutely disgusting to see yet again," which implies that vandalism similar to this has already occurred.

Theft and Repeated Vandalism at Grumo Nevano Church

April 25, 2022, Italy

A church in Gruma Nevano, dedicated to Madonna del Buon Consiglio, was vandalized on April 25th. Smaller acts of vandalism had been seen for weeks, but this time the lockers were found empty, the walls were painted, and the crucifix was on the floor. The carabinieri investigated the incident.

Teenagers Vandalize Crosses in Novara School

April 25, 2022, Italy

During the weekend of the 25th of April, minors broke into a gymnasium in Novara to destroy several crosses and write satanic and blasphemous thing on the walls. The then posted their actions on social media. The culprits have been identified and although some who are 14 years old cannot be charged, their parents can be made to pay the damages. The act also showed a worrying lack of respect for religious symbols by people at such a young age.

Churches Property in Lingen Damaged

April 24, 2022, Germany

A wooden box outside the Christ-König-Kirche on Bernhard-Lohmann-Strasse in Lingen, was damaged by unknown perpetrators, who, according to the police, were trying to gain access to the metal cassette within. Nothing was stolen but the property damage amounted to around 500 euros.

Arson to Church in Rheinberg with Box Full of Candles

April 24, 2022, Germany

In the afternoon, on 24 April, a 62-year-old man visited the church of St. Peter on Kirchplatz in the city centre. When he entered the church, he smelled something burning and saw a burning box of Easter lights on a table. Quick-witted, he brought the box and the table to the front of the church and extinguished the fire with sparkling water. He then informed the police. The police found more burning tea lights in a large package underneath the candle holder and also extinguished the flames.

Maria Hilf Chapel in Piekary Śląskie Destroyed

April 23, 2022, Poland

The Maria Hilf chapel in Piekary Śląskie, was vandalized by a number of youth on April 23rd after they had a party in which alcohol was illegally consumed. They destroyed the surveillance cameras, but not before their faces were caught on camera, and then proceeded to tear tiles off the roof. Using the footage, the police managed to identify the youth who were questioned.

Flag Ripped Down from Church in Bellshill

April 23, 2022, United Kingdom

A Union Jack, put up to celebrate the Queens Platinum Jubilee, was torn down from the St. Andrew's Free Church in Bellshill. Reverend Jason Lingiah, has labelled the attack an "anti-Protestant sectarian hate crime." The flag was thrown near the wall and left, while the pole was bent.