All cases
Perpetrators Desecrate and Rob Saint-François-d'Assise Church
July 23, 2022, FranceThe church of Saint-François-d'Assise in Perpignan was desecrated on the 23. July in the afternoon by a group of vandals. The perpetrators ransacked the church and the sacristry, they threw the consecrated hosts to the ground and attempted to set fire to a statue of the Virgin Mary and dried flowers. They also broke the safe and looted the little money that was in the church from offerings and donations. The police is investigating the case.
Church of Saint Francis of Assisi in Perpignan Desecrated and Profaned
July 23, 2022, FranceA "gang of young people" desecrated the church of Saint Francis of Assisi in Perpignan on 23 July, stealing the ciborium, throwing the consecrated hosts to the ground and attempting to set fire to a statue of the Virgin Mary. A "gang of young people" desecrated the church of Saint Francis of Assisi in Perpignan on 23 July, stealing the ciborium, throwing the consecrated hosts to the ground and attempting to set fire to a statue of the Virgin Mary. On the day of the crime, the church had remained open as usual, but now it is closed outside of services," says Marc Olivier, the parishioner who discovered the scene of desolation.
Repeated Arson to Church in Landshut
July 22, 2022, GermanyA burning pew with a strong smoke development in the new parish church of St. Margaret in Landshut caused much damage to the church. Since this is not the first incident of this kind in the recent past in the parish church of St. Margaret, and an accident or spontaneous combustion can be ruled out at this point, it must be assumed to all appearances that the fire was caused by arson. The police have started an investigation on the spot.
Attempted Arson in Weißenau Church
July 22, 2022, GermanyThe Ravensburg Criminal Investigation Department is investigating attempted arson after an unknown person apparently tried to set fire to a wooden door of the church of St. Peter and Paul in Weißenau on 22. July.
Expert Identifies Religious Illiteracy among UK Elected Officials
July 22, 2022, United KingdomDuring an interview with the Christian Institute, Dr. James Holt, Chair of the Freedom Declared Foundation, said that there is a lack of religious literacy among some elected officials in the UK. He noted that at the recent International Conference on Freedom of Religion and Belief in London, the issue seemed to be addressed mainly as a foreign policy issue and not a domestic concern. He considers that "much more needs to be done" to counter anti-religious hatred in the UK and secure religious freedom.
Vandals Attack Church of of San Michele in Lucca
July 22, 2022, ItalyOn the 22nd of July, the church of San Michele in Lucca was attacked by vandals. Someone destroyed a piece made of stone which framed the door on the right side of the church and scattered the pieces on the steps of the church. The parish priest, Don Lucio Malanca lodged a complaint with the police. He also found shattered glass on the floor from a bottle he believes was used to scratch the marble.
Attempted Break-In Into St. Alexander Church
July 22, 2022, GermanyBetween the 21st and 22nd of July, unknown perpetrators tried to break in into the St. Alexander Church in Wallenhorst but were not successful. The perpetrators tampered with the door lock, an antique stained glass at the side entrance of the church and at the back of the devotional chapel, and left all places damaged. The police are looking for witnesses for more information.
A Moroccan man breaks into Zaragoza's Basilica del Pillar shouting "Allah is great"
July 22, 2022, SpainA Moroccan man was arrested in Zaragoza, after breaking into the Basilica del Pilar in Zaragoza shouting: "Allah is great, he is the only true God, yours is false and you are infidels".The young man also threw a copy of the Qurʾan into the church and left then left. He was later arrested by the police.
Theft and Vandalism at the Church of Pleumeur-Gautier
July 21, 2022, FranceThe church in Pleumeur-Gautier (Côtes-d'Armor) has been the target of acts of vandalism and theft on the 21st of July. Candles were lit on the altar, which could have caused a fire and other objects were stolen. The mayor, Pierrick Gouronnec, visited the church to see the damages. The Gendarmerie Brigade is currently doing an investigation and the church has been put under increased surveillance.
Death Threats Sent to Priest in Sevilla
July 21, 2022, SpainThe priest of the municipality of Camas in Sevilla, Pedro José Rodriguez Molina, received a note with death threats on the 21. July. The note said "Ardereis como en el 36" (You will burn like in 36) and "Cloro al clero" (Chlorine to the clergy). The priest posted the note on his social media profile.