All cases
Police Investigate Damage to St.Nicholas Church in Gaggenau
October 16, 2021, GermanyThe side door of the St. Nicholas Church in Gaggenau had significant dents in its copper paneling that were made with large river pebbles. The police were investigating to see if the incident was an act of childish carelessness or deliberate vandalism. Relevant information was needed from witnesses.
Substantial Damage to Church Sacristy after Break-In
October 16, 2021, GermanyOn the morning of the 16th of October, the sacristy of St. Johann Baptist church in Kirchplatz Street was broken into, which was noticed by the sexton of the parish in Refrath the following morning. After a closer examination of the crime scene, the police were able to determine that the adjacent scout house of the parish had also been broken into. It was not possible to say for sure whether anything had been stolen during this incident, but the property damage was substantial. Forensic evidence was collected and a criminal complaint was filed.
Christian MP David Amess Stabbed to Death
October 15, 2021, United KingdomChristian MP David Amess was attending his regular duties in his local circumscription in a Methodist Church in Essex on 15. October, when a 25 years-old British citizen of Somali origin stabbed him to death. Soon after, the killer Ali Harbi Ali was arrested. An Anti-terrorism unit is investigating the case, given that the perpetrator has been identified as a radicalized Islamist. This murder is a direct attack on the Christian beliefs that David Amess represented. Prime Minister Boris Johnson visited the Methodist Church where the incident happened, accompanied by the Home Secretary, Priti Patel, and leader of the Opposition, Keir Starmer. People have been gathering for candlelit vigils in Leigh-on-Sea and have held church services in his memory.
Church Crypt in Bromsgrove Forced Open
October 14, 2021, United KingdomThe historic St. John's Church in Bromsgrove was targeted by unknown vandals on the 14th of October. The door of the crypt was forced open which caused hundreds of pounds of damage but luckily nothing was stolen.
Bell Stolen from Ostbevern Cemetery
October 13, 2021, GermanyDuring the weekend of the 9th and 10th of October, visitors of the Ostbevern Cemetery noticed that the bell standing in front of the burial ground was missing and alerted the town hall. It was unscrewed from its suspension and stolen by "brazen thieves". However, according to the Ostbevern municipality, the exact time at which the theft occurred is unknown. A criminal complaint was filed by the municipal administration and the police started an investigation, appealing to citizens to come forward in case they have any information.
Theft of Consecrated Hosts in Toledo Chapel
October 11, 2021, SpainOn October 11th, thieves took the tabernacle and consecrated hosts from the chapel of the Sisters of "Stella Matutina" in Illescas (Toledo). The desecration was reported and the Guardia Civil started an investigation into it.
Cross Destroyed in Peña Lemona
October 11, 2021, SpainYouth from the left-wing Sortu party demolished the Francoist cross of Peña Lemona using jackhammers and pulleys to take down the monument. It stood an impressive 10 meters high and was put in place to commemorate Franco's troops in the Spanish Civil War. This incident marked another religious public symbol that was taken down in Spain.
Vandalized Chapel in St. Gallen Refuses to Close Doors
October 11, 2021, SwitzerlandOn the 11th of October, a chapel in Rorschacherberg, St. Gallen, was vandalized. The perpetrators took a wooden figure, a window, and a Holy water container, they also left the church in a bad state. This was not considered to be an isolated incident, as three days later there was another incident in a Church nearby. The churches nevertheless have clarified that they will remain open.
Thefts of Consecrated Hosts in the Days Leading Up to Halloween
October 10, 2021, SpainAccording to a report by ABC, the theft of consecrated Hosts in Spain has been a yearly phenomenon that occurs with special emphasis in the days leading up to halloween. This year, on the 10th of October, the consecrated tabernacle which contains the hosts was stolen from the convent of the Sisters of Maria Stella Matutina in Toledo.
Around 7.000€ Stolen from a Benedictine Convent in Italy
October 9, 2021, ItalyThe community of the Passionist Fathers of San Giovanni was having dinner when thieves broke into the convent and stole approximately 7,000 Euros, as it was reported on the 10th of October. The thieves must have known the monks' habits because the robbery was carried out without inconvenience. The money was the sum of donations, from tourists who regularly visit the monastery and from couples who get married at the abbey. As the theft became known it came as a surprise because some monks had chosen to remain silent. Police and military forces are still investigating.