All cases

Display Bible Defaced at St. Ulrich Church

October 6, 2021, Germany

In October the news outlet Allgäuer-Zeitung reported cases of vandalism in the Kempten area. According to the parish priest Aleksander Gajewski, the Bible displayed in the church of St. Ulrich in East-Kempten was defaced with tags. In another Church, the vandalism damage was even greater.

Desecration of Graves at St.Mary's Church in Wexford

October 5, 2021, Ireland

Three headstones at the graveyard of St.Mary Church have been desecrated after they were vandalised with red graffitis on . The parish prieste, Cllr Michael Sheehan, has expressed his concern and has asked to "anyone who knows any information on this to make it known to the guards and that the full rigors of the law be applied.” He further stated: "I think it’s despicable that anyone would feel so low that they would have to attack a person’s grave. St Mary’s is the site of some really old graves, dating back from centuries gone by."

Nurse Suspended for Wearing a Cross-Necklace Challenges Case of Discrimination

October 5, 2021, United Kingdom

Mrs. Onuoha worked at Croydon University Hospital in London for many years as a nurse and has been wearing a golden cross necklace for 40 years without any problems. During the last two years, she started being pressured to remove her cross. Her necklace was considered "too visible" and posed a ‘risk of injury or infection’, despite the jewelry pieces of other medical staff not being criticized. After her repeated refusal, Mrs. Onuoha faced an investigation, was suspended, and relegated to work as a receptionist, and was told not to mention the reason for her relegation. With help of the Christian Legal Center (CLC), she is confronting the Hospital for harassment and discrimination.

Arson at St. Remy's Church

October 4, 2021, Belgium

In the night of 4 October, the church of Saint-Rémy in the centre of Ottignies fell victim to arson. A carpet, a chair and a panel were set on fire. The incident was quickly brought under control by alerted firefighters. Shortly after the incident, Ottigines police checked a laundromat located in the neighbourhood. There, an intoxicated suspect was identified and arrested. At the time of his arrest, the man born in 1987 and of no known address was in possession of a box of matches. The man, who already had a criminal record, will be brought before the criminal court as part of an accelerated procedure.

Church Bell Stolen from St Matthew's Church in Withernsea

October 4, 2021, United Kingdom

St. Matthew's parish community realized on Sunday 10th that the church bell was stolen after it failed to ring at a Sunday service. Apparently the bell was dropped from 9.1m above damaging the cellar doors. The damage is estimated at 8000€. Rev Martin Faulkner "would appreciate the return of its bell to the church grounds with no questions asked", he added that the bell "has a special place in the hearts of the Withernsea community", having been rung every week during Clap for Carers and to commemorate local people who died with Covid".

Church in Badia Vandalised Multiple Times

October 3, 2021, Italy

Over the course of a month the church in Badia has been vandalised in various ways: glasses were broken with stone, stones were pulled out of the walls and dog excrements smeared on the facade of the church. The last damage was perpetrated by smashing the windows with stones. Stones falling inside the church also caused damage to the wooden pews. Police are investigating.

Sacred Items Stolen from Parish Church in Saint-Léger

October 3, 2021, France

A complaint was filed by Father Nicola Berthier for the theft of objects of worship form the church in Saint-Léger-sous-Beuvray. On October 3rd, he found the sacristy door forced open and two chalices, a paten, and a ciborium all missing. These are all sacred objects used in mass and their theft is deeply hurtful for the church.

22-Year-Old Detained for Defacing Church

October 2, 2021, Poland

The news reported on 2nd of October that police officers from Wołów detained a 22-year-old man who damaged a cross and the facade of a church. The perpetrator painted symbols and messages insulting religious feelings on the walls and facade of the church. He is now facing a heavy prison sentence.

Cross of Church Cemetery in Tempelberg Smeared and Vandalised

October 2, 2021, Germany

A large cross that stands in front of the small cemetery at the church in Tempelberg was desecrated. Unknown perpetrators smeared and vandalised the cross. The incident occurred on Germany's Unity Day, which is annually celebrated on 2 October. Police are investigating.

Madonna delle Grazie Vandalised in Salza Irpina

October 2, 2021, Italy

The front door of a church in Salza Irpina was vandalised with graffiti on 2 October. The mayor of the city, Luigi Cella, has expressed his indignation on social media and hopes to find the perpetrator/s. "A deplorable gesture of vandalism was made against our church Maria Santissima delle Grazie".