All cases

Wooden Cross Set on Fire in Riccall Church

June 24, 2022, United Kingdom

An arson attack took place at the St. Mary's Church in Riccall on Friday 24. June. A wooden cross that was attached to the front entrance of the church was set on fire and destroyed. Police are investigating the incident as a hate crime, as the religious symbol was directly targeted.

Another Arson Against the St. Nikolai Church in Caldern

June 23, 2022, Germany

On June 23, unidentified young vandals set fire to the altar bible at the St. Nikolai Church in Caldern. Because of the massive damage caused by the fire, the Church will remain temporarily closed. This is the second time that the church has been targeted by arson.

Update! Sweden: Liberal Party Wants To Ban the Establishment of New Religious Independent Schools

June 22, 2022, Sweden

The Liberal Swedish Party wants to completely ban denominational independent schools, within the framework of the Swedish school system. Previously, they intended to block the opening of new religious schools but now they claim that the existing ones should also be closed in the next term. The chairman of the Christian Free School Council, Jan Rosman, says this "would definitely be a violation of religious freedom".

Church Windows Smashed in Leipzig Once Again

June 22, 2022, Germany

Between the evening of June 22 and the morning of the 23rd, unknown vandals threw paving stones at a total of three church windows in Leipzig. The total amount of damages is estimated to be around 300 euros. The case was reported to the police and a case was opened to investigate the vandalistic act.

Vandal Caught on Church's Surveillance Camera Damaging a Cross

June 22, 2022, Poland

On June 22, a surveillance camera of the church of St. Andrzej Bobola recorded a man entering the vestibule of the building, damaging the cross, and then leaving the church. The video was sent to the police, who published a picture of the unknown vandal. They opened an investigation to gather evidence and witnesses who might be able to identify the perpetrator.

Statue of Mary Ripped out and Stolen From German Church

June 21, 2022, Germany

The police announced on the 21st of June, that a statue of the Virgin Mary was stolen from the Church of St. Wenzeslaus in Schönsee, by unknown burglars. The statue was apparently ripped out from its attachment to the wall. It is approximately 100 years old, with 75 centimeters, hand-carved, and worth around 5,000 euros. It is not yet known the exact date and time the crime occurred, but the Bavarian State Criminal Police Office is looking into the case in order to find the culprits.

Theft and Property Damage From Lutheran Church

June 21, 2022, Germany

Between June 21 and 22, unknown thieves stole a video camera and a microphone from the Lutheran Church. The police were alerted and investigations indicate that the perpetrators allowed themselves to be locked inside the church and then forced open a door to exit the crime scene. The items stolen were worth around 200 euros and the property damage is estimated at around 2000 euros.

Attempted Theft in the Church of Santa Maria Monserrato

June 20, 2022, Italy

Unidentified thieves attempted to rob the church of Santa Maria Monserrato, in Palermo. In order to enter, they unhinged the iron gate, enabling their access to the church. However, for reasons still unknown, they gave up and abandoned the scene. The case was reported to the police and an investigation is underway.

Bronze Cross Torn Off and Stolen From Fulda Cathedral

June 19, 2022, Germany

According to the diocese of Fulda, on the 19th of June, a valuable bronze cross was stolen from the Bonifatius tomb, in the Fulda Cathedral. It appears that the cross was violently torn from its anchorage, which likely damaged it in the process. The theft was reported to the police, which opened an investigation to find the burglars.

Young Boys Caused Fires and Smoke Inside Church

June 18, 2022, Germany

On June 18 and 23, two young boys were "playing" with fire in the evangelical church, located on Klosterbergstraße. Fortunately, they didn't cause any considerable damage. On the 18th, they entered the church, in the early evening and it is suspected that they filled the glass candle holders with disinfectant and then lit them on fire. The candle holders withstood the heat, so the fire faded. On June 23, the same young boys went to the church at the end of the afternoon, but on this occasion, they lit a fire under a wooden desk. This time the fire spread a bit, creating a considerable amount of smoke inside the church, but it apparently died on its own. According to preliminary estimates, the material damage caused amounted to several thousand euros. The police were alerted and are now looking for witnesses to identify the young boys.