All cases
Karl's Church in Vienna Repeatedly Vandalised with Graffiti
July 29, 2021, AustriaThe Karls Church in Vienna has been repeatedly attacked and spray painted by vandals. Figures of the crime statistics show that this is by no means an isolated case since the number of offences of damage to property has increased by 46.7 per cent alone in the last year. After the latest attacks on places of worship, the Vienna People's Party (ÖVP) is requesting security measures to keep places of worship safe.
Saint Mary Magdalene Church in Caldecote Severely Vandalised
July 29, 2021, United Kingdom10 days after the Saint Mary Magdalene Church in Caldecote reopened it fell victim to vandalism. Windows were smashed, a powder fire extinguisher was emptied inside the church and the decorations were torn off and bleach was thrown over the floor and altar. The incident is said to have happened between 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. on 29 of July. Police have been informed and are currently investigating the case.
Major Acts of Vandalism at Chapel Memorial in Besançon
July 29, 2021, FranceDuring the night of 29 July to 30 July vandals are said to have caused great damage to the memorial at the Chapelle des Buis. The memorial houses a statue of the Virgin Mary and a crypt, which was built in 1949 in remembrance of 5,500 victims the town lost to the Second World War. Brother Nicholas from the Diocesan Association, who is the owner of the memorial, discovered the destruction and reported it to the local authorities. Acts of vandalism have increased lately, as especially young people come during nighttime to the monument to party and take drugs, stated the local residents. A plan to protect the monument is underway.
Church Burned Down in Glasgow, Possibly by Arsonist
July 28, 2021, United KingdomGlasgow's St Simon's church fell victim to a devastating fire. Emergency services were called to the location in the morning hours of 28 July. Saint Simon's Catholic Church was the 'spiritual home' of the cities' polish community. Additionally, residents were evacuated or told to keep windows and doors shut. One person had to be rescued from the flames and was given treatment at the scene. Police were informed and are currently investigating the cause of the fire.
Update: Stabbed Evangelist Hatun Tash Speaks after Attack
July 28, 2021, United KingdomHatun Tash, the converted Chrisitan evangelist who was stabbed with a knife during a debate by a Muslim man, spoke out on the attack. Speaking to local newspapers the former Muslim called on the state to enforce better safeguard measures to prevent future attacks. Her attacker unleashed a series of violent stabs at her throat and upper body leaving her with wounds to her face and hands. She called the attack a result of "police inaction" since the aggresor "was not afraid to do this right in front of them."
Church Theft in Poland Leaves Community Shocked
July 28, 2021, PolandTreasuries placed on the pillars in the garrison church in Gniezno were stolen by unknown perpetrators. During the incident, the facade of the historic church was damaged, money is said to have been stolen as well. The incident is thought to have taken place around noon, on 28 July. "Fara Gniezno" the parish's Facebook profile shared the incident stating they had "No words" to the occurrence. The police are investigating the case.
Update: Arsonist Charged with Glasgow Church Burning
July 28, 2021, United KingdomPolice charged a 24-year-old man with "wilful fire-raising" for setting Saint Simon's Catholic Church on fire. The incident took place on July 28 and damaged the Archdiocese of Glasgow severely. As a result of the fire the churches roof, interior and upper walls were completely destroyed. The church was the 'spiritual home' to the Polish community in Glasgow. Further information was not released by the police.
Priest Physically Attacked with Glass Bottle inside St. Mary's Cathedral
July 27, 2021, United KingdomPolice are looking for a man who attacked a priest with a broken glass bottle inside Saint Mary's Cathedral in Edinburgh. The unnamed clergyman was praying alone inside the church when he was approached by a male individual who asked if he was a priest. Upon his "yes" he was attacked with a glass bottle. The occurrence happened at around 9.30 a.m. on the morning of 27 July. Police are investigating.
40-Year-Old Man Arrested for Theft of Service Book from Church in Ravenna
July 27, 2021, ItalyItalian police arrested a 40-year-old suspect in the case of theft of a missal in a church in Ravenna. The stolen missal was placed on the altar of the church of San Rocco, where a man of Moroccan descent was seen taking it. The theft had been reported to the authorities a couple of days prior to the arrest. Police are still searching for the stolen book. The suspect is being charged among other things with offending a religious denomination.
Cemetery Vandalised in Rendeux
July 27, 2021, BelgiumUnknown perpetrators damaged various graves in the cemetery in Beffe in the city of Rendeux. It has been reported that vandals knocked over flowers and broke grave markers. The incident dates back to 27 July. A complaint was filed with the police who are currently looking to identify the culprit(s).