All cases

"Disturbing vandalism: Joyrider rammed into church gate

November 1, 2024, Ireland

A person driving a car rammed into the gate leading to St Patrick's Catholic Church in Ahane, causing extensive damage to the gate.

Third arson attack in a month

October 31, 2024, Netherlands

The Multicultural Christian Church of Amsterdam Zuidoost was hit by an explosion, the third attack in a month. At around 1.50am, a person smashed a window of the church and threw powerful fireworks inside, causing an explosion that severely damaged the ceiling and other parts of the building.

Attempted arson in the church in Marseburg

October 31, 2024, Germany

Police have arrested the suspect in an attempted arson attack on a church in Mersenburg. The man is believed to have set fire to plastic objects in the toilet area.

New UK Buffer Zone Bill restricts silent prayer near abortion clinics

October 31, 2024, United Kingdom

On 31 October 2024, Section 9 of the Public Order Act 2023 (POA) came into force, introducing new restrictions on freedom of expression and religion within the so-called 'buffer zones' around abortion clinics in England and Wales.

Sacred objects stolen from church

October 30, 2024, Italy

Two wooden and brass crucifixes, a brass incense holder and a diary in the sacristy of the Church of Maria Santissima del Pane in Novoli were stolen on the night of 30 October.

Vandalism and thefts at Vervie cemeteries

October 28, 2024, Belgium

At the end of October, a grave in the cemetery in Verviers, in the province of Liège, was found to be severely damaged; the stele had been completely overturned. A few days later, crosses were stolen from the cemetery in Trois-Ponts, which is in the same area.

Vandalism at Basildon church

October 28, 2024, United Kingdom

An incident of vandalism at St. Margarets Church in Bowers Gifford took place on October 28. The church sustained damage to various parts of the building including the roof, porch and stained-glass window.

Desecration and theft of hosts in Calvados

October 27, 2024, France

On October 27, the tabernacle of the Notre-Dame de Vire church in Calvados was broken into and the ciboires, as well as the consecrated hosts, stolen.

Prayer books set on fire on the altar

October 27, 2024, France

On 27 October, someone set fire to a dozen prayer books on the altar of the church of Chamalières-sur-Loire, causing a huge smoke cloud in the building.

Two Churches closed due to repeated vandalism

October 26, 2024, Germany

Catholic churches of St. Mauritius in Kippenheim and St. Leopold in Mahlberg (Baden-Württemberg) have been closed temporarily closed after multiple incidents of vandalism. The parish reports that the interiors of both churches were defiled with cigarette butts, soot, and wax from candles, some of which were partially burned and left behind.