All cases

Prohibition of Singing during Covid-19 Pandemic Ruled Unlawful

December 30, 2021, Spain

The Contentious-Administrative Chamber of the High Court of Justice of Aragon (TSJA) raised a question of unconstitutionality against the Law and Decree-Law in Aragon for the control of the COVID-19 pandemic, which prohibits singing in places of worship. The magistrates affirmed that singing in places of worship is part of the essential content of the right to Religious Freedom, and therefore unconstitutional.

UPDATE: Woman Assaults and Threatens Priests with Murder

December 30, 2021, Spain

The Newspaper "Ultima Hora" reported that a woman, who had been in jail for several assaults and vandalism against Catholic priests and Churches, was released recently. After leaving jail, she went towards several Churches and physically assaulted the priests. She was at Sant Miquel Church, where she attacked the priest Mossèn Antoni Gómez and then headed towards the Sant Felip Nei Church while shouting "I'm going to crucify you. You're going to God." The police was alerted by Mr. Gomez and took her back into custody.

Italy: Nativity Scene Figures Stolen

December 30, 2021, Italy

A 59-year-old man has been found guilty of stealing the figures of the Nativity Scene in Paterno, which belonged to the Church of Santa Marguerita. The theft happened between the 29th and 31st of December. After the parish priest filed a complaint, the Carabinieri searched for the perpetrator and found him due to security cameras.

Ongoing Vandalism of Luther Church in Fellbach

December 30, 2021, Germany

Due to the continuous vandalism of the Luther Church in Fellbach, protective grids have had to be installed to protect the windows. The damage was suspected to be caused by young people throwing stones. Those involved with the church were appalled that this was happening.

Vandalism to Church Window in Germany

December 28, 2021, Germany

Unknown perpetrators damaged a window of the church on the Schulstrasse in Golden-Veert between Monday 27. and Tuesday 28. of December. A parish employee discovered the damage on Tuesday morning finding part of the window pane on the side of the altar broken. The offence was reported to the police, which asked possible witnesses to provide information on the damages done to the church.

Church Located in Mönchengladbach Vandalised with Satanistic Graffiti

December 28, 2021, Germany

Graffiti has been sprayed on the sandstone around the Church of the Sacred Heart in the Bettrath-Hoven district. The words "Satan" and "Hail Satan" were written in green paint on the large wooden doors of the church's main portal and on the façade. A pentagram was also sprayed on the church building.

Nativity Arsonist Caught in Indre-et-Loire

December 28, 2021, France

The fire that started in the nave of the Château-la-Vallière church in Indre-et-Loire on 28. December was first thought to be an accident but later identified as arson. The firemen eventually put out the fire but not before it had burnt most of the nativity scene. A forty-year-old man, who has been convicted of arson in the past, was arrested.

Pro-Abortion Demonstrators Chant Anti-Christian Slogans

December 28, 2021, Spain

A feminist group, purposefully organized a confrontation with pro-life demonstrators, and then chanted slogans such as "Let's burn the Episcopal Conference!" On December 28th, anti-abortion groups typically organize protests, as it is the feast of the Holy Innocents. This feminist group encouraged supporters to go to the clinic of Dator in Madrid on this same day which is why the incident occurred and police had to intervene to keep the peace.

Vandalism and Theft at German Church

December 27, 2021, Germany

On the 27th of December, an unknown burglars entered the Catholic church in Bleidenstadt, and stole several candles, and a donation box with the money still in it. They also destroyed a hymn book and candle jars. The police were notified.

Theft of Consecrated Hosts in San Michele's Church in Menna

December 27, 2021, Italy

Around the 27. December, the consecrated Hosts of the San Michele Church in Menna were stolen by unknown perpetrators. The mayor of Vasto Francesco Menna denounced the incident: "It is deplorable what happened in the church of San Michele in Vasto, where a pyx with consecrated hosts was stolen." The mayor asked the citizens to collaborate with the investigators to identify the person responsible.