All cases
Church of St. Michael the Archangel Was Heavily Desecrated and Looted
October 19, 2020, CroatiaDuring the night of October 19th, the parish Church of St. Michael the Archangel in Jelenje was devastated, desecrated and looted. The Pastor has cancelled all masses, because the damage must be repaired, before the church prepares for any further liturgical celebrations. On the photos of the incident it can be seen that the locks of the door, the tabernacle on the altar and safe box were broken open. The police is investigating.
Bill Threatening Freedom of Speech and Religion Passes First Reading in the UK
October 19, 2020, United KingdomA new Bill is being passed rapidly in the United Kingdom, which would require extensive discussion on its moral standards. The Covert Human Intelligence Bill was presented on September 2020, and has already passed the first reading in the House of Lords (19.10.2020). It's regulations for the authorization of criminal activity for public bodies, like the police, to "prevent disorder" presents a threat to freedoms of speech and religion. The line is already very thin between "hate crimes" and "hate incidents" and the new Bill could give space to a targeted surveillance and use of executive power against Christians.
New Crime Wave Against Churches and Religious Buildings in England with an Average of 13 Incidents per Day
October 18, 2020, United KingdomOn October 18th, the Daily Mail wrote an article about the new "crime wave" against churches and cemeteries in England. The crimes include robbery, vandalism, personal attacks and rape. According to the Metropolitan Police around 1,106 crimes happened in religious locations, including 250 cases of violence against individuals, 273 burglaries, 188 arsons and criminal damage and 371 thefts.
Man Tried To Tear A Cross Off The Roof Of A Church
October 18, 2020, United KingdomOn October 18th at night, a man was captured on video trying to rip off the Cross on the roof of the Chadwell Health Baptist Church in east London. The video footage then circulated on social media. He was also arrested by the police for suspicion of criminal damage. The cross was recovered, being now in police custody, it will be reinstalled soon. A witness told the Metro News, that the man looked angry and was muttering things about religion.
A Bust of Pius XI Torn Down on The Terrace of Pigazzano
October 18, 2020, ItalyOn October 18th, a Bust of Pius XI was found torn down to the ground and severely damaged on the Terrazza di Pigazzano. The terrace, located in front of the Santa Maria Assunta Church, is closed since 2015 due to restoration works. The terrace has repeatedly been vandalized in the past. The bust is placed at the stairs leading to the Santa Maria Assunta Church, which is also got damaged. A group of young people was identified by the police.
Man Attacks Crucifix and Brutally Beats Up Priest
October 18, 2020, ItalyOn the18th of October, a 46-year-old man with a criminal record vandalised the parish of San Giovanni Maria Vianney in Rome. He entered the church in the afternoon, while the parish priest was preparing for the celebrations. The man threw himself on the statue of Jesus crucified and started damaging it. As the priest tried to stop him, the perpetrator punched him in the face and pushed him to throw him to the ground, threatening him with death. With the help of a collaborator, he was taken outside, where he kicked the door of the church. As the police arrived he was also violent to the officers, the man was then arrested.
Vandalism of Painting with Knife in Cathedral of Freiburg
October 18, 2020, SwitzerlandA painting in the St. Nikolaus Cathedral in Freiburg was vandalized on October 18th. The painting with the title "Adoration of the Three Wise Kings" was cut through with a knife. The sacristan, Pierre Ferault, says it is the first time he witnesses such an act of vandalism. The damage is estimated to be between 5000 to 10000 Francs, as the painting is over 150 years old. The police was notified and started an investigation.
March for Life Interrupted by Counter-Demonstrators Insulting and Stereotyping Christians
October 17, 2020, AustriaOn October 17th, counter-demonstrators interrupted the March for Life in Vienna by blocking streets, which led to serval changes of the originally planned route. The counter-demonstrators also verbally and physically insulted the participants of the march with vulgar expressions and gestures. They also held up highly insulting banners like:"If Mary would have aborted, we would have been spared of you." Additionally, the counter-demonstrators held up flags against homophobia, stereotyping Christians as homophobic, despite the fact that the march was not about LGBTQ+ issues but the protection of the unborn life.
Repeated Vandalism With Graffiti at Church of San Giacomo
October 17, 2020, ItalyThe walls of the church of San Giacomo in Tarquinia was tagged with Graffiti the week before October 17th. On October 17th the church walls were tagged again expanding the vandalism. Mayor Giulivi of Tarquinia already ordered to clean the walls and called the incident an "uncivilized act against an entire community." He also want to install CCTV at the church for better surveillance.
Unknown Perpetrator Vandalized Church with Graffiti Allegedly Sending Messages as Jesus Christ
October 17, 2020, GermanyDuring the night of Saturday 17th October, an unknown vandal smeared with neon-green paint the exterior walls on the facade of the Church St Maria in Niederhall up to the Bus Station nearby. The messages allegedly would be from Jesus, the Son of God. The damage caused is at least of 12000 Euros for property damage. The police is asking for clues or witnesses.