All cases

Church Crypt in Bromsgrove Forced Open

October 14, 2021, United Kingdom

The historic St. John's Church in Bromsgrove was targeted by unknown vandals on the 14th of October. The door of the crypt was forced open which caused hundreds of pounds of damage but luckily nothing was stolen.

Bell Stolen from Ostbevern Cemetery

October 13, 2021, Germany

During the weekend of the 9th and 10th of October, visitors of the Ostbevern Cemetery noticed that the bell standing in front of the burial ground was missing and alerted the town hall. It was unscrewed from its suspension and stolen by "brazen thieves". However, according to the Ostbevern municipality, the exact time at which the theft occurred is unknown. A criminal complaint was filed by the municipal administration and the police started an investigation, appealing to citizens to come forward in case they have any information.

Theft of Consecrated Hosts in Toledo Chapel

October 11, 2021, Spain

On October 11th, thieves took the tabernacle and consecrated hosts from the chapel of the Sisters of "Stella Matutina" in Illescas (Toledo). The desecration was reported and the Guardia Civil started an investigation into it.

Cross Destroyed in Peña Lemona

October 11, 2021, Spain

Youth from the left-wing Sortu party demolished the Francoist cross of Peña Lemona using jackhammers and pulleys to take down the monument. It stood an impressive 10 meters high and was put in place to commemorate Franco's troops in the Spanish Civil War. This incident marked another religious public symbol that was taken down in Spain.

Vandalized Chapel in St. Gallen Refuses to Close Doors

October 11, 2021, Switzerland

On the 11th of October, a chapel in Rorschacherberg, St. Gallen, was vandalized. The perpetrators took a wooden figure, a window, and a Holy water container, they also left the church in a bad state. This was not considered to be an isolated incident, as three days later there was another incident in a Church nearby. The churches nevertheless have clarified that they will remain open.

Thefts of Consecrated Hosts in the Days Leading Up to Halloween

October 10, 2021, Spain

According to a report by ABC, the theft of consecrated Hosts in Spain has been a yearly phenomenon that occurs with special emphasis in the days leading up to halloween. This year, on the 10th of October, the consecrated tabernacle which contains the hosts was stolen from the convent of the Sisters of Maria Stella Matutina in Toledo.

Around 7.000€ Stolen from a Benedictine Convent in Italy

October 9, 2021, Italy

The community of the Passionist Fathers of San Giovanni was having dinner when thieves broke into the convent and stole approximately 7,000 Euros, as it was reported on the 10th of October. The thieves must have known the monks' habits because the robbery was carried out without inconvenience. The money was the sum of donations, from tourists who regularly visit the monastery and from couples who get married at the abbey. As the theft became known it came as a surprise because some monks had chosen to remain silent. Police and military forces are still investigating.

Stained Glass from Evangelical Church Destroyed

October 9, 2021, Germany

The showcase of the Church of Brothers in Altenburg was destroyed by an intruder who was not identified. The police were investigating the crime and asked for witnesses to come forward to provide information about the property damage.

Church in Barbourne Broken into for the Second Time

October 8, 2021, United Kingdom

Staff discovered that St. George's Church in Barboune was broken into on October 8 and music equipment was stolen. A speaker and a small mixing desk were taken from a cupboard. The items are used for church events and worship that includes music. This is the second time this church has had a break-in, the first time was in August 2021. The police were contacted but no advancements on the investigation have been made.

OXFORD UNIVERSITY SPOKE OUT AGAINST VIOLENT REMOVAL OF PRO-LIFE STAND AT STUDENTS FAIR

October 7, 2021, United Kingdom

During the yearly Freshers' Fair at the Oxford University, the stand of the Pro-life group "Oxford Students For Life" (OSFL) was removed by other students and activists, who threw their material into a trash bin and completely removed it from the event. The students also refused to let them reinstall their stand and threatened them with tearing it down again. The group had already been criticized on the internet, as they posted some photos of their stand. The "Oxford Feminist Society" made a statement that the presence of a pro-life organization was a "threat to the safety, health, and autonomy of women", which was backed by the Students Union. The University of Oxford condemned the censorship and harassment of the pro-life group by stating that the university had a long history of protecting free speech.