All cases

Theft and Vandalism in Church of Coswig

October 15, 2020, Germany

Unknown perpetrators forcefully broke into a Church in Coswig during the night of October 15th and stole two silver-plated candlesticks, which are estimated to have a value of 5.000 Euros. Apart from the theft the vandalism is estimated to have caused a damage of an additional 2.00 Euros. The police is investigating.

Midnight Fire at St. Matthew's Church Treated as Arson

October 15, 2020, United Kingdom

In the early morning of October 15th, a rescue team was called because the St. Matthew's Church in Derby was burning. The facade and the shed of the church suffered most of the damage. There have been another three attacks with arson in Derby in October: On the church in Quarndorn and two schools, the police has not yet found any evidence that would link these cases. The police is investigating.

Historical Church of San Giacomo Spray-Painted Again

October 14, 2020, Italy

On the 14th of October, the wall of the Church San Giacomo in Tarquinia was vandalised again by unknown person with spray paint. The citizens are very outraged and demand the installation of security cameras for this church from the 8th century, which is a historical heritage. The building has already a fence, because of similar problems in the past.

Mayor Prevented the Blessing of a School Bus

October 14, 2020, Italy

In the Municipality of Bibiana, the mayor, Fabio Rossetto, prevented the parish priest of the village to bless a new school bus. He said that the vehicle is ‘secular’ and therefore, does not need the consecration. This issue has raised controversy in the town of Turin.

Government Announced Ban on Conversion Therapies

October 14, 2020, France

As requested by associations for the protection of LGBT groups, the government sought to ban conversion therapies. This has been included in the bill on separatism. Several deputies, including Laurence Vanceunebrock-Mialon, claim that conversion therapies are ‘dangerous’ religious practices.

Priest Stolen During a Funeral Ceremony

October 13, 2020, Germany

On Tuesday 13th October, an unknown person stole the Laptop from a priest, who held a funeral at the cemetery Chapel on Annaberg in Rheinberg. The Computer was on a table covered with a notebook inside the Chapel, then the priest went outside with the other guests for the funeral. When he came back, the Computer was missing. The police are investigating.

Vandalism at Reformed Church in Voorthuizen

October 13, 2020, Netherlands

On the 11th of October, the Reformed Church in Voorthuizen was vandalised by unknown perpetrators. The CCTV cameras have captured the suspects, and the police is running an investigation and asking for witnesses.

Arson and Vandalism at Saint-Michel's Chapel

October 13, 2020, Belgium

During the night of October 13th, the Saint-Michel's chapel was vandalised and burnt down by unknown perpetrators. The interior of the church was set on fire, causing damage on the walls. The police of the Flémalle area was alerted.

More Churches in England Added to The List "Heritage at Risk" Due To Criminal Attacks On Churches

October 12, 2020, United Kingdom

In the Year 2020 until now, 90 places of worship have been added to the "Historic England’s Heritage at Risk" register, while only 69 are being taken off. The organisation says this is a New trend they hope will not become the rule. Almost half of the churches are being added because of crimes and thefts of church roofs, which have increased in recent years.

Church in the Isle of Man Vandalised

October 12, 2020, United Kingdom

During the night of October 12th, the Port Erin Methodist Church in the Isle of Man was damaged by unknown vandals. The rear window was broken. The police is investigating and asking the residents for further information.