All cases
Theft and Vandalism in a Cemetery in Thionville
July 27, 2020, FranceBetween the 26th and 27th of July, about 21 bronze statuettes of Christ or the Virgin Mary were torn off and stolen from the Saint-François de Thionville communal cemetery (Moselle). Official said this was "a targeted, premeditated and large-scale operation."
Repeated Vandalism of Virgin and Child Statue in Noirmoutier-en-l'Île
July 27, 2020, FranceUnknown perpetrators vandalized the statue of the Virgin Mary and Jesus during the night of July 27th for the third time -- this time, decapitating the head of the Christ child. In 2018, vandals beheaded both figures on the statue; and in mid-July, (see link below) the pedestal of the statue was vandalized with graffiti.
UPDATE: Volunteer Charged with Nantes Arson
July 26, 2020, FranceOn Sunday, July 26th, the diocesan volunteer who had been questioned and released last week was indicted for the arson of the Nantes cathedral and placed in pre-trial detention.
Graffiti on Saint-Jean-Baptiste Chapel
July 26, 2020, FranceOn the morning of the 26th , the Priest found Graffiti on the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Chapel and the door was painted in red. He posted the image on his Facebook Page.
Vandalism of Church, Cemetery, and Morgue in Günzkofen
July 26, 2020, GermanyDuring the night of Sunday 26th unknown perpetrators severely vandalized the cemetery of the St. Jakobus church and and the enclosed morgue. According to police, the perpetrators broke several windows of the church and the morgue at the cemetery in Günzkofen with grave decorations. In addition, they also tampered with several graves, causing total damage of about 1,000 euros.
Vandalism with Satanic Inscriptions Found on Church Doors in Goleszów
July 26, 2020, Poland"666," a pentagram, an inverted cross, and the phrase "Ora Pro Nobis Lucifer" were painted on the door of the church in Goleszów by unknown perpetrators. The graffiti was noticed on the morning of July 26th by the priest who came to prepare the church for Mass. The police filed a report in this case and are investigating.
Barclays Bank and Online Platforms Closed Christian Charities' Accounts
July 25, 2020, United KingdomTwo Christian organizations that help people “who voluntarily seek change in sexual preference and expression,” have been notified by Barclays Bank that their accounts would be closed. The move by the bank followed a social media campaign demanding that the bank end its professional relationship with Core Issues Trust (CIT) and The International Federation for Therapeutic and Counselling Choice (IFTCC), accusing both groups of promoting “conversion therapy.” In recent weeks, the UK government has pledged to ban "conversion therapy." The charities' head, Mike Davidson, disputes the use of the term: “The term ‘conversion therapy’ is being used as a catch-all phrase designed to discredit any help that people may provide to those with mixed sexual attractions who prefer their heterosexual side. This could include a listening ear, formal counselling or spiritual support.”
Vandalism of Wayside Cross in Bining
July 25, 2020, FranceOn July 25th, one of the wayside crosses in Bining (Moselle) was toppled over and smashed. The police are investigating and looking for possible witnesses.
Six Stained Glass Windows Smashed in Nîmes Church
July 24, 2020, FranceShortly before midnight on July 24th, a drunken man attacked the Saint-Baudile church in Nîmes, breaking six stained glass windows using a steel bar nearly two meters long. The man, known to the police, was arrested after being caught in the act.
Proposed Scottish Hate Crime Bill Threatens Freedom of Speech and Worship
July 23, 2020, United KingdomThe Scottish Justice Committee has proposed a new hate crime bill, which extends the current hate crime law covering race, to include other "protected characteristics" such as religion, sexual orientation, and transgender identity. Christian and secular groups have criticized the bill as too broad and subjective, potentially interfering with freedom of speech and worship. The Parliament has accepted to re-draft the Bill, to protect Freedom of Speech. The new amendment should be known in December 2020.