All cases

Fire set to church in Mazara

September 1, 2024, Italy

In the night between September 1 and 2, unknown persons set the fire to the side door of the "Church of the Miracle" which is located in Via Casa Santa, in Mazara. The attack is a worrying sign of the continuation of criminal acts in the town.

Muslim woman enters church and threatens pastor: 'I am here to kill the God of the Jews'

September 1, 2024, United Kingdom

On September 1, a Muslim woman entered the evangelical Angel Church in Islington, London, screaming 'Allahu Akbar' and that she was 'here to kill the God of the Jews’. She became more aggressive after she was asked to leave the building.

Severe damage caused in church theft

August 30, 2024, Italy

On Friday 30 August, unknown persons broke into the sacristy by smashing the glass of one of the two entrance doors to the church in Mercatale di Vernio, Italy. Four chalices and three pyxes worth over 3000 euros were stolen.

Two church arson attacks in St Johnston

August 28, 2024, Ireland

A 27-year-old man has been charged with a series of alleged arson attacks in St Johnston on 28 August. He is accused of attempting to set fire to three religious buildings, namely the Irish Catholic St Baithins Church, the Protestant Orange Hall and a local Masonic Hall.

Church smeared with hateful graffiti

August 27, 2024, Norway

Heggen Church in Buskerud was vandalised. The church is located in Vikersund, where there has been a very tense atmosphere in the last two weeks after a serious incident of violence in the village.

Arson attack on Emmendingen church

August 26, 2024, Germany

On 26 August, unknown persons attempted to set fire to the side door of the Lutheran church in Emmendingen. The lower part of the wooden door was damaged. The total damage is estimated at around €3,000.

Arsonists Set Pilgrimage Church Altar on Fire

August 25, 2024, Germany

In the night of August 24 to 25, unknown perpetrators tried to set fire to a pilgrim church in Dorschhausen, Bad Wörishofen. They also tried to set fire to the tablecloth on the altar, causing severe damage of several thousand euros.

Ukraine bans Ukrainian Orthodox Church

August 24, 2024, Ukraine

Ukrainian lawmakers have approved a bill banning the Russian Orthodox Church. The text targets the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) of the Moscow Patriarchate and has raised concerns about the safeguarding of religious freedom in Ukraine. The law requires the UOC to cut all ties with the Russian Orthodox Church or face a process that would lead to its dissolution.

Facade of San Sebastiano targeted by vandals

August 24, 2024, Italy

In late August 2024, the façade of the Church of San Sebastiano in Vignanello (province of Viterbo) was vandalised, causing damage to the plasterwork, entrance door, and adjacent oratory gate. The desecration of this 17th-century place of worship has provoked strong reactions from local residents.

Several church windows smashed

August 24, 2024, Germany

Several church windows at Friedrich-Ebert-Staße were smashed with stones by unknown persons. Police are investigating.