All cases
Vandalism and Graffiti on Church and Chapel
April 28, 2020, GermanyOn 28th April, the area around the Chapel of our Lady and the Church of the Holy Spirit were devastated by vandals in Landstuhl. The wooden fence was trampled down and the flowers were torn out. The inscription "187" was left there. The outer wall of the church was smeared. The police investigations are ongoing, but so far, there are no references to the incidents.
The Parliament of Andalucía Wants to Prohibit the communion in The Masses
April 27, 2020, SpainIn the end of April, the Parliament of Andalusia presented a proposal to the Government of Spain to resume the Holy Masses during the Pandemic. However, the proposal calls for the prevention of giving of communion and the Holy Water stoups. On the other side, the Catholic Church has already been developing strategies to resume the Holy Masses and distribute communion safely, which is the true meaning of the Mass.
Suspected Arson in Parrish Church of Wadgassen
April 27, 2020, GermanyA suspected arson has been prevented when a churchgoer immediately alerted the fire department. Pastor Peter Leick assumes that the fire was arson.
Closure of Churches During COVID Lockdown but not Museums and Shops
April 27, 2020, Italythe Government imposed a Stop for Holy Masses, but allows shops and museums to prevail. Bishops and believers all around Italy showed disagreement and expressed their hurt feelings.
Afghan Asylum Seeker Arrested after Threatening to "Slit Christians' Throats"
April 26, 2020, BelgiumA Muslim migrant from Afghanistan was arrested on April 26th after he made serious threats against the employees of the asylum center in Helchteren. The 24-year-old man also said he wanted to 'slit Christians' throats' and would blow himself up to kill as many Christians as possible. The police had responded to the center earlier in the week when the man refused to wash his hands in compliance with the coronavirus regulations, claiming that there was alcohol in the soap and therefore he would not use it during Ramadan. That incident escalated when the man began coughing and spitting at people around him.
Arson at Historical All Saints Church
April 25, 2020, United KingdomOn Saturday 25th April, unknown perpetrators set fire to the historic Leicester city center All Saints Church, which was hosting a virtual Van Gogh exhibition. The motives remain unclear whether this was an act of vandalism or an attempt to steal a painting of the artist. The fire alarm raised in the morning. A large wooden door at a side entrance was badly damaged.
Theft and Vandalism Leading to Closure of Church During the Week
April 25, 2020, GermanyDue to recent theft and vandalism, the Church of the Redeemer congregation in Mannheim's Seckenheim district will remain closed on weekdays.
Break-In, Theft of Nativity Scene, and Vandalism in Church
April 24, 2020, United KingdomOn the night of Friday 24th April, thieves broke into St. Andrew's Church in Congresbury and stole two characters from its Christmas nativity display, Jesus and Mary and damaged wooden crosses. In addition, they snatched one of the three Kings, an ox, and the manager of baby Jesus. They also stole donations and several smaller figures from another nativity set. The thieves were captured on a neighbour's camera, and the incident was reported to the police.
Village Church Vandalized in Northern France
April 23, 2020, FranceThe village church of Saint-Remy in Marly-Gomont was found vandalized on April 23rd despite a coronavirus lockdown confining people to their homes.
Decapitation of Marian Statue in Sumène
April 23, 2020, FranceUnknown perpetrators decapitated a Marian Statue in Sumène on June 23rd. The attack was allegedly made with a stone that was found next to the statue along with the cut off head. The mayor of the city, Ghislain Pallier, already filled a complaint.