All cases
Two churches closed due to increased vandalism
August 14, 2024, GermanyDue to repeated acts of vandalism, two churches in Bodenfelde and Uslar have had to close their doors outside of worship hours. The churches have been the target of various attacks, including broken windows, arson and an altar being defaced with swastika graffiti.
Repeated Vandalism at Bertesina Church
August 12, 2024, ItalyIn August 2024, unknown vandals damaged the Church of Bertesina (Vicenza) by smashing several high-set stained glass windows, likely by throwing stones. The attack was reported in the parish bulletin and occurred shortly after the church had completed the restoration of statues above the main entrance—an effort that had cost €3,500.
Terrorist attack had Church as Primary Target
August 12, 2024, TurkeyIn early 2025, an 18-year-old man was arrested in Eskişehir, Turkey, after carrying out a stabbing attack that injured five people in a local café. According to Turkish media outlet T24, the suspect had initially planned a terrorist attack on a nearby church but changed his target at the last minute, opting instead to attack civilians in a coffeehouse.
Parishioners Shocked after Vandals Smash Statue
August 7, 2024, United KingdomA statue of Mary outside St Joseph Church in Wembley in the Diocese of Westminster, was smashed into pieces in the night of August 7, leaving behind the empty plinth. The parishioners are shocked. Police presence around the church will be reinforced.
Young man records anti-Christian video inside church
August 6, 2024, ItalyA young Muslim man posted a video in Arabic on TikTok that he had recorded in a church in Milan. In the video, he asked an elderly woman if she was a Christian, then wished her death and cursed another woman in the same church.
Repeated Cross Vandalism: Figure of Jesus Cut into Pieces
August 5, 2024, PolandOn August 5, a cross in the fields of the Polish village Kościuki was vandalised again, following two previous incidents. This time, the vandals also cut up the figure of Jesus, which was attached to the cross, and threw the pieces in the bushes. The local community is shocked about the anti-religious hatred displayed by the act.
Theft of consecrated hosts in Porto Recanati
August 5, 2024, ItalyOn the evening of August 5, unknown persons entered the church of the Most Precious Blood in Porto Recanati and, after forcing the tabernacle, took the hosts that had already been consecrated and were kept inside. During their escape, the thieves abandoned a chalice on the street. The parish priest alerted the police. Nothing else was stolen from the church.
Christian Activists unlawfully arrested in Paris
August 5, 2024, FranceOn August 5, Parisian police arrested six Christians who were on a bus labelled with “Stop attacks on Christians” driving around Paris to bring attention to the Last Supper parody at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony and its anti-Christian message.
French Church vandalised: Tabernacle set on fire
August 4, 2024, FranceIn the church of Saint-Pierre in Lège-Cap-Ferret, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, the tabernacle was set on fire during the night of August 4. Furthermore, religious materials were smashed on the ground. The church will remain closed during the restoration. The police have started an investigation.
Pastor attacked while praying for protestors
August 4, 2024, United KingdomA member of the Baptist church in Middlesborough was attacked by far-right protesters as he prayed alongside a rally on 4 August.