All cases
Two Brutal Thefts within 48 Hours in Two Churches in Freising
May 12, 2020, GermanyTwice within 48 hours in mid-May, unknown perpetrators committed burglaries in Freising churches. They gained access to the buildings in an extremely brutal manner and caused great damage - but the value of the loot is low, in one case nothing was stolen. In order to gain access to various rooms, the perpetrator(s) also destroyed several window panes, among other things. According to initial estimates, the resulting property damage amounts to around 5,000 euros, disproportionally outweighing the cost of the stolen objects.
Covid-19 Regulations Did Not Allow Church Services Compared to Other Services
May 11, 2020, FranceThe Christian Democratic Party has filed an appeal with the Council of State to obtain permission to hold services before the end of May. Jean Frédéric Poisson requested the infringement of the fundamental freedom of worship. Small businesses, such as hairdressing salons, were given permission to operate, while religious services were not. He also asked for the re-establishment of worship services in the low-risk departments.
Destruction of the Summit Crucifix of Pic Saint-Loup near Montpellier
May 10, 2020, FranceBetween the evening of May 9th and and the morning of May 10th, unidentified vandals cut down the emblematic summit crucifix of Pic Saint-Loup at its base. The iron cross overlooking Montpellier, which weighs 900 kg and is nearly ten meters high, was reportedly detached with a blowtorch or drills and left hanging over the 658 meters from the top of the peak. Inscriptions in red paint reading "Larcins des sorcières hérétiques" (crimes of heretical witches", "Le Pic Laïque" (the secular peak), and "Witch Power" (in English) were left on the pedestal. Police are investigating.
Theft Of a Relic at Saint-Antoine in Gers
May 10, 2020, FranceSince Sunday 10th May, the Gendarmes has been investigating the theft of the Relic of Anthony the Great from the church of Saint-Anthony in Gers. The Relic is from the 15th century and is a silver-plated copper reliquary that represents the arm of Saint Anthony, which also contains the ossicles of a finger of the Saint.
The Brotherhoods of Cordoba Denounced Unfair Treatment by The Police in a Mass
May 10, 2020, SpainAfter a Mass was held on Sunday 10th May in the Brotherhood of the Virgen de la Cabeza. The police reported five parishioners who assisted the Mass. The Association of Brotherhoods of Córdoba have expressed their support to the Brotherhood and the organizer of the mass. The Brotherhood denounced an unfair treatment, given that the Mass was legally allowed and the requisites were met.
Parish Priest Fined for Celebrating Mass with Thirty People inside Church
May 10, 2020, SpainOn May 10th, municipal police fined the rector of Lloret for saying Mass with about thirty people inside the church. The priest, Martirià Brugada, however, defended his actions and, in fact, finished the Mass with the parishioners outside the church and the windows open.
Theft in the Coptic Orthodox Church St. Athanasius and St. Moritz in Münster-Sarmsheim
May 10, 2020, GermanyUnknown perpetrators broke into the Coptic Orthodox Church of St. Athanasius and St. Moriz. According to police reports on May 14th, the incident occurred on May 10th at about 1:30 pm. The police located marks on the front and back doors, where the perpetrators had tried to enter the church. Finally they smashed a roof window and climbed into the church. They ransacked all the rooms, damaged various objects and stole two incense burners.
Man Destroyed Windows of Church And Damaged Wall
May 10, 2020, PolandOn the 10th of May at night , the 38-year-old destroyed the windows of stained-glass and damaged the church wall in Sanok. He also destroyed two cars parked between the church and the rectory. He was captured by the witnesses and was held until the police arrived. The man was taken into custody.
Vandalism in Schelklingen
May 10, 2020, GermanyTwo 16- and one 18-year-old allegedly went on the rampage in Schelklingen over the weekend. They are accused of causing several damages, including 1000 euro damage. Police are looking for witnesses.
Vandalism of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church and Priest Insulted During Mass
May 9, 2020, PolandOn May 9th and May 15th, a man profaned the church of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Dabrowa Tarnowska and insulted the priest. He intentionally interrupted the services as well as went to the rectory and insulted one of the priests. The clergy felt earlier unprotected by the police and thought of putting private vigilance. This time the police reacted effectively and following investigation, they arrested the 42 year-old perpetrator. The court will keep him in custody for three months.