All cases

Arson in Bavarian Church

September 16, 2018, Germany

Early in the evening of September 16th, a witness noticed smoke coming from the St. Michael church in Heroldsbach and contacted the authorities. Police discovered burning scraps of paper and initial estimates amounted to at least 2,500 euros in damage. After a criminal investigation, officials concluded that the fire had been intentionally set and asked for assistance from any potential witnesses.

State Protection Office Investigates Graffiti on Parish Church

September 16, 2018, Germany

In September 2018, in the night before the festivities of St. Hildegard, the slogans “F*ck the Pope” and “Deutschland den Muslimen” (“Germany to the Muslims”) were sprayed on the Parish Church in Eibingen, a district of Rüdesheim. Police and the State Protection Office are now investigating and believe the perpetrators to be German citizens.

Fires Set in Kobern Church

September 16, 2018, Germany

The sacristan of St. Lubentius in Kobern discovered that several small fires had been intentionally set in the church. She observed that the altar cloth had been burned at the altar of the Virgin Mary, damaging both the cloth and the altar. A second altar and cloth, as well as the bible on the lectern, were similarly burned.

Perpetrator Confesses to Arson of Evangelical Church

September 15, 2018, Austria

A 58 year old man confessed to setting a fire that heavily damaged the Johanneskirche am Lendkanal on September 15th. The altar cross, a gift of British soldiers and of great sentimental value, was missing after the fire but later found near the church.

Pro-Life Charity Banned from Three UK Universities

September 14, 2018, United Kingdom

Student Unions in Manchester, Warwick, and Liverpool rejected the Life charity's application to appear at their Freshers' Fairs. The Warwick Students' Union rejected Life because its members "voted to adopt a pro-choice stance." Manchester said the Fair was an inappropriate platform, while Liverpool said the charity would not offer "impartial advice" to students. Life said its displays inform students that help is available if they get pregnant. The charity filed a complaint to the Office for Students (OfS) citing discrimination and restrictions on freedom of speech. It noted that the Chair of OfS had earlier promoted the protection of freedom of speech.

Unknown Vandals Damage Way of the Cross in Morbach

September 14, 2018, Germany

Unknown vandals damaged elements of a Way of the Cross leading to the Fatima Chapel in Bischofsdhron sometime between the 12th and 14th of September. They perpetrators pushed three of the thirteen sandstone crosses from their bases and tilted back into the adjacent embankment. The crosses themselves were unharmed, but the bases were heavily damaged. Repairs were estimated at €600. Police began an investigation.

Christian Sued Scouts after being Ousted over Islam Complaint; Settled Case

September 9, 2018, United Kingdom

A man from Bristol whose membership to the Scout Association was cancelled took legal action, claiming he has been discriminated against on account of his Christian faith.

Fire in the Church of Santa Maria della Roccella

September 9, 2018, Italy

Police began an arson investigation after a fire broke out in a basement of the cloister of the Church of Santa Maria della Roccella. The flames affected some unused materials and various forms of waste that had piled up in a basement of the cloister. The fire brigade intervened and found four LPG tanks near the fire which they removed and secured promptly. Fortunately there was no damage done to the building and no one was hurt.

Burglars Hit Church in Lörrach

September 9, 2018, Germany

Police investigated a break-in between September 9th and 10th at the Protestant Church in Lörrach. Unknown perpetrators tried to pry open several doors, finally accessed the church building through an unlocked door. Inside they broke into the sacristy and a storage room, pried open two doors on the upper floor and ransacked several rooms.

Door of Church Burned in Santa Maria di Licodia

September 7, 2018, Italy

During the night between the 6th and 7th of September, the door of the church of Madonna del Carmelo was set on fire. In the early morning hours residents became aware of the fire and extinguished it. The police investigated and found that the fire was started by lighting paper and plastic. The perpetrators damaged the base of the door and blackened the upper part. Fortunately, the flames did not spread into the inside of the church. The priest filed a complaint.