All cases
Graffiti Threat on Vorarlberg Wall
April 19, 2018, AustriaDuring the 18th or 19th of April, unknown perpetrators vandalized a stone retaining wall in Rankweil with pink paint. Over ten meters, they sprayed the words "Deth (sic) to all Christians!" as well as a pentagram symbol. The retaining wall on Thomas-Lehrer-Weges leads to the Basilica of Rankweil, the pilgrimage church of Our Lady of the Visitation.
Statue of Christ the Redeemer in Fribourg Vandalized
April 17, 2018, SwitzerlandA few hours after it was installed on Boulevard de Pérolles on April 17th, replica of Rio de Janeiro's famed Christ the Redeemer statue was vandalized by a 24-year-old Syrian asylum seeker.
Window Damaged at Northern Ireland Church; Investigated as Hate Crime
April 17, 2018, United KingdomShortly after 10 o'clock on the night of April 17th, the First Presbyterian Church in Newry, Northern Ireland suffered a vandalism attack in which one of its stained glass windows was damaged. The window had been repaired just weeks before this incident after vandals had damaged it earlier in the year.
Pentecostal Church in Rousse Threatened by Municipality Councilors and Media
April 17, 2018, BulgariaThe municipality of Rousse will expel the Third Evangelical Pentecostal Church claiming that it illegally occupies a municipal building. The announcement was made by councilors from the right wing party, International Macedonian Revolutionary Organization. After an inspection launched by the local authorities, it was decided that the place where worship services are held three times a week, would be closed.
German Constitutional Court Reaffirms Church Autonomy in Hiring
April 17, 2018, GermanyAfter a non-religious applicant was rejected for a job requiring Protestant affiliation, the German Constitutional Court ruled that church autonomy allows such requirements when clearly connected to the role and proportionate, reaffirming religious communities' autonomy rights.
Christ Figure on Crucifix Destroyed
April 15, 2018, GermanyDuring the weekend of April 14th-15th, unknown persons severely damaged the Christ figure on the Rottmann-Wegekreuz am Reckelsberg.
Vandals Destroy Crossroads Crucifix
April 15, 2018, GermanyFor the fourth time in the last four years, someone destroyed the crucifix at the Kuckhof crossroads in Allerheiligen. In the most recent incident, the cross was demolished from its base and there was no trace of the figure of Jesus.
Tabernacle in Loire Church Vandalized
April 13, 2018, FranceThe tabernacle in the church of Saint-Jean-Saint-Maurice-sur-Loire, 15 kilometers from Roanne, was vandalized on April 13th. The intruders perhaps expected they would find ciboria and chalices by breaking the marble door of the tabernacle, but long ago liturgical objects of high value were moved to a more secure place. A complaint was lodged with the gendarmerie of Villerest.
Fire Set Behind Altar; Excrement Left in Confessional
April 12, 2018, ItalyAn intentionally-set fire burned a curtain and part of a chair behind the altar of the church of San Giuseppe in the town of Torre del Lago Puccini on April 12th. Feces was later discovered in the confessional.
Theft in Torás Church
April 11, 2018, SpainA band of thieves entered the church of Santa Quiteria during the night of April 11th, opened the tabernacle and stole a golden chalice containing consecrated Hosts, the most precious item for its religious value. They also destroyed donation boxes and took all the money.