All cases
Nativity scene set on fire at the Baptist church in Lechlade
October 22, 2024, United KingdomBetween 10pm and 10.30pm on Tuesday 22 October, a shed at Lechlade Baptist Church in Sherbourne Street was set alight. The fire destroyed a Christmas display and caused damage to nearby benches and plants. Police are investigating.
Tabernacle damaged and sacristy ransacked in Hambach church
October 21, 2024, GermanyUnknown perpetrators broke into St. James Catholic Church in Hambach, damaged the tabernacle and broke off the wooden panelling. They also ransacked the sacristy. Only one music box is missing, but extensive damage has been caused to the church.
Man went on the rampage in Helfe church
October 20, 2024, GermanyA previously unknown man went on the rampage in a church in Helfe on 20 October 2024 - knocked a vase off the table and thrown burning candles on the floor. Witnesses alerted the police.
Theft and desecration of consecrated hosts
October 20, 2024, FranceOn 20 October, someone broke into the church of Saint-Nicolas de Montigny and stole the chalice containing the consecrated host. Other consecrated hosts were scattered on the floor.
Theft of consecrated hosts
October 19, 2024, FranceOn the night of October 19, the church of Saint-Éloi Matigny in Somme was fractured and desecrated, the cup that contains the hosts has been stolen from the tabernacle.
Vandals draw swastika on church pew
October 17, 2024, GermanyOn 17 October, unknown persons knocked over candles and threw leaflets in the church of St Stephan in Kissing. A swastika was also drawn on a pew with candle wax.
BRITISH COURT CONDEMNS ARMY VETERAN FOR PRAYING IN HIS THOUGHTS
October 16, 2024, United KingdomAdam Smith-Connor has been found guilty of praying silently in an abortion 'buffer zone'. The controversial decision confirms serious restrictions on freedom of religion and even thought UK 'buffer zone' legislation.
Removal of Cross in Spain Sparks Debate
October 16, 2024, SpainIn October 2024, a memorial cross in Neda was removed under Spain’s 'Law of Democratic Memory', which mandates the elimination of symbols linked to Francoism. While the law requires the removal of plaques, some municipalities are dismantling entire crosses—despite a recent court ruling that such removals are unjustified when the crosses no longer bear political meaning.
France: 14 churches burned in 10 months
October 15, 2024, FranceBetween January and October 2024, the French Religious Heritage Observatory recorded 14 deliberate arson attacks on French churches. This figure is much higher than in 2023. In response to this situation, proposed legislation and surveillance systems are being considered.
Repeated vandalism and desecration in Lot churches
October 13, 2024, FranceIn the Lot region, three churches have been vandalised in recent weeks. The most recent incident occurred at the Saint-Pierre church in Bagnac-sur-Célé on 13 October, when it was seriously desecrated. The Blessed Sacrament was stolen. A statue inside the church was also deliberately overturned.