All cases
Arson and vandalism at parish premises in Genoa
February 7, 2025, ItalyOn 7 February, the police and fire brigade were called to the parish centre next to the church of Santa Maria dei Servi in Genoa. The authorities found a piece of wooden furniture set on fire and several blasphemous phrases and swastikas written on the walls. The police are now investigating the attack.
Lack of access to evangelical religious education in Spanish schools
February 6, 2025, SpainA report by FEREDE highlights the lack of access to evangelical religious education in Spanish schools, which in some cases amounts to restrictions of parental rights to educate their children in conformity with their beliefs.
Church organ vandalised twice in two months
February 6, 2025, GermanyAfter a first episode of vandalism of the organ of the Holy Cross Catholic Church in Bretten-Büchig in December 2024, a similar attack took place earlier this month. In both cases, an unknown perpetrator poured a large amount of liquid over the organ, causing around €6000 worth of damage. The church remained closed for several days after the incident.
Statue of Virgin Mary destroyed in Poland
February 6, 2025, PolandOn the night of 5-6 February, an unknown perpetrator used a metal rod to destroy the statue of Our Lady of Fatima in the parish church of St Jadwiga Śląska near Łomża. The damage is estimated at around PLN 3,000. The police have been called to the scene and are now looking for the suspect.
Liturgical Book Desecrated Krosno Church
February 6, 2025, PolandA man vandalised a liturgical book in the parish church of the Holy Trinity in Krosno. The suspect is now charged with disturbing the rite and insulting religious feelings.
Repeated vandalism of roadside chapel in Laudermark
February 6, 2025, NetherlandsOn 6 February, unknown offenders vandalised a roadside chapel in Laudermark with polyurethane foam, causing extensive damage. According to the local parish, this is the second time in a short period of time that this public Christian symbol has been vandalised.
French municipality faces legal battle over displaying nativity scene
February 5, 2025, FranceIn December 2024, the town of Beaucaire was ordered to remove its nativity scene from the town hall by an administrative court, claiming its display violated secularism laws. Despite the ruling, the mayor refused to comply, resulting in further legal action and the threat of escalating fines. This marks the latest in a series of legal battles over Christian symbols in Beaucaire, which have been ongoing since 2016.
Nativity Figures Defaced at Church in Villastanza
February 4, 2025, ItalySeveral nativity figures were deliberately damaged inside a church in Villastanza, a district of Parabiago. The same church had already been targeted by an arson incident in 2023.
Historic Altar Cross Stolen from Church in Pietraszyn
February 3, 2025, PolandA historic cross was stolen from the main altar of a church in Pietraszyn. The parish has appealed to the public for assistance in locating the object.
Religious painting vandalised at cultural centre in Dydnia
February 3, 2025, PolandSometime between 31 January and 3 February, unknown offenders vandalised a historic painting depicting St Michael the Archangel, whose face was covered with yellow and dark brown paint. The painting was on display at the Municipal Cultural Centre in Dydnia.