All cases

Church vandalised with fire extinguisher

February 22, 2024, Denmark

Between February 17 and 20 Spjellerup Church in the Danish region Sjælland was severely vandalised. The police believe that a perpetrator had emptied two fire extinguishers in the church, targeting the organ and the altar.

Stones thrown at window of priest's office

February 21, 2024, Italy

On February 21, a large stone was thrown into the parish office where the parish priest Don Stefano Sgueglia and two others were still working. A few days prior blasphemous writings and words had appeared on one of the entrances of the monastic house.

St. Johann parish church robbed and desecrated

February 20, 2024, Austria

Unknown perpetrators broke into the parish church of St. Johann in Tirol, Austria, and stole and damaged religious objects. The figure of Christ was broken off a wooden cross.

Vandalism at the Dreieichenhain castle church

February 20, 2024, Germany

Unknown people damaged the church on the Dreieichenhain castle grounds. According to the police's initial assessment, the historic side door was forced open with brute force. At the same time, the perpetrators broke a window to the right of the main entrance. This is not the first time there has been vanalism to the church.

Pauluskirche painted with "Allahu Akbar"

February 20, 2024, Germany

Shortly after an anti-AfD (Alternative for Germany Party) demo took place on the forecourt, “Allahu Akbar” was daubed in Arabic script on the Protestant Pauluskirche in Hamm, Germany. In response to a news inquiry, the Hamm police confirmed the graffiti on February 20. However, no information can yet be provided about the perpetrator's profile. The investigation is ongoing.

Taxi Driver Fined for Displaying Bible Verse

February 20, 2024, Germany

A taxi driver from the German town of Essen was fined for displaying a small Bible verse sticker on the rear window of his car. The city authorities claim that the Bible verse constitutes "religious advertising", which is illegal on taxis which are regarded as part of the public transport.

Statue of the Virgin Mary Vandalized

February 20, 2024, Spain

A statue of the Virgin del Carme in a local chapel of Reus has been vandalised. Vandals broke the statue’s hands, removed its crown, and left it on a balcony after forcing entry into the chapel.

Drunken man attacked the attendants of the Church of St. Sergius

February 19, 2024, Russia

A drunk man entered the church of St Sergius of Radonezh in Sertolovo and demanded money from the congregation to continue the "banquet". The women politely refused, which infuriated him. He then flew into a rage, almost ripping the door to the church off its hinges. Previously he had attacked the abbot with a knife.

Arson to St. Lambertus Church in Kalterherberg

February 18, 2024, Germany

Unknown perpetrators set fire to the parish church of St. Lambertus in Kalterherberg on Sunday. In the rear area of ​​the interior of the church, prayer books, a shelf with parish letters and sheets from the Book of the Dead were set on fire in front of the wall with the memorial plaques. Opposite, at the Marian altar, the burning memorial lights were thrown down and artificial flowers were also lit.

St Stephen and All Martyrs entrance vandalised

February 18, 2024, United Kingdom

The stone pinnacles from a church gate were stolen on the weekend of the church's 180th anniversary.