All cases

Vandalism Leaves Church in Bra Devastated

August 20, 2024, Italy

Serious damage inside the Church of the Assumption in Bra on August 20 has caused deep concern. Unknown persons broke into the building and destroyed the furnishings and furniture. The altarpiece depicting the Assumption of the Mary was damaged with numerous holes, the face of the statue of Mary was smeared with black paint, crucifixes were broken and damaged, the curtain of the canopy over the altar was torn, and the marble and tiles were removed from the floor under the miniature of the Lourdes grotto.

Church Desecrated and Robbed

August 20, 2024, Spain

As reported on August 22, unknown perpetrators desecrated the church of Samartín de Güerces and stole objects of great religious and historical value: a chalice, a monstrance; lanterns, crosses and even lamps.

Theft of religious objects and cemetery vandalism

August 20, 2024, Italy

In August, someone stole money, keys and the personal belongings, including devotional objects, of a canon from the archpriest at the church of Saints Simon and Jude in Cartigliano. Earlier that month, someone destroyed flowers and vases on several graves in the town's cemetery.

Man stabs Ludlow church door

August 20, 2024, United States

An act of vandalism at the Cathedral of Life church in Ludlow was recorded by police on 20 August. Pastor Cutts said a man had been sitting on the steps of the church, then got up, pulled out a knife and started stabbing the church door. Damage was found on the outside of the door. Ludlow police said the man had been arrested.

Virgin of the Star Statue Destroyed and Arson Attempted at Ribatajada Hermitage

August 20, 2024, Spain

Vandals shattered a historic statue and tried to set fire to the altar of the Virgen de la Estrella hermitage in Ribatajada, prompting outrage and investigation.

Payout for Christian woman who was fined for silent prayer, but government planing new restrictions

August 19, 2024, United Kingdom

A Christian charity volunteer has received a £13,000 payout and an apology from police after claiming her arrest for silently praying outside an abortion clinic was unjust and violated her human rights. While many see this as a victory for religious freedom, the new UK government is planning to introduce national legislation banning prayer outside abortion clinics.

"Allahu Akabar" smeared on Church in Haiger

August 19, 2024, Germany

Unknown vandals have smeared the walls of the city church in Haiger. According to police, "Allahu Akbar" was written on the walls.

Bishop's ceremonial chair stolen

August 19, 2024, United Kingdom

An ornate historic oak bishop's chair, 100 years old and worth £500, has been stolen from the 13th-century All Saints' Church in Ashwicken between August 19- 23.

Church of Madonna di Portadini vandalised

August 17, 2024, Italy

Vandals broke into a local church in Alatri, Italy, and turned it upside down.

Lutheran church in Greiz pelted with stones

August 17, 2024, Germany

Unknown persons threw stones at the Lutheran Church in Greiz. The incident is said to have taken place between 10 and 17 August. Lead glass windows were hit and damaged. The police are searching for the perpetrators. The loss is estimate at €4,000.