All cases
Arabic Graffiti on Church Bell Tower in Sacile
October 6, 2023, ItalyOn the morning of October 6, Don Boris Bandiera, the priest at the Parish of San Odorico in Sacile, found graffiti on the front wall of the church bell tower. He immediately notified the police, who helped him translate the Arabic graffiti writing: "There is no God but Allah." Don Boris stated that this is not the first attack on his church that he has witnessed, but the message of this vandalism left him stunned.
Pastor's Car Set on Fire in Mesoraca
October 6, 2023, ItalyIn the evening of October 6, the pastor of the Evangelical Church of Mesoraca, Giovanni Aiello, was having dinner at a restaurant in Mesoraca when an unknown individual set fire to his car. While Aiello and other guests were inside, someone noticed the flames and alerted everyone. The car was completely destroyed by the flames along with the car parked next to it. Aiello immediately filed a complaint at the Mesoraca police station. Military personnel promptly started investigations to trace the perpetrator of the serious act, examining the video surveillance cameras located in the area. Last December the pastor's mountain home in the Fratta area was also destroyed. "I thought it would end there", he said, but added that after the new attack he is feeling unsafe.
2023: Increasing Vandalism of Finnish Cemeteries
October 6, 2023, FinlandIn many cities in Finland, there were acts of vandalism, thefts and damages at local cemeteries.
Church in Cleethorpes Set on Fire
October 5, 2023, United KingdomOn October 5, Beaconthorpe Methodist church was set on fire. Firefighters were immediately called to the scene. No one was injured in the fire. Three men have been arrested on suspicion of arson in connection with the fire and have been released on bail while the investigation continues.
Feldmark Church Vandalized with Graffiti
October 4, 2023, GermanyA church on Pothmannstraße in Feldmark, Gelsenkirchen was damaged between September 29 and October 4. The unknown perpetrators damaged a lighting rod and sprayed the church facade with various graffiti of swear words. The building's caretaker noticed the damage on October 4 and notified the police.
First Arrests in Coleraine over Abortion Clinic Buffer Zone
October 3, 2023, IrelandThe first arrests in Northern Ireland in relation to the new buffer zones regulation around abortion clinics occurred on the morning of October 3. The individuals arrested were a Catholic man and woman. They were praying outside Causeway Hospital. The woman was praying on her knees with a rosary and they were holding pro-life signs. Officers told them to leave and when they refused they were arrested. They were later released on bail pending further enquiries. The issue was highlighted when a pro-choice activist posted a photo of the pair talking to a police officer on social media. A fellow activist who knew the pair said they had been coming to pray outside the hospital weekly after regulations permitting abortion were introduced in Northern Ireland in March 2020.
Church in Aisch Vandalized
October 3, 2023, GermanyThe church of St. Johannes in Neustadt an der Aisch was vandalized on October 3. Presumably three young teenagers left a trail of destruction. Pastor Daniel Bittel of the parish of St. Johannes said he encountered the three vandals, but only later realized that they were probably responsible for the destruction. Bottles of wine and beer and flour from the thanksgiving altar had been scattered, nearly all the offering candles had been thrown to the ground, and praise books had been torn to pieces in the front of the church.
Armed raid on Krasnodar church and arrest of clergy following anti-war sermon
October 3, 2023, RussiaOn 3 October special police units raided the premises of the Holy Intercession Tikhonite Church, a non-Moscow Patriarchate Russian Orthodox Church in Krasnodar Krai, southern Russia. Electronic devices and documents were seized, and the agents, armed with machine guns, arrested and threatened to criminally prosecute Archbishop Viktor Pivovarov and Hieromonk Iona Sigida with "discrediting the Russian Armed Forces" for their anti-war stance.
Church on Isle of Portland, Dorset Set on Fire
October 2, 2023, United KingdomEmergency services were called to St. Peter's Church on Portland on the evening of October 2, 2023 due to a fire in the church. Police have said a local youth is assisting them with enquiries about how the fire began. The fire at the historic site, which is more than 150 years old, is believed to be deliberate. According to the police, security measures will be needed to prevent this kind of anti-social behaviour.
Statue of Mary "hanged"
October 2, 2023, PolandOn the night of October 1-2, 2023, a statue of Mary was stolen from the monastic cave on the premises of the House of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Elizabeth in Strzegom and hung on a nearby scaffold like a hanged man.
Live Broadcast Camera Stolen from Church in Dublin
October 1, 2023, IrelandOn October 1, the camera used for live broadcasts in St. Ann's Church in Dublin was stolen. The camera has not been found, but a hat with a name written on the inside was left at the scene. The vicar of the church, Father Arbuthnot, said "Of course, we completely forgive the man who took the camera - we just want it back." The church uses the camera to stream their services so that the elderly and infirm parishioners can stay connected with the parish life and not become too isolated.
Man Broke into 26 Churches in Austria
September 30, 2023, AustriaA man who broke into 26 churches in Austria has been tracked down in Hungary. The man is said to have broken doors and windows of churches. He also broke into sacristies and sacrificial boxes to steal cash.
Priest's car set on fire
September 30, 2023, FranceOn the night of 30 September, an arson attack destroyed the car of a priest of the French Institut du Christ Roi Souverain Prêtre in the centre of Orleans. The car was reduced to ashes. According to the police, the priest was personally targeted, as reported by the ICRSP.
Swastikas sprayed on the Outside Walls of Church in Sechshelden
September 29, 2023, GermanyIn the early hours of September 29th somebody sprayed swastikas and other slogans on the outside walls and the door of the Church of Sechshelden. The Police has started an investigation.
Pro-abortion activists defame and vandalise church
September 28, 2023, SpainOn 28 September, a group of pro-abortion protesters smeared the walls of Santa Maria del Remei Church in Barcelona with graffiti and placed their protest signs on the windows of the church, with messages such as "trash church, you are the dictatorship". On October 30, another graffiti was smeared at the church wall (see image).
Pro-Abortion Demonstrators Vandalize Church in Barcelona with Offensive Graffiti and Harass Churchgoers
September 28, 2023, SpainThe Spanish Christian Lawyers Foundation has filed a complaint against a pro-abortion organization whose members allegedly harassed people attending Mass and spray-painted offensive slogans on the walls of the church. According to the lawyers, the organization responsible for the harassment and vandalism was the Association of Sexual and Reproductive Rights. On September 28, during a march through the streets of Barcelona, protestors "attacked the parish of Santa María del Remei in the Las Corts neighborhood," according to a statement posted on October 17 on the lawyers' website. The complaint to the judge specifies that "the attackers reproached the parishioners who attended Mass in addition to painting graffiti with statements such as "(piece of) trash church you are a dictatorship" or "abuser priests prohibit abortion."
Update: Removal of statue in France
September 28, 2023, FranceIn September 2023, the State Council of France (administrative court) ruled that the statue of the Archangel Saint-Michel in front of the Saint-Michel church in Sables-d'Olonne had to be removed since it was a public square and it violated the 1905 French law on secularism. The parish purchased a plot of land from the town hall near the church building for about 3000 EUR and moved the statue to that private property 13 metres away, with an additional cost of 16000 EUR.
Metal cross blown up in Nagorno-Karabakh by Azerbaijani troops
September 27, 2023, ArmeniaThe second tallest metal cross in Europe, a 50-meter cross overlooking Stepanakert, the capital of the ethnic-Armenian Republic of Artsakh, was destroyed during the Azerbaijani military offensive that began on 19 September. This is only one of many attacks on the Christian religion of the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh, who are suffering an ethnic cleansing from their native land since the Azerbaijani military offensive.
Azerbaijani soldiers shooting at 13th century Charektar Monastery
September 26, 2023, ArmeniaOn 26 September a video released on the internet showed Azerbaijani soldiers shooting at the 13th century Armenian monastery of Charektar in Nagorno-Karabakh. The shots were fired from an armoured personnel carrier and sniper rifles. The attack comes in the context of the ethnic cleansing and military offensive launched on 19 September by Azerbaijan against the Armenians of Nagorno Karabakh which is also targeting Armenian Christianity in the region.
Christian Family Faces Prosecution for Homeschooling if Deported Back to Germany
September 25, 2023, GermanyA Christian family is asking the Biden administration to intervene in their deportation after they lived in the USA for 15 years seeking asylum from prosecution in Germany. The Romeikes had fled Bissingen, Germany in 2008 after being threatened with prosecution for homeschooling their five children. Homeschooling in Germany is tightly regulated and only allowed under certain circumstances.
Vandals deface church with blasphemous writings
September 25, 2023, ItalyDuring the night of September 25, a group of youth defaced the walls of the parish church Santi Giovanni e Agostino and some facades in la Spezia. According to the media, the slogans included blasphemous writings.
Desecration of the Virgin of Flores Convent Church
September 19, 2023, SpainThe Virgen de las Flores Convent Church in Malaga was vandalised. The attack happened in the morning of September 19. In the sanctuary of the Virgen de las Flores Convent they scattered the consecrated hosts on the floor, took the mantle of Mary and the image of Baby Jesus.
Posters defame pro-life campaigners as "religious fundamentalists"
September 17, 2023, SpainIn Madrid, around the Isadora center, located in the university district, abortion supporters have placed signs on the streetlights that read: “Attention: Dangerous religious fundamentalists on the loose,” “STOP fanaticism,” “40 Days hating women” or “40 days against human rights”. The slogans were directed against the 40 Days for Life prayer initiative.
Fire in Laupersdorfs church - arsonist charged
September 16, 2023, SwitzerlandA 36-year-old Swiss man has been charged with the arson of St Martin's Church in Laupersdorf on 16 September and the burning of several vehicles in Grellingen. The church fire caused immense damage.
Two Cases of Desecration in Hospital Chapel in Puerto Real
September 14, 2023, SpainOn the 14th of September, CNA reported that a hospital chapel in the town of Puerto Real, in the Diocese of Cádiz and Ceuta, had recently been desecrated twice. The first time, nothing was stolen but someone moved the tabernacle so that it was out of joint and left a dirty glass in it. The second time, the consecrated hosts were stolen and the veil of the tabernacle was torn off. The police were notified.
Hateful Graffiti On Residence of Cardinal of Cologne
September 13, 2023, GermanyThe official residence of the Cardinal of Cologne, Rainer Maria Woelki, was smeared with hateful graffiti on the September 19. The entrance gate to the archbishop's house was also sprayed with powder from a fire extinguisher.
Court rules against Geneva's ban on religious processions
September 13, 2023, SwitzerlandThe Swiss Federal Court has ruled in favour of a parish, which has been banned from organising a procession on Corpus Christi by the canton of Geneva. The Court found in its judgment (2C_285/2023) that the ban violates freedom of religion and conscience.
Christ Church in Derry Desecrated
September 12, 2023, IrelandChrist Church in Derry was found with multiple broken windows, including a stained glass window. Vases of flowers were knocked over, a decanter used for communion was stolen, and faeces were found smeared on the pages of a psalm book.
Vandalism in Krakow International Airport Chapel
September 12, 2023, PolandOn 12 September 2023, a 22-year-old vandalised the chapel in the grounds of Krakow-Balice International Airport. After breaking into the airport chapel, the perpetrator overturned a cross, scattered flowers, pulled a tablecloth from the altar and ripped the tabernacle.
UPDATE: UK Home Secretary Clarifies that "Silent Prayer" is not Unlawful
September 8, 2023, United KingdomThe Home Secretary of the UK has now clarified that “silent prayer, within itself, is not unlawful” in a letter for the police forces across the country. This statement comes in response to many months of controversy over "buffer zones" outside abortion facilities that have led to the arrest of several citizens for praying silently in their minds inside a buffer zone.
Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission: "Azerbaijan Pursues ‘Elimination of the Entire Christian Population and Its Churches’ in Nagorno-Karabakh"
September 6, 2023, ArmeniaAs the humanitarian situation of Armenian Christians behind Azerbaijan's blockade in Nagoro-Karabakh becomes critical, the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission of the US Congress conducted a hearing on 6 September to explore the situation. Experts heard by the commission pointed out that Azerbaijan’s actions clearly constituted a genocide, as it is using starvation as a form of ethnic cleansing. Georgetown University adjunct professor David L. Philips argued that the final intention of Azerbaijan is the “elimination of the entire Christian population and its churches.”
Church Organ Console Worth 5000 Euro Stolen
September 6, 2023, GermanyBetween September 4th and 6th, an organ console worth 5000€ was stolen from a church in Detmold. This is not only significant because of the monetary value but it also hinders the ceremonial process of the mass. Local police assumes that there were at lease two people involved in the theft and started an investigation.
Crosses broken at Besançon cemetery
September 6, 2023, FranceEight graves have been vandalised in the military section of the Saint Claude cemetery in Besançon, Doubs. Headstones and crosses were broken. The damage was reported on 6 September.
Theft and Desecration of Tabernacle from a Church in Mönchengladbach
September 5, 2023, GermanyIn the night of September 4th to 5th, unidentified thieves managed to break into the church in Mönchengladbach by entering through a window of the neighbouring building and then using the shared basement. They left with the tabernacle, the golden chalice inside it and two more boxes of unknown content. Since the tabernacle is quite heavy, police expects that more than one person must have been involved in the crime. The exact damage is unknown since it is not clear what the tabernacle and the chalice are made of gold. The local police started an investigation.
Severe vandalism, desecration and death threats inside a chapel in Pedregalejo, Malaga
September 5, 2023, SpainOn September 5 a man broke into the Corpus Christi parish church in Pedregalejo (Malaga) and caused considerable damage to the parish hall while uttering death threats and shouting "God doesn't exist", among other derogatory phrases against the Church. The offender smashed several paintings, including one of Mary, a carving of Christ crucified, a pedestal of Mary, several chairs, a candelabra and some glass.
Gilded Statue Stolen from Church in Denbighshire
September 5, 2023, United KingdomA 252-year-old statue of a pelican has been stolen from St Dyfnog Church in Llanrhaedr, Denbighshire. The 0.6 meter gilded statue was stolen between August 22 and September 5. The carving, which has been hanging in the church for at least 100 years, was situated next to the altar in the church. The North Wales Police are investigating the theft.
Suspected arson at the Catholic Relief Services
September 4, 2023, FranceAt around 4am on 4 September, a fire destroyed the premises of Secours Catholique in the Maison Diocésaine de la Solidarité, next to the church of Sainte Jeanne Antide in Belfort. The police suspect arson and have launched an investigation.
UPDATE: Päivi Räsänen Stands Trial Again For Sharing her Christian Worldview
September 1, 2023, FinlandDuring the 31st of August and the 1st September, Finnish Politian Päivi Räsänen and Lutheran Bishop Juhana Pohjola stood trial at the Helsinki Court of Appeal for the charges brought against them of "inciting hatred" against LGBT people. These charges are based upon a Twitter post made by Räsänen in 2019, as well as a pamphlet and a radio interview. Last year, Räsänen and Pohjola were unanimously acquitted of all charges, but due to the appeal by the prosecutor, they stood trial again. The verdict will be announced in November 30th.
Church in Bodmin Closed to Visitors after Repeated Vandalism
September 1, 2023, United KingdomSt. Petroc's Church in Bodmin was opened to visitors outside of services but on September 1 the church announced that it has been forced to close because of repeated vandalism. A spokesperson of the church said that it hoped to reopen to visitors in time, and that it was working with the police on the issue.
Church vandalised twice in one month
September 1, 2023, GermanyFollowing an attempted burglary in September in which the entrance gate was damaged, the altarpiece of the Protestant Church of the Redeemer in Fürstenfeldbruck in Bavaria, southern Germany, has now been vandalised.
Religious objects and church bell stolen from chapel in Cordoba
September 1, 2023, SpainThe chapel in the Villa Posse district of Cordoba was looted on August. Thieves stole frames and paintings from the sacristy, various objects, the bell and even the lock, as well as electrical equipment.
Youths vandalise cemetery
September 1, 2023, SpainIn September, youths vandalised several graves in a cemetery in Surata. They tore up flowers and smashed gravestones, plaques in the cemetery and a statue of Mary in the cemetery chapel.
UPDATE: Hieromonk Ioann Kurmoyarov sentenced to three years in jail for oposing war in Ukraine
August 31, 2023, RussiaThe verdict of the Court against Fr Ioann Kurmoyarov was given on 31 August and has finally sentenced the hieromonk to 3 years in a penal colony accused of disseminating false information about the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.
Anti-mafia priest attacked
August 29, 2023, ItalyRome's most prominent anti-mafia priest, known for his efforts to rescue young people from the drug trade was attacked during a march against organised crime by a 28-year-old man on a scooter who was found to be carrying a hammer and cleaver.
Glass Door of St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna Destroyed with Hammer
August 27, 2023, AustriaIn the evening of August 27, on the fringes of a Syrian protest, a glass door of the St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna was smashed with a hammer. The police, who were present due to the rally scheduled for the evening, immediately arrested the perpetrator armed with two hammers. The man was taken to the hospital, in case he was suffering from psychosis - the police considered a connection with the demonstration unlikely.
DONE JH: three Romanesque churches covered in tags
August 27, 2023, SpainThree Romanesque churches in the historic centre of Zamora, were covered in tags this summer. On the facade of the church of San Esteban locals found up to 30 graffiti, including upside down crosses, an anti-Christian symbol.
Church break-in: Windows Smashed and Liturgical Objects Stolen
August 26, 2023, FinlandOn August 26, someone broke the windows of an old church in Helsinki's Oulunkylä in the early hours of the morning and stole silver objects.
Six Stone Crosses were broken from the crowns on Budapest's Margaret Bridge
August 25, 2023, HungaryOn the night of August 24, three men broke 6 stone crosses from de crowns on Margaret Bridge in Budapest. The perpetrators were filmed by CCTV cameras and an investigation has been launched by the police to identify them.
Church Hall Targeted by Persistent Vandalism
August 25, 2023, United KingdomThe Loyola Centre in Wishaw, a community church hall adjacent to St Ignatius’s Church, has become the target of ongoing vandalism. Young vandals caused significant damage over the summer of 2023, including throwing stones, rocks, and bricks at the center's windows.
Muslim Man hurls Insults and throws rocks at the windows of a church in Sweden
August 22, 2023, SwedenA man targeted a Catholic church in Haninge, near Stockholm, with stones while shouting "Allah Akbar, I'm going to rape Jesus." The video is uploaded by 'Fares Aziz', he posted the video on TikTok. It is not exactly clear when the event took place and how local authorities responded.
Three cars belonging to priests set on fire
August 21, 2023, PolandOn August 21, 2023, a 35-year-old man set fire to three cars belonging to priests in Gliwice. The cars were parked near the Church of Christ the King on Okrzei Street and the Parish of the Holy Family on Chorzowska Street. According to the police, the arsons were deliberate.
Statue of Mary stolen
August 21, 2023, FranceA statue of Mary, placed in the niche of the foyer of Saint François-Régis in Saint-Julien Chapteuil in Haute-Loire, was stolen on 21 August.
Vandals set fire to a cross on the summit of Nagy-Szénás mountain
August 20, 2023, HungaryVandals set fire to a wooden cross erected a few years ago in the Nagy-Szénás mountain, near the village of Nagykovácsi. This happened on August 20, when Hungary celebrates its first king St. Stephen I and the State Foundation Day. The burning of the cross, erected on the 550-metre-high peak, has provoked strong anger among the villagers who have already started a fundraising campaign to replace the cross as soon as possible. The perpetrators have not been identified.
Medieval Stone Cross Stolen from Church in Lincolnshire
August 19, 2023, United KingdomA medieval stone cross was taken from St. John The Baptist Church in Great Carlton between 1:45 and 7:30 PM on August 19. The cross had been described as "priceless to the church in historical terms". The police are still searching for information and for the perpetrator.
Organ Stolen From St. Mary's Church
August 19, 2023, GermanyOn August 19, unknown perpetrators stole an organ from St. Mary's Church, which was open 24/7. Taking advantage of this fact, church employees suspect the theft had been planned in advance, also considering the organ weighs around 50 kg, requiring at least two people to carry it, as well as an adequate vehicle to transport it in. The damage is estimated to amount to around 5,000 euros. The police were alerted and started an investigation into the occurrence.
Relics of Saint Agatha stolen from Brescia Church
August 18, 2023, ItalyOn 18 August, the relics of Saint Agatha were stolen from the reliquary in a church in Brescia, leaving behind a reliquary of much greater commercial value than its sacred contents.
Man attacks church in Turin in broad daylight by throwing rocks and insulting Christians
August 17, 2023, ItalyOn August 17 a foreign man attacked the historic church of Santa Cristina in Turin's Plazza San Carlo in broad daylight. The attack can be seen in a video that is circulating on the Internet. In the video, the man can be heard cursing at the worshippers inside the church, and shouting: 'F****ng Christians'. The perpetrator was arrested by the police and was taken to a hospital, as he injured himself while throwing stones against the church.
Cyprus: Man harasses priest in Monastery by reciting the Islamic profession of faith
August 17, 2023, CyprusOn August 17, a video surfaced on the Internet showing a man in the Apostolos Andreas Monastery in the Karpasia peninsula of Turkish-occupied northern Cyprus, harassing a priest by reciting the Shahāda (Islamic profession of faith). Legal proceedings have been initiated against the provokator.
Belarus: Pastor of the New Life Church Minsk Arrested Again
August 15, 2023, BelarusPastor Viachaslau Hancharenka of the New Life Full Gospel Church in Minsk, was detained together with his son-in-law Illia Budai on the 15th of August. According to the news, 20 armed policemen broke into his house, searched and detained them. He was sentenced to 10 days in jail and his son-in-law to 5 days in jail for resisting the detention.
Church Vandalised in the Saale-Holzland district
August 15, 2023, GermanyUnknown people vandalized a church in Dornburg-Camburg, a town located in the Saale-Holzland district.
Saint-Martin de Dunières Church Closes Due To Vandalism
August 15, 2023, FranceThe Church of Saint-Martin de Dunières announced on August 15 that it would remain closed, except for services, until further notice. The cause was a series of acts of vandalism which happened in the past two months.
Church windows smashed
August 15, 2023, FranceIn mid-August, teenagers smashed four of the non-figurative stained glass windows in the church at Ordonnaz in the Ain department with stones. A parishioner expressed shock about the incident.
Vandal tried to break an icon in the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra during service
August 13, 2023, UkraineAn unidentified individual entered the church of Venerable Agapitos of the Kyiv Caves and struck an icon of Jesus twice with a stone during the Divine Liturgy. The parishioners stopped his actions and called the police, who detained the attacker.
Liturgical Objects stolen from St. Norbert Church
August 13, 2023, GermanyBetween the 12th and 13th of August, unknown perpetrators robbed St. Norbert Church in Bocholt. They forcibly entered the church through a side entrance and stole a golden chalice a silver host bowl used for the liturgy, a laptop, and a safe from the church.
Windows at Village Church in Gullane Smashed
August 12, 2023, United KingdomOn the night of August 12, the windows were smashed at the church of St. Adrian's in Gullane. The Rev Simon Metzner stated that there had been reports of youths drinking and smashing bottles in the area. He was unsure of the cost of the damage but stressed that police were looking into the issue.
Repeated Vandalism at Bonn Cathedral
August 12, 2023, GermanyOn the night of August 12, Bonn Cathedral Basilica again became the target of vandalism and attempted theft during the night, marking it the fourth incident in eight months.
Church Vandalised: "Evil" written on Altar
August 12, 2023, BelgiumOn August 12, the church at Buissenal in Frasnes-lez-Anvaing, Belgium, was vandalised. The perpetrator(s) broke into the church and destroyed the stained glass windows. The perpetrators used some of the broken candles to 'write' the word 'EVIL' on the altar. Two gravestones in the cemetery were also defaced.
Graves ransacked in Charleroi
August 10, 2023, BelgiumOn August 10, several graves in the Couillet Fiestaux cemetery near Charleroi in the Hainaut region of Belgium have been ransacked, the plaques smashed and the flowers thrown away.
Church and Cemetery Defaced with Anti-Christian Tags
August 9, 2023, FranceDuring the night of August 9, the church in Villedieu-sur-Indre was tagged with the words ‘ni Dieu ni maître’ (‘neither God nor master’) and an anarchist symbol. In the neighbouring commune of Châtillon, a similar tag was put on the wall of the cemetery the same night.
Graves at Wigston Cemetery repeatedly desecrated
August 9, 2023, United KingdomWigston Cemetery, near Leicester, has been the scene of numerous acts of vandalism and even grave desecration. Relatives of the deceased had complained about repeated problems at the cemetery.
Vandals devastated facilities of the Santa Maria Liberatrice parish in Milan
August 8, 2023, ItalyOn the night of 7-8 August, a group of unidentified vandals entered and destroyed the parish facilities of the Santa Maria Liberatrice parish in Vigentino, Milan. "The area with all the objects was ransacked, plus two fire extinguishers were emptied. There was white powder everywhere," told one of the founders of the association that is helping to clean and repair the destruction. The carabinieri investigating the case are also voluntarily helping with the clearing clear out of service hours.
UPDATE: Councillor Supporting Christian Councillor's Freedom of Speech Now Faces Criminal Investigation
August 8, 2023, United KingdomOn August 8, Wellingborough Town Councillor Anthony Stevens, 50, was searched in his house in front of his wife and children, taken to the Kettering police station, and heavily questioned, for posting tweets from his personal account supporting the case of Christian Councillor King Lawal. King Lawal faced suspension as a Councillor, investigations and other forms of cancelling and discriminatory treatment for tweeting that "Pride" is a sin in June 2023. Mr Lawal launched a petition, which has been signed by over 26,000 people, calling on the Chairman of the Conservative Party, Greg Hands, to intervene in his behalf. Cllr Stevens shared the petition and tweeted in support of Cllr Lawal saying: ‘If you value free speech please sign and share’. Officers showed Cllr Stevens his tweets and asked him why he supported the petition. Cllr Stevens stated that he is a free speech absolutist and that even if he does not agree with someone, he believes in their right to express their beliefs. Cllr Stevens was released on bail, his mobile phone was seized to be searched for further evidence. He is required to surrender himself at Kettering police station on November 1. He has made a complaint to the Independent Office for Police Conduct regarding his treatment.
Vandals wreak havoc in Milan church
August 8, 2023, ItalyBetween 7th and 8th August, the church of Santa Maria Liberatrice in Milan was vandalized. The premises were also used as the headquarters of a charity organisation Milano Sospesa. Some of the clothing and blankets they had collected for charity had become unusable.
Destruction of the shrine of the Sorrowful Christ
August 8, 2023, PolandOn the night of August 7-8, 2023, unknown perpetrators destroyed the chapel of the Sorrowful Christ in Karczew. The vandals used an axe to destroy the hands and part of the head of the wooden figure of Christ.
Church vandalised with Red paint in Lucca
August 7, 2023, ItalyUnknown perpetrators targeted the side entrance of the Basilica of San Paolino in Lucca with red paint. The parish priest Don Lucio Malanca told the newspaper "La Nazione" that they have experienced of repeated acts of vandalism. He said: "Unfortunately, this is not even the most serious act of vandalism suffered by our Lucchese churches and monuments in the historic centre".
Serbian Orthodox church vandalised in Kosovo the night before its commemoration
August 7, 2023, KosovoThe Office for Kosovo and Metohija of the Government of the Republic of Serbia reported and shared pictures of a vandalic attack that the church of Saint Petka suffered on 7 August. The church is located in the settlement of Suvi Do, close to Mitrovica, and belongs to the Serbian Orthodox Church. The church was attacked the night before its dedication day (temple's glory day).
Vandalism at Angoulême cathedral
August 7, 2023, FranceOn 7 August, the cathedral of Angoulême was vandalised: Chests were broken into, looted and even deformed with tools. Candles were thrown to the floor and their burners damaged. Liturgical equipment, such as lecterns, was also damaged.
"World Youth Day" monument in Leiria vandalised with anti-Church inscription
August 6, 2023, PortugalOn the night of August 6-7, the monument with the letters "Leiria" in the city of the same name in Portugal was vandalized with an anti-Church slogan. The letters were put in commemoration of World Youth Day 2023 in Portugal painted with the colors and the logo of WYD.
"Are you a Christian?" Three Christians assaulted and robbed by gang
August 6, 2023, FranceOn Sunday 6 August, a group of friends were attacked by six people in the Vieux-Port, in the 1st arrondissement of Marseille. The attackers asked them if they were Christians and stole their crosses.
Recently inaugurated St Anthony statue decapitated and vandalized in Portugal
August 5, 2023, PortugalThe statue of St Anthony recently inaugurated in Torres Novas was vandalised on August 5. It was found the next morning with the head cut off, the statue of the Infant Jesus destroyed and a carton banner written "God is dead" and "You paedophiles." The damage was valued at €13,000.
"God is Trans" tagged on Religious Panel during World Youth Day
August 5, 2023, PortugalOn August 5, a tile panel depicting the Ecce Homo (an image of Jesus Christ), the 5th station of the ancient procession of "Nosso Senhor dos Passos," was vandalized with the graffiti "God is trans" in the city of Torres Novas. This panel had recently been restored and blessed.
Vandals raid medieval church in Varigotti and destroy several objects
August 5, 2023, ItalyUnknown vandals entered San Lorenzo's medieval church in Varigotti on the night of 5-6 August and destroyed several things during the raid. Apart from ransacking the premises, they also stole offerings and other equipment from the church.
Arson in Großröhrsdorf destroys 300 year old protestant church
August 4, 2023, GermanyOn August 4, the baroque protestant church of Großröhrsdorf, a small town in Saxony, burned down to the ground. After a week of investigation, the criminal investigation department determined that the cause of the fire was arson and a suspect has already been arrested.
Church of Saint Peter desecrated in Désaignes
August 4, 2023, FranceOn August 4, the church of Saint Peter of Désaignes, in France, was vandalized on its interior. A crucifix was damaged, leaving the arms of Christ broken, when it was taken down and left near the altar. There were also tags painted with silver paint on two pillars on either side of the altar, representing the male and female symbols. The gendarmerie is conducting an investigation.
Statue of Saint Joseph stolen
August 4, 2023, FranceA plaster statue of Saint Joseph was stolen from the abbey church of Saint-Jouin de Marnes in the Deux Sèvres department on 4 August.
Porsche digitally removes Lisbon's landmark Christ statue from advertisement
August 2, 2023, PortugalGerman luxury car brand Porsche digitally removed the statue of Christ the King in Lisbon from an advertisement celebrating 60 years of the Porsche 911 filmed in Portugal and published on 2 August. After the unreasonable removal of the monument caused outrage among Christians, the brand apologised for the "error" and re-published the video with the Christ unedited.
Satanic Symbols sprayed on Church Wall in Graz
August 2, 2023, AustriaIn the night of 1st to 2nd of August, a church in Graz was vandalised with graffiti. Perpetrators painted inverted crosses on the outside walls of the church. Inverted crosses are known to be anti-Christian, satanic and occultist symbols. The police were notified and have started an investigation.
St. Oswald's Parish Church Reduces Opening Hours After Vandalism
August 1, 2023, United KingdomSt Oswald's Parish Church in Oswestry has implemented new opening hours in response to reports of vandalism and unacceptable behaviour on its premises. In a Facebook announcement, a church spokesperson expressed regret over the need to reduce the opening hours, citing recent incidents of vandalism and unacceptable behaviour as the driving force behind the decision.
Vandalism at the Church of San Sebastiano
August 1, 2023, ItalyOn the evening of August 1, unknown perpetrators vandalised the plaster and some masonry parts of the Church of San Sebastiano in Montopoli.
Statue of Mary Damaged in L'Aquila Church
August 1, 2023, ItalyIn L'Aquila a young man damaged a statue of Mary in the church of San Pio X. According to initial police reports, the young man defaced the statue with a Hebrew tetragram after waiting for the departure of worshippers. He then forcibly pulled the statue from its pedestal, causing damage to its arm and legs.
Vandalism Strikes Historic Cleeberg Church
August 1, 2023, GermanyA historic village church in Cleeberg, dating back to 1355, has been targeted by vandals, leaving the community in shock. The occurrence, discovered on the evening of August 1, involved the destruction of property and the desecration of religious items, including damages to the Bible on the altar.
Church remains closed after disturbances
July 31, 2023, United KingdomBetween July 30 and July 31, unknown individuals caused disturbances at St. Andrew's Church in Barningham. The perpetrators entered the church and took plants and pots from a funeral service, rolled up a carpet, interfered with the church organ, and discarded wrappers. The church now has to be locked during the day.
Vandals Damage Statues in Chapel in Żuklin
July 31, 2023, PolandIn Żuklin, in Kańczuga commune, two religious figures were vandalised by unknown perpetrators. The damage caused to the chapel was noticed by residents who were shocked upon discovering the act of vandalism. The eyes of a statue of Mary and a statue of Jesus were defaced.
Desecration of a painting of the Last Supper
July 31, 2023, PolandOn July 31, the Parish priest of the Our Lady Queen of Poland church in Chojnice reported that the Last Supper painting near the church entrance was vandalised. Specifically, one of the Apostles' faces was cut out.
Teenager Sets Fire to Liebfrauenkapelle
July 31, 2023, GermanyOn the 31st of July, a fire broke out in the Liebfrauenkapelle in Neuhausen, damaging several furnishings. The authorities were promptly alerted by a 78-year-old man who was passing by and had noticed a teenage boy running away.
Theft and vandalism in the Grästorp's Church
July 31, 2023, SwedenOn July 31, 2023, the perpetrator caused significant damage to a church in Grästorp. The man smashed a window and emptied a fire extinguisher in the church. The damage is estimated at SEK 13,350 (1,400 euro), according to the indictment. At the same time, he and an unknown accomplice committed theft by taking a cassock. The perpetrator was arrested, but denies the offence.
Thousands Stolen from Church During Mass in Ferentino
July 30, 2023, ItalyOn the 30th of July, a group of thieves targeted the church of San Giuseppe in Ferentino (Frosinone), seizing several thousand euros from the sacristy while the parish priest, Don Fabio, was celebrating mass. The perpetrators forcefully entered the sacristy, breaking down its door, and escaped with an estimated loot of three thousand euros.
Chapel of San Vicente Vandalised Again
July 30, 2023, SpainOn the 30th of July, the chapel of San Vicente de O Grove was vandalised once more. Its door was forcibly opened, all the windows in the sacristy were shattered, and a broken flower pot, which did not belong to the chapel, was left there. Parish priest Juan Ventura Martínez filed a complaint with the Civil Guard following the incident.
63-Year-Old Sets two Bibles on Fire on Church Altar
July 30, 2023, GermanyOn the 30th of July, a 63-year-old man set fire to two Bibles on the altar of a church in the Ravensburg district. Firefighters intervened to restrain the man before the police arrived and arrested him. Due to the firefighter's prompt intervention, the fire did not spread to the church or its furniture.
Cross broken off a chapel
July 30, 2023, FranceThe cross of the Saint Maur chapel, a 17th-century building located in the Brotonne forest in Vatteville-la-Rue, was broken by vandals at the end of July 2023. The roof was damaged and the cross broken, probably ‘by stones being thrown’, said Jacques Charron, the local mayor.