All cases

Chapel of St. Julien Desecrated and Vandalized in Morbihan

January 8, 2023, France

The chapel of St. Julien in Morbihan has been desecrated and vandalised by unknown perpetrators on the 8th of January. The newspaper Le Télégramme revealed that all crosses were turned upside down, a statue of the Virgin Mary was wrapped with red electric lights, an ex-voto was damaged and a fire extinguisher was poured out on the church. According to the mayor of Morbihan, Patrick Le Roux, such acts had not been seen in the past in this city, "It is for me the expression of absolute evil and stupidity," he added. The destruction was found by a parishioner on Sunday afternoon.

Jesus Figure Stolen from Wayside Shrine Crucifix

January 8, 2023, Germany

Between the 19th of December and the 8th of January, the wayside shrine in Icking was vandalised. An unknown perpetrator unscrewed the Jesus figure from its cross and took it away. Now, the police have been notified and they are investigating the case.

5000 Euro Damage: Perpetrators Throw Explosives Towards Church

January 7, 2023, Germany

In the city of Halberstadt, a form of pyrotechnics were used to destroy church property at the Lüttgenfeldstraße, amounting to 5,000 euros in damage. Around 3:45 a.m. on January 7, unknown persons threw crafted explosives over the fence of the church and caused damage to a nativity play which was handcrafted with plastic and wood. The explosion also caused damage to the façade of the church and a window. The police are seeking witnesses to find the perpetrators.

1,000 euros Worth of Damage to church in Ottersheim

January 7, 2023, Germany

Between the 7th and 9th of January, unknown perpetrators damaged the cupboards of the St. Martinus Church in Ottersheim. The police is running an investigation and looking for the perpetrators. The damaged cupboards amount to about 1000 euros worth.

Church bells stolen

January 7, 2023, Germany

Unknown people removed the bell that weighs 800 kilograms from Evangelical Christ Church, Dietzenbach.

Statue of Baby Jesus destroyed and Desecrated At church of St. James

January 6, 2023, Poland

During the night on January 6, the statue of Baby Jesus from the Nativity Scene in the St. James Church was vandalized in Brzesko. According to the report, the right hands were cut off, and the statue was destroyed and left at the Jordan park. The pastor of the church commented: "This kind of profanation is not only an expression of stupidity, vandalism or thuggery on the part of some people, but it is first and foremost an attack on our religious feelings."

Arson Attack on Santa Francesca Cabrini Church in Lodi

January 5, 2023, Italy

On January 5 in the afternoon, an arsonist set fire to the church of the parish of Santa Francesca Cabrini, in Lodi. The flames destroyed a large part of the entrance door and damaged the side walls. Fire was set to a curtain close to the entrance, and a gospel placed on a lectern. The perpetrator has been caught by the police.

Vandals smash church windows

January 5, 2023, Poland

On the night of 4-5 January 2023, unknown perpetrators threw stones at the new Church of Mary of the Christians in Ropa. Protective glass and stained glass in three windows of the presbytery were damaged, and the police are investigating the case.

Priest violently threatened

January 5, 2023, France

Accused of threats and aggression against a priest in Tarascon-sur-Ariège, a 58-year-old man appeared on Thursday, January 5, 2023 before the Criminal Court of Foix (Ariège). On two occasions in September and November 2022, in connection with a neighbourhood dispute over a leak in the gutter of the presbytery, the defendant had threatened Father Jean Ngendakuriyo, among other things with the words 'If my son were here, he would have slit your throat and thrown you in the dustbin'.

Vandalism to the San Giacomo Church in Paola

January 4, 2023, Italy

In Paola, unknown vandals targeted, among other buildings, the main entrance of San Giacomo church. A few weeks before, the native house of Francis of Paola had been vandalized too. The Provincial Superior of the Order of Minims strongly condemned these acts and called for more security in the town.

Two People Vandalise the St. John's Church in Miltenberg

January 4, 2023, Germany

It was reported that two young people vandalised St. John's Church on the 4th of January. They left traces of foam from the fire extinguisher all over the church and special items. The sacristan came to the church right after the incident happened and reported the crime. A cleaning crew tried to remove the foam, textiles and other valuable Paramentes also had to be cleaned. It seems that the Altar Bible has suffered permanent damage. The police are investigating.

Vandalism at Catholic Seminary and Diocesan Library

January 4, 2023, Italy

Don Sabino Mennuni, the director of the catholic seminary in Andria reported about repeated acts vandalism and harassment at the facilities. According to his report, he was harassed and insulted while cleaning the entrance door of the seminary. The youth who insulted him also deposed garbage at the entrance and urinated on the door.

Deadly Knife Attack Against Ukrainian Priest inside the Church

January 2, 2023, Ukraine

On the morning of January 2, in the Holy Virgin Church in Vinnytsia, an unknown man attacked the priest Anthony Kovtonyuk and cut him on the throat. The unidentified man had entered the church and started turning everything over, so the priest reprimanded him. Then, the perpetrator attacked the priest with his knife, as it was reported by the diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. The police came to the scene and apprehended the attacker, who has been arrested. Father Anthony was taken to the emergency services later transferred to the intensive care unit in a Vinnitsia hospital.

Historical Church of St Peter and St Paul in Turin Defaced with Graffiti

January 2, 2023, Italy

The Romanesque Church of Saints Peter and Paul located in Chianocco, Turin, has been spray painted by unknown vandals. The perpetrators painted inappropriate or obscene drawings and words on the stone wall of the old church. This was reported on the 2nd of January. In the next days, volunteers will come and help clean up the mess that was left behind. The police are investigating.

Cross stolen and vandalised in Deblin

January 2, 2023, Poland

On January 2, the police in Dęblin received a report of the theft of a wooden cross that was attached to the wall of one of the churches in Deblin. The police found that two young men, aged 21 and 23, residents of Dęblin, Lubelskie Voivodeship, had taken the cross attached to one of the churches and carried it around the city. They then damaged it, broke off the figure of Jesus, and abandoned it by one of the streets.

Physical attack on an altar boy

January 2, 2023, Poland

On 2 January 2023, in Witkowo, a man verbally and physically attacked one of the altar boys accompanying the priest during a pastoral visit.

Cemetery in Nîmes: 96 graves vandalised

January 2, 2023, France

96 graves have been vandalised at the Saint-Césaire cemetery in Nîmes. On Monday 2 January, municipal employees observed the theft of bronze and other damage. The police are currently conducting an investigation.

Arson Attack on Lessay Abbey

January 2, 2023, France

Lessay Abbey was hit by an arson attack on 2 January, according to the mayor, Stéphanie Maubé, in a statement seen by BFM Normandie. Two fires broke out in the manger, which was made of wood, straw and a sheet of tarpaulin. The fire was quickly brought under control thanks to the intervention of a parishioner who entered the abbey ‘as the sheets were melting, causing thick smoke, and the straw was catching fire very quickly.

Three nativity scene figures stolen from Freigné chapel

January 2, 2023, France

On 2 January, three figures from the nativity scene in the Rosaire chapel in Freigné, France, have been stolen. The volunteers from the Bienheureux Noël Pinot parish are shocked.

Lutheran cemetery in Kozakowice Dolne vandalised

January 1, 2023, Poland

On January 1, the Lutheran cemetery in Kozakowice Dolne and a small church next to the cemetery, belonging to the Evangelical Augsburg Parish in Goleszów, were vandalised. The tombstones were knocked over, flowers and candles scattered. At the church the façade was damaged and windows were broken.

Statue of St. Florian in Lubawka beheaded

January 1, 2023, Poland

On the night of 31 December 2022 to 1 January 2023, three young people, a 17-year-old and two 15-year-olds, vandalised the statue of St Florian standing in the clearing at the beginning of the Way of the Cross in Lubawka. The head of the statue was cut off.

Facade of Church defaced with paper bombs by young vandals

December 31, 2022, Italy

In the town of Marigliano, the facade of thee church The Lady Most Holy of Mount Carmel was vandalized with paper bombs by young vandals. The perpetrators ruined the facade and caused shock among the residents, who expressed their emotions and anger. The incident was filmed with smartphones and the images were shared on social networks.

Three Young Women Set Fire to Church in Ireland

December 30, 2022, Ireland

The police in North Kerry are investigating an act of vandalism against a church in Ballyduff. Three young women entered the St. Peter and St. Paul church and set fire to the altar cloth. The incident happened on the 30th of December, during the opening hours of the church. Detectives are investigating the motive behind the incident. The altar cloth did not go up in flames, so the damage was not extensive.

Vandals Break Windows and Break Into Church in Germany

December 29, 2022, Germany

On the 29th of December around midday, unknown persons broke into a church and removed the fence. They entered by breaking the kitchen window, but they did not cause other damage to the interior. The police has estimated the damages to be of 2,000 euros.

Nativity Scene Figures Repeatedly Vandalized - One Statue Decapitated and Jesus Stolen

December 29, 2022, Germany

On the 29th of December, unknown vandals stole the Baby Jesus of the nativity scene in Waren and beheaded one of the three wisemen figures. The display belongs to a Baptist Church and it has been vandalized many times in the last few years. This last incident included two consecutive nights of vandalism. The municipality is trying to help with the investigation. Apart from the main figures, a sheep and another figure were scattered on the meadow and other figures were knocked over.

Vandals Burn Nativity Scene Figures

December 29, 2022, Spain

In the city of Zamora, the locals and neighbours showed shock and sadness towards an attack on a nativity scene, which was reported on the 29th of December. Unknown vandals, suspected to be a young group of people, burned the figures of the Christmas display. Some people commented that the fire looked like a bonfire as vandals were burning religious figures.

Three Church Oratories Vandalized Around Christmas

December 29, 2022, Italy

Around the Christmas time, there were several cases of vandalism to oratories in Melegnano. Vandals broke into oratories and destroyed rooms, religious objects, as well as the façade of the Church building. There is an ongoing investigation to find the perpetrators.

Break-in to Church and Vandalism by group of Teenagers

December 29, 2022, United Kingdom

At around 3.45 p.m. on the 29th of December, the St Peter’s Church door was busted open by teenagers. Once inside, they damaged a cross, a statue and candles. The suspects are four boys and four girls who were seen by residents running away from the church with dark clothes on and heading toward Claydon High School. The faces are yet to be identified but the police are asking for any cam footage from cars that were there parked near the scene.

Thieves Steal Baby Jesus from Nativity Scene and Ask for "Ransom" Money

December 28, 2022, Spain

In the town of Barbera del Valles, thieves "kidnapped" the figure of the baby Jesus from the open-air nativity scene on the 28. December at night. They then posted a video on social media with covered faces and distorted voices demanding a ransom of 10,000 euros for the precious figure. According to Spanish media, the city council of the town expressed the hope that it could be a sort of prank. But this is not the first theft of the small figure from the Nativity scene in the church square.

Catholic Owned Centre Vandalised Twice in Two Weeks

December 28, 2022, Italy

In the city of Corticelle, vandals targeted the building adjacent to the Pieve church on the 28th of January. The building is a Catholic-owned centre that belongs to the Amici della Pieve association. The news reported that unknown perpetrators caused major damage by breaking the windows and doors and committing burglary. The police are said to investigate under surveillance cameras since vandals have caused two events within two weeks.

Vandals Steal Baby Jesus from Church in Florence

December 28, 2022, Italy

On December 28, the surveillance camera showed how unknown suspects stole the statue of the Baby Jesus from the nativity scene. The reports have also mentioned that several young people were hiding the statue of Baby Jesus under their clothes and walking around the city with it. The figure was later found at a restaurant terrace and other acts of vandalism have been investigated previously by the police.

Unknown Persons Riot in Leipzig Church Causing Several Damages

December 27, 2022, Germany

Unidentified person(s) have caused several damages inside the Catholic Provost Church of St Trinitatis in Leipzig. On the 27. December in the afternoon, he rioted in the church, threw various books around and damaged the nativity figures. The damage was estimated at a three-digit amount by the police.

Baby Jesus Figure Stolen in Munich Church

December 26, 2022, Germany

In the Jesuit Church of St. Michael in Munich, the nativity scene has been ruined and an unknown suspect has stolen the statue of the infant baby Jesus. It was reported that the statue about 25 centimetres tall, was stolen on the second day of Christmas. Father Martin Stark has therefore left a note on the empty crib saying "Here lay our baby Jesus, who is part of our historical nativity scene. Unfortunately it got lost on the 2nd day of Christmas. I ask the one, who probably took it, imploringly to return the figure to us!".

Church Set on Fire While Faithful were Celebrating Mass Inside

December 25, 2022, Finland

On the 25. December, while 30 people were celebrating Christmas service in a small wooden church in Rautjärvi, a fire broke out and the faithful had to be quickly evacuated. The historic Evangelical church was completely destroyed by the fire that started at 8.30 am. The criminal commissioner, Mika Salminen said in a press conference that the side doors of the church had been attached with ropes. There is no doubt for the police, that this was a willful attack.

Priest House Broken into and money stolen While He Held Christmas Mass

December 25, 2022, France

While celebrating mass and Christmas Eve in the village of Alsace, burglars entered the Priests' home and stole money. It was said the burglars might have known the time the masses were since it was posted online. Therefore, the theft was already planned beforehand. The amount of the stolen money is unclear, but it was from donations and collections from the church. The 59-year-old has said it was "traumatic" for him and that the investigation is still ongoing.

Break-In and Burglary at Church in Germany

December 25, 2022, Germany

On the 25th of December, the police reported that unknown perpetrators broke into the Christuskirche and burgled the interior. Laptops and bread rolls packages were stolen. The vandals entered the church through a window and by breaking the connected doors.

Vandals Destroy glass pane in the Belmonte Sanctuary

December 22, 2022, Italy

In Valperga, vandals broke a glass pane of the Belmonte sanctuary, as reported on the 22nd of December. Mayor Sandretto commented that a volunteer who takes care of the place has repaired the damage, as he was the one that noticed it. The attack must have been on the days before.

Birmingham charity worker arrested for praying 'in her mind' near an abortion facility

December 20, 2022, United Kingdom

ADF UK reported that a charity volunteer has been arrested and charged with four counts after telling the police that she “might” be praying silently in her mind, after being questioned by them over why she was standing inside an abortion facility’s censorship zone. The arrest and charges took place as authorities consider criminalising prayer near abortion facilities nationwide in the new Public Order Bill.

Church of Norway asked to remove crosses from cemeteries and chapels as Human-Ethical Association finds them 'threatening'

December 19, 2022, Norway

In December 2022, the Church of Norway was asked by the local branch of the Human-Ethical Association (HEF) to remove the crosses on chapels and cemeteries as it finds them to be "threatening". The HEF advocates for more "neutrality" in public space.

Satanic Vandalic Attack on a Church in Golino

December 19, 2022, Switzerland

Between the 18th and 18th of December, unknown vandals tagged the walls of the church of San Giorgio in Golino, Canton of Ticino, with satanic and anarchist symbology in black paint. A complaint has already been made by the parish. The damage was noticed by the sacristan the next morning.

Saint-Roch's church in Paris Defaced with Hateful Graffiti

December 19, 2022, France

On 19 December several tags with insults, anarchist and nazi symbols appeared on several doors of Saint Roch's church in the centre of Paris. "A few days before Christmas, scandalous inscriptions were left on the church of Saint-Roch", wrote the mayor of Paris, Ariel Weil. He commented that a complaint had been lodged at the police and that the cleaning of the building had started.

Vandals Throw Flower Pots Through The Windows of a Church in Egham

December 18, 2022, United Kingdom

Between the 18th and 19th of December, an unknown perpetrator destroyed several windows of the St. John of Rochester Catholic church in Egham Hythe. The perpetrator smashed the windows by throwing flower pots through them. The shattered glass spread over the floor and the incident was discovered by a church volunteer, Anne-do Bauchot. She and other church members said they were "heartbroken" by seeing this attack. Also, because of this, the church was not able to hold their traditional Christmas Eve service.

Man Arrested After Destroying Nativity Scene with Hammer

December 17, 2022, Spain

A video was uploaded on Youtube on the 17. December of a man that destroys a Nativity Scene with a hammer in the Spanish city of Calahorra. He has already been arrested by the police.

18-year-olds Climb on the Saint-Maclou Church's Roof and shove down Gargoyles

December 17, 2022, France

On the evening of January 17, it was reported that two 18-year-olds climbed up the roof of the Saint-Maclou Church in Rouen. Once they were there, they pushed down the church's gargoyles. Their motives were unclear and authorities also reported that the men were heavily intoxicated. From the gargoyles that were thrown, at least one was destroyed and several others were damaged.

16th Century Church Looted in Kosovo

December 16, 2022, Kosovo

Amid the new tensions of December 2022 between Serbians and Albanians in Kosovo, it was reported on Serbian news that ethnic Albanians looted several Serbian houses and one church: "Residents of the village of Bogoševac near Prizren said that Albanians had looted several Serbian houses. The local population lost everything - from equipment to personal belongings. The church of St. Nicholas, built in the 16th century, was also looted. In 2022, the highest number of attacks on the Serbian population of Kosovo and Metohija was recorded".

Good news: German court rules that the ban on worship services during pandemic was illegal

December 16, 2022, Germany

A German court in Minden has declared that the "decision to ban worship services was illegal" as "the measure was 'disproportional', not founded in the law for infection prevention and violated the freedom of religion severely." The case referred to the total ban on public worship passed by the municipal council of Lage, a small town in the state of Lower Saxony, during Easter 2021.

1,000 euros worth of Altar Pieces Stolen

December 16, 2022, Cyprus

Tremithousa Village is located in Cyprus, where there has been a grand theft at the Chapel of the Prophet Elias. It was reported on the 16th of December that the police have started the investigation. Unknown perpetrators have broken into the chapel and have stolen four altarpieces that are worth 1,000 euros.

Dead animals found near a church

December 16, 2022, United Kingdom

The congregation of St Peter's Church in Bramshaw, England, is on the alert after a dead cat was found on the flagpole and a dead fox on the church steps within two weeks of each other. The faithful suspect Satanists.

UPDATE: Spain's Lower House Passes Bill Allowing Abortion for Minors Without Parental Consent

December 15, 2022, Spain

After some months of debate, the Congress of Deputies (the national parliament lower house in Madrid) recently passed the new abortion law. This law breaches human rights for parents and medical staff alike, as it allows minor girls 16 and 17 years old to undergo an abortion without parental consent. Also, the freedom of conscience for medical staff is under pressure, as doctors who opt-out from this procedure for conscience reasons will be placed on a list of "conscientious objectors" and removed from the medical committees that decide over a woman's claims of malformation or illness of the foetus that want to abort beyond the limit of the first 14 weeks.

Roof of the Lutheran Church of Chemnitz damaged

December 14, 2022, Germany

According to the police, on 14. December, unknown perpetrators have probably thrown fireworks at the rooftop of the Luther Church of Chemnitz. This has caused damage to the entrance, the estimated amount is around 7500 euros

Statues of Joseph and Mary Beheaded in Broad Daylight in Schaffen

December 14, 2022, Belgium

The statues of Joseph and Mary were found beheaded at the Nativity scene in Schaffen (Diest), on 14 December. It happened in broad daylight, in the afternoon. According to local residents, it is not the first time vandals have struck at the nativity scene.

The ECHR condemns Bulgaria for violating the right to Religious Freedom of Evangelical Christians

December 13, 2022, Bulgaria

The European Court of Human Rights has condemned Bulgaria for a 2008 governmental campaign to warn children and families away from Protestant churches. This came after in 2021, Pastor Tonchev and Pastor Kiryakov in Burgas, challenged the government's campaign that labelled Protestant Christians as "sects"and told children at schools that they should not attend such churches.

Arson Attack to Nativity Scene in Strasbourg

December 13, 2022, France

The nativity scene at the heart of the Christmas market in Illkirch-Graffenstaden, a town near Strasbourg, was destroyed by arson, reports the news site "20 Minutes". The incident was reported on the 13th of December. The police is searching for the perpetrator.

Vandalism to Church Property in Braga

December 12, 2022, Portugal

The vicinity of the Parish Church of São Francisco, in the parish of Real, in Braga, has been the target of vandalism and graffiti. Also a signboard in São Bento da Porta Aberta was found destroyed on 12 December.

Protestant Pastor arrested in Berdyansk, Ukraine by Russian Forces

December 12, 2022, Ukraine

The Ngo Forum 18 reports that on 12. December, "armed Russian soldiers broke into the home of Serhiy Karpenko, Pastor of the Vefil (Bethel) Protestant Church in Berdyansk." The Russian forces took him away in an unknown direction. The Berdyansk News Online also reported this on its Telegram channel the same day. According to the news channel, local residents said "soldiers had also searched the Church and allegedly found Ukrainian symbols."

110 Year Old Cross Stolen from St. Michael Church in Germany

December 11, 2022, Germany

Unknown perpetrators stole the cross from the church of St. Michael in Blumenfeld, as reported on 11. December. It seems that this happened soon after the Advent singing, leaving the dean and the mayor stunned with the theft. The cross, which is more than 110 years old, is estimated to be worth up to 12,000 euros. The police have started an investigation and are looking for witnesses and information.

Assault in an Evangelical Church in Caserta: Worshippers Robbed During the Service

December 11, 2022, Italy

An armed robbery took place on 11. December night in an evangelical church in Orta di Atella, in the province of Caserta. The six robbers, according to the witnesses, entered the church during the Sunday service with covered faces and, at least two of them, armed with pistols, robbing some of the worshippers present. The whole incident lasted only a few minutes, after which the bandits fled in a car, with the Carabinieri only appearing at the scene later.

Right-Wing Slogans Tagged on Church in Germany

December 11, 2022, Germany

The Door of St. Peter's Church in Versmold has been tagged with right-wing extremist slogans by unknown perpetrators. The graffiti shows inciting symbols and slogans, as it was reported on the 11. December. The police of Bielefeld are investigating and trying to identify the perpetrators.

Church Robbed and Vandalised in Portugal

December 10, 2022, Portugal

The bells of the Church of Santa Marta, in the parish of Benfica do Ribatejo, were stolen and the facilities of the scouts were robbed. The alert for the theft was given this Saturday morning, December 10, but the robbery would have occurred on Thursday or Friday. The bells were stolen from the Church Tower and the robbers caused even more damage. They entered the Scouts' premises and destroyed various Scout materials and even stole several tents.

Arson to Church in Calais

December 10, 2022, France

On 10. December, rooms, doors, and objects at the Notre Dame des Armées Church in Calais were burned during an arson attack. One of the parish members commented that they perceived a"strong burning smell" when they entered the building on that day. Unknown perpetrators had burned the door leading to the sacristy, the room where the priest prepares the celebrations and the floor tile. The police have opened an investigation, they are treating the case as an intensional fire caused by the perpetrator. Fortunately, no injuries were reported and the fire did not affect "valuable objects".

Statue of Saint Margaret stolen

December 10, 2022, Belgium

The bronze statue of Saint Margaret, which stood opposite the church in Jemelle, was stolen late on the afternoon of 10 December.

"God is Dead, We killed him" Tagged on St. Nikolaus Church and Primary School

December 9, 2022, Germany

Between December 9 and the 13th, the buildings of the St. Nikolaus church and an elementary school were smeared with graffiti and anti-Christian slogans in Konz. One writing said, "God is dead, we killed him", while other symbols were tagged such as pentagrams and inverted crosses. The police have proof from the CCTV cameras of two unidentified perpetrators who entered the elementary school grounds and graffitied the walls. However, the persons are yet to be identified.

Insults Tagged on Catholic Monument in Valladolid

December 9, 2022, Spain

On the night of the 9. December, unknown perpetrators spray-painted insults on the Monument to the Brotherhood of Valladolid in the city of Valladolid. The vandals painted the word "paedophile" on the statue of the brother and "little slut" on the statue of the girl. The monument represents the tradition of the Valladolid Holy Week. The incident has been reported by the police and the cleaning service has been notified. The police is looking for witnesses to identify the perpetrators.

Man Arrested After Physically Attacking Priest

December 8, 2022, Spain

A 60-year-old man has been arrested by the police in Medina Sidonia for allegedly assaulting a priest in the church of San Juan de Dios on Thursday 8th of December. According to witnesses, the man attacked the priest with several punches before a funeral was going to take place. He caused him a series of injuries for which the priest had to be treated later at a hospital. The incident occurred at around 16.30 hours. The priest, Fr. Stuart James Chipolina was preparing to officiate at a funeral in the church when, after an argument with the local, the latter punched the priest several times.

Pro-terrorist Graffiti at Church's Door in Sevilla

December 6, 2022, Spain

A tag with the words "Gora ET(A)" appeared at the door of San Marcos' parish in Sevilla on December 6. The meaning of the painted slogan in Basque language is "long live ETA", in reference to the Basque separatist organization ETA, classified as a terrorist group by Spain, France, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada and the European Union.

Church of Santa Maria dei Centurelli in Caporciano Vandalised

December 6, 2022, Italy

Signs and writing appeared on the façade of the Church of Santa Maria dei Centurelli, in the municipality of Caporciano. The report was made by the Celestinian Movement, which posted photos showing the vandalism. A graffiti on the wall of the church seems to say "thieves", and the information sign outside the church was also defaced with graffiti. The perpetrators remain unknown. The photos were shared on social media by Massimo Alesii and caused indignation. "A serious, very serious fact happened in Centurelli. The appeal is to the local communities... to raise their eyes to the mountains,' wrote Massimo Alesii.

Church in Campania desecrated with excrement in the holy water fonts

December 4, 2022, Italy

Urine and excrement were found in the two stoups at the entrance to the Church of Sant'Adiutore in Cervinara. This was revealed during Mass on December 4 by the parish priest of Cervinara, Don Renato Trapani. All the churches in Cervinara are also open at night so that those who want to gather in prayer freely at all hours can do so without restrictions. The priest showed his sorrow, inviting those in the know to come forward to shed light on this episode.

Vandalic Attack to the Oldest Church in Madrid

December 3, 2022, Spain

On the night of December 2 to 3, unknown persons defaced the walls of the hermitage of Santa María La Antigua of Carabanchel with graffiti, one of the tags containing the Anarchist Ⓐ and an upside-down cross. This 13th-century Mudéjar temple is the oldest building constructed in Madrid.

Altar cloths set on fire in Bauler church

December 3, 2022, Germany

In the period from December 2 to December 3, 2022, the altar cloths were burnt in the parish church in Bauler, according to the Bitburg police department. The perpetrator or perpetrators, who are as to date unknown, lit all the sacrificial candles and then also the altar cloths, some of which burnt down, causing material damage, according to the police.

Raising concerns over Zelensky's green light to ban the Ukrainian Orthodox Church activities

December 1, 2022, Ukraine

On 1. December Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that he had signed a decision by the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine (NSDC). The decision instructed the government to submit a bill "on the impossibility of religious organizations affiliated with the centres of influence in the Russian Federation to operate in Ukraine" to the Verkhovna Rada. Although this is a political decision conveyed during a war period, the way it is put into practice could gravely affect religious freedom in the country.

Religious Objects and Valuables Stolen from Church in Treviso

December 1, 2022, Italy

In late November or early December, the Church of 'Santa Maria della Pieve', in Via Borgo Pieve in Castelfranco Veneto, was targeted. Two glass and brass candle holders, various liturgical booklets and votive candles were stolen, while a copper cover and a holy water stoup were partially damaged in an attempt to steal them. Two persons, also linked to other church thefts in the area of Treviso, have been arrested.

Church in Vienna Tagged With Anti-Christian slogan

November 30, 2022, Austria

"No God, No State, No Patriarchy" was sprayed on the walls of the Breitenfeld Church in Vienna in a vandalic attack that took place in late November. An eyewitness sent the picture to OIDAC Europe.

Good News: Russian Court Overturns Decision to Mobilise Christian Conscientious Objector to War

November 30, 2022, Russia

After the Russian mobilisation for the war in Ukraine was announced in September 2022, Pavel Mushumansky, a young Evangelical Christian, was called to a military unit. He appealed to the court, as he is a conscientious objector to take up arms. The court concluded, that as he had previously completed an alternative civilian service, he could no longer be sent to the active army during mobilisation. The Gatchina City Court of the Leningrad Oblast therefore declared illegal the decision to conscript Pavel Mushumansky.

Pew Research Study: Christians faced harassment in more countries than any other religion worldwide

November 29, 2022, International

In November 2022, the Pew Research Center published a new worldwide study on harassment and restrictions against religious groups in 2020. According to the findings, government authorities harassed religious groups in 178 countries in 2020 and social groups or individuals harassed religious groups in 164 countries. Both numbers show a slight decline in comparison to 2019. Christians and Muslims, the largest religions in the world, faced harassment in more countries than any other religious group, same as in previous years. The study documented that Christians were harassed in 155 countries, (2019: 153). Muslims were harassed in 145 countries (2019: 147) and Jews faced harassment in 94 countries (2019: 89).

Chaplain receives Apology after being pressured to remove his half-inch cross

November 28, 2022, United Kingdom

Derek Timms, a chaplain from Solihull, was told in September at the Marie Curie charity’s Solihull branch, that he must not wear the cross as it might "offend’ and "create barriers" with patients. He was also told that he would face consequences if he did not remove the cross, which was a symbol of his faith but also a memory of his late wife. After receiving legal support, Mr Timms received an "unreserved" apology letter from the Marie Curie charity's regional head office.

400kg Bells Stolen from Church in Gelsenkirchen

November 27, 2022, Germany

Between 22 and 27 November, unknown assailants have stolen a 400-kilogram bell from a church in Gelsenkirchen-Scholven. The bell has a diameter of about 75 centimetres and a height of 1.15 metres, according to the police. The bell itself was not in the tower of St. Joseph's Church at the time of the theft. It was was placed in the interior.

Profanation of the Stations of the Cross at the Calvary in Jerzmanowice

November 26, 2022, Poland

An act of desecration happened in Jerzmanowice on 26 November. Someone turned the cross on the local Calvary upside down and hung an animal skull on it. This is the second time this year that an unknown perpetrator has destroyed, devastated and profaned this Way of the Cross.

Ukrainian Greek Catholic priests expelled from Russian-occupied Melitopol

November 25, 2022, Ukraine

Fr Petro Krenitsky, parish priest of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Assumption of Saint Anna Church in Melitopol, was detained by Rusian forces on 25 November and then released on the same day. He was later forced to leave to Ukrainian-held territory. A few days later, the remaining Greek-Catholic priest in the city, Fr Oleksandr Bogomaz, was also expelled. There are no Ukrainian Greek-Catholic priests remaining in Melitopol.

“Community Safety Officers” approach woman praying outside the Bournemouth abortion clinic "buffer zone"

November 24, 2022, United Kingdom

In November 2022, policemen confronted a woman praying in a public space, on the edge of a "buffer zone" (a 150m neutral zone surrounding abortion clinics in British law). The case raises polemics about "buffer zones" in general.

Vandals Sprayed Blasphemous tag on a crucifix in Italy

November 22, 2022, Italy

Unknown perpetrators traced a big blasphemous writing on a votive crucifix at via Chiesa Rossa in Milan. "Now there is no limit to the vandalistic drift, we are seriously concerned. We ask for a stance from the institutions," said vice-president of the coordination of Milan committees, Fabiola Minoletti, quoted by Milano Today.

St Joseph's Church vandalised and desecrated in Cannes

November 22, 2022, France

On 22. November night, the church of St. Joseph was broken into and desecrated in Cannes. Furniture and drawers were emptied out, donations were stolen, and gasoline was poured all over the walls and floors. The faithful are shocked at the sight of the incident. A mass of reparation is planned for next Friday in the presence of Mgr Nault.

Barbecues, fires and vandalism Outside the Church in Almeria, Spain

November 21, 2022, Spain

Neighbors of Almería complain that every morning, the area around the church of San Roque, a parish in Almería, is full of garbage and the remains of the previous night's 'botellón' (parties). Recently, the remains of a bonfire appeared on one of the walls of the parish church of San Roque after a barbecue was made at the place, damaging the facade of the church. This form of damage shows a lack of respect for religious groups.

Two old bells stolen from a church in Italy

November 21, 2022, Italy

As reported by the newspaper Libertà Sicilia, on November 8, investigators from Sicily received the report of a crime concerning the theft of two antique bells dating back to the early 1900s, stolen from a church. The investigation allowed the tracing of the first perpetrator. As a result of the in-depth investigations, the agents were later able to identify two other individuals, responsible for the laundering of brass scrap, (with a total weight of 55 kilograms) of a bell stolen from another church in the Diocese of Netina.

Theft from church in Italy: all the votive gold of St. Rocco stolen in Abruzzo

November 20, 2022, Italy

Fr. Nicolas, the rector of the churches of Santa Maria dell'Olmo and San Rocco in Archi, reported that all the guarded votive gold dedicated to Saint Roch had been stolen. This has been reported on the 20th of November. The police have been notified and are conducting investigations.

Arson to Wooden Chapel in Lithuania

November 20, 2022, Lithuania

A suspect has been caught on CCTV cameras after a wooden chapel in the Prienai district was set on fire on the 20th November. The chapel was in the churchyard of the Skriaudžiai church. Firefighters could not save the wooden building. Fr. Antanas Mickevičius, parish priest of St. Laurynas parish in Skriaudžiai, suspected that the fire was caused by arson: "There was no electricity, fireplace or candles [in the chapel], nothing like that. It could only be arson" quoted Lithuanian National Radio and Television (LRT). After investigating, the firefighters believed that the building may have been set on fire after being doused with a flammable liquid.

Drafted 'conversion therapy ban' in Belgium Raises Concerns for Religious Freedom

November 18, 2022, Belgium

At the end of October, a draft bill was approved by the Council of Ministers to ban so-called "conversion practices" against LGBTQ+ people. The bill was carried out by the Minister of Equality Opportunity Secretary, Sarah Schlitz. The adoption of this specific bill will allow the ban to take effect immediately. While the protection of victims from abuse and manipulative practices is extremely important, the bill could threaten religious freedom, as the Minister affirms she wants to ban "ALL forms of conversion therapies". Given that there is not a clear definition of what counts as "conversion practice", the bill could ban simple prayers and private conversations among Christians.

Thieves steal a valuable chasuble from a church in Germany

November 18, 2022, Germany

A chasuble from the 19th century was stolen on Monday 18. from the high altar of the Citykirche in Aachen, where it was exposed in an ongoing art installation. For the parish of St. Francis of Aachen (where the chasuble originally belongs) this theft is a serious loss, emphasized Father Timotheus Eller to Aachener Zeitung.

Man sets fire to a church fence with can of Petrol in Moscow

November 17, 2022, Russia

On 17 November a man tried to set fire to the wooden fence of an Orthodox church on Kavkazskiy Bul'var in Moscow. He was arrested nearby by law enforcement officials. He claims that he went for a walk with a can of petrol, then emptied it on the fence for no reason and set it on fire. Pending his trial for "vandalism", he is under house arrest and released under judicial supervision.

Up to 10 years in prison for a couple that stole from more than 20 churches in Poland.

November 16, 2022, Poland

Police officers in Poland have detained a married couple who robbed church donation boxes. The couple, from Białystok, stole from more than 20 churches. Among other things, several hundred zlotys and the keys to one of the churches were found in their car.

Two Priests 'Kidnapped' by Russian Forces in Berdyansk

November 16, 2022, Ukraine

The Donetsk Exarchate of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church announced that on 16 November, two priests of the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin of Berdyansk, currently under Russian control, were "illegally arrested" by the Rosgvardiya (Russia's National Guard).

Ukraine: Catholic Priests Still Missing After Nine Months

November 16, 2022, Ukraine

On the 16th of November, 2022, two Ukrainian Greek-Catholic priests, Ivan Levytsky and Bohdan Heletta were taken prisoner by Russian troops in Berdjansk, south-east Ukraine, currently under Russian occupation. Since then, nothing has been heard of them. Maksym Rjabucha, auxiliary bishop: "Despite the prayers, protests and efforts of the Catholic Church, there is still no news about them."

Sacrilegious church attack

November 16, 2022, Italy

Unknown persons entered the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, in Monterone, on the 16th of November. They enacted numerous acts of vandalism, destroying and stealing sacred furnishings and iconography.

A Pile of Books set on Fire inside church Causes Great Damage

November 15, 2022, France

On 16. November, the church in the small town of Champagnat was severely damaged by fire. 39 firemen were mobilised to secure the building and extinguish the fire, which seems to have been started on a pile of books that were placed beside a wooden confessional. The alert was raised by people attending a funeral, who saw thick smoke coming out of the church. A local volunteer fireman began containing the fire until the fire brigade arrived. They were able to preserve a painting of Christ, but another painting was destroyed, along with the books, a statue and the confessional.

Arson to church in France

November 15, 2022, France

Plastic objects inside the church have been set on fire and were burned on a candle holder on the 15th of November. The incident was discovered by a parishioner, who had opened the church and left to return a couple of hours later. When she came back, the premises smelled like burning, so she alerted the parish priest. They also notified the police, who realized that plastic objects had been set on fire intentionally by unknown perpetrators.

Unknown Perpetrators Tagg Church with Insults and Satanic Symbols

November 15, 2022, Germany

In November 2022, there was an attack on a Catholic church in Augsburg, in the Oberhausen discritc. Unknown perpetrators threw eggs at the church of St. Peter and Paul and tagged it with graffiti. The graffiti said "F*CK JESUS", it also had a Satanic star and the number "666", which refers to the devil.

Greek football star will appeal prison sentence for Controversial Social Media Post

November 14, 2022, Greece

The former football player Vasilios Tsiartas was sentenced this November to 10 months in prison for a comment made on Facebook in 2017 where he stated that “God created Adam and Eve” in response to a bill for the redefinition of gender identity. On his Twitter account, he has stated that he will appeal the sentence.

Unknown Perpetrators Set Fire to Church Germany

November 13, 2022, Germany

Unknown persons set a fire at the St. Bonifatius church on the 13th of November in Freckenhorst. According to police, the fire did not spread much but it damaged part of the stone floor. The perpetrators also smeared a wall in the church with soot. The police are now looking for information to identify the vandals.

Sacrilegious and probably Satanic attack to Italian Church

November 13, 2022, Italy

Unknown persons entered the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, in Monterone, on the 16th of November. They enacted numerous acts of vandalism, destroying and stealing sacred furnishings and iconography. In particular, the perpetrators detached and carried away an ancient wooden crucifix later found by police inside a heavily damaged garbage can. According to the sources, the form of desecration and damage indicates that it might have been a satanic motivated attack.

Molotov cocktail Thrown at church in Germany

November 13, 2022, Germany

On the 13th November, the door of the Sankt Laurentius church in Langenhorn was set on fire by unknown perpetrators. A video of the crime was uploaded on the internet but it has been removed again. A vandal threw a Molotov Cocktail at the church and posted a video of the flames. The police opened an investigation with the video.

Vandals Smash Stained-Glass Windows of St. Llwchaiarn Church

November 10, 2022, United Kingdom

A church in Llanllwchaiarn (near Newtown) is facing a "at least" £30,000 bill after unknown vandals smashed six glass-stained windows. The windows of the St. Llwchaiarn church were protected with a wire mesh, but the vandals were still able to break the glass, apparently with iron rods from an old grave. The incident took place between the 8th and 10th of November.