All cases

Repeated Hateful Vandalism in Schöppingen Church

May 18, 2022, Germany

Acts of vandalism and disrespect repeatedly took place in the St. Brictius Church in Schöppingen. It was reported on May 18th that vandals had lit prayer notes and placed them under benches, put lighted candles under holy water fonts, and used sacrificial candles to "play football" in the church square. These were only some of the things that were happening and Sexton Andreas Kortüm pleaded with the parishioners to help stop it.

Anti-Clerical Activists Disrupt Mass in Wadowice

May 18, 2022, Poland

On May 18th, mass was held in the basilica of Wadowice to commemorate the 102nd birthday of Pope John Paul II. During the mass, the anti-clerical initiative "Enough of Silence", organized a protest in which they turned on loudspeaker to disrupt the celebrations. Some in the square tried to stop the protestors and were shocked by their presence saying: "How can you be there? On such a day?"

Tabernacle Stolen and Hosts Scattered in French Church

May 18, 2022, France

The tabernacle was stolen from the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Amiens on May 18th. The perpetrators entered the church when it was empty and did not only steal the tabernacle but also scattered the consecrated hosts on the floor. The priest only saw the desecration after he was alerted.

Statue of Madonna Stolen form Palidoro Church

May 18, 2022, Italy

On May 18th, the statue of Madonna that is usually in front of the Santi Filippo e Giacomo church in Palidoro was stolen. The parish priest Don Roberto Leoni reported the incident but it remained unknown who committed the theft. The priest said: "Such a silly, bad gesture, offensive towards the Mother of the Lord and towards all her children, who are not few."

Sacred Objects Stolen from Sacristy of Church in Clamecy

May 18, 2022, France

Perpetrators forced their way through the front door of the Collégiale Saint-Martin Church in Clamecy on May 18th and then entered the sacristy. When they left, they took with them chalices, a monstrance, and a censor. It was not known who the burglars were.

Vandalism and Several Sacred Objects Stolen from Church in Luneburg

May 17, 2022, Germany

During the night of May 17th, unknown perpetrators broke into the St. Michaelis Church in Luneburg and stole two silver wine jugs, a host's tin box and two patrons. While in the church, they broke several doors and the property damage and stolen items amounted to a cost of several thousand euros. They left the church unnoticed and the police were asking the public for information.

Civil Agents Mock Catholic Procession on the Streets

May 17, 2022, Spain

A video went viral, where a group of agents from the Guardia Civil is seen carrying another officer who pretends to be the Christ of Good Death in Malaga, while they sing El Novio de la Muerte, the traditional anthem of the Spanish Legion. The agents carried the other officer like they were legionnaires on Holy Thursday, in the streets around the Sanctuary of Lourdes, while laughing, joking, and drinking, which has caused some outrage due to the disrespect to religious feelings.

Update: Spanish Bill Proposal to Allow 16-17-Year Old Girls to Get an Abortion Without Parental Consent

May 17, 2022, Spain

The government of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, formed by the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party and Unidas Podemos, presented a draft bill to allow 16 and 17-year-old girls to get an abortion without parental consent, also removing the mandatory 3-day period of reflection. The Council of Ministers approved it on the 17th of May. The Equality Minister, Irene Montero, stated that "the state guarantees them that the decision about their bodies, their life projects, and their maternity will be theirs". She further added that with this reform "rights will now be guaranteed and extended, and existing obstacles to exercising the right to voluntary termination of pregnancy will be removed". This Bill would be in conflict with parental rights.

Thieves Break into Grosseto Church

May 16, 2022, Italy

On May 16th, thieves broke into the S. Maria Goretti church in Grosseto, and stole the offerings. To get in, they broke down the door and then they broke the glass to enter the sacristy. The investigations were ongoing as the damage was significant.

Churches in Venice Graffitied

May 16, 2022, Italy

The church of Sant'Antonin a Castello and the basilica of the Santissimo Redentore alla Giudecca, were smeared with graffiti on May 16th. The façade of the Redentore church had red and black paint on it that looked like a mathematical formula. The Patriarchate of Venice said in a press release: "It was learned, with regret, that the facade of the Basilica del Redentore in Giudecca and the church of Sant'Antonin a Castello were targeted by acts of vandalism that damaged buildings that have significant religious, as well as historical and cultural significance, both for Venetians and for visitors."

Statue of Madonna Vandalized in Dortmund Church

May 16, 2022, Germany

The wooden statue of Madonna and Child in Dortmund's Propstei Church, once again had wax poured over it from the sacrificial candles on May 16th. The statue is from the 15th century so will now have to be restored in a special workshop. The church was considering using lights without wax to prevent this crime from happening again but they still wanted to keep the church open for all.

Report Shows Discrimination Against Protestant Christians in Turkey

May 16, 2022, Turkey

A report from 2021 that examined the situation of Protestants in Turkey, revealed the severe levels of discrimination they face. It showed how decades of expulsions, social pressure, and government intolerance have led to a decline in Christian Protestants. It also exposes the challenges they are currently facing.

Karlskirche in Vienna Tagged with Graffiti (3rd time in 2022)

May 16, 2022, Austria

On the 16th of May, the Karlskirche in Vienna was targeted with graffiti.

Statue of Virgin Mary destroyed and anti-Christian Threats in Madrid

May 16, 2022, Spain

During the night of 15 to 16 May, unknown perpetrators destroyed a statue of the Virgin Mary, located in the garden of the house of the Heralds of the Gospel in Sevilla la Nueva, also causing other considerable damages to the property. They insulted and threatened the Heralds, cut off the electricity, and damaged other infrastructures on the property.

Half-Naked Protesters Wear Religious Symbols in Front of Churches

May 16, 2022, Spain

The police in Spain had to stop a protest that was taking place at the door of the church "Virgen de la Luz" in Cuenca, in which several half-naked women were wearing religious symbols. This was reported on the 16th of May by the online news "El Debate". Later on, "Abogados Cristianos" opened proceedings against the group for hurting religious feelings, after the same incident took place in other churches.

Church Madonna di Campagna Vandalized

May 15, 2022, Italy

The churchyard of Madonna di Campagna in Verbania was vandalized by unknown perpetrators around the 15. of May. The glass of the board where parish news and notices are posted was broken and all the shattered pieces fell on the base.

Vandalism and Theft from Church in Ursini

May 15, 2022, Italy

On May 15th, offerings were stolen from the Chiesa di Maria SS. Aiuto dei Cristiani church in the city of Ursini. The unknown vandals broke the glass of the rectory to get access to the offerings which they stole, along with a candlestick which is used to put coins into the offering box. They also tore up the curtain of the confessional. The police have investigated the crime.

Windows Broken with Stones in Leipzig Church

May 14, 2022, Germany

A 38-year-old man, thought to be Croatian, was observed throwing stones at an evangelical Church in Leipzig on May 14th. The police arrested him but not before he had damaged a total of five window panes. An investigation was underway.

Arson and Vandalism at Church in Henstedt-Ulzburg

May 14, 2022, Germany

On May 14th, a man and woman broke open the door of the Henstedt-Ulzburger Kreuzkirche and vandalized the inside. They tried to set the carpet in front of the alter on fire, which went out, and they damaged knee cushions and hymnals. The property damage was not yet calculated but the police were notified and wrote a complaint to the Norderstedter detectives who investigated it.

Historic "Weather Blessing" Cross Stolen from Church in St.George

May 14, 2022, Switzerland

A weather blessing cross, that is almost 200 years old and very important to the community, was stolen from the St. Gallen Catholic Church in St. George. It stands 45cm tall and was taken on the 14th of May by unknown thieves. Magnus Hächler, administrator of the church said: "It's a painful loss and very annoying."

Panoramic Church Window of Church in Leipzig Destroyed

May 13, 2022, Germany

The Catholic provost church Sankt Trinitatis in Leipzig was once again targeted by vandalism after the theft of the tabernacle in April. This time, on May 13th, the 20-meter long by 3 three-meter high church window which has the entire Bible printed on it, was destroyed. The property damage was at least 50,000 to 100,000 euros said provost Gregor Giele of the Catholic New Agency (KNA). Police started an investigation.

Extensive Destruction of Church Windows in Leipzig

May 13, 2022, Germany

Six panes of glass were broken in on May 13th at the Catholic Church Sankt Laurentius in Reudnitz-Thonberg, Leipzig. It was not known who completed the vandalism but an investigation was underway. The property damage was in the four-digit range.

Arson Attack and Theft on Pau Chaplaincy

May 12, 2022, France

The Chaplaincy in Pau was the victim of an arson attack on the 12th of May. The fire was started on the ground floor of the presbytery of the church of Saint-Pierre and it was obvious that the tabernacle was deliberately targeted as it was charred. The consecrated hosts were not burned but the police also noticed thefts of a computer and some money.

"Fake" Bomb Placed in Potenza Church

May 11, 2022, Italy

A suitcase that was thought to contain a bomb, was left in the Church of San Michele Arcangelo in the historic city of Potenza. It was placed there during the afternoon on May 11th and due to the ticking sound that the suitcase emitted, a bomb was suspected to be inside. A police squad was immediately notified but as the investigations were made, no bomb was found as it was supposed to be a bad joke.

Intruders Break into Church in Siegen-Eiserfeld and Ransack the interior

May 11, 2022, Germany

Unknown intruders forcibly broke into the church in Siegen-Eiserfeld on May 11th. Once inside, they ransacked several cupboards and using tools from the church inventory forced open locked containers. Nothing was stolen but the property damage was significant.

Insulting Graffiti on Church in Killeshil

May 11, 2022, Ireland

The outer wall of the St. Paul's Church of Ireland in Killeshil was painted with the words "baby killers" alongside a swastika symbol. The attack was labelled a hate crime by the PSNI who were investigating the incident. Frances Burton, the DUP councillor for the Clogher Valley area said: “It really is soul-destroying for the people involved with that church and it’s something that is so uncalled for."

Antique Windows Smashed in Neunkirchen and Church Vandalized

May 11, 2022, Germany

Between May 11th and 12th, intruders broke into the Neunkirchen church on Kirchstrasse by throwing stones through two of the valuable antique stained glass windows. Inside the church, they ransacked cupboards and storage rooms but failed to break open a locked safe. It seemed like they didn't take anything but significant property damage was caused that will cost around 10,000 to repair.

Church Window in Stipshausen Damaged

May 11, 2022, Germany

A window in the Catholic Church of Stipshausen was damaged by an unknown vandal on May 11th. Witnesses found a medium-sized hole, which was probably caused by an object in the framed glass. The police were looking for witnesses with more information.

Burglars Steal Sacred Objects from Bad Doberan Monastery

May 10, 2022, Germany

Thieves broke into the Bad Doberan Monastery on the 10th of May but have not been found. They ransacked the interior of the church and broke open a safe from which they took keys and an unspecified quantity of cash. In addition, they stole some sacred objects which were made of brass or gold and silver plated. The police launched an investigation but have not been able to track either the thieves or the stolen objects.

Arson and Desecration in Romsthal Church

May 10, 2022, Germany

On May 10th, a church on Kirchstrasse in Romsthal was the victim of an arson attempt. The criminals set fire to several parish letters under a stool and burned some prayer texts near the altar. In addition, they knocked over an offering box, and some candles, and spread the wax over the floor. The fire was out by the time it was discovered and the property damage was around 150 euros but could have been much more. The police were looking for witnesses.

Cross and Candlestick Stolen from Church in Addington

May 10, 2022, United Kingdom

A cross and candlestick were stolen from the medieval church of St. Mary in Addington on the 10th of May. Reverend Debbie Forman said that the items have "little intrinsic value" but the church is "not the same without them." The church remained open and the hope was that the thief, who was not known, would return them.

Church in Rotherham Trashed by Illegal Party

May 10, 2022, United Kingdom

On May 10th, vandals broke into the Rotherham Church and trashed the interior. They drank wine and left broken bottles everywhere as well as destroying the church-run nursery which is used to help single mothers with childcare. The incident forced the nursery to close for a week.

Bad Wörishofen Cementery Ransacked by Vandals

May 10, 2022, Germany

Unknown vandals have rioted in the cemetery of Bad Wörishof and knocked over a large gravestone. The cemetery caretaker, Frank Stehr, says that the cemetery is the target of thieves and vandals almost every day. He says flowers and grave arrangements or even gravestones are stolen regularly. "Again and again, people come to me and report that they have lost various such objects," he reports. Still, the last incident was unprecedented. "It was vandalism in its purest form," said Stehr.

Family Father Stabbed to Death in Marseille

May 10, 2022, France

On May 10. 2022, an army doctor was stabbed to death in front of his two children. The 40-year old man was quietly picking up his children from a catholic school in Marseilles, when he was attacked from behind by Mohammed L. (23). The suspect claims he committed this crime "in the name of God".

150 kg Bell Stolen from Baranow Church

May 9, 2022, Poland

A bronze bell, weighing 150 kg, was stolen from the Baranow Parish Church on May 9th. The bell has images of the Crucified Christ and Madonna and Child on it and was made in 1853. The parish priest notified the police and appealed to the villagers.

Aggravated Theft in Crotone

May 9, 2022, Italy

Two burglars entered a church in Crotone on May 9th and after removing the entire offering column, they took it outside, forced it open, and took the coins within. A passerby noticed the unusual activity and immediately notified the Carabinieri arrived on the scene with the State Police who caught the offenders. They were then charged with aggravated theft and taken to the Catanzaro prison.

Relic containing the blood of a Polish priest was stolen from a church

May 9, 2022, United Kingdom

The St. Nicholas Church in Boston was the victim of a burglary on the night between the 9th and 10th of May. One of the stolen items was the reliquary containing the blood of Jerzy Popieluszko, a Polish priest who was beatified by the Roman Catholic Church in 2009. The police are investigating.

Church in Lomellina Vandalized

May 8, 2022, Italy

On May 8th, vandals forced their way into the interior of the Santa Croce church in Lomellina. There, they damaged the the votive candle lighting system and ransacked the priest's office. No valuable appeared to be stolen but extent of the damage had not been properly assessed.

Destruction of Tombs and Crosses in Piekary Śląskie Cemetery

May 8, 2022, Poland

Around 30 graves were destroyed by unknown vandals in the St. Józef cemetery of Piekary Śląskie on May 8th. Tombstones were pushed over and crosses were broken in an act that showed complete disrespect for a place that is sacred to so many. The crime was investigated with the support of forensic technicians who were trying identify the villains.

Anglican Chapel Severly Vandalised and Mocked

May 8, 2022, United Kingdom

St. Mary's church near Saxton, Yorkshire, which is an important listed building, was vandalized by anonymous intruders on May 8th. A volunteer group that takes care of the chapel wrote on Facebook: "A sickening sight this morning...litter, smashed vases, glass everywhere, and worst of all the crosses broken too. To add insult to injury, a note of apology with a fake phone number," was also left there. The chapel stands in an isolated field and has often been a place of refuge.

Arson and Property Damage in Bobingen Church

May 8, 2022, Germany

Unknown people entered the Liebfrauen church in Bobingen and damaged several seat cushions and benches. On May 8th, they took the sacrificial candles that were in the church, and after lighting them, used them to burn holes in the furniture. An investigation was launched by the police and the damage was estimated at around 400 euros.

Theft and Vandalism in Ostellato Church

May 8, 2022, Italy

When the priests arrived at the Ostellato parish of "Santissimi Pietro e Paolo" on Sunday the 8th of May to prepare mass, they found that intruders had stolen the offerings and some golden objects after forcing their way through the back door during the night. The property damage was around 6,000 euros, which was not covered by insurance. The carabinieri started an investigation and hope to find the perpetrators.

116 Spiritual Sites Destroyed Since Russian Invasion of Ukraine

May 7, 2022, Ukraine

Between February 24th, when Russia first invaded Ukraine, and May 7th, there have been 116 spiritually significant buildings destroyed. 91 of these buildings were Orthodox churches while the rest, were Mosques, Synagogues, Catholic and Protestant churches, and buildings of religious organizations. Most of these ruined sites were in the regions of Donetsk, Kyiv, and Kharkiv. The war in Ukraine has caused a divide, especially in the Christian Orthodox Church which has led Russia to ban the Ukraine Orthodox Church and Ukraine to attempt a similar ban on the Russian Orthodox Church.

Two Holy Water Fonts Stolen from Different Cemeteries

May 7, 2022, Germany

On the 7th of May, two holy water fonts were stolen. One was stolen from the cemetery in Hittisau and the other was from the cemetery in Egg-Großdorf. It was not known who did it but witnesses were being asked to provide more information.

Churchyard in Ruvo di Puglia Vandalized

May 6, 2022, Italy

The churchyard of the San Rocco church in Ruvo di Puglia, was vandalized on May 6th by unknown perpetrators. Diesel was sprinkled around which caused damage to the sidewalk and floor. Municipal councilor Mariatiziana Rugliani thought the cameras may be able to help identify who did it. He also said of the incident: "An ignoble act, a meaningless disfigurement to a sacred place and to those who lovingly guard it."

Vandalism to Evangelical Church in Vöcklabruck

May 6, 2022, Austria

The evangelical church in Vöcklabruck, Austria, was vandalized on Friday the 6th of May. Three lights on the pathway outside the church were kicked over, and notices, brochures, leaflets, and prayer books were scattered all over the inside of the church. The microphones were damaged and the offering box was broken open from which money was then stolen. The amount of damage was not entirely clear but the police were investigating.

Man Arrested for Stealing Sacred Vessels from Nicosia Chapel

May 6, 2022, Cyprus

A 36-year-old man was arrested on the 6th of May on suspicion of stealing sacred vessels from a schoolyard chapel in Nicosia, Cyprus. Sometime between April 15th and May 3rd, the chapel was broken into and the sacred items were taken. Those investigating the crime found the man.

Window in Schlierstadt Church Smashed

May 6, 2022, Germany

A window of the Catholic church "Sankt Gangolf" in Schlierstadt, was smashed with a stone between May 2nd and 6th. The church was vandalized twice last year but this time, the property damage was around 1000 euros. The police were looking for more information about the perpetrator.

Parental Consent Not Needed for Children Under 16 Years Old to Take Puberty Blockers

May 6, 2022, United Kingdom

On the 6th of May, the Supreme Court of the UK declined to take the Bell v Tavistock case, regarding puberty blockers for teenagers under 16 years old, which means the ruling by the Court of Appeals will currently stand. After the High Court ruled that 13-year-olds were not old enough and needed parental consent to begin hormone blockers; Tavistock appealed in June of 2021 and the Court of Appeals ruled that it was not the High Court's decision to make. Instead, they ruled that parental consent was unnecessary and that clinicians could decide it with their patients. This is a significant concern for Christian parents who would disagree with such treatment.

Anti-Christian and Nazi Tags on Parish Church in Mautern

May 6, 2022, Austria

The outer walls of the parish church in Mautern were sprayed with Nazi symbols on May 6th. Once the police had the relevant details, they were able to identify the perpetrators who were brothers aged 21 and 27 from the Leoben district. The property damage was significant. One graffiti reads "F** Jesus".

Bishop's Car in Kaluga Vandalized

May 6, 2022, Russia

On the night of May 6th, the car of Albert Ratkin, bishop of the Glorification Church in Kaluga, was painted with the "pro-Russian war" letters Z and V, and polyurethane was put in the exhaust pipe and doors. The vandalism was done because the Bishop had a YouTube channel, called "View from Heaven", on which he had posted videos against the war. He said: “I am not speaking with criticism, I am offering some solutions. Not everyone likes it, you see.”

Satanist Profanation of Cementery in Chișinău

May 6, 2022, Moldova

On May 6, 20 crosses and 70 funeral wreaths were set on fire at the St. Lazarus Cemetery in Chișinău, Moldova. Law enforcement officials found evidence of a satanic"ritual" at the site. The following May 13, a 35-year-old man was arrested for the theft of an electric bicycle in the capital - he was linked to these acts of desecration and indicted. He faces up to four years in prison and a fine of over 3,000 euros.

Offering Box in Rain Church Destroyed

May 5, 2022, Germany

On May 6th, a thief broke into the parish church in Rain and stole 100 euros from the offering box there. In the process, the intruder broke open the historic offering box from 1721 with a tool and caused damage that will take around 1000 euros to repair. It was not known who did it but the police in Rain were started an investigation and were looking for more information.

European Parliament Adopts "Hostile" Report on Persecution of Religious Minorities

May 4, 2022, Belgium

A report titled "Persecution of minorities on the grounds of belief or religion," was adopted by the European Parliament in Brussels on May 4th. It has since been called “openly hostile towards religion” by human rights experts since it in places points to religion as a threat and a driver of humanitarian crises. It also failed to mention the persecution of Christians in the Middle East and Africa, but states that "sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), including abortion, are being banned in the name of religion." Although the report had some positive points it did not always refer to religion favorably.

Attempted Arson in Hüttersdorf Church

May 4, 2022, Germany

An unidentified arsonist tried to ignite the doors of a church on Berliner Straße in Hüttersdorf but failed. On May 4th, a witness saw from her place a lighted candle next to the wooden door of the church but before it could cause significant damage, it tipped over and went out. The Lebach Police were looking for people who could provide more information about the incident.

Teenage Girls Vandalize Völklingen Church

May 2, 2022, Germany

In the morning of May 2nd, two 11 year old girls threw candles and song books on the ground in the St. Eligius church in Völklingen, Saarland, and smeared a banana on the wall. They returned in the afternoon and knocked over some displays and commemorative candles. They left before the police arrived but the officers found them at a nearby supermarket; at which point, they were handed over to their mother after some strict words.

Fascist Symbols Painted on Church in Petrinja

May 2, 2022, Croatia

The church of St. Spiridon the Wonderworker in Petrinja was targeted with Ustasha symbols on May 2nd. This graffiti has fascist implications and shows opposition to pluralistic societies. The police were investigating the incident in hopes of finding the perpetrators and stopping further hate crimes in the future.

Sacred Pictures of Saints in Milazzo Ruined with Knife

May 1, 2022, Italy

Pictures in the Madonna del Lume church of Milazzo were ruined by an unknown individual who cut them with a sharp object on the 1st of May. It was a series of ten prints including pictures of the Martyrdom of St. Sebastian, the statue of St. Rita, and one of Madonna del Carmelo. The pictures were slashed through the middle and the mayor of the city said of the act: "This gesture was made by people who disgust me."

Several Thefts of Sacred Objects in Tuscany

May 1, 2022, Italy

In the last weeks of April, there were several thefts of sacred objects from churches in Tuscany. The carabinieri in Florence identified a Romanian individual who was behind most of the crimes as after his home was searched, a number of these items were found including paintings and statues. The police were investigating the crimes to find a possible accomplice.

Extreme leftist Mob Attacks Parishioners and Church in Angers

May 1, 2022, France

On May 1st during a trade union demonstration, a group of leftist activists - also identified as Antifa - attacked parishioners in front of the Notre-Dame des Victoires church in Angers. The group went by the name of "the Angevin Anti-Fascist Network (RAAF)." The parishioners were attending the 11-hour Mass, while others had positioned themselves in front of the church to prevent attacks. The mob still threw paint on the building and squashed eggs on the ground. They shouted "homophobic slogans" and later returned with a banner directed at Catholics that read, "We are here to challenge those who are dedicated to deifying themselves." The police had to intervene to stop further violence.

Burglary at Church in Hamm

May 1, 2022, Germany

Between May 1st and 2nd, burglars broke into the St. Mary's Church in Hamm and stole around 100 euros from the donation box. They forcefully entered through a window and once inside, searched the sacristy and then looked through cupboards which they had violently opened. The property damage was around 500 euros and the police, who were investigating the crime, needed more information.

Property Damage to Church in Dieburg

May 1, 2022, Germany

Unknown people forcefully entered the Dieburg Church on Forsthausstrasse, who were possibly looking for something to steal. Although nothing was taken, the damage inflicted on the church was around 1000 euros as they also tried to break open a door inside the church. The incident was reported to the police.

Martin Luther Bust Destroyed at Höchen Church

April 30, 2022, Germany

A bust of Martin Luther, in front of a church in Höchen, was entirely demolished by an unknown vandal on April 30th. The police were looking for witnesses.

Spanish "TikToker" Attacked on Social Media for Being Catholic

April 30, 2022, Spain

Ignacio “Nacho” Gil Conesa, a well-known Spanish "tikToker", has been attacked by other influencers for being Catholic. He goes by the name Nachter, and a few months before May 1st, he devoted his time solely to making humorous videos about typical things that happen in the house. In an interview with the Spanish newspaper El Mundo, he said "there are other influencers who have attacked me for being catholic," a situation he described as "ridiculous."

Vandals Looted and Damaged to Church in Leipzig

April 30, 2022, Germany

Unknown intruders broke into a church in Leipzig on April 30th and roughly searched through drawers, and cupboards, causing damage to the door of one dresser. The property damage was around 500 euros and they also stole a large amount of money. An investigation of the incident was launched by the police.

Property Damage and Attempted Theft in Pleyben Church

April 30, 2022, France

On April 30th, the volunteers of the Saint-Germain Church in Pleyben, were shocked to find significant amounts of property damage. The front door was damaged and judging by the broken display cases, an attempt was made to steal the religious objects. They did not know who did it.

Hands Stolen from Angel Sculpture in Bielefeld Church

April 30, 2022, Germany

The hands from the Annunciation Angel sculpture in the Nicolai Church of Bielefeld were stolen sometime between April 30th and May 3rd. The wooden hands were not firmly secured, as they could be easily removed for transport. The community leadership asked for the thief to anonymously return them to the church.

Historic Church Stained-Glass Window Damaged with Stone

April 30, 2022, Germany

The outer protective pane of a historically significant stained glass window of the Evangelical Church of Peace in Manching, was broken with a stone that was thrown at it. The windows were made by Arno Bromberger, who taught at the Academy of Arts in Munich and is famous for his stained glass church windows. The crime happened on April 30th but it was not known who did it.

Graffiti on Historical Church in Barcelona

April 29, 2022, Spain

The heritage church of Santa Maria del Pi, in the Barri Gòtic of Barcelona, had a large amount of graffiti painted on its façade on April 29th. As well as defacing the church, the graffiti also damaged a medieval shield as it may be difficult to remove the black and pink paint. This marked an increased amount of vandalism in the area.

Vandalism and Arson at St. Nicholas Church

April 29, 2022, United Kingdom

The St. Nicholas Church in Swallow was targeted by vandalism on April 29th. Unknown perpetrators, possibly youth, took two picnic benches from the church to a park, set fire to one, and painted the other with obscene language and initials. The church was quite disappointed by the act especially since it took time to repair the damage.

Theft from Statues in Ischitella Church

April 29, 2022, Italy

Thieves stole jeweled necklaces from four statues in the church of Sant ' Eustachio Martire in Ischitella, on of them being the statue of Madonna del Carmine. Although the value of the jewels was not particularly high, the sacrilege, shocked the entire religious community.

Arson attack at Dinslaken Church

April 29, 2022, Germany

Unknown arsonists set the Heilig-Geist-Church in Dinslaken Hiesfeld on fire on April 29th. The property damage was not too extensive but the shock of such a hateful attack was great.

Statue of Virgin Stolen from Pau Church

April 29, 2022, France

A statue of the Virgin Mary was stolen from the Saint-Martin church in Pau on April 29th. People saw the man walking through the streets with the 1.5-meter statue and quickly alerted the police who then arrested him. Father Jean-Jacques Dufau said: “She was perched on one foot, on the right side of the church as you entered. I don't know how [the thief] did it."

Tags and Graffiti on Church in Piozzo

April 28, 2022, Italy

On the night of April 28th, a sentence was written in red paint on the Parish Church of Santo Stefano in Piozzo. It read: "The Nazis create poverty to take away freedom." The perpetrator(s) remain(s) unknown.

Glindenberg Church Devastated by Vandals

April 28, 2022, Germany

The St. Nikolai Church of Glindenberg was devastated on April 28th and had to be closed as a result. The inside of the church was devastated: the altar cross was torn off as well hymn books were left in the streets with their pages torn out. The police were looking for the perpetrators.

Satanic Graffiti and Desecration in Graz Church

April 28, 2022, Austria

Satanic graffiti appeared in the St. Vincent church in Graz on the 28th of April. The word Satan, upside-down crosses, and the Antichrist number 666 were painted with red spray paint on the walls and altar of the church. The vandals also sprayed an angel's face red and burnt a bible. The Priest, Wolfgang Pucher commented, "It's just unbelievable."

Jesus and Saint Statues Broken and Chapel Vandalized

April 28, 2022, Poland

A chapel near the village of Pokrzywna was the victim of a vandalistic attack that left a statue of Christ ruined. In the past years, this statue has been targeted, but on the 28th of April, both its legs were broken off just below the knee. A statue of Mother Biska was also torn out and thrown into a stream and a small piggy bank was stolen. The crime was reported to the police but due to the absence of security cameras, the perpetrators may be difficult to identify.

Ireland: Couple to go to Jail for Attending Mass During Lockdown

April 28, 2022, Ireland

Jim Ryan (64), and his wife Ann (59), were both fined €300 for travelling 70km to a Mass on Easter Sunday when there was a 5km limit for non essential travel during lockdown. They have since appealed their sentence but have also said they will go to jail rather then pay. Jim told the Sunday World "I have no intention of paying them a fine for me going to Mass - for doing what I have done my whole life."

Valuable Items Stolen from Church in Villach

April 28, 2022, Austria

During the night of May 28th, unknown perpetrators entered the Heiligenkreuzkirche in Villach and stole several items. They took gold-plated candlesticks, the quantity of which was not yet known, as well as a gold-plated lamp. An investigation was started and the amount of damage was still being quantified.

Man Steals from Three Churches in Wasilków and Zabłudów

April 27, 2022, Poland

The police received several reports in the last weeks of April, of thefts from churches in Wasilków and Zabłudów. In the incidents, the perpetrator had pulled the piggy bank off off the wall of one church and and in the other one, he broke the door off the money box and took around 4000 PLN. He then tried again in the church of Sokólski but the police caught the 37 year old who could be facing up to 10 years in prison.

Church in Zweibruecken Defaced with Obscene Tags

April 27, 2022, Germany

A 22-year-old man graffitied the facade of the Alexander Church in Zweibruecken on April 27th with obscene symbols. He tried to escape but the police were quickly alerted to the act, which happened around 19:30 and the man was arrested. He will have to pay around $500 for this crime.

Windows of Church in Albersdorf Broken

April 27, 2022, Germany

On April 27th, it was discovered that three of the windows on the Remigius Church in Albersdorf were damaged by thrown stones. Two had holes in them and one was cracked with the damage amounting to around 3,000 euros. There were no leads to the perpetrators and the police were looking for witnesses.

Scottish Ministers Criticized for Seeking Dialogue Between Pro-life and Pro-Choice Groups

April 27, 2022, United Kingdom

Scottish ministers said they plan to explore options of mediation with pro-life activists regarding "buffer zones" around abortion clinics. According to minutes from an abortion "buffer zone" meeting in February, the Centre for Good Relations asked for engagement “with all interested parties, not just those who are directly involved with the conflict itself." The ministers were criticized for their plan which aims to understand “the issues and perspective from all sides."

Christian Asylum Seeker Wins on European Court of Human Rights

April 26, 2022, Switzerland

In 2018, a Pakistani national who had converted from Islam to Christianity requested asylum in Switzerland but was rejected by the authorities. Despite them recognizing his conversion, The Federal Administrative Court rejected the request; however, upon taking the case, the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) ruled in favor of the applicant. They held that articles 2 and 3 of the ECHR would be violated should he be sent back to Pakistan.

1500 Euro Worth Destruction and Vandalism in Attendorn Cathedral

April 26, 2022, Germany

The police were called to investigate a crime in the St. John the Baptist church in Attendorn on April 26th. The church said that the destruction was done to candlesticks, the Agatha altar, a holy water font, parts of a bench, and a disinfectant dispenser. Books and writings were also thrown around. The damage, around 1,500 euros, was thought to have been done by a slim young man, with dark hair, between the ages of 15 and 20.

Man Urinates on Church Trani

April 26, 2022, Italy

A man was seen on video, on the 26th of April, urinating in the churchyard of Sant'Agostino in Trani. Judging by the stench, others have done the same thing which eventually causes lasting damage to the walls that then have to be repaired. This man obviously had little respect for this sacred sight.

Church Windows in Newtown Smashed

April 25, 2022, United Kingdom

The windows of the St. David's Church in Newtown were smashed by vandals on April 25th. It was not known who did the act and someone who was closely affiliated with the church said it was "absolutely disgusting to see yet again," which implies that vandalism similar to this has already occurred.

Theft and Repeated Vandalism at Grumo Nevano Church

April 25, 2022, Italy

A church in Gruma Nevano, dedicated to Madonna del Buon Consiglio, was vandalized on April 25th. Smaller acts of vandalism had been seen for weeks, but this time the lockers were found empty, the walls were painted, and the crucifix was on the floor. The carabinieri investigated the incident.

Teenagers Vandalize Crosses in Novara School

April 25, 2022, Italy

During the weekend of the 25th of April, minors broke into a gymnasium in Novara to destroy several crosses and write satanic and blasphemous thing on the walls. The then posted their actions on social media. The culprits have been identified and although some who are 14 years old cannot be charged, their parents can be made to pay the damages. The act also showed a worrying lack of respect for religious symbols by people at such a young age.

Churches Property in Lingen Damaged

April 24, 2022, Germany

A wooden box outside the Christ-König-Kirche on Bernhard-Lohmann-Strasse in Lingen, was damaged by unknown perpetrators, who, according to the police, were trying to gain access to the metal cassette within. Nothing was stolen but the property damage amounted to around 500 euros.

Arson to Church in Rheinberg with Box Full of Candles

April 24, 2022, Germany

In the afternoon, on 24 April, a 62-year-old man visited the church of St. Peter on Kirchplatz in the city centre. When he entered the church, he smelled something burning and saw a burning box of Easter lights on a table. Quick-witted, he brought the box and the table to the front of the church and extinguished the fire with sparkling water. He then informed the police. The police found more burning tea lights in a large package underneath the candle holder and also extinguished the flames.

Maria Hilf Chapel in Piekary Śląskie Destroyed

April 23, 2022, Poland

The Maria Hilf chapel in Piekary Śląskie, was vandalized by a number of youth on April 23rd after they had a party in which alcohol was illegally consumed. They destroyed the surveillance cameras, but not before their faces were caught on camera, and then proceeded to tear tiles off the roof. Using the footage, the police managed to identify the youth who were questioned.

Flag Ripped Down from Church in Bellshill

April 23, 2022, United Kingdom

A Union Jack, put up to celebrate the Queens Platinum Jubilee, was torn down from the St. Andrew's Free Church in Bellshill. Reverend Jason Lingiah, has labelled the attack an "anti-Protestant sectarian hate crime." The flag was thrown near the wall and left, while the pole was bent.

Insults and Vandalism in Magherafelt Church

April 23, 2022, United Kingdom

Three teenagers entered the Magherafelt Catholic church on the 23rd of April and, after verbally insulting the priest, damaged several objects. Officers then arrested three suspects aged 11, 13, and 15, for a number of charges including criminal damage, as they smashed a vase, threw the Bible and other holy books around, and damaged a microphone. They appeared in court, for what the police called a hate crime, and two of them were banned from entering the Magherafelt area while the third still awaits trial.

Catholic Church in Vincenz-Zahn-Weg Broken Into

April 23, 2022, Germany

The Catholic church in Vincenz-Zahn-Weg was broken into on the 23rd of April by an unknown person. The amount of money taken was not known but a large amount of property damage was done. The police investigated the incident and asked for witnesses to come forward.

£20,000 Theft from Church in Cambridgeshire

April 23, 2022, United Kingdom

Two large bass instruments and a euphonium were stolen from the St. Peters Church in Cambridgeshire on April 23rd. The instruments are worth around £20,000 so it was a significant loss for the church especially since it was not covered by insurance. The Cambridgeshire Constabulary were investigating the crime and needed more information.

Spanish Council of the Judiciary: Proposed "Trans Law" Would Violate Human Rights

April 22, 2022, Spain

The Spanish General Council of the Judiciary's (CGPJ), warned that the LGBTQ+ draft law proposed by the government would violate the rights of women, parents, and religious persons. The law seeks to allow minors to change their sex after the age of 12 without submitting a medical or psychological report and after the age of 16, parental consent would not be needed. Christian parents would not be able to raise their children in line with their beliefs and women's spaces and women's sports could be jeopardized.

Muslims Group Attacks Coptic Christians in Turin

April 21, 2022, Italy

As it was reported on the 21. April, two Coptic Christians, who were smoking in the square in Turin, were approached by a Muslim group who told them it was Ramadan and they should not be smoking. The two men, who were wearing Christian crosses, explained their faith and that they were not Muslim, so this rule did not apply to them. The Muslim group then proceeded to attack the two with kicks and punches but left before the police arrived.

Goblets Stolen from Church in Florence

April 21, 2022, Italy

A 66 year old native of Sicily was arrested for stealing two golden goblets form a Florentine church in via di Caciolle. The police were alerted to the theft and managed to recover all the stolen goods as well as catch the man. Thankfully, the pyxes, which are used to hold the consecrated hosts, did not sustain any damage.

Window Broken and Grass Burned in Mannheim-Käfertal Church

April 21, 2022, Germany

Unknown vandals smashed the side window of the church in Mannheim-Käfertal and lit a fire behind the church which burned a 1.5-meter patch of grass. The police started an investigation into the incident and were looking for witnesses.