All cases

Denying Someone's Preferred Gender could be Criminalised in Scotland

March 14, 2022, United Kingdom

The SNP in Scotland have advocated for legislation that will make it a criminal offence to not "affirm" someone's preferred gender and make it illegal for parents to "refuse to support" their children in taking puberty blockers. This legislation would prevent people from legally holding to their religious beliefs on issues like gender and infringe on parental rights by not allowing parents to educate their children on sexual matters in a way they deem appropriate. The latter would disproportionately affect Christian parents who may have religiously grounded sexual guidelines.

Theft of Sacred Objects in Courcoury

March 14, 2022, France

The Saint-Martin de Tours church in Courcoury was targeted by a thief who stole consecrated hosts on March 14th. The tabernacle was broken into and a lunula, which contained a large consecrated host, was taken. The Bishop of La Rochelle, Mgr Colomb, commented on, "this act of pure hatred and denounced a very serious sacrilege committed against Christ and against his Church". He called in a "new blow of the spear in the side of Christ." An investigation was launched by the police.

Russian Orthodox Church in Oxford Looted

March 12, 2022, United Kingdom

On March 12th, the Russian Orthodox Church of St Nicholas in Oxford was looted by unknown individuals who damaged the holy alter and stole other religious items such as crosses, and altar vessels. They also broke open the church safe and stole a collection of money that was intended for Ukraine. The police were investigating the crime.

Couple Repeatedly Stole from Church in Main-Kinzig

March 11, 2022, Germany

A 34 year old man, was sentenced by the Gelnhausen judges, to two years in prison and 400 hours of community service for committing 34 thefts, 11 of which were from churches. The thefts mainly took place in the Main-Kinzig district and property damage was noticed in some instances. His girlfriend assisted him in 19 of the thefts and was also convicted. The repeated thefts of churches showed zero concern for these sacred places.

Arsonist Burns Church Doors in Lissone

March 10, 2022, Italy

The two wooden side doors of the Sacred Heart of Jesus church in Lissone were set alight by an arsonist in the night of March 10th. The attack looked like the work of "Nerone", someone who has done repeated attacks of a similar nature to churches in the area. Necessary investigations were carried out by the Carabinieri the next day.

Russian Priest Arrested after He Condemns Ukraine Invasion

March 9, 2022, Russia

Rev. Ioann Burdin, a Russian Orthodox priest, was arrested after he gave a speech that condemned the Russian attack on Ukraine. His speech, given in the Karabanovo village, was said to “discredit(ing) the use of the Armed Forces” reported the BBC. His name was also on a public letter signed by 285 Russian Orthodox priests which called for an end to the war.

Scapular Stolen from Statue of Mary in Bad Steben

March 9, 2022, Germany

The scapular (small necklace) was stolen from a statue of Mary in the Queen of Peace parish church in Bad Steben. Dean Andreas Seliger was saddened by the theft and said that if someone wants a scapular, he will give it to them and they "don't have to steal it secretly."

Church in Sant Feliu Seeks Police Protection Due to Repeated Vandalism

March 9, 2022, Spain

The Collegiate Church in Sant Feliu has been targeted by repeated acts of vandalism to its porch. Because of this, the church administration has notified the police and asked them to prevent further damage. According to the administration of the church, they will only be able to stop the degradations with help of the police.

Next Step in Sweden's Ban of Religious Schools

March 8, 2022, Sweden

The Swedish Minister of Education, Lina Axelsson Kihlblom, announced the next step in the Social Democrat's plan to ban private religious schools. It will impose stricter regulations on schools that require them to report all religious activities and principals will have to pass "democratic conditions" to have their position. These new regulations have been introduced in the "democracy clause" and were justified with the need for "democratic control" of education.

Church Website Suspended for Conversion Therapy Views

March 8, 2022, United Kingdom

The website of the Stanley Road Baptist Church in Morecambe, Lancashire was suspended by its host firm Torrix since the pastor signed an anti-conversion therapy letter. This letter was addressed to Liz Truss, whose governmental department will be dealing with proposed legislation to ban conversion therapy. Matt Fletcher, the Torrix proprietor, said he cannot support anything that opposes the LGBTQ+ movement. Rev. Hewitt commented his sadness for this development, but still expressed gratefulness for the working relationship they had with Torrix.

Plans of Irish Government for Abortion Clinic Safe Zone Limits Freedom of Expression

March 8, 2022, Ireland

Stephen Donnelly, Irish Minister of Health, announced that the government plans to draft legislation regarding safe zones around abortion clinics before the Dáil summer break. This proposed law aims create a 100 meter zone around abortion facilities in which people cannot protest. This will severely restrict peoples freedom to express their beliefs on this issue, especially Christians who tend to hold pro-life views.

Feminists Deface Church in Savoy

March 8, 2022, Italy

On March 8th, the façade of the Santissima Annunziata church in Turin, was defaced with anti - Christian graffiti by feminists during National Women's Day. The floor and steps were covered with purple paint that condemned the "patriarchy" of the church. This act showed an apparent ignorance to the role Christianity has played to improve the rights of women.

Vandalism and Arson at Steißlingen Church

March 8, 2022, Germany

The church in Steißlingen was vandalized on March 8th. Perpetrators, who were not found, tipped over an assortment of objects, damaged the pulpit and microphone and set fire to some notes. The scope of the damage was not known but the police were investigating it.

Church in Montpellier Repeatedly Tagged with Anti-Christian Slogans

March 7, 2022, France

The St. Bernadette church in Montpellier, has once again been tagged with anti - Christian phrases such as, "the only church that illuminates is the one that burns". There have been a series of vandalistic attacks to this church and churches in the Montpellier area but no one has been identified despite an investigation launched by the national police.

Vandalism at Beverwijk Mennonite Church

March 7, 2022, Netherlands

The Beverwijk Mennonite Church was the victim of a vandalistic attack on March 8th. The intruder succeeded in kicking a chandelier from the ceiling but due to the lack of surveillance, was not caught. This location has also become a drug trafficking sight and cameras would help prevent that as well.

Arson Attack on Göppingen Church

March 7, 2022, Germany

An unknown arsonist set fire to the side portal of the Oberhofen church in Göppingen on the 7th of March. Pastor Hannes Gaiser said that the door now needs to be secured and that there was some smoke damage inside the church. The extent of the property damage could not be calculated yet as the organ and electrics had not been checked.

Key for Tabernacle of the St. Joseph Hospital Church in Bensheim Stolen

March 6, 2022, Germany

During the night of March 6th, burglars force their way into the St. Joseph Hospital Church and stole the key to the tabernacle. To do this, they broke through a wooden door and pushed open the door of the sacristy. The tabernacle holds the sacred hosts which shows this was a targeted act.

Burglary at Augustdorf Church

March 6, 2022, Germany

Unknown persons broke into the Augustdorf church through a broken window and a kicked in door. Once inside, the violently searched several cupboards to try and find things to steal but were unsuccessful. The police investigated the crime and were looking for more information.

Church Windows in Königsborn Broken

March 5, 2022, Germany

The windows of the Evangelical parish in Königsborn were broken on May 5th by unknown vandals. This followed a series of attacks on buildings and churches in the area.

Insulting Writings on Church in Cuneo

March 5, 2022, Italy

The side of the Santa Maria Della Pieve di Beinette church in the Cuneo area was inscribed with slanderous writings aimed at an individual in the village. The vandal who used this sacred sight to vent their personal feelings showed complete disrespect. The writings have since been removed.

4 Women in Belarus Detained by Police for Praying

March 3, 2022, Belarus

Four mothers of soldiers were detained for praying for peace in Ukraine at the Holy Spirit Cathedral in Minsk, the capital of Belarus. They, along with 100 other soldiers' mothers, were attending the regular evening prayer when the officers followed them into the main Orthodox cathedral of the city and after the service, demanded their documents and then took them for questioning. They were taken to the Central District Police Station and were released four hours later.

MLA's Vote in Support of Abortion Bill Despite Public Opposition

March 2, 2022, United Kingdom

MLA's in Northern Ireland voted in support of a bill that will create "safe zones" around abortion clinics despite 98 percent of the 6,412 public submissions expressing strong opposition to it. This proposed legislation, from Green Party leader Clare Bailey, will make it illegal to “influenc[e] a [person seeking an abortion], whether directly or indirectly” within “safe access zones” reported the Right to Life News. Christians who hold pro-life views will find it difficult to freely express them under this proposed legislation.

Father Maksym Kozachyna Killed in Ivankiv, Ukraine

March 2, 2022, Ukraine

Father Maksym Kozachyna, of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, was killed near Ivankiv on March 3rd when the Russian troops were advancing. He was in uniform at the time and an eye witness said he was pulled out of a car and shot. The Russian military has often targeted religious leaders during their invasion.

Arson to Orthodox Church in Temernik

March 2, 2022, Russia

The Svyato-Vvedensky church in Temernik caught on fire on March 2nd. Church workers said there was a broken window and a cylinder was found inside which led people to the conclusion that it was a deliberate act of arson. Firefighters managed to extinguish the fire within 15 minutes, so thankfully little damage was done.

Perpetrators Despoil and Damage Church in Villach

March 1, 2022, Austria

On March 1st, unknown perpetrators broke into the Villach parish church and tore off the metal decoration of a picture of the Virgin Mary while also stealing five gold plated candlesticks worth several hundred euros. During the police investigation, two metal bowls from the holy water font were also found near the crime scene.

Man Vandalizes Three Churches in Potenza

February 28, 2022, Italy

A man, who was not yet identified, vandalized the churches of Sant'Anna, Santa Cecilia, and Santa Croce on February 28th. He was seen on a surveillance camera and upon entering the church, he destroyed sacred books, paintings, and vestments with what appeared to be a box cutter. The incidents were being investigated and the churches were advised to close their churches when there is no one there to watch them.

War-Related Tags Graffitied on Russian Church in Nijmegen

February 28, 2022, Netherlands

For the second time, a Russian church in Nijmegen was targeted with a hateful attack. On February 28th, a black marker was used to write the words "go to hell with the Ukraine" next to the door of the church. It was written with English letters but indicated a Slavic language. A cross was also drawn underneath the text.

Man Spits on Priest in Bordeaux

February 27, 2022, France

A man, who has been identified by the police and arrested, spat in the face of a priest at the Saint Michel church in Bordeaux. Foreigners had set up stalls inside the church without permission and the police had to intervene. At the exit of the church, a priest was blessing those in the square when a man allegedly spat in his face. The priest has chosen not to press charges due to the church policy of maintaining peace.

Garbage Cans Set Alight at Church in Andernach

February 26, 2022, Germany

Four garbage cans, at the Christ Church in Andernach, where set alight by arsonists on February 26th ruining the bricks underneath and leaving some charred boards. Parts of a recently planted hedge were also burned and a two meter high fence also went up in flames. Andreas Schulte, head of the municipal office said, "This thoughtless vandalism leaves us stunned."

PCSC Bill Causes Freedom of Speech Concern

February 25, 2022, United Kingdom

Charity and Faith leaders around the UK have raised freedom of speech concerns in regard to Part 3 of the Policing, Crime, Sentencing, and Courts bill (PCSC). This bill empowers police officers to impose conditions or arrest public demonstrators who cause “serious unease, alarm or distress”, or even “inconvenience” to members of the public. Proposed amendments will remove this part of the bill and await final votes on the 28th of February.

Armed Men Storm Church in Violent Manner

February 25, 2022, Ukraine

Armed men, dressed in military uniforms and balaclavas, broke into the St. Nicholas Cathedral in Mariupol during the administration of a baptism. They physically harmed an employee, a security guard, and the priest; and then took money from the church safe, stole food, and household items. They then concluded their rampage by fleeing in two of the clergies cars. Due to their state of shock, those who observed the act were unable to identify the criminals.

Montpellier Church Vandalised with Tags Inciting Violence

February 25, 2022, France

The parish of Sainte-Bernadette in Montpellier has been graffitied with threatening tags directed at the church and Father Benoît on 25. February. The phrases were mainly intifada and anarchist related and included "the only church that illuminates is the one that burns." Father Benoît was distressed by the act and planned to file a complaint.

Church in Niederndodeleber Vandalised

February 24, 2022, Germany

The church of St. Peter and Paul in Niederndodeleber, Germany was vandalised on February 24. Pastor Martin Zander found "numerous destructions" and smears, reported the Volksstimme as well as paper scattered everywhere. The devastation reflected a lack of respect for religious spaces.

Vases at Alter in Thizy-les-Bourgs Broken

February 24, 2022, France

Several vases at the alter of the Thizy-les-Bourgs church were broken on 24. February. It was not known who committed the act but an investigation was started.

Urn Broken in the Moux-en-Morvan Church

February 24, 2022, France

An urn, used for the exchange of payment for lighting candles, was broken in the Moux-en-Morvan church on February 21st. The contents of the urn were also stolen but it was not known who committed the sacrilegious act.

Napoli Church Defaced with Graffiti for the Second Time

February 23, 2022, Italy

After being restored for only a few days, the outer wall of the Angevin building at the Saint Marta church in Napoli was once again covered with graffiti. Writings offending the church from the first incident had been painted over but new inscriptions were there to replace them on February 23. The community has been very saddened by this vandalism of the historic church.

Church Tagged with Insults Against Priest

February 23, 2022, France

During the night of February 23rd, unknown vandals spray-painted an insult on the side of a church in Curlu, France. The insult was directed towards the parish priest Sylvain Mansart, who commented: "At least I'm not alone in this problem. (...) We comfort each other". Priests in neighbouring churches have received similar abuse. The local police confirmed these claims and are investigating.

Religious Freedom severely restricted in Donbas region

February 23, 2022, Ukraine

The organisation Forum 18 has been monitoring the human rights of Christians and other religious communities in the area of eastern Europe, and they recently published a survey on the situation in the Luhansk region in Ukraine. They state that freedom of religion is severely restricted in the rebel zone occupied by the Luhansk People's Republic (LPR), which makes up a third of the Luhansk region. In this area, all Protestant and non-Moscow Patriarchate Orthodox communities are rendered illegal, there are repeated denials of permission to a Catholic priest to live in the region, Evangelical and Catholic literature is being banned and there is an overall fear about discussing these — among other — human rights violations.

16 to 18 Year Old Girls in Spain may no Longer Need Parental Consent to Abort

February 23, 2022, Spain

Irene Montero, Spain's equality minister, has told Congress's Equality Commission that 16 to 18 year old girls should be allowed to access abortion without consulting their parents. This would allow for the daughter of Christian parents to complete an abortion without them knowing or being able to advise her on this life changing event. This change has no set date yet but will greatly affect the lives of minor girls if enacted.

Repeated Abuse and Vandalism to Church in Poinger

February 23, 2022, Germany

Anonymous donors of the Seliger parish church in Poinger, have offered a 1000 euro award for information about who has been committing the repeated acts of vandalism in the church. Someone smashed signs in the church and then tried to light them. Pages were also torn from the hymn books to be used as toilet paper. Pastor Philipp Werner said "I'm sad that a church is treated with such disrespect."

Religious Statue Removal to be Decided in French Court

February 22, 2022, France

Back in 2020, a group called The National Federation for Free Thought requested that The statue of the Virgin Mary, in the village of La Flotte-en-Re France be removed. They claimed it was not in accordance with the separation of church and state. This case has now gone to court and will be decided on March 3rd. The statue was only targeted after it was hit by a car and was later rebuilt identically.

Satanist Tags on Notre-Dame de Coutances Cathedral

February 21, 2022, France

Satanist inscriptions were found on the façade of the Notre-Dame de Coutances Cathedral on the 21st of February. They were painted in black and included the words "I'm back" with a star after it and the number 666, symbolizing the devil. A complaint has been lodged about this hateful attack.

Chapel Tagged with Anti-Christian Phrases in Les Lèches

February 21, 2022, France

The chapel of Tresséroux in Les Lèches was tagged with anarchist or radical feminist graffiti on the night of February 21st. Phrases such as: “Neither god nor master nor boss nor husband” and, “destroy the patriarchal and religious state," were written. The mayor was "appalled" by the act and asked for volunteers to help clean it up. This was the first time this chapel has been defiled and a complaint was filed with the police.

Easter Candle Stolen from Munich Church

February 20, 2022, Germany

An Easter candle was stolen from the Apparition of the Lord Catholic church in Blumenau, Munich. The police were searching for the individual who was wearing an orange hooded sweatshirt and black vest, attire often worn by the Harley rider group. The thief caused 100 Euros of damage.

Man Shouts "Allah Akbar" During Church Service

February 20, 2022, France

A man, who was Caucasian and possibly Chechen, entered the Saint - Gervais church in Avranches during the morning mass on February 20th. He walked around the building shouting "Allah Akbar" while play rap music with his phone. The authorities were notified and began searching for him.

Police Open Investigation into Theft of Silver Crown from Church

February 20, 2022, Spain

The silver crown from the Virgin of the Rosary of Glory was stolen from the Church of San Pablo in Cordoba. The National Police have opened an investigation to clarify the theft.

Property Damage and Theft in St. Gallen Church

February 20, 2022, Switzerland

A church in St. Gallen was targeted by thieves who caused property damage to 1000 Swiss francs in the process of stealing a small amount of cash on the 20th of February. They forced their way through a window and once inside, searched rooms and broke open several containers. The case was recorded by the police.

Theft at Sacred Heart Church in Einswarden

February 19, 2022, Germany

In a theft at the Catholic Church of the Sacred Heart, candlesticks and holy water holders were stolen by unknown perpetrators. Located in Einswarden, this church and the surrounding land have been bought by the Coptic Orthodox Church.

Consecrated Hosts and Candle Stolen from Church

February 18, 2022, Italy

An unknown thief stole a pyx filled with consecrated hosts and a candle from the San Giovanni Battista in Careggi. Don Marco Fantappiè called the police and an inspection was carried out but few conclusions were made. This was not the first attack against this church and Marco Fantappiè was quite distressed at how little help he has received to prevent sacrilegious acts such as this.

Holy Water Font Defiled in Sedelsberg

February 18, 2022, Germany

Chips and cigarettes were found in the holy water font at the St. Peter Canisius Church in Sedelsberg. The incident happened on February 18th and the unknown vandal showed complete irreverence for the place which is sacred to many.

Freedom of Conscience endangered by Belgium's Expansion of Euthanasia Law

February 17, 2022, Belgium

On 17. February, Belgium's Constitutional Court in Brussels advanced amendments that made it illegal for health care institutions to withhold euthanasia on the grounds of faith. This has adversely affected Christian doctors whose faith does not permit this practice. Human Rights experts have expressed concerns over this challenge to freedom of religion and conscience.

TikTok Influencers Desecrate French Church on Viral Video

February 16, 2022, France

Two TikTok influencers, Benjamin Ledig and "Queen Paul", filmed themselves wearing a crop-top and twerking (dancing sexually) in front of a crucifix at the Parisian church of Saint Paul on February 16th. They later posted this video on social media where it received some 20 million views despite it being repeatedly removed. Ledig claims he did it to protest the "homophobia" of the church while "Queen Paul" apologized for his behaviour.

Anti - Christians Graffiti on Church in Velten

February 16, 2022, Germany

The façade of a Protestant church in Velten, was defaced with large amounts of graffiti. Although most of it seemed to be contentless, some phrases read "Satan" or the "Devil is here," giving the act a definite anti - Christian bias. Pastor Reimers has reported the incident and several volunteers have offered to assist with the removal of the paint.

Thrown Rocks Broke Churches Stained Glass Windows Landéda

February 16, 2022, France

The rose stained glass windows of the Saint-Laurent de Tromenec chapel in Landéda were broken by vandals for the second time. Rocks were used to inflict the damage and the openings had to be covered with plexiglass until the glassmaker came. The police compiled a file of these incidents.

Crypt of Church in Flers Covered with Red Paint

February 15, 2022, France

The inside and outside of the Saint-Germain church crypt in Flers, was tagged with red paint and crosses were drawn on 15. February. This was done by an unknown perpetrator who also broke a window to get in, smashed a wheelchair, and knocked a cross to the ground. The sacrilegious crime has been reported and the police are investigating.

Arson at Entrance of Church in Wangen

February 15, 2022, Germany

The wooden staircase in the Evangelical church in Wangen was set on fire by a stranger on February 2nd. It was thought that the arsonist used disinfectant to facilitate the fire but it was still relatively unsuccessful. Pastor Martin Sauer could only shake his head as the material damage, which was manageable, but the emotional damage was devastating. Police were investigating the crime.

Update: 18 Year Old Accused of Arson Attacks on Several Churches in Derby

February 14, 2022, United Kingdom

Johnny Brady, an 18 year old, has been accused of several acts of arson committed in 2020 to several churches and school buildings in Derby, England. The historic church of All Saints was damaged and some schools, including St Mary’s Catholic School, were burned entirely to the ground. He is due to appear in court on March 31.

Teenagers Try to Set fire to a Church

February 13, 2022, Italy

In Pesaro, on the 13. February, two teenagers were caught on camera as they tried to cause a fire in the church of San Luigi Gonzaga. They spread hand sanitiser on the ground in front of the altar and then started a fire with a lighter. Luckily the fire went out after around 10 minutes. The parish priest left a sign on the door saying he forgives the boys who did it.

A Man Dismantles the Statue of the Madonna

February 13, 2022, Italy

A man dismantled the statue of the Madonna in Via di Ponte Galeria, Rome, on the 13. February. The residents who heard the noise alerted the police, who were able to arrest the man on the spot. The man threatened the police and tried to attack them, he was allegedly under the influence of alcohol.

Unknown Vandals Destroy Holy Water bottles in Laives Church

February 13, 2022, Italy

About 20 bottles of holy water, at the Laives parish church, were emptied and scattered around the churchyard on November 13th. These bottles were at the entrance of the nave for people to pick up and leave a donation. The perpetrators of the crime did not only destroy. the bottles, but they also showed complete disrespect for something of religious sentiment and then left a mess at the church property.

Extensive Fire Caused by Arson at Church in Glasgow

February 13, 2022, United Kingdom

The Jackson Church of Scotland in Airdrie, a North Lanarkshire town near Glasgow, was deliberately set on fire on the morning of the 13. February. An investigation has been launched by the police, who are treating the fire as arson. According to the police, the fire was started around 3 am and the fire brigade was called around 4 am. The church building will remain closed and services have been suspended, as Kay Gilchrist, the church's reverend announced on the Twitter account of the church.

Statue Outside Church in Boitzenburg Vandalized

February 13, 2022, Germany

For the 750th anniversary of the church in Boitzenburg, a woman, with her own money, had a wooden statue of a nun made for outside the church. The figure, which was 1.3 meters high, was found knocked over on February 2nd with its base broken. At first, the culprit was thought to be the recent storm but on further investigation, a white sticky substance was found on it which confirmed the act was done by vandals.

35 Graves Desecrated in the Ciempozuelos Cemetery in Madrid

February 13, 2022, Spain

In the beginning of February 2022, 35 graves were desecrated in the Ciempozuelos municipal cemetery. The perpetrators stole status of Christ, crucifixes and other metal and copper funerary elements that adorned the tombstones, while some of them were found broken and trampled.

Swedish Christian Teacher Fired Over Pronoun Dispute

February 11, 2022, Sweden

A Swedish Christian teacher, Selma Gamaleldin, faced accusations of discrimination for refusing to address a student identifying as 'non-binary' with the gender-neutral pronoun 'hen', due to her personal belief.

Church in Königsbrunn Tagged by Unknown Vandals

February 10, 2022, Germany

Unknown perpetrators defaced the courtyard of the church "Maria Unterm Kreuz" in Königsbrunn with several tags on the 10. February. The incident was reported by the police at the weekend, they have estimated the damage caused by the graffiti at about 3,000 euros.

France: Report finds 38% Rise in Anti-Religious Violence

February 10, 2022, France

Initial findings of a report were presented on the 10. February by French MPs Ludovic Mendes and Isabelle Florennes. They were ordered by the French Prime Minister Jean Castex to conduct a report on anti-religious attacks in France. The report found a 38% rise in anti-religious violence since 2019. Of the 1.659 anti-religious incidents in 2021, 857 were against Christians, which makes them the most targeted religion in France.

3 People Charged with Terrorist Attack Against Orthodox Church

February 10, 2022, Greece

Two men and one women were charged with terrorism, endangering life, and damage to property after they threw a Molotov cocktail into the entrance of a Greek Orthodox church. They were expected to be part of a group called Organization Anarchist Action who have done similar attacks in the past. Thankfully this targeted attack caused little damage.

Crucifix and Commemorative Plaques Stolen from Grave in Gouvix

February 9, 2022, France

Four commemorative plaques, a funeral medallion, and a crucifix were stolen from the La Fosse-à-Terre cemetery in Gouvix. It was the grave of a young man who's father, Georges Delannée, found the theft and was heartbroken. He said "this rekindles the pain of a father who lost a child who left too early, in the prime of life." The father has filed a complaint.

Repeated Vandalism on Eight Churches in Vicinity of Péronne

February 9, 2022, France

Eight village churches in the vicinity of Péronne were tagged in February and March 2022 - four of them on the night of 9-10 February alone - by an individual who appeared to be blaming the priest for personal reasons.The latter was finally identified and arrested, according to the local press.

Money Stolen and Organ Smashed in Church

February 8, 2022, United Kingdom

Unknown vandals broke into St. Mary's Church in Higham Ferres where they stole money from a large glass jar, scattered the prayer candles, and smashed the organ alter. A crowbar found in a hedge the next day was thought to be used for the ransacking. The act showed a complete disregard for the religious objects in the church.

Russian Church Painted with Z-Symbol

February 8, 2022, Netherlands

The notice board and fence of the Saint Nikolaas of Myra Church in Amsterdam was painted several times with the pro - Russian symbol Z. The incident happened on March 8th and the service had to be cancelled due to security concerns. The Saint Nikolaas of Myra Church is Russian Orthodox but several nationalities including Ukrainians are part of the congregation. The church has raised funds for Ukrainian refugees but has remained neutral toward the war.

Unknown Vandals throw Stones at Church windows in Bernitt

February 8, 2022, Germany

Stones were thrown at the church in Bernitt on February 8th. Windows on the house of worship were broken in what could only be called a vandalistic attack that caused over a thousand Euro damage. The police is investigating.

Sanctuary in Strassberg Ransacked

February 8, 2022, Germany

As it was reported on the 8th of February, unknown perpetrators set a flower basket and several song paper sheets on fire and then spread the smouldering remains throughout the chancel of a church in Strassberg. The perpetrators also damaged the altar in the act. They caused around 100 euros worth of damage and then left with a large altar candle.

Unknown Vandals Overturn the Car of a Priest in Ibiza

February 7, 2022, Spain

On February 2nd, the car of priest Pedro Miguel López was overturned in a parking lot beside the church. It was the second time his car had been attacked, but this time, much more damage was done including seriously damaged bodywork. The police were notified of the crime.

Decapitated Sculpture of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in San Fernando

February 6, 2022, Spain

In the early hours of February 6th an act of vandalism took place in the town of San Fernando Cádiz. The sculpture of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, located in the square of the parish of Nuestra Señora de la Oliva, was decapitated. After the attack the sculpture had to be removed from its usual place. The parish, and some municipal political groups alerted the police and asked the authorities to arrest the offenders and compel them to pay for the damages caused.

Painting of a Church Defaced in Italy

February 5, 2022, Italy

A painting that was inside the church of Monterosso Calabro was defaced in the Vibonese area. The work had been donated to the parish by Professor Giuseppe Farina, a renowned artist, in memory of the baptism of his nephew and all the children of the community. The unknown perpetrator scribbled over the name of the nephew that was written on the painting around the 5th of February. The municipal administration, led by Mayor Antonio Giacomo Lampasi, strongly condemned the gesture.

Sacrilegious theft in church in Brescia: Pyx with consecrated hosts stolen

February 5, 2022, Italy

The parish priest of Santa Maria Vittoria church in Brescia's Via Cremona reported that someone had stolen a pyx from the church tabernacle on 5 February. According to the priest, this grave incident was done by someone that knew how to move inside the church and where the tabernacle keys were saved.

New Control Mechanism for French Religious Associations to Access Subsidies

February 4, 2022, France

A current tool has been implemented under the french anti-separatism law, which aims at reinforcing "respect of republican principles." This is the Republican Commitment Contract (CER), which was approved in 2020, and it needs to be signed by all associations, including religious ones, to have access to subsidies. While the National Council of Evangelicals (CNEF) and the Protestant Evangelical Committee for Human Dignity (CPDH) welcome the contract that seeks to uphold freedom of association and freedom of conscience, thought and religion, as well as the fight against violence, they are concerned about the practical application and interpretation of these measures by public authorities or administrations, as "some terms could be misinterpreted."

Church Door Damaged in Poland

February 4, 2022, Poland

On the night of 3 to 4 February in Bierutow, unknown perpetrators destroyed the door to the St Joseph the Spouse church in Bierutow. It is possible that the intention was to break into the church. The police are investigating who may be behind the act. The parish posted a picture of the damage on Facebook.

Theft and Vandalism in Ireland Church

February 4, 2022, Ireland

On February 4th, the police arrested a man who broke into the Sacred Heart Church in Limerick. He smashed the offering box and then stole the money that the faithful had put there as well as breaking some statues.

Online Safety Bill could lead to Censorship of Christian teaching

February 4, 2022, United Kingdom

On the 4. February, the UK Government published a press release about strengthening the Online Safety Bill that was drafted back in 2019. While the Bill aims to protect children and internet users from criminal acts, such as sexual harassment, illegal pornography and violence, some MPs are raising concern about other parts of the Bill that could endanger freedom of speech. The drafted Bill could also include the prosecution of what is to be considered "harmful" information and communication, which is a very broad term, and could be used wrongly to target unwanted opinions, such as the conservative Christian teaching.

Hosts Stolen from Fulda Cathedral

February 4, 2022, Germany

A 23-year-old stole the consecrated hosts from the Fulda Cathedral on Friday the 4th of February and then after disposing of them, returned the host bowl to the sanctuary. The police managed to arrest him and after they were done, they released him. They continued to investigate the incident for "disturbing the practice of religion," which carries a particularly heavy sentence.

Karlskirche in Vienna Vandalized for the Second Time in 2022

February 4, 2022, Austria

On the 4th of February, the Karlskirche in Vienna was vandalized by unknown people.

Cyprus, Suspect Detained after Repeated Vandalism and Theft in Church

February 3, 2022, Cyprus

In Cyprus, a 21-year-old Nicosia man was arrested for repeated thefts from churches, and faces accusations "of entering a place of worship with intent to commit a crime, inflicting malicious damage, attempted theft, and burglaries," reported Cyprus Mail. Investigations of the five recorded incidents, which happened between December 21st and January 4th, were ongoing.

Update: Pro Life Campaigners Could face a Jail Sentence in Spain

February 3, 2022, Spain

New legislation in Spain could mean that people who support or pray in demonstrations outside abortion clinics may be arrested and face a jail sentence of three months to a year. Christians, who are more likely to be involved in this type of protest due to their pro-life convictions, will be targeted if their actions are said to be "offensive, intimidating, or coercive". After being passed in the Congress of Deputies on February 3rd, this bill awaits a vote in the Senate.

School in Flen May Face 10,000 SEK Fine for Prayer

February 1, 2022, Sweden

The Ålidenskolan kindergarten in Flen may be charged a fine of 10,000 SEK (960 euros) if they continue to do a meal time payer in school. They came under scrutiny after an school inspection accused them for having a religious element to their teaching which is not in line with Swedish regulations. This reflects Sweden's goal to remove all religion from their education system.

Remembrance Chapel for Sailors in Cotentin Vandalised

February 1, 2022, France

The chapel of Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue (Manche) was once again vandalised when flowers and other objects were taken. This chapel was dedicated to lost sailors at sea and is a sacred place for many. It has now been placed under video surveillance to stop such acts happing in the future.

Broken Window and Room Searched in Bad Schoenborn Church

February 1, 2022, Germany

The St. Vitrus church was broken into by unknown perpetrators who broke a window and searched rooms. The incident happened on the 2nd of January in Schoenborn.

Clock Hand Stolen from Church in Kranenburg

January 31, 2022, Germany

The small hand of a clock on a church in Kranenburg was stolen during the night of the 25th of January by unknown people. The thieves attempted to remove the minute hand as well but failed, and thus damaged it. The emotional value of the clock is great and members of the congregation were very upset by the hands disappearance.

Catholic Home in Saint-Brieuc Targeted with Anti-Christian Tags

January 30, 2022, France

The car and home façade of the Catholic entrepreneur Sébastien Drouin, were painted with anti - Christian tags such an upside down cross and the number 666, know for its Anitchrist connection. He openly expressed his faith and was the radio host of the local Catholic station RCF. Him and his family unfortunately had to pay for their beliefs and Mr. Drouin posted on Twitter: "Where can we be safe?"

Attempted Attack in the Basilica in Blois

January 29, 2022, France

A man with typical Muslim attire returned to the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Trinité in Blois on 29. January after he had prayed to Mecca and been asked to leave. The churchman was concerned by his behaviour an called the police who searched him. The Koran and a long kitchen knife were found attached to his belt at which point he was taken into custody.

Driver of Pro-Life Van is Physically Attacked

January 28, 2022, Poland

The driver of a van that displayed pro-life slogans and images was attacked in Warsaw and the incident was recorded on video. A man threw an object at the vehicle as it stopped by a red light, and when the driver opened the door, he tried to pull him outside and hit him twice, and then he ran away.

Islamist Who Disrupted Funeral Could Have also Painted Swastika on Basilica

January 27, 2022, France

During a funeral on 27. January, a man entered the Saint - Denys Basilica in Argenteuil, shouted "Allah Akbar," and then fled. Moments later, a swastika was found painted on the outside of the church and the acts were thought to be connected. The incident was reported to the police but no one has been caught.

Church in San Teodoro Damaged by Arson Attack

January 26, 2022, Italy

A fire, that broke out in the church of San Teodoro, was suspected to be a deliberate act of arson after the video surveillance was examined. No major damage was noted but the fire started near a statue of Mary and some candles were burned. The deliberate act was being investigated by the Carabinieri.

Swastikas Painted on Church of Melton Mowbray

January 26, 2022, United Kingdom

Swastikas and a Star of David were spray - painted on the St. Mary's Church in Melton Mowbray. Police officers were looking into the vandalistic act and labeled it "religious aggravated graffiti." It came a few days before the Holocaust Memorial Day and a member of the church posted online "To desecrate a House of God seems pretty low."

Communist Banner Hanged From Christ Statue in Murcia

January 26, 2022, Spain

On the 26th of January, the Christ statue located on top of the castle of the Murcia district, in Monteagudo, was found in the morning with a large banner with the faces of Soviet leaders, Stalin and Lenin, decorated with the communist symbol of the hammer and sickle on a red star and with a text stating: "It is very difficult to destroy someone who is not willing to surrender". The banner was removed by the municipal firefighters on the same morning it was found.

France: Ban on "Conversion Therapy" Does Not Target Abusers but Breaches Parental Rights

January 25, 2022, France

On January 25, the French National Assembly unanimously approved a "conversion therapy" law, introducing prison sentences and high fines for those convicted of trying to change the sexual orientation or identity of LGBT+ people. Whereas the abusive practices mentioned in the law have never occurred in France, the broadly written law does not mention conversion therapy organizations or possible perpetrators, but it prohibits parents from refusing hormonal therapies or even questioning their children about their doubts about their identity. A Child psychiatrist, Christian Flavigny, warned that this law will hinder any reflection on children in deep distress and disqualify the parent-child bond.

500 Graves in Houdain Desecrated and Robbed

January 25, 2022, France

In the night of January 1st, 500 graves were robbed and desecrated in the Bois des Tours cemetery, in Houdain. The thieves were after metal objects that they could resell as scrap and the incident was reported to the police. Although they were after monetary gain, the act showed a complete lack of respect for those who were buried there and the religious objects on their graves.

Nativity Scene Figure and Fundraising Money Stolen

January 24, 2022, Germany

The police investigation into the theft of a nativity scene figure from St. Nikolai's Church in Höxter has not yet produced any hot leads. The "Thankful Boy", a fundraising figure, had been dismantled from the nativity scene ensemble and stolen together with the money (more than 100 Euros). The boy belonged to the 150-year-old nativity scene.

A Clinic Training Course calls the Bible and Christianity "racist"

January 23, 2022, United Kingdom

As reported by Daily Mail on 23. January, a leading mental health clinic in London, Portman Clinic, told a student therapist during a training course that Christianity is a racist religion and that the Bible can be considered racists because it makes a contrast between "darkness" and "light". Amy Gallagher is a 33-year-old nurse, who is preparing to take legal action against this clinic. She will sue the clinic for discrimination against her as a Christian and a white person, and also due to the distress caused through this experience. A crowdfunding campaign has been started to support her on her legal challenge.