All cases

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.

Silver Crucifix Stolen From St.-Lamberti Church

January 23, 2022, Germany

On 23. January, people saw a possible suspect stealing a silver crucifix from the St.-Lamberti Church in Oldenburg. The cross, 45 centimetres high and 30 centimetres wide, had stood in the baptistery, an entrance hall of the Protestant church. Besides the cross nothing else was stolen. The police are investigating.

Vandals Devastate Church and Mock Priest

January 23, 2022, Italy

Due to repeated acts of vandalism in the Church of Ritiro, the parish priest, father Romeo, decided to close the church outside worship hours. He posted on Facebook at the end of January: "Due to repeated acts of vandalism in the church, most recently this morning, the church will be closed from today. It will only open before celebrations or parish activities." The mayor of Messina, Cateno de Luca, has expressed his concern and outrage regarding these incidents and announced he would go to Mass as a sign of solidarity to the priest. The mayor described incidents such as overturned candlesticks on the altar, and trash and cigarette buds found on the floor.

Graffiti on Chapel in Piétat by Unknown Vandal

January 23, 2022, France

The word "Ska" was spray-painted in black on the Notre-Dame de chapel in Piétat, France. Ska, is a music genre that originated in 1950s Jamaica and seems to have no relevance to the chapel. Despite this, it was a deliberate act to deface the side of a religious building.

Vandalism of Church Objects in Chaumont

January 23, 2022, France

Vandalism that occurred in 2021, to the Saint-Jean-Baptiste basilica, was finally reported during the general meeting of the Innovatis Basilica association. Burnt papers were found in the entrance to the church and several urns had been damaged. Some candles had also been stolen and it has been suggested that cameras be installed to prevent such actions in the future.

Greek Ministry Report: Anti-Christian Attacks make up approx. 93% of all Anti-Religious Hate Crimes in 2020

January 22, 2022, Greece

Greece’s Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs has released a report showing that between 2015 to 2020 there have been 2,339 incidents of desecration of Greek Orthodox churches. This means these churches are the main target among all religious groups in the country, as they make up approximately 93% of the cases. In 2020 alone, there were 404 attacks against religious spaces: 385 attacks were against Christians, while there were less than 10 attacks to any other religion.

Expensive Chalice Stolen from Church in Poland

January 22, 2022, Poland

A gold plated chalice worth several thousand zlotys was stolen from St. Martin's Church in Kepno, Poland on February 22nd. The chalice was later found in a dumpster and recovered. Investigators guess there were two thieves but they have not been found.

32 Nativity Figures Stolen from Saint-Pierre Church in Palavas-los-Flots

January 21, 2022, France

32 figures were stolen from the nativity scene at the Saint - Pierre church in Palavas - los - Flots on 21. January. Their total value was estimated to be around 300 euros. The visual artist, Marie-Pierre Guilhot, who had compiled the scene was especially saddened by the theft and said: “As a Catholic, you should forgive but here I find it difficult to forgive.

Municipality in Spain Takes Down Cross in Parish Church

January 21, 2022, Spain

The mayor of Villagarcía de Arosa began the demolition of the cross of the parish church, in late January 2022. The removal will be undertaken under the Historical Memory Law and will cost more than 1,000 euros, according to the PSOE government team. On social media, the political party VOX wrote: "infamy is being committed. A theft of our history and our faith. The local PSOE allows it with financial help from the Diputación".

Burglary and Theft in Szczytno Church

January 20, 2022, Poland

A 25-year-old man, was found inside the basement of a Church in Szczytno by the pastor, on the 20th of January. Upon investigation, it was found that the intruder had broken three widows of the church and had then attempted to steal three items worth a combined value of 5,000 zlotys.

German Evangelical Pastor Receives Death Threats

January 20, 2022, Germany

The police in Germany has communicated that a pastor from Herne, Melanie Jansen, who regularly organises peace prayers on Saturdays (parallel to Covid-19 protests), has received death threats. The State Protection Service is now investigating, as the persons from the two incidents until now were unknown. The Evangelical Church in Rhineland has condemned these threats and have expressed solidarity towards this colleague and "sister in Christ".

Vandals Tagged Church Walls and Door with Blasphemous Words

January 20, 2022, Italy

In Muggio, the façade of the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Castagno was found covered with blasphemous taggs on the 21st of January. The walls and the entrance door of the church were vandalised by unknown perpetrators, with the words "Dio cane" (Dog God). According to the news outlet "Today", the places of worship in the city had been attacked with arson in recent weeks and in the summer. The community was very affected by this incident and volunteers have cleaned the walls.

Arsonist Burns Church Altar in Germany

January 20, 2022, Germany

On 20 January, the Paul Gerhardt Church in Berlin fell victim to an arson attack, destroying the altar, an image of Christ and the organ. Thirty firefighters were needed to extinguish the fire. The Evangelical congregation was shocked by the incident, with Pastor Aljona Hofmann saying: 'It strikes at the heart of the church.' According to a witness, a man left the church in a hurry shortly before the fire started; the church would normally have been closed at this time. The police are investigating.

France: Minister of Interior Releases 4 Million Euro Budget to protect Places of Worship

January 20, 2022, France

The minister of interior in France, Gérald Darmanin, has announced a four million euro budget to secure places of worship after a series of acts of vandalism to churches. In relation to this, the philosopher and historian, Remi Brague, said in an interview that attacking the Catholic Church has become very easy. He also sees it as a way of weakening the whole country and points out that the solution to improve the security of Churches is not only financial. The minister plans to finance video surveillance in particular. 

Catholic Church Vandalised with Dog Manure for several Months

January 20, 2022, Germany

The police have found a suspect, who might be responsible for the vandalism attacks that endured the Catholic church St. Aegidius for several months since October 2021. The man had smeared dog excrement on the walls of the church or left dog excrement at the entrance of the church almost every week. The pastor Anrul Lourdu commented: "We are speechless and meanwhile also powerless. It is simply undignified, unattractive and inhumane what is happening."

Suspected Arson to Church in Valladolid

January 19, 2022, Spain

The church of Our Lady of Fatima in Valladolid has been severely damaged by a fire that was started from outside the church. The investigation indicates that the fire could have been caused by arson. The head of the parish of San José Obrero, Enrique Barrientos, said: "In principle, it seems to have been provoked because the fire went from the outside in. There had been some acts of vandalism in the area." The incident took place on the 19. January in the early morning, and the first one to raise the alarm was the headmaster of a school that is attached to the chapel. The fire damaged a church door, an image of the Virgin and the electronic organ, which was completely burnt.

Police Arrest Man Guilty for Theft of Sacred Obejcts

January 18, 2022, Italy

The police of Salerno has captured a man who was guilty of stealing sacred objects from the church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel on the 18th of January. The thieve had stolen a silver chalice and monstrance. The police were alerted by Don Biagio, the parish priest who was in the sacristy when the theft took place. The 24-year-old perpetrator was identified with the security cameras and the objects were returned to the church.

Outer Walls of Church in Napoli Marred by Fire

January 18, 2022, Italy

On January 18th, the outer walls of the Sant'Eligio Church in Piazza Mercato, Naples, were blackened by a fire lit by youths from the city. The police quickly arrived at the scene but not before the walls had been damaged.

Church Front Set Alight in Muggiò

January 18, 2022, Italy

The doormat of the Santa Giuliana church in Muggiò was set alight by unknow vandals on 18. January. The main doors of the historic 13th century church were blackened by the flames. This act of arson was obviously done in contempt of the church.

Church Bell Tower in Villingen-Schwenningen Defaced

January 18, 2022, Germany

The bell tower of a church in Villingen-Schwenningen was defaced by unknown vandals. They sprayed the tower with writing and caused property damage of around 100 Euros on January 18th. The police were looking for more information and wanted witnesses.

Arson to Nativity Scene in Church in Dortmund

January 17, 2022, Germany

The police assume that the straw on the cot of the Provost Church of St. John the Baptist was set on fire by someone. Arson is suspected. This was reported by "Der Westen". According to the parish website, a visitor to the Catholic church noticed the fire at the cot on Monday and reported it. With the help of a fire extinguisher, the caretaker and sexton were able to prevent the fire from spreading to the Christmas trees and the wooden altar.The nativity scene has now been dismantled. The church remains open, but additional safety measures are being considered.

Entire Music Equipment Stolen from Dresden Church

January 17, 2022, Germany

An unknown thief stole the music equipment form the Friedenskirche Church in Dresden-Löbtau. The theft happened on the 17 of January and police say the stolen goods had a value of around 2,000 euros. The equipment is vital for celebrating services.

Man Tears Host into Pieces During Mass

January 16, 2022, France

On the 16. January, in the parish of Saint-Esprit in Paris during Mass, a man went to receive Communion, but instead, he took the Host and tore it into pieces and threw it to the ground. The Father Simón Fornier de Violeta, one of the parish vicars, was distributing Communion when this man arrived and stretched out his hand. As the priest tried to ask him about this profanation, he replied "For Nadia", and went away. The priest said: "The act was thought out, premeditated." He commented that the man had some injuries in his hands, like "people who consume drugs or drink too much."

Man Arrested for Dismembering Figures of Jesus

January 16, 2022, Germany

A 30 year old man was arrest for multiple accounts of property damage around the Märkischer Kreis region on January 16th. The cases included the dismembering of Jesus figurines, stolen statues of the Virgin Mary and Jesus, and damage to wayside crosses. The police suspected it was not a religiously motivated attack but this does not excuse the fact that the objects that were destroyed in a sacrilegious manner, were sacred to Christians.

Burglary of Church in St. Ingbert

January 16, 2022, Germany

On January 16th, three men and two women, entered the church of St. Hildegard in St. Ingbert and stole several items after ransacking the inside. Groceries were stolen and some offering sticks, which they tried to break, were shaken to get the coins out. When the police arrived on the scene, the criminals fled but the two women were arrested. A follow up investigation confirmed that the suspects were a gang who had raided several other churches and items, including a gold chalice worth thousands, were found in one of their apartments.

Police Are Investigating Arson to Dundee Church

January 15, 2022, United Kingdom

In Dundee, Scotland, the St Luke’s Parish Church was the victim of an arson attack on the 15. January. The crew that extinguished the fire found that someone had set alight rubbish around 4 pm, according to the police. Also, neighbours said there have been issues with teenagers accessing the grounds of the former church.

Graffiti in Wertingen Church

January 13, 2022, Germany

A severe case of vandalism was recorded at the St. Martin's Church in Wertingen on January 13th. Graffiti and the number 187, meaning murder, were painted all over the wooden paneling and seats. There was even a failed attempt to break open the sacristy door; and the offertory was also damaged, in the adjacent Lourdes Grotto. There was an estimated property damage of around 1,000 Euros.

Break-In and Property Damage to Church in Niederlinxweiler

January 13, 2022, Germany

Unknown intruders destructively gained access to the evangelical church in Niederlinxweiler on January 13th. In their attempt to find and steal valuables from the sacristy, they ransacked rooms and caused a large amount of property damage. The police were looking for witnesses to provide more information.

Polish Court Rejects Appeal for LGBTQ Acquittal

January 12, 2022, Poland

The Plock court in Poland has finally rejected the prosecutions appeal after three pro-LGBTQ women were acquitted in March of 2021. They had been distributing posters of the Virgin May with a rainbow halo on her head and were prosecuted for "offending religious beliefs." The sentence would have been up to two years but the offence was not deemed severe enough.

Drunk Man Threatens Priest And Tries to Enter Church

January 11, 2022, Italy

Around 4 a.m. today, Tuesday 11 January, a 29-year-old young man with multiple past convictions began threatening the parish priest of the Collegiate Church in Moncalieri because he could not get into the church. The parish priest, worried about the possibility of vandalism, called the Carabinieri. When they arrived a few minutes later, the soldiers tried to calm him down, but the man attacked them and continued his fury even at the barracks, where he was taken to formalise his arrest.

Tabernacle Broken in Romainville

January 11, 2022, France

Vandals wrecked the church of Saint-Germain-l'Auxerrois in Romainville on January 11th. The Diocese wrote in a press release, "a trunk was torn off, the tabernacle was fractured, the sound equipment, stolen and the cupboards of the sacristy, stripped of several sacred vases". This act of desecration expressed a total lack of respect for these religious symbols.

Italian Parish Priest Demands Help After Continuous Attacks and Vandalism

January 11, 2022, Italy

The parish priest of the church of San Benedetto in Livorno, Don Tomasz Zurek, has said he can't stand anymore the intimidation and vandalism that happens outside his church every night. In the last incident, someone started a fire to a paper that was on the Church door. As he protested the violent acts he has to endure, he was pushed by the vandals. The priest says: "We ask for a permanent presence of the police and, if necessary, also of the army." He has organized a letter, together with people from a shopping centre nearby, also intimidated by the vandals that gather outside the Church at night. This was reported on the 11th of January.

Hundreds of Hosts Stolen from Saint-Pierre Church

January 10, 2022, France

Thieves broke through the stained-glass windows of the Saint-Pierre Church in Bondy to desecrate the tabernacle and steal hundreds of hosts. This act of desecration showed intense disrespect for some of the most sacred objects in the Catholic church. Father Jocelyn Petitfils explains that the tabernacle is "the most venerable place in the church, where the consecrated hosts are stored”.

Attempted Arson at Bakum Church

January 10, 2022, Germany

Between the 8th and the 10th of January, unknown perpetrators made an arson attack at the St.-Johannes-Baptist-Church in Bakum. According to the police, the fire was started on a paper and it damaged one table. The fire smoke also damaged the walls. The damage amounts to approx. 200 Euro. The police is now investigating and requesting clues from eye-witnesses.

Heavy Flagstones Stolen from Glossop Church

January 10, 2022, United Kingdom

Thieves targeted a church in Glossop and stole a number of ancient flagstones from the floor. The theft from the grounds of Glossop Parish Church of All Saints has left the local community saddened. The stolen flagstones were taken from the path outside the west end of the church overnight between Wednesday 5 and Thursday 6 January. Tyre tracks were left nearby so it is believed a vehicle was used in the theft of the very heavy stone.

Nativity Scene Statue Stolen from Church in Forbach-Bermersbach

January 10, 2022, Germany

A nativity scene figure was stolen from a church in Forbach-Bermersbach (Rastatt district) on 10. January. According to the police, the figure, a "servant with a donation box", was stolen from the unlocked church. The damage is said to be of a non-material and artistic nature; the financial damage cannot yet be quantified.

Crucifix Stolen from Church During Funeral

January 10, 2022, France

A repeat thief stole a wooden crucifix off the condolence table at the Saint-Nicolas de Port Basilica near Dombasle, France. The absence of the liturgical piece was noticed shortly after the funeral had ended and upon viewing the footage from the nearby surveillance cameras, the police identified the thief to be Phillipe Languedoc. He has been in prison for the past 38 years for other offences and now will spend 12 more months behind bars for this crime. The lack of respect for religious sentiments was evident in the incident.

Church Windows Smashed by Unknown Perpetrators

January 9, 2022, Belgium

On Sunday 9. January, the church in Bouvignes was targeted by unknown vandals. The Stained glass windows were broken, probably through kicking. Father Jean-Baptiste Raty, parish priest of the church, called the action a : "gratuitous vandalism".

Church Walls Tagged by Vandals

January 9, 2022, Poland

Unknown criminals spray painted the Garrison Church of St. Casimir the Prince in Katowice. They may face a sentence of up to eight years and will have to restore the stone work to its original state. Multiple walls and some statues of the historic church were defaced.

Theft of Relic from the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

January 9, 2022, France

The relic f John Paul II was stolen from the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Paray-leMonial in Burgundy. The relic is a piece of cloth stained with the Pope's blood during an attempted murder in 1981. The theft could have occurred between the 8 and 9 of January, according to the mayor Jean-Marc Nesme. The incident was reported by a churchman who was closing the church, the police are investigating.

Obscene Phrases Written on Fabriano Church

January 9, 2022, Italy

The front facade of the Church of Our Lady of Grace in Via Conce, was defaced with epithets written in spray paint on 1. January. Police examined footage of the surrounding area in search of the vandals but no one has been arrested.

Windows of Bouvignes Church Broken

January 9, 2022, Belgium

On 9. January, the stained glass windows of the Bouvignes church were smashed in. Father Jean-Baptiste Raty labelled the act: "gratuitous vandalism".

Vandal Smashes Church Windows During Mass

January 9, 2022, Slovakia

During Mass, an 18-year-old used a hammer to smash the windows of the Church of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Senica. The man then fled the scene with a city police patrol in pursuit. He used the hammer to fend off one officer but was caught in the end. This incident happened on January 9th.

Karlskirche in Vienna Tagged Again by Unknown Vandals

January 8, 2022, Austria

On the night of the 7. to 8. January, the historical Karlskirche in Vienna was tagged with red paint by unknown vandals. Among the symbols, there were blasphemous drawings, anarchist and communist symbols. Johannes Pasquali, a Viennese politician, demanded that security cameras be installed to protect the church. These attacks and vandalism have been repetitive for some months.

Statue of the Virgin of Saint-Pierre-le-Vieux Church destroyed

January 8, 2022, France

In the Saint-Pierre-le-Vieux Church in Strasbourg, the statue of the Virgin was vandalised on the 8th of January. The statue of the Virgin was found destroyed on the ground with its face damaged. A complaint was filed with the police. The parish priest of the church received the news and commented: "It was a parishioner who alerted me. He found the statue of the Virgin demolished, next to its base. He immediately called. I think it was intentional: the way it was positioned, I don't see how the statue could have fallen down by itself. Father Uberall has already announced his intention to file a complaint."

Theft of Money and Consecrated Hosts in Vitry-sur-Seine

January 7, 2022, France

In the night of January 6th, unknown persons broke into the Saint-Germain church of Vitry-sur-Seine. There, they broke open the three tabernacles and took the ciborium with the consecrated hosts as well as stealing some money donated by the parishioners. The desecration of the hosts showed their malignant intent.