All cases

Historical Basilica Vandalised Tagged with Graffiti on Christmas

December 25, 2021, Poland

The facade of the Basilica of the Holy Cross in Warsaw was defaced with graffiti on the 25th of December. The church is in the centre of Warsaw and has a special place in Polish history. On the outer walls, unknown perpetrators wrote the phrases "Secular State", "Techno will be here", among other tags. As a church, but also because of its historical value, the vandalisation of the church has aroused the indignation of many people. The police are investigating the case, as there were security cameras that recorded the scene.

Perpetrators Steal around 10,000€ in Offerings and Sacred Objects

December 25, 2021, Italy

During the celebration of Christmas mass at midnight, unknown thieves broke into the parish house in Piazza San Vittore in Rho, ripped out the safe, loaded it into a van parked in the courtyard and fled unmolested. The safe contained offerings, blessings and a valuable golden crown.

Nativiy Figurine Stolen in Locronan

December 25, 2021, France

On Christmas Eve, Jesus and some other figures from the nativity scene in the church of Saint-Ronan of Locronan, mysteriously disappeared. The carving was a treasure of the village and the parishioners were outraged by this disrespectful act. Antoine Gabriele the mayor of Locronan called it "lamentable" and "despicable".

Stolen Figurine of the Infant Christ Comes Back

December 23, 2021, United Kingdom

A church located in Oxfordshire celebrates after the return of Jesus to its nativity scene. The figurine was stolen a week before Christmas from St Mary's Church in Church Green in Witney, with local the police appealing for help on social media, in order to find its whereabouts. The appeal received a huge response, which lead to its return, even though slightly dirtier than before it was taken. Rev Canon Toby Wright told the BBC: "Baby Jesus is safely back and tucked up - it's great news for Christmas." The person who took Baby Jesus is still unidentified.

Christian Message for Christmas Censored in Barcelona

December 23, 2021, Spain

A Catholic marketing association (ACdP) denounced on the 23rd December, that the three municipal public transport companies operating in Barcelona had censored a Christmas campaign that reminds people about the birth of Jesus as the centre of Christmas. The message that was meant to be displayed throughout the whole country was not visible in Barcelona. The slogan said: "Only one birth has changed the course of history. And it is not yours. Merry Christmas!". It aimed to vindicate the Christian meaning of this holiday with humour. The company Transportes Metropolitanos de Barcelona (TMB) censored the message because the authorities considered it "ideological".

St. Peter's Church Heavily Vandalised on Christmas Eve

December 23, 2021, United Kingdom

On the night of December 23rd, a group of unknown people vandalised the St Peter's Church at Upper Arley in Worcestershire. The perpetrators urinated inside the church, damaged pews and a piano with graffiti, tore off a door and stole irreplaceable items. They urinated near the church altar and left the bell tower's doors open, which left the place unprotected against the rain. According to Louvain Beer, treasurer and lay minister at the church, the police did not attend the case until the 27th of December, and now they are investigating it as a hate crime.

Church Closed After Vandalism Act in La Roche-Maurice

December 23, 2021, France

Severe acts of vandalism were observed in the Saint -Yves church in La Roche-Maurice on December 23. Christiane Le Goff, the staff member responsible for the church schedule, closed the church the next day. She tells, “The crib was overturned, hydro alcoholic gel was poured on papers and obscene drawings were been made on the register. It's the second time this week”.

Pastors Challenge Burgas Government over Discrimination to Non-Eastern-Orthodox Christians

December 22, 2021, Bulgaria

Pastor Tochev and Pastor Kiryakov in Burgas, have challenged the local government's campaign to label all non-Eastern Orthodox Christian groups as sects and turn children against them at school. The case goes all the way back to 2008 when the City council of Burgas wrote a letter notifying the schools of the new policy and these two pastors were shocked by the content. Now, there case is being heard at the European court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, France.

Theft at the Cherry Tree Nativity in Salerno

December 21, 2021, Italy

Unknown people have stolen from the Nativity Scene of the Cherry Tree. The mayor, Gianfranco Valiante, has expressed his disappointment against an act that he considers aberrant just a few days before Christmas "They are also robbing Jesus Christ!"

Around 2,000€ Stolen from a Convent in Poppi

December 21, 2021, Italy

The convent of the Benedictine monks of Camaldoli was the target of theft, at the end of October, while the religious gathered for prayer. About 20 cells were reported raided, with a total amount of missing items around 2,000€. The case is being investigated by the carabinieri of the Bibbiena company.

Anti-Christian Tag on Bouteillerie Cemetery Wall

December 21, 2021, France

The phrase "F*** Christ the King" was written on the cemetery wall in Bouteillerie on 21. December and had dual meaning since it is located near the Christ the King chapel. This wall has been frequently used by ultra-left taggers to express their extrem opinion.

Statue of Virgin Mary Defaced in the Abbaye aux Hommes in Caen

December 21, 2021, France

On December 21, a small statue of the Virgin Mary holding Jesus was defaced with spray paint. Located in the Abbaye aux Hommes in Caen, Mary was depicted to be vanquishing Satan with her foot on a serpent. This most likely was the cause for the act.

Nativiy Scene Vandalised in Fiumicino

December 19, 2021, Italy

As it was reported on the 19. December, the parish priest and the faithful of the church of Santa Maria Porto della Salute in Fiumicino found some Nativity scene figures destroyed. The life-size statues made of plaster and fibreglass of a shepherd and a donkey were thrown to the ground. The former had both hands cut off and the donkey had a broken ear. The other statues did not receive damage, as they were fixed to the structure.

Shrine with Figure of Jesus Damaged in Głogów

December 18, 2021, Poland

On 18. December, an unknown perpetrator destroyed the shrine of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the parish of Divine Mercy in Głogów. The glass protecting the figure of Christ was found broken in six areas and the figure itself was also damaged. The perpetrator might have used a large stone found in the vicinity. This person also left a broken beer bottle next to the chapel. The police are investigating and looking for the perpetrator(s).

Second Case of Vandalism to the Church of the Holy Cross

December 18, 2021, United Kingdom

The small church of the Holy Cross in Mwnt, Cardigan, had been vandalised twice in December, as the Rev John Bennett revealed. The church was damaged first at the beginning of December and the last case happened between the 18th and the 21st of December. The windows od the church were smashed with rocks and the pillar outside the church was damaged. A fundraising appeal was launched to help the small church with reparations, which has had a very positive response.

Special Stones Torn out and Cross Stolen from Altar in Oldenburg Church

December 18, 2021, Germany

Parishioners were heart broken when an unknown intruder wrenched some semi-precious stones out of the alter in the Oldenburg Forum Church of St. Peter. The stones, which were taken out on the 18th of December, belonged to a wooden crucifix that had been in place since 1877. In addition, an alter cross decorated with silver was also stolen on the same weekend.

Giant Straw Goat Burned by an Arsonist

December 17, 2021, Sweden

A giant straw goat, which has become an annual highlight in the Swedish city of Gavle, has been burned by an arsonist. A man, in his 40s, was arrested at the scene after the structure was set on fire, in the early hours of the 17th of December. Every Christmas since 1966, the Gavlebocken (Gavle goat) has been put up in the city's central Castle Square, but it has become a usual target for arsonists and vandals. The Gavlebocken annually draws visitors to Gavle, which is built up the first Sunday of Christian Advent. A big concert accompanied the goat's inauguration at the end of November.

Village in Wales Restored its Nativity after Being Fire-Bombed last year

December 17, 2021, United Kingdom

A year after the Nativity scene in a village in Wales was fire-bombed by vandals on Christmas Eve, the community Raglan in Gwent has decided to create a new life-sized Nativity.

Pure Vandalism in a Church in Volkmarsen

December 17, 2021, Germany

Between the evening of December 16 and noon of the 18th, an unidentified individual broke into a church on Vikariestrasse in Volkmarsen. The perpetrator forced open and broke the door of the church, causing material damage of about 500€. However, nothing was stolen from the church. The case was reported to the police who began investigating the case.

Consecrated Hosts Stolen from a Church in Palermo

December 16, 2021, Italy

Pyx with hosts stolen in the Church of Saints Peter and Paul, on December 16. Police was alerted but lack of evidence suggests a low probability of finding the perpetrators. Both the parish priest and the community that frequents the church were unsettled by the event, considering the hosts "the treasure" of the church.

Unknown Perpetrator Vandalizes Nativity Scene in Liege

December 16, 2021, Belgium

On the 16th of December at noon, an individual attacked the nativity scene and the furniture of the church of Saint-Denis in Liege. He also left a message saying: "God is witness". The head of one figure was torn off and another one was destroyed.

France 2021: Christians are the Most Targeted Group for Anti-Religious Crimes

December 14, 2021, France

On the 14. December, the French Government presented its yearly listing of attacks against Christians. There were 1,380 anti-religious attacks between January and October 2021, from which 686 were targeted against Christians. As Father Hugues de Woillemont, spokesman for French Bishops' Conference, said during a press conference on December 14: "The acts listed are very varied, from tags on the wall of a church to the desecration of tabernacles." These numbers only include formal complaints filed by the police, so the dark numbers could be higher.

Biblical Quotes Painted on a Wall in Portstewart Under Suspicion

December 14, 2021, United Kingdom

A local council in Northern Ireland has dismissed claims, by an ‘equality expert’, that repainting Bible texts on a local sea wall may be in breach of its equality scheme. The council-owned wall bears the words: “‘The sea is His and He made it’ Psalm 95 v 5”, “Eternity?”, “Jesus said: ‘Ye must be born again’ John c3 v7”, and “‘Christ died for us’ Romans c5 v8”.

Mosque Shut down for Inciting Violence against Christians, Jews and Homosexuals

December 14, 2021, France

A mosque in Beauvais in northern France has been ordered to shut down for six months for hosting preachings that incited hatred "against Christians, homosexuals and jews". According to the prefecture of the Oise department, the mosque was "inciting hatred", "violence" and "apology of jihad". Gérald Darmanin, France's interior minister, announced on December 14th that he had started the procedure for the closure of this mosque.

Sex-Education Guides Mock Virgin Mary and Violate Religious Freedom

December 13, 2021, Spain

A Madrid court has ruled on December 13. that the distribution in schools of sex education guides called “Gender Rebel” in Getafe violated the right to religious freedom of Christian children, as it mocks Christian symbols and violates the right of parents to educate their children according to their beliefs. These guides ridiculed the chastity of the Virgin Mary and invite teenagers to masturbate, affirming that it is not a sin. The guides were promoted by the city council, as well as the ministry of equality.

Unknown Perpetrators Smash Windows of Evangelical Church

December 12, 2021, Germany

Between 12. December and 14. December, unknown persons damaged several windows of the Evangelical church in Bad Arolsen-Helsen. The perpetrator(s) threw stones at the windows, causing damage of around 1,000 euros. The police are investigating.

Update: Charges Against Three Street Preachers Who Preached Against Homosexuality

December 11, 2021, Ireland

The three street preachers who were arrested on September 21st, due to their comments about homosexuality, faced their first court hearing on the 13 of October. Despite the reason for their arrest, no charges regarding hate speech were brought against them; instead, they were charged with public order offences. The incident is still being investigated and the case was adjourned until June 2022.

Offensive Tags Appear on the Church of St. Philipp Neri

December 11, 2021, Spain

In the centre of the city of Malaga. the church of San Felipe Neri, was vandalised on 11. December with offensive tags against the religious institution. These were made with spray paint by unknown vandals and have left the community of faithful very affected. One tag says "Sacrilego tú" (you sacrilegious) was graffitied on a mosaic of Jesus. Another message on the door reads: "Dead paedophiles". It seems that the police was able to identify and arrest the perpetrators.

Facebook Censors ACN's Campaign To Help Abused Women

December 11, 2021, United Kingdom

On the 11. November, the Catholic Charity "Aid to a Church in Need" (ACN) UK noticed that Facebook had censored its ad campaign on tackling sexual violence against religious-minority women and girls. “Hear Her Cries” was the slogan of the campaign, which launched on 24. November. The campaign aimed to raise concern on a widespread problem in many African and Asian countries: the abduction of Christian girls and women for sexual violence by both armed extremists and militant members of other religious communities.

Pastor Sued for Charitable Work During Lockdown: Case Overturned

December 10, 2021, United Kingdom

The 47-years-old pastor Chez Dyer was fined over £16,000 for holding a church service for the homeless in a car park during the lockdown in February 2021. Thanks to the support from the Christian Legal Centre her case has been dismissed by a magistrate’s court. She was also told by a magistrate, at a hearing at Nottingham Magistrates Court, that she was cleared from paying the fine and was issued with a defense cost order which means her legal fees will now be paid by the government.

UPDATE: Robertson Trust Admitted to Discriminating Against Christian Organisations

December 10, 2021, United Kingdom

In 2019, The Robertson Trust - Scotland’s largest grant-awarding charity - cancelled the bookings of its conference rooms to two evangelical organisations: Stirling Free Church and Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. According to the Trust's policy, they are ideologically neutral and did not want to promote any religious belief. Almost a year after the controversy, the foundation has apologized for breaching equality laws for Christians and offered to pay both institutions £20,000 in reparation.

Stolen Cross finally found in Brig

December 10, 2021, Switzerland

A cross, which was stolen in early December of 2021 from the Kollegium Spiritus Sanctus in Brig, was finally found in May of 2022. An investigation was launched at the time of the theft but there was no sign of the cross or thief. It was found in a bush where the thief must have hurled it. Pastor Paul Martone said: "It hurts my religious sensibilities and shows disrespect for believers and Christian values."

Burglary and Desecration in Godega Church

December 9, 2021, Italy

Unknown intruders broke into the church of Pianzano on December 12th. The parish priest said they forced their way into the cabinet where the holy vessel's were kept but those were not touched. However, some of the Holy Masses were missing and they found the keys to the sacristy as the offerings for the candles were gone. The sacristan of Pianzano found the break in and was disappointed by it.

Baby Jesus from Nativity Scene decapitated and broken

December 9, 2021, Spain

24 hours after it was put on public display in the monastery of El Escorial in the town of San Lorenzo, the statue of the baby Jesus was found decapitated and missing an arm. Those in charge of the San Lorenzo Town Hall are restoring the figures so that they can once again be exhibited in public. The nativity scene in El Escorial is made up of 450 figures, made with a wooden frame, painted paper pulp and clothes donated by the people of the village.

Historic Madonna Statue Vandalized in a Church in Dortmund

December 8, 2021, Germany

The statue of Madonna in a church in downtown Dortmund was vandalized on December 8th. The unknown perpetrator spattered wax, which had then dried, all over the statue and experts needed to be found to remove it. The statue, which is from 1470, is of great value to the church.

18-year-old Hits a Priest and Damages a Church

December 8, 2021, Poland

Police in Łęczyńska arrested an 18-year-old on December 8th, after hitting a priest in the face and threatening him. The perpetrator was drinking outside the parish of St. Barbara in Łęczna when one of the nuns working in the parish noticed him, as he was behaving noisily and drinking alcohol. She then reported this to the local parish priest, who asked the man to leave. The drunken man hit him in the face and threatened to kill him. He may be imprisoned for up to 5 years for the damage to property.

Immaculate Conception Procession Attacked with Insults and Death Threats

December 8, 2021, France

On Wednesday 8. December, ten people violently attacked a procession of 30 believers on the occasion of the feast of the Immaculate Conception in Nanterre (Hauts-de-Seine). The Catholics were threatened with phrases like "I swear by the Koran, I will cut your throats" and insulted by being called "Kafirs", which means "infidel". The attackers also threw water and even a torch in their direction. In response to these actions and the threats made, the Minister of the Interior condemned the attacks.

100 Nickolas Sacks Stolen from Amstetten Church

December 7, 2021, Austria

Unknown malefactors broke into the vicarage of the Herz Jesu Church in Amstetten and stole 100 St. Nicholas Sacks on the 7th December. The sacks, which were intended for the children of the church, were filled with sweets, fruit, and nuts. They youth group had filled the sacks and was quite angered by the theft which showed complete disregard for church property.

Between 70 and 80 Graves Desecrated in Tarnobrzeg

December 7, 2021, Poland

The Sobów cemetery in Tarnobrzeg, was vandalized on December 7th. A man who regularly visits the cemetery reported to the police that between 70 and 80 graves have been desecrated: crosses were torn off, broken figures, and the slabs have also been moved. The sight was totally devastated and the author of the crime had no respect for a place.

Pastry Shop Display Nativity Scene Made with Sexual Organs

December 7, 2021, Spain

Christian Lawyers has filed a complaint against a pastry shop in Seville for the exhibition of a nativity scene made with male and female sexual organs. The irreverent scene is in sight of everyone and shows disrespect towards Christians. In its complaint, Christian Lawyers states that "the establishment has advertised the nativity scene on its social networks and despite being aware that it has offended a good number of citizens, it has not moved it."

Anonymous Vandal Destroyed Church Garden with a Car

December 6, 2021, Poland

The St. John Paul II Church garden in Wojcieszyna, a village near Nowogard, was devastated. The perpetrator smashed the wooden fence, which had been built in the summer, with the car and ruined the grounds of the church. The villagers reported the incident to the police and were trying to get information to identify the perpetrator.

Santa Maria del Galeso Church Graffitied

December 6, 2021, Italy

The parish of Santa Maria del Galeso was painted with profanity and the words "Tari is paid" on December 6th. The police were trying to find out who did it by reviewing footage and the priest was saddened by the act. This was not the first time something similar to this had happened to the church.

Extreme Vandalism to Church caused over 10 thousand Euro Damage

December 4, 2021, Germany

On Sunday morning (5. December), the churchgoers found the Johanneskirche in Feuersee completely vandalised. The perpetrator(s) devastated the Protestant church by destroying over 20 windows, breaking open the cupboards, taking the bibles from the shelves and throwing them around, among other things during the night of the 4. December. The damage is estimated at over 10 thousand Euros and the Church has to remain closed for the time being. The police are investigating to find the perpetrator(s).

Church in Cardigan Heavily Vandalized

December 2, 2021, United Kingdom

The Church of the Holy Cross in a cove of Mwnt in Cardigan, was vandalized on the 2nd of November by unknown perpetrators. The intruders ransacked the church, smashing windows and damaging property. The church is visited by thousand every year so the act had a significant impact.

Proposal to replace the word "Christmas" with "Holidays" or "Winter Break" raised Concern

December 1, 2021, International

In the first week of December, an internal document outlining communication guidelines for European Union staff was leaked, which raised concern among the Christian population. In this document, the EU Commissioner for Equality, Helena Dalli of Malta, proposed replacing the term "Happy Christmas" for "Happy Holidays" or calling Christmas a "winter break" in the name of inclusivity. Among the Christian voices that raised concern, Pope Francis called this action "a fashion of a watered-down secularism" and called it an "anachronism". The document has since been withdrawn.

35,000€ Stolen from a Church in Milan

November 29, 2021, Italy

On the night from November 28 to 29, around 35,000€ were robbed from the Church of Santa Ausiliatrice in via della Ferrera, Milan. A woman who works in the secretariat of the church noticed the forced window and the safe wide open and alerted the authorities.

Church in Regensburg Terribly Damaged by Vandals

November 29, 2021, Germany

On the 29th of November between 11a.m and 7 p.m, an unknown person went on a rampage in the Holy Spirit Parish Church in Regensburg and damaged several sacred objects. The offender stole a cross from the altar, urinated in a corner, broke a chandelier off the altar of Mary, and tipped several lighted candles over. The police were looking for witnesses who can give information about this incident.

Monument defaced with Anti-Catholic Tags

November 29, 2021, Italy

The Online Newssite "Taccuino di Verità" posted on 29. November that the Base of a Monument in Ferrara was tagged with black spray paint. The tags contained offensive inscriptions against the deputy mayor Nicola Lodi and towards priests, saying "Priests eat children". The police will investigate with CCTV footage from the Piazza Ariostea.

Cathedral Entrance Vandalised with Paintings

November 28, 2021, Italy

The entrance door to the cathedral of San Steffano in Milazzo has been vandalized with writings and graffiti, leaving it in a deplorable state. The mayor has strongly condemned the acts and ordered police reinforcement of the area to prevent future vandalism. The mayor further claimed: "this cannot be my city", since there seems to be a high degree of tolerance towards this kind of acts, which should be "heavily sanctioned". He recalls that the square in front of the church is often the target of raids and "unthinkable actions" that should be countered.

Relic from St. Joseph Stolen in Macherio

November 28, 2021, Italy

In the church of Saints Gervase and Protasius in Macherius, a relic from St. Joseph, placed next to a figure of the saint, was stolen a few days before November 28th. This relic of St. Joseph was a piece of cloth that was kept inside a glass case. The incident was reported to the Carabinieri who are now investigating the matter.

Church windows in Everingen Repeatedly Vandalized

November 28, 2021, Germany

The windows of the St. Jacobi church in Everingen, have been repeatedly damaged by unidentified persons. In the space of two weeks, the windows were broken twice by thrown stones, the latest incident was recorded on November 28th.

Sacred Painting from 1706 Damaged in Rampage

November 28, 2021, Italy

The chapel of St. John the Baptist of via Bergamas in the historic center of Gradisca was vandalized on November 28th. The unknown individual, broke into the church, threw candles on the floor and against the altar, damaged a sacred painting from 1706, and then smeared the walls and a wooden notice board with candle wax. The rampage left the chapel in complete disarray and showed obvious malice toward the church.

Arson at Church in Boulonnais: A Total of 8 Attacks in One Month

November 27, 2021, France

On the night of 26th to 27th November around midnight, a fire struck a church in Boulonnais in the town of Le Portel. The church Saint-Pierre Saint-Paul had already been vandalised a couple of days before. The fire started at the back of the religious building in the sacristy where the equipment of the parish priest and volunteers is kept. Nineteen firemen intervened to control the fire, which threatened the whole church. The police arrested a 36-year-old suspect during the night as he was trying to flee, as the police commissioner of Boulogne, Arnaud Jublin, explained. A hearing of the suspect will take place soon. 

Anti-Christian Messages in the Church of Mauléon-Licharre

November 27, 2021, France

The church of Mauléon-Licharre was targeted with anti-religious inscriptions on November 27th. "P Do Fil's Team" and "ABA GZU" (down with Jesus) were written on the side of the church during the night. The gendarmerie started an investigation and the priest of Mauléon said "It's so cowardly."

8,000 Euros of Damage Caused to the Geisinger Church

November 26, 2021, Germany

Intruders who entered the Geisinger church didn't steal anything but caused large amounts of damage. On November 26th, they entered through a window and then used large amounts of force to smash through the sacristy door. There was glass and splinters everywhere and the damage incurred would cost 8000 euros.

Vandalism At the Sant'Antonio Abate Church

November 26, 2021, Italy

Vandals at the church of Sant'Antonio Abate, forced open the church door and damaged the lock in the process on November 26th. They did not steal anything but the vandalism was evident. Investigators were trying to find out more about the crime such as who did it and with what intent.

Arson by Under-Age-Boy at a Church in Toulouse

November 26, 2021, France

A parishioner of the church of Fronton in Toulouse witnessed on the 26. November how a fire broke out on the altar of the church. Thanks to his quick reaction, the fire was rapidly brought under control. The investigation launched by the police showed that the fire had been set by a minor. The young man has been taken into police custody and will be tried in February 2022.

Church of Santa Maria Magdalena Vandalised Twice in November

November 25, 2021, Poland

The parish of St. Mary Magdalene reported an attack that took place on the 23. November in the morning. Police were notified by the parish priest that someone had smashed the windows with a stone in the sacristy and the utility room. The damage was estimated at 1.5 thousand PLN according to the police. This is not the first case in recent days, as on the 14. November, three lanterns and lamps illuminating the facade were destroyed at the same church. The investigation of that case is still running.

Church Door in Poznań Destroyed

November 25, 2021, Poland

An unknown man destroyed the door of the St. Jerzy church in Poznań, in late November 2021. It was reported in May of 2022, that the police would drop the case because the video was of too poor quality for the man to be identified. The police thought that he also may be involved in some other case, and could be caught then.

Sussex County Records Highest Number of Crimes in Religious Buildings Outside of London

November 24, 2021, United Kingdom

For the second year in a row, only London has experienced more crimes in religious buildings than the county of Sussex. The data, provided by the Sussex Police after the Freedom of Information Act (FOI) requested it, revealed that 367 crimes have been committed at churches in Sussex in the 12 months to August. Of the 367 crimes at churches, cemeteries, and crematoriums, 54 were thefts, 106 cases of criminal damage and 44 cases of violence. This showed how these places of worship are considered easy targets for criminals.

Break-in to Church and Liturgical Objects Stolen

November 22, 2021, Italy

Thieves entered the parish of San Michele in San Salvi, Florence, on the night from November 22 to 23, and broke into a sacred furniture, stealing two chalices, a monstrance, and other things. The criminals forced their way in through a door, then seized some sacred objects used to celebrate mass. The police started investigating the theft, along with staff from the Forensic Department to find those responsible for the criminal act.

Weathercock of St Martin's Church Damaged

November 22, 2021, Germany

Between November 19 and 22, an unknown perpetrator damaged the "sun and moon" symbols attached to the weathercock of St Martin's Church in Steinheim an der Murr. The church building on the Kirchplatz was scaffolded and cordoned off due to renovation measures. It is presumed that the unknown perpetrator climbed over the scaffolding up to the church tower. The damage done to the property has yet to be quantified.

UK Report: More than 4,000 crimes committed at churches in One Year

November 22, 2021, United Kingdom

According to the Countryside Alliance, an organisation that has been reporting on crimes committed at churches across the UK, during a period of 12 months from 2020 to 2021, there have been over 4,000 crimes committed at churches and religious premises. The figures were gathered from 40 of the country's 45 police forces, which revealed there were 4,169 incidents of theft, vandalism, physical assault or burglary across the UK during one year, despite the eight months of lockdown. During the last 4 years, the organisation has documented 30,169 crimes.

Two Fires in One Week at St François-de-Sales Church

November 20, 2021, France

A fire broke out on the 20. November in the afternoon in the sacristy of the St-François-de-Sales church. This is the second fire within a week, which has devastated the parish community. The fire broke out in the sacristy of the Church. This is one of the incidents that happened during a wave of arson attacks and vandalism to churches in the area. A suspect for all the attacks was apprehended on the 27th of November.

Church Wall Found With Red Paintings in Avellino

November 19, 2021, Italy

Once again the church of the Rosary has been targeted by vandals. On the morning of November 19, writings in red paint were found on one of the walls of the façade of the church, in Corso Vittorio Emanuele. Both the religious community of the Rosary and the citizens are outraged by this attack which is considered by them a childish act. Investigations are underway and surveillance cameras are being analyzed to find the culprits.

Repeated Thefts in the Cemetery of Vaucluse

November 19, 2021, France

The recurrent thefts in the Violès cemetery in Vaucluse, near Gigondas, have negatively impacted the inhabitants. The sign on the cemetery gate reads "thefts, more thefts, always thefts!", complaining about the wave of thefts taking place in the Violès cemetery in Vaucluse, near Gigondas. The sign further intends to warn the families to be as vigilant as they can, considering the resurgence of thefts in the cemetery throughout the year. The town council and the directors of the funeral parlour have explained that it is almost a case of plundering, "everything is stolen, anonymous plaques, the most beautiful flower pots, and even artificial compositions".

Christian-Based Youtube Channel Banned

November 18, 2021, Spain

YouTube has decided to close "La Contra TV", a channel with a Christian worldview that advocates for values such as life, family, and religious freedom. With nearly 300,000 subscribers, its motto is: "We give news that others hide". "La Contra TV" is considered a highly influential channel, sharing information that tends to be less featured in mainstream media. In 2019, Youtube closed "La Contra TV" for the first time due to alleged "serious or repeated violations of Youtube's policy related to the prohibition of hate speech", and put it back online after the complaints in defence of free speech. In 2021, the channel has been closed again.

Woman Steals Offertory Boxes During Funeral Mass

November 18, 2021, Italy

During a funeral mass taking place in the Church of San Martino in Sottomarina, a woman took advantage of the fact that the baskets used to collect the offerings were placed at the sides of the entrance to the church, stole around 1000 Euros, and disappeared. The police immediately initiated the investigations and the money was soon found, but not the woman.

Several Sacred Objects and Tools from San Giuseppe Moscati Church Stolen

November 17, 2021, International

As reported by Il Mattino, the thieves stole three chalices for the hosts, a laptop computer, a portable video projector, and two pyxes from San Giuseppe Moscati Church. The parish priest, Don Lupo, realized what had happened when he returned to the parish for catechism, noticing that the laptop and video projector were missing. The parish priest filed a complaint with the carabinieri that suspect that the thieves entered the church on the morning of November 17, taking advantage of the parish priest's absence. Deploring this occurrence, Don Lupo said: "We hope that these people will put a hand on their conscience and return what was stolen".

Graffiti on a Church Facade in Schifferstadt

November 17, 2021, Germany

The façade and information board of the Catholic church in Schifferstadt was sprayed with paint on November 17th. The author of the vandalism was not known but the police were investigating the crime and looking for witnesses.

OSCE Report shows alarming increase of Anti-Christian Hate Crimes

November 16, 2021, Austria

On the "International Day for Tolerance", the OSCE released a Hate Crimes Report, which documented 980 descriptive incidents against Christians out of 4008 incidents. Descriptive incidents are the ones documented by civil society organizations, such as the Observatory. There is a larger number of cases when police numbers are counted. The Observatory has drawn attention to the rising trend (70%) of Anti-Christian Hate Crimes since last year, considering that only 8 out of the 136 civil society or international organisations consistently reported crimes with Anti-Christian bias.

Memorial Plaques Vandalized at a Church in Quedgeley

November 16, 2021, United Kingdom

Police are looking for vandals responsible for the damage caused to the memorial plaques and flower pots at a church in Quedgeley, on the night of 16th of November. “Plaques were damaged while flowers and flower pots were thrown around outside of St James Church in School Lane,” said a police spokesperson. Police officers spoke to the vicar and church wardens, who expressed interest in working with the vandals once they have been identified, in order to educate them on how their actions impacted the church community.

Church Hall in Ludwigsburg Vandalised

November 15, 2021, Germany

Between the night of the 14th and the morning of the 15th of November, an unknown individual broke into the parish hall of the Protestant Church in Neckarweihingen, leaving behind property damage of around 5,000 euros. The case was reported to the police and, according to the investigations, the burglar did not steal anything.

Police Found Man Responsible for Theft of Church Statue and Other Art Pieces

November 15, 2021, France

The man responsible for a theft in an art gallery in Clermont-Ferrand was arrested on September 14. He had broken the window to get inside the art gallery, leaving behind traces of DNA, which made it easier for the police to track him down. During investigations, police found a figure of St. Anthony, stolen from a church in Montferrand two days earlier. The statue was returned to the church and he was ordered to reimburse the value of the stolen statuette to the owner of the gallery. On November 15, a court sentenced him to one year in prison for having more than thirty cases of theft on his record.

Two Journalists Insult Christian Singer on Twitter, calling Christians "Disabled"

November 14, 2021, Slovakia

Hateful comments against the Christian singer Sima Magushinova and Christians in general on Twitter, arouse a wave of indignation among the Slovak political class. Many of them publicly defended Sime Martausová and criticized the attitude of the two journalists responsible for the offenses: Petr Tkačenek, commentator of the daily SME and Rada Ondřejíček, author of the Cynical Monster.

Lamps at Church in Łęczna Destroyed

November 14, 2021, Poland

Lamps illuminating the façade of the St. Mary Magdalene church in Łęczna were destroyed on the 14th of November. Three lamps were intentionally smashed, which showed hate towards the church. It was not known who did it. Police are investigating.

Arbroath church targeted by vandals on Remembrance Sunday

November 14, 2021, United Kingdom

On Sunday 14. November, the St John’s Methodist Church in Arbroath was targeted by vandals. Three windows of the church were deliberately smashed. “The act of vandalism was bizarre and upsetting for the congregation gathering on Remembrance Sunday,” said Reverend Baker. Mr. Baker thinks something was used to hit the window repeatedly, rather than an object being thrown at it. The police are investigating.

Theft of Tabernacle and Liturgical Objects Cause 15,000€ in Damage in Church

November 13, 2021, Germany

Between the 8th and the 12th of November, St. Christopher's Church in Rüsselsheim was robbed. At least two unknown people started by damaging the church window and tearing it out of its mounting. In the church, the thieves stole a handmade tabernacle from the 1960s made of gold-plated brass, weighing about 60 kilograms and worth around 10,000 euros. In addition, the thieves stole host bowls and a custodian from the tabernacle and several hundred euros from the collection. The granite slab on which the tabernacle stood and a border were damaged by the perpetrators' brutal actions. According to initial estimates, the total damage was around 15,000 euros. The case was reported to the police and the investigative team at the Rüsselsheim police station took over the investigation.

Irish Government Proposed to Remove Right to Conscientious Objection for Abortion Procedures

November 13, 2021, Ireland

The Irish Labour Party has adopted a policy supporting the legalization of abortion up until birth, without any restriction. The Labour Party, which introduced this proposal, further intends to remove the current 3-day waiting period, as well as remove the right of medical professionals to conscientiously refuse to perform an abortion. The proposal was announced and voted on the 13th of November, during their annual party conference.

Catholic Church of Christ the King in Gothenburg Vandalised

November 13, 2021, Sweden

The Catholic Church of Christ the King and its chapel were vandalized on November 13. Fr. Tobias Unnerstal, the parish Priest of the Christ the King Church, reported the incident to the police. The members of the parish prayed for those responsible for the vandalistic acts.

Repeated Theft in Church in Bochum-Langendreer

November 12, 2021, Germany

On November 11th, burglars broke into the St. Mary's Church in Bochum-Langendreer, for the third time in just a few weeks, and stole valuable objects. This time, oil vessels, which are used for baptisms, and consecrated hosts, which are used for the Holy Mass, where stolen; both of which have particularly great religious value. Father David Ringel, lamented "I am very surprised that sacred places are not kept sacred and that people do not know that religious feelings are also hurt here."

Break-in and Vandalism at a Church in Lohne

November 12, 2021, Germany

On the night of November 12, unknown burglars broke into the church of St. Michael, located in the Franziskusstraße in Lohne. It was unclear whether the burglars were able to steal anything but the property damage amounted to the value of 200 euros. The case was reported to the police who started to investigate.

Holy Figures Stolen from Church in Lower Rhine Wesel

November 12, 2021, Germany

Two wooden figures of St. Dominic and St. Catherine of Siena as well as a bronze figure "Mary with Child" were taken from a church in Lower Rhine Wesel on November 12th. "The thieves also took metal crosses,... money from an offertory box, and five metal candlesticks," the police added. The items were of great monetary and spiritual value but it was not known who took them.

Several Vandalic Acts Damage the Chapel of Tenimont

November 12, 2021, Belgium

The newspaper "The Meuse Luxembourg" reported, on the 12th of November, that new acts of vandalism took place in the chapel of Tenimont in October, near the cemetery of Barvaux, in Walloon Luxembourg. According to reports, the chapel was tagged in two places, furniture overturned and degraded, rubbish and beer cans found on the ground. The local press said this is not the first vandalism it has suffered recently.

Man Steals 55 Euros from the Mariahilfe Church in Vienna

November 11, 2021, Austria

The Viennese police caught a 40-year-old man in a Church in Vienna-Mariahilf on the morning of the 11th after a burglary. He was temporarily handcuffed and the stolen offertory money was seized, as the Vienna Police Directorate reported in a press release on Friday. According to spokeswoman Barbara Gass, about 55 euros were found on the man. The perpetrator has been imprisoned.

Father Adam Świerżewski Dies after being Attacked in Park

November 11, 2021, Poland

Maksymilian Adam Świerżewski, from the parish of St. Maximillian Kolbe, was taken to the hospital after being severely beaten in Alexandria Park in Siedlce. Due to the terrible injury, it was not possible to save him and he died at the age of 35 on November 11th. An autopsy was carried out and it was confirmed that he died from several kicks, punches, or hits to the head but his murderer was still unknown.

Anti-Christian Tags Painted on the Walls of Christ the King Chapel

November 11, 2021, France

Messages were painted on the doorway of the Chapel of Christ the King in the Dalby district of Nantes, on the night from the 10th to the 11th of November, with obscene anti-Christian tags. On the same night, the perpetrator(s) also attempted to force the gate by pushing and shaking it.

Update: Cardinal Nichols and Metropolitan Police Studying Possibility to Allow Last Sacraments at Crime Scenes

November 10, 2021, United Kingdom

Cardinal Vincent Nichols and the Metropolitan Police Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick have started studying the possibility to allow Catholic priests at crime scenes. This proposal was submitted after Sir David Amess, a Catholic MP, was killed during a constituency surgery at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea (Essex), on October 15. A Catholic Priest, who was also a personal friend of Sir David's, wanted to give him the Last Sacraments, but the police denied him access. After this event, he realized how important it is, especially for the Catholic community, to ensure that the Last Sacraments is granted.

Reliquary Stolen in 2017 Found in an Auction House in France

November 10, 2021, Germany

The reliquary stolen in 2017 from the Lower Rhine pilgrimage site of Kevelaer has reappeared in an auction house in France. Thanks to an art collector, who recalled the theft from the Kevelaer Sacrament Chapel, the reliquary was identified. He contacted the head of the "Art and Culture" department in the diocese, Thomas Flammer, and with the help of the police and Interpol, the valuable reliquary was secured in time before being sold in the auction. It is still unclear when it will be returned.

Several Church Objects Stolen, Thief caught by 65-years-old Woman

November 10, 2021, Germany

On November 11, various items were stolen from the church on Dorfstraße in Bad Gottleuba-Berggießhübel. Apparently, the thieves broke the entrance door open. A 65-year-old woman noticed the burglary and found a man outside the church in the possession of "several tablecloths and two wooden railings". Police officers were alerted and started investigating the man for the burglary, finding several electrical fuses from the church in the suspect's apartment. There is no final damage information so far.

Icon Stolen From St Dunstan's Church in Stepney

November 10, 2021, United Kingdom

On the afternoon of November 10, an icon belonging to St. Dunstan's church in Stepney was stolen by a man. The church described it as a "beautiful and much-treasured icon" of St. Dunstan.

Man Tries to Burn Down an Entire Chapel due to his Beliefs

November 8, 2021, Poland

A 38-year-old man was arrested while setting fire to the small chapel of St. Anna in Jasienica in the city of Myślenice on the 8. November. The police were alerted and managed to arrive on the scene in time to arrest the man and initiate operations to reduce the fire. The arriving patrol officers noticed that the window glass of the building was broken and the assailant was still inside. "He lit a fire there, expecting the fire to consume this small building." They pulled the man out of the window and handcuffed him. According to the police spokesman, Sebastian Gleń, the perpetrator explained he committed this act due to his beliefs and that his aim was to destroy the chapel completely. He is now awaiting sentencing, which could be up to ten years in prison.

Public School Votes to Remove the Life-Size Wooden Nativity Scene

November 8, 2021, Spain

In October, the teaching staff of the Latiorro Primary School in Laudio, voted in favour of removing the life-size wooden Nativity Scene figures, which have been placed outside the center for more than 25 years. The Religion Students built the figures themselves and the decision has caused much controversy among the community.

Three Churches Offertory Boxes Stolen in Burladingen

November 8, 2021, Germany

Within the first week of November, the offertory boxes from three churches in the towns of Margrethausen and Burladingen were broken into. One church had the lock forcibly pried open and another had a writing stand broken with 100 euros of damage done, but the amount stolen is unknown. Nothing from the church on Beim Kloster in Margrethausen was stolen but 200 euros of property damage was caused when an attempt was make to pry the lock open. There was an investigation to see if the incidents were related but the perpetrator was unknown.

Cemetery of St. Piran in Perranarworthal Church Vandalised

November 8, 2021, United Kingdom

The damaged gravestones dating back to the 1800s were found by a working party that maintains the graveyard of the Church. The vandalism is suspected to have taken place sometime between the 2nd and 8th of November. The police started investigating and encouraged anyone who may have information relating to the vandalism to contact them.

Anti-Catholic Tags on Saint-Lewis church in Paimboeuf

November 8, 2021, France

on 8. November, the façade of the Saint-Lewis church in Paimboeuf, west of Nantes was tagged with offensive remarks such as "a good Catholic is on the cross" and "burn the churches". The City owner of the building filed a complaint but no further action has been taken by the town to install security cameras.

Vandalized Church in Marienrachdorf

November 5, 2021, Germany

Property damage was done to the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in Marienrachdorf on November 5th. The unknown perpetrator painted a pillar in the church, the furnishings, and damaged several holy water bottles and two disinfectant dispensers. The police were looking for witnesses.

Church Sprayed with Sexist Symbols During Halloween Weekend

November 2, 2021, Germany

Over the weekend, the police recorded an increase in the number of reports of vandalism: graffiti, destruction of public furniture, theft, etc. The walls of a church in Blumberg in Friedhofstraße were sprayed with a sexist symbol and writing.

Historic St. John Church Targeted Twice in Two Weeks

November 2, 2021, United Kingdom

On November 2nd, the storage shed holding Christmas decorations for the Bromsgrove church of St. John was vandalized. This is the second hateful incident at the church in only two weeks. The incidents caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage which the church cannot afford. The church warden, Neil Cramb said “Basically, this senseless act is going to cost us dearly."

Spanish Politician Compares Catholics with the Taliban

November 2, 2021, Spain

Politician Beatriz Bandera posted on Twitter on the 2. November a short video of the Sevillian Holy Week devotees during their yearly procession with the caption "Our Taliban". With this post, she compares faithful Catholics during a peaceful procession with the terrorist group of radical Islamist fundamentalists. Despite the criticism and offence that her commentary has generated, Mrs Bandera has not apologised, "I criticise what I finance with my taxes. Can I? Or not?", she reiterated.