All cases

Children: Vandalism in Church leaving 'thousands of Euros' damage

May 26, 2021, Germany

The Church Saint Bartholomew in Pegnitz in Germany has been vandalized. The culprits are children between eight and twelve years of age. The destruction caused by them, includes broken windows and historical altar objects. Police are investigating the incident that happened on May 26, 2021.

Proposed Conversion Therapy Ban Potentially Threatens Religious Freedom

May 26, 2021, United Kingdom

A Proposed conversion therapy ban could cause "an unlawful interference" with several human rights laws protecting the freedom of religious belief and expression, says human rights lawyer P Havers. Everyday Christian activity could also be criminalized says, Havers. The ban would criminalise biblical teaching on human sexuality and gender. The UK government is considering the proposed ban. A decision is expected in Autumn says a MP.

The Motiron Chapel Targeted for the Second Time

May 24, 2021, France

The Motiron Chapel in Val d'Ajol in the Vosges had been twice a victim of vandalism and theft. The first time was in June 2017 when a group of young perpetrators blackened the face of the Virgin with a candle and the second time on 20th May when the trunk of the chapel has been torn off and stolen. The owners filled a complain to the police.

Several Rubbish Bins Set on Fire near Church in Naples

May 23, 2021, Italy

On the night of 22 May, unknown perpetrators are said to have set several rubbish bins on fire in the neighbourhood of Sanità in Naples. It is reported that the rubbish bins were left close to the San Vincenzo Church. The residents in the Sanità neighbourhood have informed the police, who together with the fire brigade were able to contain the fire. "In just a few seconds the air became unbreathable and we were forced to lock ourselves in to prevent the smoke from entering our homes", said one complainer to the police. The police are still investigating.

Christian Therapist tricked by Undercover Journalist and Gay Activist

May 23, 2021, United Kingdom

Lesley Pilkington is a former Christian counsellor that was tricked by an undercover journalist to provide counselling for his "unwanted same-sex attraction". Approached by Strudwick during a Christian conference, the Chrisitan counsellor with over 20 years of experience agreed to help the man. After a few sessions, the man filled a complaint against Lesley to the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP) to get her 'struck off'. However, the Appeal Panel lessened the original sanctions against her and reversed much of the original decision.

Church in Munich Threatened with Arson

May 21, 2021, Germany

The Church Saint Wolfgang in the Parish of Haidhausen, Germany has received a threat of arson. Vandals sprayed onto the church walls "The only illuminated Church, is the one, on fire". A slogan often used by anarchist or radical left groups attacking the church. Father Alfons Friedrich discovered the act and reported it immediately to the police. The case might have happened sometime between 16 May and 18 May. This is not the first attack on the Sait Wolfgang Church. It has been reported that in Fall 2019 unknown perpetrators broke into the church and destroyed the churches pipe organ - built in 1907 - causing over 6,000 Euros damage. The Police are investigating, charges against "unknown" have been pressed.

Church in Warsaw Vandalised by Radical Feminists

May 19, 2021, Poland

The Saint Alexander's Church in Warsaw has been vandalized by the Women's Strike group. The perpetrators painted a lightning bolt onto the churches facade, which is the groups' symbol, and poured paint onto the same. A video posted on Twitter shows the extent of the vandalistic act. Inscriptions were also painted on the pavement in front of the church. The attack shows that their primary intention was to disfigure the church located in Warsaw's Trzech Krzyży Square.

The Church of Notre-Dame in Altkirch Damaged and Closed

May 19, 2021, France

On 8 May, the church of Notre-Dame in Altkirch in the Haut-Rhin region, has been damaged. This has not been the first act of vandalism. Due to the repetitive attacks, the church has closed its door to the public until further notice. A complaint has been filled to the police.

Statue of the Virgin Mary Vandalized and Her Belongings Stolen

May 18, 2021, Spain

In the early hours of June 18, vandals broke the glass and threw to the ground the Statue of the Virgin in the chapel of Nuestro Padre Jesús de la Salvación. The perpetrators have stolen the crown, the dagger, and a brooch, as well as causing serious damage to the image. The brotherhood regrets what happened, especially because the image had recently been restored. The neighbors and devotees were shocked by this event.

Anti-Catholic Slogans and Vandalism in Glasgow

May 18, 2021, United Kingdom

Football Hooligans vandalized the city of Glasgow after a game on the 18th of May. They smashed the windows ft the St Maria Goretti church in Cranial and draped a banner with anti-Catholic slogans was across railings in time for evening mass of another church, which wants to remain unidentified. There were further reports of abusive heckling within church grounds. Two incidents were reported to Police of Scotland.

Man Severely Vandalises Church in Kitzingen

May 16, 2021, Germany

A 38-year-old caused a considerable amount of damage in the Saint John Church in Kitzingen. At around midday, the perpetrator is said to have climbed over the boundaries of the altar, where he threw down all the candlesticks which were partially damaged. He is also accused of having damaged the microphone system and the painting of Saint John from Jacques Grassmann with a sharp object. The 2 x 3-metre high altar painting was stabbed various times. The damage is summed to several thousand Euros. Police could identify and arrest the culprit.

Palm Tree Set on Fire in Front of Church Virgin Stella Maris

May 14, 2021, Italy

Maristella, Italy. Unknown perpetrators are said to have attacked the church of the Virgin Stella Maris, in the village of Maristella in Alghero. It is reported that the attack happened on the night of 14 May. The perpetrators have allegedly put one of eight palm trees which are located near the entrance of the church on fire. The immediate action of municipal police and firefighters stopped the fire before it could affect the Church. It is also assumed that they destroyed a tablet at the Stella Maris' entrance. A fire in the nearby forest was also reported and brought under control by firefighters. The fire is assumed to have caused a yet unknown sum of damage. Police are investigating.

Life Size Cross Stolen in Newcastle

May 13, 2021, United Kingdom

A life-size crucifix has been stolen sometime overnight between 12 May and 13 May 2021. The six-foot-high crucifix has been stolen from the All Saints' Church in Gosforth, Newcastle. The crucifix, which has been on display since 1965 "was situated in a consecrated area where many ashes are buried." said Rev Canon Andrew Shipton, from the All Saints' Church. He added, " It was a great shock to find that it had gone and a cause of considerable sadness". The police are asking the public for any information about the crucifix' disappearance and its possible whereabouts. The police are asking the perpetrators to return the crucifix, as it is also of immense sentimental worth.

Trust Fund CEO Fired over Rented Space for Traditional Church.

May 13, 2021, United Kingdom

The CEO of Scotland's largest grant-making trust, Kenneth Ferguson, has been fired for allowing the Stirling Free Church to rent Trust premises. Robertson Trusts Chairwoman Shonaig Macpherson is accused of having shammed and humiliated the organisation's CEO, over his link to the Stirling Free Church and their biblical views on marriage. A ruling in the case is expected soon.

Repeated Acts of Vandalism and Desecration in Tailfinger Church

May 13, 2021, Germany

The church of Saint Francis on Langenwand has been vandalised multiple times. Unknown perpetrators have entered the church where they graffitied the walls, tore off the barrier tapes to delimit the seats and left cigarette burns on the seat cushions and the kneelers. The altar has also been desecrated when the culprit(s) cleared the sacred goods away. The police have been informed.

Catholic MP's Twitter account temporarily suspended for Tweeting "Man can't get pregnant"

May 12, 2021, Spain

Catholic MP Francisco J. Contreras in Spain got his Twitter account suspended for 12 hours after posting a Tweet saying that man can't get pregnant since they have neither an ovary nor a uterus. Twitter claimed that tweet to be 'inciting hatred'. Contreras published the tweet in response to an article claiming that a man gave birth to a child. The suspension fueled an already sensitive discussion.

Historical Cave Church in Turkey Destroyed

May 11, 2021, Turkey

The Marta Shimoni Church in Mehri, Turkey has been desecrated by currently unknown perpetrators. Since the Church is built into a cave and thus cannot be destroyed like any other church, the nature of the attack must have been severe. Footage obtained by the International Christian Concern (ICC) Organization shows items and relics inside the Church being destroyed, amongst others pictures of Jesus Christ, rosaries and crosses. It is unknown whether the incident was reported to the police or not.

Historic Statue of the Virgin Mary in Chapel in Uzbornia Forest Destroyed by Vandals

May 9, 2021, Poland

On 9 May 2021, unknown perpetrators destroyed a statue of the Virgin Mary. The over 100-year-old statue was ripped from its pedestal and then shattered. The statue was placed in the historical chapel in the Uzbornia forest in Poland which was built in 1880 and renovated in 2013. The city council, Mariusz Zając and other parishioners abhor the act. The police are investigating.

School Chaplain Reported to Terrorist Watchdogs after Giving a Sermon on Christian Values Sues School

May 8, 2021, United Kingdom

Trent Colleges' school chaplain Reverend Dr Bernard Randall held a sermon at the schools chapel in June 2018, in which he encouraged students to respect and debate upon 'identity beliefs' and 'identity ideology'. Rev Dr Randall was afterwards reported to the governments' anti-terrorist unit 'Prevent' and forced out of his job. The school claimed that the sermon was "harmful to LGBT+" Students, and Rev Dr Randalls views were extremist. The former chaplain is now taking Trent College to court for unfair dismissal, discrimination, harassment and victimization. A hearing is awaited for June 14, 2021.

Doctor wins legal fight over total ban on public worship in Switzerland

May 7, 2021, Switzerland

A swiss Court in Geneva ruled the ban of public worship as unlawful. As safety precautions regarding the spreading of COVID-19, Geneva banned religious services and events except for funerals and weddings with restricted capacity. Although religious gatherings were banned, public gatherings were still allowed to take place. Dr Sommeruga, who was assisted by ADF International took the ban to Court. He is "delighted to celebrate this win for religious freedom".

Bellevue Church Vandalized with anti-Christian Tags Again

May 7, 2021, France

Similar hateful tags to the ones in January appeared again on the walls of the Church in Bellevue, Fort-de-France. One tag said "Church of the Devil". The incident was reported to the police.

Stolen Baptistery Found in Frankenberg

May 6, 2021, Germany

A baptistery stolen from an evangelical church in the district of Waldeck-Frankenberg in Germany has been found. The baptistery from the 17 century has been found and brought back to its rightful place. According to the local authorities, the baptistery made of brass has been stolen from the evangelical church back in March of 2021. The police did not give any information about how they discovered the baptistery due to ongoing investigations. It is to be assumed that since the incident the church has not been able to carry out any baptisms.

Finnish Bishop-Elect Charged for 'Hate Speech' for Editorship of Booklet on Homosexuality in 2004

May 4, 2021, Finland

The designated bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Mission Diocese of Finland, Dr Juhana Pohjola, has been charged for 'incitement to hate speech against a certain group of people' by the Finnish Attorney General's Office. Similarly to the case of Finnish MP Päivi Räsänen, the reason for the charges placed against Dr Pohjola is his editorship of a booklet published by the Luther Foundation Finland (ELMDF) in 2004 and written by Räsänen. Beforehand, all charges have been dropped by the Helsinki Police because they could not identify any broken law by the booklet since same-sex marriage was only legalised in Finland in 2017. 

17th century statue of Christ stolen from Saint-Nazaire church

May 3, 2021, France

The historic statute of Christ, classified as a historical monument since 1949, has been stolen from the church of Saint-François in Saint-Nazaire. The wooden statue, disappeared between 3rd and 10th April 2021. There is a high probability that the statute has been stolen during the opening hours in the middle of the day. A complaint has been filed to the police and an investigation has been underway.

In Only 15 days, the Saint Michel Church Vandalized 3 times

May 2, 2021, France

On the 2nd May, 6th May and on the weekend, the church of Saint-Matoury has been vandalized. The faithful have found that the perpetrators managed to break into the church from a broken window situated at the back of the church. They found that they stole the tabernacle and partly ransacked the nave. Later, the church has again been a victim of numerous robberies and thefts. The parish and political authorities condemned these acts and an investigation has been opened.

15th Century Limestone Statue of Saint Jacques Stolen

May 2, 2021, France

Between the 17 and 19 May, the 50 centimetres high statue of Saint Jacques has been stolen. The 15th century limestone statute has among the historical monuments listed in the supplementary inventory on the 4th of May 1988. It has been in the commune of La Pernelle, in the Manche region. There are worries that the virgin in the grotto and in the church or at the baptismal font could also be stolen. The police of Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue or the town hall of La Pernelle are asking for clues and witnesses.

Perpetrators Vandalized Churches Along The Pilgrimage Route of Saint James

May 1, 2021, Italy

During the night of 30 April to 1 May, unknown perpetrators vandalised two churches, as well as, monuments and streetlamps illuminating the Barbaresco-Tower.  Windows of the San Bernardo Chruch were smashed in with stones. The stones also damged the ambo, causing it to fall and break. Another Church along the Pilgrimage route of Saint James was also affected. It has been reported that the perpetrators smashed beer bottles against the walls of the thousand-year-old church of San Giorgio. A few monuments and streetlamps illuminating the Barbaresco-Tower have also been vandalized and damaged through stones. Residents reported the incident and Town-Councillor Laura Gandolfo ordered an immediate investigation.

The Graville Cemetery Vandalized and Religious Objects from the Chapel Broken

May 1, 2021, France

During the weekend of 1st and 3rd May , ten graves were vandalized in the Graville cemetery in Le Havre. In addition, religious objects on the altar from the chapel of the Virgin Mary have been broken.

Church In Schlema Damaged

April 30, 2021, Germany

Between 29 to 30 April, unknown perpetrators broke the window of a church in Schlema. According to the police a side entrance door of the church was smashed and an unknown liquid was applied to the facade of the building. The damage amounts up to 2.000 Euros. The police are investigating for damage to property.

Finish MP Charged for Hate Speech After Bible Post on Twitter About Human Sexuality

April 29, 2021, Finland

MP Pävi Räsänen is facing three criminal charges for alleged hate speech brought against her by the Finnish Prosecutor General. This is not the first time MP Räsänen is being investigated for hate speech by the police but the first time she is confronted with criminal charges. The medical doctor, mother of five, and grandmother of six is ​​accused of having engaged in “hate speech” for publicly voicing her opinion on marriage and human sexuality in a 2004 pamphlet, for comments made on a 2018 TV show and, most recently, a tweet directed at her church leadership. The Prosecutor General considers that Räsänen's statements are likely to cause intolerance, contempt and hatred towards homosexuals. The charges will be heard later at the Helsinki District Court.

Vandalism In Church In Freiburg

April 27, 2021, Germany

An act of vandalism and property damage amounting to several thousand Euros, occurred at a church on Langestraße. Unknown perpetrators broke into the unlocked place of worship and smeared the floors, walls, and furniture with wax. The police were investigating.

The Statue of Saint Gabriel Stolen From a Cemetery in Romans-sur-Isère:

April 27, 2021, France

By the end March in Romans-sur-Isère, a mother noticed that a large pot of flowers as well as the statute of Saint Gabriel have been stolen from the grave of the 37-age man. Shocked and affected by the act of the theft, the mother reported the incident to the police.

Cemetery In Nowa Wieś Ełcka Vandalised

April 26, 2021, Poland

After the cemetery in Nowa Wieś Ełcka was first vandalised and then destroyed by felled trees, it is now to be restored to its original state. The bishop of the parish, Paweł Hause, said: "Destroying the sign of the cross, which is on an old gravestone, by handling it with heavy equipment, overturning it, destroying it and burying it, offends the feelings of all Christians - Catholics, Evangelicals, Orthodox. It was the residents of the village, Catholics, who first pointed out this anti-Christian behaviour. Whatever the perpetrators and those responsible say, there has been a lack of respect for the dead and for the cemetery, which is and should remain holy ground."

Vandalistic Attack In Gussago After Priest Speaks Out

April 26, 2021, Italy

The priest's car, the church façade and the surveillance cameras of the church of Gussago, Franciacorta, were vandalised the night before 26 April. The perpetrators were a group of youths who had been celebrating frequently during services, next to the church the days before. After the parish priest Don Adriano Dabellani complained and called the carabinieri, vandalistic acts were perpetrated in the following nights, probably in revenge. The vandals wrote blasphemies on the priest's car, as well as on the façade of the church. Police are investigating.

Church Tabernacle Stolen from St. Boniface in Goddelau

April 26, 2021, Germany

The pastor of the parish church of St. Boniface in Goddelau, Anton Lucaci, claims that the heart was stolen from the parish after the tabernacle was robbed. The police were alerted and assume that the thieves wanted the metal.

The Church of Saint-Tudy in Loctudy Remained Closed due to Repetitive Acts of Vandalism and Damage

April 25, 2021, France

From January 2020 onwards, damage of the church of Saint-Tudy in Loctudy have been regularly reported due to the repetitive acts of vandalism. The parishioners complained that on Palm Sunday, the Paschal candle were broken into two and that the curtains have been torn off and the frost, hydroalcoholic as well as confessionals gel were thrown and spilled on the pews of the church. Another act of vandalism occurred on the 17th April when lit and overturned candles were thrown into a trunk. In addition, inside the trunk, banknotes have been partially burnt. Due to these repetitive acts of vandalism and damage, the church will only be opened during mass times. Otherwise, it will remain closed until further notice.

Perpetrators Damaged St. Laurentius Church Lamps

April 24, 2021, Germany

The lamps in the St. Laurentius Church in Schramberg-Sulgen were damaged in the on November 24th but the villain is still at large. Two of the lamps were damaged on Tuesday the 23rd and three more received similar treatment outside the building the next day. The cost of the destruction was estimated to be around 1000 euros and the police were in search of more information.

Sainte-Thérèse Church In Évreux Subjected To Series Of Degradations

April 23, 2021, France

On the night of 22 April, the church of Sainte-Thérèse de l'Enfant Jésus in the Nétreville district of Évreux was the victim of a burglary for the seventh time in six months. In the process, a wooden statue of the Virgin Mary was found lying on the floor with large cuts to its head, having been subjected to repeated attempts at destruction in the days before. The other complaints in the intervening period include damage to several entrances to the interior of the church and the theft of numerous religious items. Meanwhile, a suspect has been arrested. The police is investigating.

Vandalism On The Steps Of The Church Of San Francesco

April 23, 2021, Italy

After the stone capital on the steps of the Marian Sanctuary of San Francesco all'Immacolata in Corso Vittorio Emanuele in Noto was vandalised, the perpetrator has now been identified and reported. The police were able to gather useful clues with the help of images from the video surveillance in the area, which made it possible to establish the identity of the vandal. It is a 33-year-old man already known to the police, who is facing charges of serious damage to historical objects - a Unesco World Heritage Site.

Pastor Arrested In Greater London for Public Preaching on Biblical Marriage

April 23, 2021, United Kingdom

Pastor John Sherwood, the pastor of a church in North London, preached a sermon on a public street on 23 April, in which he advocated for the biblical image of the family consisting of a father, mother and children and that marriage can only be between a man and a woman. After a while, some police officers appeared on the scene, approached Pastor Sherwood and stated that three complaints had been received about the sermon. After a lengthy conversation between the pastor and the police officers, the police officers asked him to come down from the steps where he was standing and said that he was now under arrest. The police accusation was that Pastor Sherwood had made homophobic remarks. An officer then took the Bible from the pastor's hand, pulled him off the steps and handcuffed him behind his back. The pastor was arrested for causing alarm and distress under section 5 of the Public Order Act, according to police. The preacher was detained by the police for about 21 hours, and he is still under investigation after his release.

Funerary Objects and Flowers Stolen from Cemeteries in Pleumeur-Bodou

April 22, 2021, France

In Pleumeur-Bodou in the Côtes d'Armor, a theft act has been committed in the cemeteries. Numerous funerary objects as well as flowers have been stolen. The town hall and the first deputy, Christelle Broudic, condemns these thefts. The police operation will be intensified in order to prevent these criminal acts.

Two Vandalistic Acts against Churches in Bad Griesbach

April 19, 2021, Germany

Unknown perpetrators committed an act of vandalism in two churches in Bad Griesbach in the District of Rottal. The incidents happened on the weekend of 17 and 18 April. The damage caused by the perpetrators is estimated to be around 5.000 Euros. The Police are investigating, and asking the public for help.

Bust Of St. John Paul II Vandalised In Front Of Polish Church In Paris

April 19, 2021, France

On 19 April, in front of the Polish Church of the Assumption at 'Concorde' in Paris, the bust of St John Paul II was vandalised . An unknown perpetrator covered the bust with red paint. Father Paweł Witkowski mentioned the great merits and achievements of John Paul II, who "certainly did not deserve such treatment". The case is being investigated by the police.

Vandals Damaged Church In Golasecca for Second Time

April 18, 2021, Italy

For the second time in a month, the church of Lazzaretto in Golasecca has been vandalised. This time the perpetrators damaged the door and vandalised the interior. Unknown persons had already broken into the small sacred building on 21 March, at which time the parish priest had filed a complaint with the Carabinieri. The church of Saints Simon and Judas is located in the woods near the village. The police are investigating.

Church-Door In Montecatini Set On Fire

April 15, 2021, Italy

On the afternoon of 15 April, a fire was set at the door of the church of Saints Jacopo and Filippo in Montecatini Alto. The door was partially destroyed. The fire brigade and the Carabinieri intervened right away. So far, there seem to be no direct witnesses to the arson, which can be safely assumed. The police are investigating.

Woman Destroys Consecrated Objects In Church In Düsseldorf

April 12, 2021, Germany

A woman vandalised sacred objects in the sanctuary of the Maxkirche in Düsseldorf between 12 and 16 April. The perpetrator threw candles and altar cloths on the floor. The congregation is shocked at the extent of the devastation. The city Deacon, Frank Heidkamp, said: "An adult woman threw candles, candlesticks, floral arrangements, altar cloths and sacrificial candles on the floor during normal opening hours last week and obviously caused this devastation with wanton intent." The case was recorded on a security camera and has already been handed over to the police, who is now investigating.

Vandals Devastate Cemetery In Mosina

April 12, 2021, Poland

Vandals attacked the parish cemetery in Mosina during the night of 11 to 12 April. Broken candles and other damages were found. The case was also investigated by the police, who have already arrested one person. The city police also found a vandalised car in a nearby car park.

The Churches of Rides and Marsac Vandalized

April 12, 2021, France

Over the Easter weekend, form 3 to 5 April, both churches, the church of Rides, in the commune of Cours, and Marsac, in the commune of Laugnac were vandalized. The perpetrators used old stone cross from the cemetery in order to break down the doors of the churches. Both churches are isolated and emptied of all materials for a long time. Locals and rural elected representatives are often faced with this type of vandalism and delinquency by perpetrators who do not respect places of worships.

The Church of Saint-Hilaire in Bouy Damaged by Fire

April 12, 2021, France

On the 12th of April, particularly around 11am, one of the aisles of the the 12th-13th century church of Saint-Hilaire in Bouy has been set on fire. The origin of the fire remains unknown. The firemen were successful to douse the fire with water.

Unknown Perpetrators Destroy Organ Pipes of Church In Höxter

April 11, 2021, Germany

In Höxter, unknown perpetrators vandalised the church of St. Anna on 11 April. Inside the church they destroyed the ornamental organ pipes. The vandals also lit candles, spread matches on the floor and left two notes with inscriptions. The damage to property amounts to 1.000€. The incident was reported to the police.

Two Pastors Arrested After Outdoor Worship Service

April 11, 2021, Finland

On April 11 of 2021, two Christian pastors were arrested and detained for over 4 hours during an outdoor worship service, which was interrupted by the police due to Covid-19 regulations. A few dozen people of the Baptist-affiliated “home church” (Kottikirko) gathered on a large and spacious square for their public worship, being the fifth Sunday running that the Christian group gathered in the same place for the same purpose.

Cassino Cemetery Reconsecrated After Red-Light Meetings

April 10, 2021, Italy

After red-light parties with prostitutes were held in the Cassino cemetery, the local church officials felt compelled to return sanctity to the desecrated place and rededicate the cemetery. "This rite of reparation", the diocese said, "became necessary as a result of the recent judicial investigation of the management of the municipal cemetery, which revealed serious acts that qualify as desecration of the bodies. In the name of the Church and representing the entire community of Setina, we went to the cemetery, prayed for the deceased buried there and renewed the rite of blessing the cemetery as an act of reparation for the desecration and sacrilege committed."

Church of Fraternité Scerdotale Saint-Pie Tagged with Sickle and Hammer

April 10, 2021, France

The church of Fraternité Scerdotale Saint-Pie X churches has been vandalized during the night of 9-10 April. More specifically, the gate and the fence have been tagged with sprayed as well as red paint. It has been assumed that the main perpetrators are from the left-wing movement in Nantes since the tags included a sickle and a hammer. In the morning of 10th April, the tags have been removed by the SSPX.

Our Lady Reconciler Chapel and the Church of Saint-Joseph des Nations Broken Into

April 9, 2021, France

During the night of 8 to 9 April, the Notre-Dame Réconciliatrice chapel in Paris was broken into. The chapel is located 500 metres from the church of Saint-Joseph des Nations which was also a victim of a burglary during the night of 4th to 5th April. The unknown perpetrators stole Easter collections, the large chest containing, two ciboria used at Holy Thursday, and other religious objects. The altar cloth was also stolen.

Desecration of Monastery in Halefka by Illegal Techno Party

April 7, 2021, Cyprus

The Armenian monastery of Saint Magar in the North of Cyprus has been desecrated by an illegal techno party. The party is said to have taken place in March, although a video of the party was only released in April. The Religious Leaders of the Island have now released a statement declaring: “The Religious Leaders of Cyprus condemn this unfortunate act and any misuse, disrespect and desecration of places of worship and cemeteries in Cyprus, irrespective of intention, religion, dogma and denomination". In their statement, they pointed out that all places of worship and cemeteries, in use or not, are protected against vandalism. They stated furthermore that “disrespecting places of worship and cemeteries creates pain, nurtures mistrust and becomes an obstacle to peaceful coexistence”.

An Islamic Attack Planned Against a Church in Montpellier

April 7, 2021, France

On the 7th of April, the French authorities received information from the Moroccan General Directorate for Territorial Surveillance (DGSI) about a French woman of Moroccan origin who lives in Béziers. This woman was "planning an imminent terrorist operation targeting a church in France." According to the investigations, she lives in Dévèze, a ‘’sensitive’’ district of Béziers, and intended to carry out the act. The investigators found in her flat a sword and mechanism as well as materials to make TATP, which is a powerful explosive. The woman remains in custody.

Arson at Church In Gelsenkirchen

April 5, 2021, Germany

The Church of St. Mary's Assumption in Gelsenkirchen-Rotthausen was the victim of an arson attack on the 5th of April in the evening, which is also Easter Monday. The fire brigade was on the scene with 80 emergency personnel. The fire started inside the building and had broken out into the sacristy. From there, the fire spread to the nave and smoke came out of the roof. Right before the fire broke out, witnesses saw young people running out of the church. According to the police, they have had two previous incidents in the same church. 

Arson to Church In Northern France causes extensive Damage

April 5, 2021, France

On Easter Monday evening, 5. April, a fire broke out in the listed collegiate church of Saint-Nicolas in Avesnes-Sur-Helpe near Cambrai, causing extensive damage to the church. A man was placed in custody facing 10 years of prison for the arson attack to the church. It seems that the fire was set near the wooden altarpiece, leading to several works being destroyed or damaged.

The Wall Behind the Church Destroyed

April 5, 2021, France

During the night of Sunday to Monday, the wall of the old cemetery, just behind the church in the street of Rhome, has been destroyed. Anne-Sophie Peureux-Demangelle, the mayor of Lachapelle-sous-Chaux, claims that the wall did not fall down by itself. It was a clear act of vandalism with a tractor. The perpetrators circulated a video on social media particularly Snapchat. They commented: 'We didn't fake it last night'." The town hall has filed a complaint to the police.

Church In Paris Robbed And Desecrated

April 4, 2021, France

On the night of Easter Sunday, thieves gained entry into the Église Saint-Joseph des Nations church in Paris. They escaped with the proceeds of the collection, two sacred vessels and a consecrated host. According to Aleteia, “the thieves took away the large chest containing the proceeds of Easter collections, three (empty) boxes and two ciboriums that they located by forcing the doors of the tabernacle. The hosts were found on the altar tablecloth, while the large host used for adoration was taken away by the vandals. The police are investigating.

Church in Aichach Tagged with Insulting Graffiti "Hypocrite Church = Child Molester" During Easter Week

April 4, 2021, Germany

On the night of Easter Sunday, April 4th, unknown perpetrators tagged the facade of the town parish church in Aichach with an insulting and stereotyping slogan. In the morning, the sacristan reported the damage to property to the police. The police are investigating.

Unknown Perpetrators Loot Offertory Box Of Church In Corigliano Scalo

April 4, 2021, Italy

In the days immediately before Easter, the parish of Saints Leo and Nicholas in the town of Scalo in the Gallo D'Oro area was targeted. During the night, unknown persons broke into the church through a smashed window and stole from the church interior only a few coins that were kept in the offertory. They also broke open a door and stole a loudspeaker. The police are investigating.

Plot to bomb church uncovered

April 4, 2021, France

On April 4, 2021, the 18 year-old woman was arrested in Béziers for planned terrorist attack against the Catholic church of the Notre-Dame de la Reconciliation. She reportedly had connections to the Islamic State a very disturbing profile. She is the third person under 20 to be charged in 2021 in relation to planning an Islamist‑inspired attack.

Easter Service in Nidda Disrupted By Three Young Men Scanting Islamic Slogans

April 3, 2021, Germany

Three unknown, alcoholised young Muslim men have disturbed the Easter Vigil service of the Evangelical Lutheran Church "Zum Heiligen Geist" in Nidda, Central Hesse. According to the church congregation, they repeatedly attacked worshippers (especially children and teenagers) and shouted "There is only one God, and that is Allah" and "Allah is the greatest". The unknown perpetrators had already insulted some of the worshippers outside the church and even filmed them. The perpetrators were asked to leave numerous times, also because they did not wear masks but refused to do so. The State Security Service has started an investigation for disturbing the exercise of religion.

Blasphemous Posters on the Door of the Polish House in Bydgoszcz

April 2, 2021, Poland

On the 2nd of April posters explicitly attacking the Catholic Church and mocking the holy cross were hung on the door of the Polish House in Bydgoszcz. The Catholic House in Bydgoszcz, also called the Polish House, is a historic public building used as a place of activity by Catholic organisations and associations in Bydgoszcz. The unknown perpetrators also left the blasphemous inscription: "The secret of faith - cars and dollars". The holy cross, The incident was reported by the church authorities to the city police.

London Police Abruptly Interrupts Easter Service - Church Complains

April 2, 2021, United Kingdom

On charges of violating COVID-19 rules, police in the UK have interrupted up a Good Friday service celebrated at the Roman Catholic Christ the King Church in London. Police also threatened to fine each person sitting in the pews $280. According to the British Independent newspaper, churches are allowed to hold services during the lockdown in England with no limit on the number of parishioners as long as the congregation adheres to social distancing and wears masks. The church rejected the police claims, saying in a statement, "We believe, however, that the police brutally exceeded their powers by issuing their warrant for no good reason, as all government requirements were met."

Vandalism Leaves Statue of 'Extraordinary Historical Value' at Chapel Destroyed

April 1, 2021, Poland

A statue of the Virgin Mary of historical value has been destroyed at the Holy Spirit Church in Koszalin in Poland on 1 April. The statue was of exceptional value since it was given to the Parish by a survivor of the Dachau concentration camp and was seen as a shrine of memorial for the ones who did not survive the camp. The chapel in which the statue was standing was also vandalised. Police are investigating.

Vandalism in Diersheim Churches

April 1, 2021, Germany

On the first of April, the Diersheim church was found with hymn books thrown around and paper lying on the floor with some of it burnt. It was not known who committed the crime.

Offensive Tags Hanged on Churches in León

April 1, 2021, Spain

The churches in León of El Salvador, San Juan, San Pedro de Renueva, Santa Marina and in the Collegiate Church of San Isidoro were all targeted with hateful messages. This included posters put on them with the words "Closed for sexist", "Closed for homophobes", "Expropriators", or "Closed for misogynists." The churches were also taped shut an the police opened an investigation into the matter as it was not known who did it.

Polish Anarchists Hung A Vulgar Banner On A Church In Warsaw

March 31, 2021, Poland

Far-left groups in Poland are proud to show themselves profaning the Church of the Holy Saviour in the centre of Warsaw on social media. Local anarchists lit flares in front of the entrance to the temple and hung a banner with vulgar inscription on the scaffolding. The assault took place on the afternoon of March 31st. The far-left in Poland seems to enjoys an impunity. This is evidenced by the minimal reaction of the judiciary to the series of provocations, desecrations and attacks carried out against Catholic churches since October 2020. According to the TVP Info portal, the recent attack did not cause any material losses, and no one was physically harmed. Nevertheless, the series of incidents strongly accentuated the symbolic dimension of these acts.

Servite Church in Innsbruck Heavily Vandalised

March 31, 2021, Austria

Unknown perpetrators vandalized the Servite Church in Tirol's capital Innsbruck. The damage caused has been estimated to be several thousand Euros. According to police reports, the perpetrators destroyed several statues, sacred objects, and contaminated the premises. It is thought to have occurred sometime between 11.25 and 11.55 on the 31st of March. Police were investigating and witnesses were asked to come forward.

Altar Statue Smashed and Parish Documents Burned in Romilly-sur-Seine

March 31, 2021, France

In the Saint-Martin Church in Romilly-sur-Seine, a plaster statue of the Virgin Mary, located behind the altar, was smashed on the floor on March 31st. Earlier in the week, some parish documents from a display had been burned at the altar. Father Richard Lukaszewski filed a complaint about this vandalism and requested that the local police make more frequent rounds in that area.

Arson at St.Peter Church in Linz

March 28, 2021, Austria

On March 28th, the church of St. Peter in Linz was severely damaged by a fire. According to the church's parish priest, the fire was set inside a chapel near the wooden altar. Despite early attempts to extinguish the fire, the wooden altar was destroyed and a statue of the Virgin Mary was damaged. The next day the police reported that a book commemorating the dead, which was lying on a side table, had been purposefully set on fire. Since the fire did not pose a serious threat to any person, the police stated they would only investigating for damage to property. The damage amounts to around €80,000.

Man Sets Fire To Church In Wokingham

March 26, 2021, United Kingdom

After a fire broke out at a church in Wokingham on 26 March, the police arrested a 28-year-old man suspected of arson. The police was called at around 3pm after the fire was reported.

Attempted Theft of Sacred Objects from via Catalani Church

March 26, 2021, Italy

On March 26th, 34-year-old Moroccan Mohamed Laafar, attempted to steal a chalice, a pyx, and a throne, from the parish of Peata maria Vergine della Pieta, in via Catalani. He would have succeeded, had the carabinieri not been alerted to the suspicious activity at which point they intervened and arrested him. On May 24th of 2022, he was sentenced by the Court of Sciacca Dino Toscano, to 5 months and 10 days imprisonment and a fine of 200 euros.

Church of the Crosses in Foggia Desecrated with Obscene Symbol

March 25, 2021, Italy

One of the five chapels of the Church of the Crosses in Foggia was smeared with blue paint. One pillar was defaced with a phallic symbol, now covered by a white cloth. The other pillars were sprayed with conspicuous and incomprehensible signs. Other writings were found on the ground of the chapel and on the pavement. The police is investigating.

Orthodox Pastor's Car Smashed with Stones By Vandals In Magenta

March 25, 2021, Italy

During the night of March 25th, several young people threw stones at Father Ioan's car. The car was parked in Via Melzi in Magenta, near the church of San Rocco, where the Orthodox community is based. There are yet no clear indicators for the motivation of this crime. The police is investigating.

Church in Baden Baden Set on Fire and Smeared with Paint

March 25, 2021, Germany

Unknown perpetrators threw a flammable object through a smashed window of a side door into the St. Bernhard Church in Baden-Baden during the night of 25 March. According to the police, heavy smoke developed and spread into the church interior. In addition, the perpetrators smeared a two-by-two-metre sign on the side wall of the church, which, according to the parish priest's interpretation, could represent a Jewish Star of David. The police are investigating.

Three Churches Broken into in Val-Doré, Nogent-le-Sec and Jumelles, Statues, Vases and Candlesticks Disappeared

March 25, 2021, France

During the night of 24-25 March, three churches in the region of Eure, particularly in Val-Doré, Nogent-le-Sec and Jumelles, have been targeted by thieves. Several religious objects such as statues, vases, candleholders, 16th century statue of Saint Christine were stolen. The churches were broken into probably with a crowbar. Police are investigating.

201 Gravestones Destroyed At Olsztyn Cemetery - Perpetrator Caught

March 23, 2021, Poland

On March 23rd, the municipal police received a report that gravestones had been damaged at the cemetery in Olsztyn. A total of 201 graves were vandalised. A few hours after the report, the police arrested a 38-year-old man. The man confessed the crime of insulting a gravesite in connection with damage to property.

Relic Of St Thérèse Stolen In Clarens

March 23, 2021, Switzerland

On 23 March, the caretaker of the Catholic church in Clarens discovered broken glass and noticed that the piece of cartilage of the parish's patron saint, Saint Theresa of Lisieux, had been stolen from a statue. The chairman of the parish council says: "Materially, there's a bit of a market for relics, but I'm more inclined to think it was sacrilege." The police is investigating.

The Church of Notre Dame du Cierge Vandalized

March 23, 2021, France

On the 23rd of March, a message on a fire extinguisher was found in order to warn the two teenager perpetrators who set fire to the church of Notre Dame du Cierge in Épinal and emptied the fire extinguishers. One of them has been recognized on the 31st of March and the other on 18th April. The first perpetrator was seen in the church, while the other has been seen while entering the church. The police are investigating.

Vandalism and Desecration Of Hospital Chapel In La Rochelle

March 22, 2021, France

On March 22, the chapel of the Saint-Louis Hospital in La Rochelle got severely vandalised and desecrated. "When I knelt down at the altar to begin my prayer, I noticed that something was wrong," explained the chaplain. He noticed that the altar cloths were stained with a yellow liquid and that in front of one of the side chapels an imposing plaster statue of Christ was "pulverised". Matches and a cigarette butts that were found at the scene indicate that the perpetrators tried to set fire to the chapel. The police is investigating.

Catholic Priest in Ireland Fined for Not Restricting Access to Mass

March 22, 2021, Ireland

A Catholic priest in Ireland has been fined 500 Euros because he did not close the doors to his church while we was celebrating mass, so people would not be able join the church service. Due to government health measures, public religious services in the country have been suspended since 7 October 2020. In a parish newsletter, Father P.J. Hughes wrote: “Next Sunday marks the journey of Holy Week. It is hard to believe that for a second year people cannot come to take part in the ceremonies of Holy Week. Despite the size of the church and the holy place that it is because of the presence of Jesus in the Holy Tabernacle, the church has been deemed a hot spot for the spread of the virus by the gardaí.”

Rioters Vandalize Church in Bad Rappenau

March 22, 2021, Germany

Unknown persons rioted inside a church in Bad Rappenau on Monday, 22nd of March between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. The perpetrators entered the Protestant church on Kirchplatz and knocked over disinfection dispensers, tore up prayer texts and smashed an altar candle, among other things. They also tore down a picture and threw it on the floor. The damage is amounting to several hundred euros, according to the police. The police called for witnesses testimonies for the investigation.

Vandals Smash Window Of A Church In Catanzaro

March 21, 2021, Italy

During the night of March 20th, unknown perpetrators smashed a window of the Church of Santa Maria della Speranza in Catanzaro by throwing stones against it. According to Mayor Sergio Abraham, the vandalism "strikes directly at the heart of the neighbourhood church, which is a landmark for all residents". The police is investigating.

Vandalism At The Sacred Heart Church In Singen

March 21, 2021, Germany

Unknown persons destroyed windows at the Sacred Heart Church in Singen probably on the weekend of 19-21 March. Since the windows are leaded glass windows, the destruction causes much more financial damage than normal windows. According to the church's pastor, the vandalism is not an isolated case, as the church has been the victim of repeated attacks recently. The police is investigating.

Lazaretto Church Vandalized in Golasseca

March 21, 2021, Italy

On the 21st of March, unknown persons entered the small Church of Lazaretto and vandalized its interior. the Parish priest, Fr. Hervé Simeoni, filed a complaint at the police. The Church was attacked a second time in April.

Two Anti-Christian Attacks In Churches In Nice

March 20, 2021, France

On march 20th, two perpetrators vandalised the interior of a small church in the Saint Isidore district, they also stole several consecrated objects. A few hours later the police arrested the perpetrators with the help of public video recordings. Another incident occurred in parallel at the Basilica of Notre Dame, the church where three Christians were killed by an Islamic Terrorist in October 2020. During this incident a perpetrator, who was later identified and arrested by the police, had praised the terrorist massacre during holy mass.

Rave Party In An Abandoned Armenian Monastery In Cyprus

March 20, 2021, Cyprus

On 20 March, a rave party took place in the Armenian monastery of Sourp Magar in northern Cyprus, which was founded in the 11th century and has been empty since 1974. Although the rave party took place several weeks ago, it only became known this week through a video. The US Ambassador to Cyprus, Judith Garber, condemned the rave party: "The US Embassy strongly condemns the abuse of the Armenian Monastery of Saint Magar. Freedom of worship is a fundamental value and we join religious leaders in calling for all places of worship, whether in use or not, to be protected from abuse, vandalism and desecration."

Perpetrators Rioted Inside Church and Damaged the Organ

March 20, 2021, Germany

Unknown perpetrators rioted in St George's Church in Freistett and damaged the valuable organ. On 20 March, unknown persons entered the open church unnoticed and caused damage amounting to several thousand Euros. Individual church brochures, hymn books and pens were scattered on the floor, the lid from the baptismal font was placed on the altar, the permanent candles extinguished, electricity plugs pulled and the confirmation and baptism fish for good wishes torn. "The perpetrators have (also) wilfully damaged the organ," regretted the church's pastor. CCTV was now installed. The police are investigating.

Forty Religious Objects Recovered After Theft in Ile de France Region

March 20, 2021, France

Numerous religious objects such as statues, altar crosses, Stations of the Cross, reliquaries have been stolen between June and November. The police of Seine et Marne found around 40 objects linked to 26 thefts. The statues of St Joseph were found by an elected representative of the commune on an advertisement website. He contacted the seller and informed the police who went to his home in Montreuil and traced the other stolen religious objects.

Attempted Arson In Protestant Church In Glonn

March 19, 2021, Germany

During the night of March 19th, unknown persons attempted to set fire to the vestibule of the Protestant church in Glonn. According to the police, flyers and other informational leaflets were set on fire. The entrance door, a side table and a carpet were burnt, but the fire did not spread to the whole church. The caused property damage is estimated at about 2.500 Euros.

Church of Saint-Denis de la Croix Rousse Damaged and Vandalized

March 19, 2021, France

On the 19th of March, a forty-three-year-old man, known for fifty previous convictions, vandalized the church of Saint Denis in Croix-Rousse in the district of Lyon. The perpetrator climbed on the altar and knocked down the cross. Three days later, he returned to the church and stole the candlestick. The perpetrator was arrested in Place Tobie-Robatel and brought before the public prosecutor’s office.

Saint-Louis Church in La Roche-sur-Yon Tagged by Anarchists

March 19, 2021, France

On 19 March, the Saint-Louis Church in La Roche-sur-Yon has been tagged by Anarchists. The sentence of ‘’Vive la commune de 1971’’ (long live the 1871 commune) has been tagged in red and signed with an A circled, which is the symbol of the Anarchists. This is not the first time that the church has been targeted. Last March, Saint-Louis Church and the visitation monastery have also been a victim of vandalism with the same anarchist symbol on their wall. An investigation has been opened.

Icons and Walls of Church in Titan Smeared by Radical Left Group

March 18, 2021, Romania

The wooden church in Titan, Bucharest was vandalised by a radical Left group during the night of March 18th. Volunteers from the congregation discovered the damage when they opened the church the next morning. The outside walls of the wooden church were tagged with inscriptions such as "BLM" and "Be Gay do crime", which also covered the icons. BLM is short for Black Lives Matter, the movement in the United States. According to spokesperson of the Romanian Patriarchate, Vasile Bănescus, the act is just the latest example in a long line of violent acts dictated and perpetuated by neo-Marxism.

Perpetrators Vandalise Church Facade in Kożuchów with Threatening Slogans

March 17, 2021, Poland

Unknown perpetrators have vandalised the facade of the parish church in Kożuchów. A threatening slogan in Spanish was tagged on the wall "The only church that lights up is the one that burns". The perpetrators face a sentence of up to five years in prison for destroying property. The police is investigating.

Arson and Vandalism In Church In Gödöllő

March 15, 2021, Hungary

On the evening of March 15th, unknown perpetrators broke into the Greek Orthodox Church of Gödöllő. The perpetrators then set fire to the pews and sprayed an icon with flammable material. Neighbours noticed the fire and immediately alerted the fire brigade. The parish priest described the vandalism as a clearly anti-Christian act and said that damage the vandals caused is estimated to be around 2.5 million HUF. The police is investigating.

Church Window Smashed With Beer Bottles In Bielefeld

March 14, 2021, Germany

On March 14th, unknown persons smashed a church window and knocked over a barrel of gravel in Bielefeld. Police officers were informed and found a broken window and an overturned barrel with gravel. According to current information, the window was broken with two beer bottles. The police is now looking for witnesses.

Vandalism and Theft in the Liebfrau Church in Karlsruhe

March 13, 2021, Germany

An unknown perpetrator entered the Church of Our Lady in Karlsruhe, on the morning of March 13, and stole the condolence book of the pastor, who had recently passed away. Inside the church, as the police reported, the unidentified vandal threw the holy water kettle, candles, glasses, and other objects on the ground. Afterward, the perpetrator disappeared from the church without being recognized.