All cases

Fire Broke out in the Holy Cross Church

February 24, 2021, France

On 24th February, a fire broke out in the Sainte-Croix church and burnt around 20 square meters. Stained glass windows were also blown out. There were damage to the side entrance and the chapel. The parish suspected arson since neither electricity was installed nor the stored candles were used.

Baeza: Phrases Against Priest Written on Church

February 24, 2021, Spain

In February, The facade of the parish church in Baeza was targeted with graffiti that said "priest, you and your bells are worse than the Covid". The priest, Juan Quiles, was surprised by the inscriptions and explained how the bells had always rung without complaints and said "they only ring when necessary." The police of Baeza was notified of the incident and commented, "I think this is something more than an (act of) hooliganism."

Irish Bishop Banned By Twitter For Criticising Euthanasia

February 20, 2021, Ireland

After criticising the Irish government's plans to legalise euthanasia, Twitter has banned the Irish bishop Kevin Doran on February 20th. In his tweet, he spoke out about the Christian dignity in dying, paradoxically Twitter argues "he violated their rules by promoting (..) suicide or self-harm" because the tweet mentioned the term "Assisted Suicide" in it, which he opposes. According to writer David Quinn, Twitter has turned the bishop down on appeal.

Vandals Smear Church in Warsaw With Red Paint

February 19, 2021, Poland

During the night of February 19th, unknown perpetrators sprayed red paint on the doors and walls of the historic St Augustine's Church in Wola, Warsaw. After the police started an investigation in which they also released a video showing the suspect, the police arrested two men in connection with the case.

Christian Actress Sues After being Fired for Biblical Facebook Post, Court Rules Against Her

February 18, 2021, United Kingdom

In March 2019, Christian West End actress, Seyi Omooba, was removed from a leading role in a musical and dropped from her agency for a Facebook post about homosexuality citing the Bible over four years earlier. With representation by the Christian Legal Centre, she launched a legal challenge on September 30th against Leicester Curve Theatre and her agency, Global Artists, for breach of contract and anti-Christian discrimination.On November 25th, the judge rejected arguments from Seyi Omoobas lawyers that the theatre critic, Lloyd Evans should be allowed to give evidence in her claim. The trail of Omooba's religious discrimination and breach of contract claim is scheduled to run for 11 days next February. After the last ruling of the court she was offered a compensation which she reclined arguing that it was disproportional. In its latest decision the court ruled against the actress.

Facebook Page of Core Issues Trust (CIT) Taken Down

February 18, 2021, United Kingdom

In February, Facebook permanently deleted the page of Core Issues Trust (CIT) on the grounds that the charity is in breach of its community standards. Since June 2020, LGBT activists have viciously attacked the site and refused to recognise people who previously identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. During this time, Facebook did not respond to the attacks against CIT and its employees, even though their personal safety was at risk. Now Dr. Mike Davidson, CEO of CIT, wrote a statement on the case in which he makes clear to continue to platform "the voices of those who with free conscience express the transformation they experience and the Christian convictions that are important to them and protected by Article 14 of the European Convention on Human Rights".

Polish Musician on Trial for Desecrating the Virgin Mary

February 18, 2021, Poland

Frontman of the extreme metal band 'Behemoth' Nergal is accused of having offended religious sentiment in Poland. He posted a picture in 2019 on his Facebook account where he is stepping on a picture of the Virgin Mary. The case came to court after the conservative groups 'Ordo Iuris' and 'The Patriotic Society' claimed that some people including a Polish politician felt offended by the published photo. In a first hearing earlier this year an unnamed religious expert testified that "treading with a shoe on the image of the Mother of God is an offence against religious feelings". Adam Darski, Nergals formal name, has been found guilty and has to pay a fine of €2.900 plus an additionally €678 as court costs. "The Satanist of Warsaw" as he is named on YouTube, is challenging the guilty verdict and the fine. The case is now expected to proceed to a full trial. According to article 196 of Poland's penal code, Darski is now facing a prison sentence of up to two years, if found guilty in the trial.

Vandals Destroy Statue Of Virgin Mary In Czestochowa

February 17, 2021, Poland

During the night of February 17th, unknown perpetrators destroyed the statue of the Virgin Mary in the parish of the first Martyrs of Poland, Czestochowa. The statue which represents the Virgin Mary had its hands cut off and the surrounding area vandalised, flowers and candles were scattered. According to the parish priest, Father Jasionek, the incident was not reported to the police: "I did not report it to the police because I think it is not a material loss but a moral loss and the police will not help us in this matter."

Attempted Arson in Church in Piedimonte Matese

February 17, 2021, Italy

On February 17th, three unknown young men tried so set fire to the Madonna delle Grazie church in Piedimonte Matese. The young men were supposedly noticed by a resident who immediately alerted the police. However, the vandals managed to escape. The case is being investigated by the police.

Church in Sligo Attacked With Red Graffiti

February 17, 2021, Ireland

On February 16th unknown perpetrators attacked a catholic church in Sligo with red graffiti. The incident occurred after politician Tánaiste Leo Varadkar appeared on the Irish RTE programme "Prime Time" in which he claimed that dead babies were buried in a tank in Tuam. Varadkar referred to the mother and child home in Tuam that was run by the church and were it was recently discovered that mothers and babies have been severely abused and even a mass grave for babies were found. Sligo is about a 50-minute drive from Tuam. According to the Irish government, there is no evidence that babies are buried in a tank in Tuam. So far it is not known whether the two cases are related.

Police Forcefully Vacated New Life Church In Minsk

February 17, 2021, Belarus

On February 17th, the police invaded the New Life Full Gospel Church in the Belarusian capital Minsk. The operation was recorded on video by members of the parish, and there is also footage from the security cameras. Pastor Vyacheslav Goncharenko had not allowed the police and court officials to enter, so the police broke the locks forcefully. The city administration of Minsk, after the church's territory was annexed by the city of Minsk, had already issued an eviction order for 31th December, which the parish apparently did not comply with. The leaders of the Full Gospel Union, the Union of Baptists and the Pentecostal Association of Churches in Belarus defended the New Life Church in a joint statement on the 19th of February.

Shots Fired at parish house of the church of San Fiorano

February 17, 2021, Italy

A barrage of shots was heard near the Church of San Fiorano in Villasanta on the 17. February at around 6 pm. The metal pellets were aimed at the door of the parish house. It seems that inside the house people were celebrating the rite of Ashes, but they did not hear the shots. The police have started an investigation. The metal pellets were found on the ground near the entrance door.

Anarchic Spray Paint Attack Against Church in Poznan

February 16, 2021, Poland

On the 2nd of February, the police in Poznan was called to a case of vandalism. The front doors to the Church of the Resurrection in the Wilda district was spray painted with anarchic symbols and threats. An unknown perpetrator wrote the vulgar slogan "Kler to hell" in white paint on the church door. The police is investigating.

Three Vaults at Moulin Neuf Cemetery Damaged

February 16, 2021, France

On 16th February, three vaults were desecrated, and two coffins were opened in Dordogne . It has been argued that the main perpetrator is the Satanists group since this act is part of their rites of passage or entry requirement to the group. The families have filed a complaint with the gendarmerie. The public prosecutor opened an investigation for ‘’ violation of the grave and damage.’’ Georges Elizabeth, the mayor of the commune, believes that the perpetrators should be severely punished.

Mock "Procession" in Jerez with a Crucified Doll Disrespects Catholics

February 14, 2021, Spain

The Spanish trade union CCOO, mocked the Andalusian Catholics by having a procession with a crucified doll to demand that an Employment Regulation File (ERE) not be made at the Holcim company. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the Catholics were not able to do their procession during the Holy Week. To gain attention, the CCOO was willing to disrespect the Holy Week and a religious tradition.

Severe Vandalism at St. Barbara's Church in Warsaw

February 13, 2021, Poland

During night of February 14th, unknown perpetrators wreaked devastation on the parish cemetry complex of St. Barbara's Church in Warsaw. Ten inverted crosses were painted on the church doors, pillars and memorial plaques on the church walls. Among other things, memorial plaques of Warsaw insurgents and former parish priests were vandalised. The police is investigating.

Perpetrators Desecrated Church in Ljubljana.

February 13, 2021, Slovenia

Vandals desecrated a Church in Rožnik with the picture of the Minister of defence Matej Tonin. The incident was reported to local authorities on 13 February 2021. Tonin describes the incident as a hate crime against Christians. The police are still investigating.

25% of UK Pro-Life Students Attacked at their University New Survey Finds

February 11, 2021, United Kingdom

For being pro-life, almost one of four students have been "threatened, abused, alarmed or distressed" at their university. According to a survey by the national student pro-life group, the Alliance of Pro-Life Students (APS), nearly three quarters of pro-life students have been confronted with situations in seminars where they experienced a restriction in freedom of expression. APS Executive Director Madeline Page said: “These statistics are alarming, yet confirm what we already know – pro-life students are being marginalised and silenced at universities. Institutional policies which refuse to allow certain topics to be discussed don’t just damage free speech – they destroy a culture of tolerance and respect on campus, ruining the chance for all students to engage with people of diverse opinions and understandings."

Stolen Crosses And Vandalized Gravestones In Rybna

February 11, 2021, Poland

In late January and early February, more than 10 residents of Rybna, Poland complained about the vandalization of crosses and grave monuments of their relatives. Several people found gravestones with broken and stolen crosses and figures of Christ that were torn off crosses and thrown away nearby. People started intervening and reported the matter to the municipality. It was later discovered that the damage was not reported to the police, because according to the municipality, they did not have a report on the matter.

Vandals Damage Church In Lower Silesia

February 10, 2021, Poland

In the beginning of February, police officers from Zgorzelec arrested a 26-year-old man suspected of destroying windows and a stained glass window in one of the churches in the district. The man had been drinking near the church and later started to throw stones and empty bottles at the church.

Vandals Splash Church In Vienna With Paint and Liquid Plaster

February 10, 2021, Austria

On the night of February 10th, unknown perpetrators attacked the St. Joseph church on Karmeliterplatz in Vienna with paint and plaster. The doors of the church were splashed with white paint and the staircase below splashed with liquid plaster. This was not the first attack of this kind against the church, as the church has repeatedly been the victim of vandalism since November 2020.

Cross from Tabernacle Stolen in St Gudula's Church

February 10, 2021, Germany

On February 10, between 5 pm and 6 pm, thieves stole the tabernacle cross from the high altar of St. Gudula's Church in Rhede. The case was reported to the police, which started searching for information regarding the theft.

Arson at Fulda Cathedral

February 10, 2021, Germany

People witnessed a fire at Fulda Cathedral and alerted the police, on the 10th of February. The authorities started to conduct an investigation searching for a suspect. Fortunately, no one was injured but there is no information about the amount of damage caused by the fire.

Radical Feminists Attacked Austrian Platform For Christian Democracy With Paint

February 8, 2021, Austria

On February 8th, radical feminist groups disrupted a solidarity rally, in front of the Polish embassy in Vienna, of the Platform for Christian Democracy. The Platform demands an end to the discrimination against people with disabilities and therefore wanted to demonstrate its support for the new amendment of the Polish abortion law, which denies abortion on the ground of eugenics. After interrupting the march, the perpetrators smeared the Platforms' office walls with radical feminists and insulting slogans, reading "fundamentalists abort them". The Platform filed a complaint at the police who is investigating.

Vandals Smash Windows Of Four East Cambridgeshire Churches

February 7, 2021, United Kingdom

Between 6-7 February, unknown perpetrators broke into St Peter's Church in Wentworth, St Michael and All Angels Church in Chettisham, St Mary's Church in Ely and St Andrew's Church in Witchford, smashing stained glass windows and breaking vases. Michael Ritcher, churchwarden of Chettisham Parish, said, "They broke two windows to get in - one in the vestry and another in the main church. They've done quite a bit of damage." The police is investigating.

Car of a Priest Severely Vandalised in Glasgow

February 6, 2021, United Kingdom

On February 6th, vandals demolished the car of a priest of St James the Great Church in Crookston, Glasgow. In addition to a completely smashed windscreen the car's wing mirrors were also severely damaged. According to a post in the church's Facebook group 2-3 youths have been seen vandalising the car. The police is investigating.

Exhibition On John Paul II Vandalised

February 5, 2021, Germany

On February 5th, unknown perpetrators destroyed the panels of the exhibition "John Paul II - Pope of Dialogue", prepared by the John Paul II Memorial Centre in Warsaw in cooperation with the Polish Embassy at the Basilica of St John the Baptist in Berlin. John Paul II's face was painted over with red paint. A red lightning bolt - the symbol of the so-called women's strike - was painted on the fence of the neighbouring headquarters of the papal nunciature. The police is investigating.

ADF International and Pro-Life Prayer Group Challenge Public Prayer Prohibition at Court

February 3, 2021, Germany

In 2019, the local authority of Pforzheim, Germany, prohibited the assemblies of the "40 Days for Life" group that was peacefully and silently praying in front of an abortion advisory center. The group's concern is to pray for women struggling with abortion and for their unborn children and to offer them support. The legal human rights organization ADF International is now challenging the prohibition in court, in order to ensure that the group's fundamental rights to freedom of religion, assembly, and speech will be reinstalled.

Devastation Of Church In Oborniki

February 2, 2021, Poland

On February 2nd vandals smeared the walls of the church in Oborniki. The graffiti contained slogans like "Blood on my hands" and accusations against the priest of the parish Father Rydzyk. The local police is investigating and trying to identify the perpetrator(s) by analyzing the surveillance recordings.

Unknown Perpetrators Set Fire in Church in Bischofsreut Twice

February 2, 2021, Germany

The first arson attack was on February 2nd, as unknown persons tried start a fire in the gallery of the church in Bischofsreut using paper. This was discovered 3 days later, on February 5th, when unknown perpetrators attacked a second time, this time setting fire to the same place. This resulted in a damage of around 100 Euros. According to the police, between 2.15 and 3.15 p.m., the arsonist(s) were in the church and set fire to a sheet on the floor and several pieces of paper they had found in the building. Before any major damage was done, the perpetrators put out the fire with disinfectant.

Church Closed After Vandals Set Fire to the Pedestal of the Statue of San Vincenzo Next to the Church

February 2, 2021, Italy

On February 2nd, unknown persons set fire to the pedestal of the statue of San Vincenzo next to the San Vincenzo Church. San Vincenzo is the patron saint of the San Vincenzo Church in Cremnago. Some of the parish members saw the flames and other witnesses say they saw some boys running away from the church at the time of the crime. The damage to the statue, which was immediately taken to the sacristy, is fortunately not severe. After the incident the church decided to close its doors for a couple of days and only reopen during liturgical celebrations.

Christian Conservative Institution in Slovenia Vandalised

February 2, 2021, Slovenia

Vandals graffitied the facade of the Christian conservative institution Zavod Iskreni in Slovenia on the night of 2 February. The perpetrators broke the windows and smeared the entrance door of the institute with swastikas and wrote the word "corruption" on it. Minister of Defence Matej Tonin condemns this vandalism as a "systematic attack on Christian values". The police are investigating.

Parish Office in Bochum devastated by Vandals

February 2, 2021, Germany

In February, the parish office behind the church of St. Mary was devastated in Bochum-Langendreer. The Catholic community has been target from vandals repeatedly during 2021.

Church Window Damaged in Schweinheim

February 1, 2021, Germany

On February 1st, unknown perpetrators damaged a church window in Schweinheim. Several thousands of Euros of damage are expected. Police is investigating.

Burglary Leaves Church Unable To Play Music At Funerals

January 31, 2021, United Kingdom

On January 31st, a break-in at the St Thomas's Church in Dudley in the Black Country has left the church unable to play music at funerals. There were no historical items taken from the church, but a computer tablet was stolen that implied that the church would no be able to amplify voices or play recorded music at funerals. The police is investigating.

Suspect Arrested After Investigation for Vandalism in Church

January 31, 2021, United Kingdom

January 31st , a church in the Derry County was vandalised and the police started an investigation. Sectarian slogans and initials of loyalist paramilitary organisations were written on the walls of St Mary's Church in Limavady. According to details provided by the police they were looking for a man during the week of February 7th, when they finally arrested him on that date.

Hate Crime Against St Mary's Church In Limavady

January 30, 2021, United Kingdom

On January 31st, the St Mary's Church in Limavady was target of a hate crime. Vandals sprayed the acronyms "UVP" and "UFF" onto the church walls on Irish Green Street and moreover damaged a statue. The Ulster Freedom Fighter (UFF) is known to be a cover name for the Ulster Defence Association (UDA), an umbrella group of various loyalist groups. The UFF is suspected to have killed more than 250 people.

Graffiti and Damage On A Newly Restored Church In Arcisate

January 30, 2021, Italy

On January 30th, after finishing restoration works of several months, the restorers of the San Vittore Martire Church in Arcisate discovered a graffiti on the side wall of the church. Additionally, the vandals urinated on the church wall and in the corners. The work was halted for two days over the weekend, but it is likely that these acts took place the night before the weekend because the plaster was still fresh. Measures must now be taken to restore it.

Baby Jesus Stolen from Nativity in Riedlingen

January 28, 2021, Germany

The wooden Baby Jesus figure was stolen from the nativity scene at the St. Georg church in Riedlingen on September 28th. It was not know who stole the figure which is of great value to the church.

Church in Bellevue Defaced with Anti-Christian Tags

January 28, 2021, France

A Bellevue church was tagged with Anti-Chritian slogans, as discovered by the police on the 28th of January. The walls and doors of the Bellevue parish were covered with inscriptions.

Attempted Arson On Saint-Paul Church In Montpellier

January 25, 2021, France

On January 25th, unknown perpetrators attempted to set fire to the Saint-Paul Church located in the district of Mosson. The priest discovered thick smoke coming out of the worship room, which emerged from a wooden table. Ash was found on the table coming from a pile of papers, which indicates that the table was deliberately set on fire. Another indication for a case of arson is an obscene graffiti on a figure of Jesus Christ which was found on the walls of the building. Fire fighters were able to put out the fire but still damage was caused.

Major Theft From Church Collection Boxes in Cork

January 25, 2021, Ireland

On January 25th, a priest became suspicious, as he found cheques from other parishes in his collection box. Therefore he viewed church CCTV footage and saw a man using a hooked piece of wire to remove envelopes containing cash from a collection box. The police arrested a man for questioning about a series of thefts from churches in east Cork, which involved thousands of Euros in cash being stolen out of collection boxes.

Repeated Graffiti Attack On Church In Sabiñánigo

January 24, 2021, Spain

On January 24th, the church of Castillo Guarga, in the municipal park of Sabiñánigo was yet again a target of an act of vandalism. The 12th century romanesque window of the church was covered with graffiti. The graffiti has to be removed by a specific cleaning company with special cleaning products due to the porous wall. The police is searching for the unknown perpetrators.

Historic Church in Stockholm Attacked with Three Molotov Cocktails

January 24, 2021, Sweden

An 800-year-old church located in Stockholm has been attacked twice within one week. It has been reported by Swedish media that on 12 January, three Molotov cocktails were thrown into the Spånga church. The church located just outside of Tensta and flanked by Rinkeby might have been targeted by Muslims, who form the majority of the population in that area. Four days before said incident two explosives were hurled into the Church, one smashed through the church windows, while another one was thrown at the church gate. The church's pastor recalls, “the alarm was triggered when a window was smashed and flammable liquid thrown at the front gate and one of the windows. However, the fire was quickly put out by the police, who used a powder extinguisher”.

San Martino Church In Italy Vandalized

January 22, 2021, Italy

In the evening of January 22nd, two young perpetrators broke into the church of San Martino in Rezzato. The vandals completely destroyed the entrance door and pews. The police were informed and a charge was filed.

Severe Vandalism and Arson Of A Church In Germany

January 22, 2021, Germany

The interior of the Protestant Christ church in Radolfzell was heavily vandalized on January 22nd. The organ bench, the conductor's platform and a wrought-iron door were thrown from the gallery into the church hall. Parts of the sacristy and the kitchen in the parish hall were also destroyed. In addition, there was a fire set in the area of the lighting system, which the fire fighters were able to extinguish. The church had been cleared out due to renovation works and the front door had been left open so that people could say goodbye to the church in it's old form, the pastor explained. The 63-year-old perpetrator was arrested on the spot. The police started investigations for suspected arson and vandalism.

Perpetrators Severely Damaged A 300 Years Old Fresco At The St. Nicholas Cathedral in Ljubljana

January 22, 2021, Slovenia

Unknown perpetrators damaged a 300 years old fresco at the Cathedral of St. Nicholas in Ljubljana. The damage caused by balloons filled with colours amounts to several thousand euros. The incident happened on the evening of January 22nd. The police are investigating, should the vandals be caught they could face up to eight years in prison. The spokesman of the Episcopal Conference, Dr Tadej Jakopič, explains that the fresco was painted in the second half of the 18th century by Julius Quaglio and restored by Janez Wolf in 1872.

100 Years Old Polish Chapel Destroyed By Vandals

January 21, 2021, Poland

On January 21st, vandals destroyed an over 100-year-old chapel in Otwock. The statue of the Virgin Mary was torn off and stolen. Thanks to the efforts of some residents the chapel was renovated and a new statue bought. Because the owners of the chapel are unknown, the police did not take up any investigations.

Arson Attack On Church in Spånga

January 20, 2021, Sweden

On January the 20th, unknown perpetrators threw three Molotov cocktails at the church in Spånga. Windows were smashed, the entrance was damaged but no person was harmed during the attack. Pastor Jerker Alsterlund said, "We have no threat against us but it is a strong symbolic act." The police have cordoned off the area and are investigating for arson. Four days later on January 24th a second arson took place. A window was broken and a small fire with some smoke development was detected by a security company. The incident is currently classified as arson and the police is investigating whether there is a connection between the two attacks.

Sacred Items Stolen from Parish in El Chorrillo Neighborhood

January 20, 2021, Spain

Anonymous intruders broke into the San Juan de Ávila parish in the neighbourhood of El Chorrillo, on January 20th. They stole the tabernacle and in their haste to leave, dropped a number of ecclesiastical items belonging to the tabernacle in the surrounding area. A complaint was filed with the police. The newspaper reports the faithful were very affected and tried to recover all the parts that had been dropped around the church.

Cross Removed from Public Space in Spanish City Aguilar

January 19, 2021, Spain

The historic cross of the Discalced Carmelite Order was removed by the city of Aguilar de la Frontera on January 19th. The decision to cut down the cross of the Fallen was backed by the Act on Historical Remembrance. The act is concerned with removing symbols of the Franco regime. The leftist mayor Carmen Flores explained that the local Andalusian legislation regulates the public display of elements that glorify Francism and that the opinion of the church is irrelevant. The Spanish Association of Christian Lawyers contested the city council's decision to remove the cross to the administrative court.

ÖCV (Austrian Catholic Cartel Association) Resistance Memorial Smeared by Vandals

January 19, 2021, Austria

In the morning hours of January 19th, the ÖCV (Austrian Catholic Cartel Association) house was vandalized. A group of left-wing extremists entered the ÖCV house and smeared several signs in the entrance area with black paint. The plaque at the memorial for the victims and resistance fighters from the rank of the ÖCV was demolished with red paint and elsewhere anarchist symbols were left behind.

Vandals Destroyed A Church In Kaźmierz

January 18, 2021, Poland

On January 18th, the church of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Kaźmierz was vandalized. Unknown perpetrators destroyed three stained glass windows in the church and smashed three windows in the sacristy. Priests and parishioners are very upset.

Twenty-Five Graves Vandalized in Saint-Jean d'Assé

January 18, 2021, France

On 18th January 2021, twenty-five graves in the cemetery of Saint-Jean-d’Assé have been desecrated and vandalized. Crosses and crucifies were broken and other objects were damaged. The unknown perpetrators created two fake graves using broken and vandalized objects that have been stolen from other graves. The mayor, Emmanuel Clément filled a complaint to the police and asked for witnesses.

Threats to Sacristan and Vandalism at Catholic Peter and Paul Church

January 15, 2021, Germany

On January 15th, the sacristan of the Peter and Paul Church in Lahr identified an unknown perpetrator, who had been damaging objects and behaving in a very undignified manner. The priest reported that the holy water vessels were torn from the anchoring, the disinfection bottle was on the floor, and the man defecated inside the church. The sacristan then prohibited the man to return, which led to him becoming abusive and threatening to kill the sacristan and blow up the church. Charges were filed and after a police investigation, the man got arrested.

Thirty- Three Graves Vandalized at the Guédéniau cemetery

January 15, 2021, France

On the 15 of January, around thirty graves in the Guédéniau cemetery in Baugé-en-Ajou were vandalized. The prefect condemned the acts and an investigation was opened by the gendarmerie as to who did it. The prefect said: "I give my full support to the mayor, the residents, and the injured families."

A Man Opposed To Euthanasia Is Ordered To Die Of Hunger And Thirst

January 13, 2021, United Kingdom

On November 6th, a middle aged man identified as RS fell into a coma after a heart attack left him with a severe and permanent brain damage. The man's wife and children supported the decision to turn off his life support system so he could die while receiving palliative care. The University Hospital Plymouth in the UK successfully applied for a permission to do so at the court. The patient's mother and sister argued that as a practicing Catholic, the man would refuse to be taken off life support because of his faith. They also claimed in an appeal to an English court, that the man's condition had improved and presented video footage take with a cell phone, showing the patient blinking and crying while they were in the room. The appeal was rejected by the English court and the European Court of Human Rights.

Suspended Pro-Life Midwifery Student in Nottingham University Received Apology

January 13, 2021, United Kingdom

Julia Rynkiewicz, a final year midwifery student, was victim to a 4-month long suspension and "fitness to practice" investigation due to her support and involvement with the “Nottingham Students for Life” society, where she served as president. After four months, on the 13. January, the investigation was dismissed by the Committee. As Julia realized she was unfairly targeted for her beliefs, she lodged a complaint with the support of ADF International UK. After the case was settled, Julia received an apology from the university.

Statue of Virgin Mary Decapitated in Leinefelde

January 11, 2021, Germany

An unknown vandal cut off the head of the figure of the Virgin Mary outside the Church of St. Maria Magdalena in Leinefelde on January 14th. The parish priest found smashed beer bottles nearby the Stations of the Cross and also reported the incident to the police, who investigated it. The property damage was not quite known yet but would be fixed "as soon as possible."

Chaplain Banned From Prison Work For Revealing Islamic Extremism At The HM Prison in Brixton

January 9, 2021, United Kingdom

Christian prison chaplain Paul Song was suspended from work after he has made the incident when a group of Islamic extremists stormed a chapel gathering and hijacked his bible meeting public. After his Sunday Mail interview about the incident he was banned indefinitely from working in London jails. After being punished for whistleblowing and exposing the influence of Muslim gangs at HM Prison Brixton, he is taking legal actions. At the High Court hearing on January 12th the Lawyers will seek a judicial review of the decision.

Suspected Arson at Holy Spirit Church in Vienna

January 9, 2021, Austria

The Holy Spirit Church in Vienna has to be completely renovated due to heavy sooting after a fire on January 9th. According to the Archdiocese of Vienna, the "fire event", reported to the police, could have been an arson attack. A box of cushions was burning, which caused a lot of soot. "We suspect that the cushions were set on fire. There are no candles near the scene of the fire and people usually don not smoke in a church." Michael Prüller, spokesman for the Archdiocese of Vienna stated. The church will remain closed indefinitely.

Former Spanish Deputy Encourages Violence and Vandalism to Churches

January 9, 2021, Spain

Marga Ferré, Izquierda Unida's former deputy in the Madrid Assembly for two terms, has encouraged young girls to enter churches without clothes and has applauded the demolition of statues. In a chat with six other communist women, this journalist made statements that glorify vandalism against Christian sites, considering it "amusing".

Lutheran Church in Leipzig Attacked with Stones and Paint by Left Extremists

January 6, 2021, Germany

The St. Lukas Church in Leipzig was vandalized with paint and stones by left extremists. The portal image was damaged with paint bags and windows were smashed with stones. On January 6th, the left extremist platformed indymedia, which is monitored by the Office for the Protection of the Constitution, claimed to be the originator of the attack in an online letter. It stated: "Assembly for Moria - Smash Christian-White Europe. We attacked a Lutheran church in Leipzig to start our Monday campaign for Moria. We attacked with stones and paint". The case and the validity of the letter will be further investigated.

Christmas Tree in Vienna Trenched with Gasoline "because it doesn't belong in a Muslim district"

January 1, 2021, Austria

On New Year's Eve, around 20-30 adolescents had gathered in Vienna, attacking shops, apartment balconies and other facilities on a public square with explosive pyrotechnical supplies. They also poured a diesel-gasoline mixture over a Christmas tree. Several trash cans flew against windows damaging the surrounding shop windows. "A Christmas tree has no place in a Muslim district, said one of the rioters," a member of the emergency services stated. The rioting mob also attacked the police officers by throwing firecrackers at them and shouting "Allahu Akbar"slogans. Four people were arrested immediately and the local government initiated a new security strategy for the area.

Angel Statues Stolen from Church in Polla

January 1, 2021, Italy

Statues of Angels were stolen from the Church of the Blessed Virgin of the Rosary in Polla but fortunately have been discovered again and returned. The angels together with an altar from the 18th century were stolen in January 2021. As the angels date back to 1700 they carry a high historical value. The police Unit for the Protection of Cultural Heritage of Naples discovered the stolen angels in a private house in the Neapolitan area. It is planned to hand them over during a ceremony on 21 June, to celebrate both, the church's reopening as well as the recovery of the stolen angels.

Graves In Fontainebleau Desecrated With Swastikas

December 28, 2020, France

In the night of December 28th, about sixty graves in the municipal cemetery of Fontainebleau were desecrated with swastikas. "67 old or recent stelae were vandalised with swastikas in pink, white and silver," said Fontainebleau's LR mayor Frédéric Valletoux. The Jewish cemetery, which is next to the town's main cemetery, was not desecrated, according to the Fontainebleau prosecutor's office, which has launched an investigation into "damage to graves". On Twitter, Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin said he was "disgusted by the desecration of the cemetery" and stressed that "everything will be done to find the perpetrators of this desecration".

Troublemakers Break Into A Church Proclaiming 'Allah' on the Altar

December 27, 2020, Spain

On December 27, unknown perpetrators who broke into a church in Murcia, Spain, climbed onto the altar and were arrested proclaiming 'Allah'. "We tried to get them to leave, but there was no way, and then the police were called. And the police had two patrols here within five minutes," said Silvestre del Amor, a parish priest and witness to what happened. Members of the National Police asked the subjects to show identification, but they had no documents with them. The perpetrators were taken to the police station and charged with a crime against religious feelings.

Burglar arrested In Grantham After an Attack on St Wulfram's Church

December 25, 2020, United Kingdom

A man robbed St Wulfram's Church in Grantham on Christmas morning, 25 December, after smashing a historic stained glass window. Lee Gray, who is now under arrest, destroyed items inside the church and then stole cash and the safe which contained valuable books and confidential documents. Among the stolen items was an original manuscript of a book about St Wulfram, the church's patron saint. The broken stained glass window caused £6,500 worth of damage and the church had to spend a further £5,000 replacing the locks. The total cost of the damage and stolen items was £15,229.

In Perpignan: A Convert Couple Deported and will be Sentenced to Death in Iran

December 24, 2020, France

Ata Fathimaharloei, his wife, Somayeh Hajifoghaha, and their two children converted to Christianity from Islam and sought asylum in France. The Christian refugee family in Pyrenees-Orientales are threatened with deportation and death sentence in their home country.

Nativity Scene Destroyed With Petrol Bomb on Christmas Eve

December 24, 2020, United Kingdom

A nativity scene in Raglan, Monmouthshire was destroyed with a petrol bomb on Christmas Eve. The perpetrators are unknown and a reward of £2,500 has been offered to anyone who can trace the culprit. The nativity scene had been installed in a bus shelter to bring joy to families over Christmas. The petrol bomb set the statues of a shepherd, Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus on fire, all were completely destroyed.

Protestant Mayor Charged for not Willing to Bless Homosexual Couples

December 24, 2020, France

Franck Meyer, evangelical mayor of a small town in Normandy, Sotteville-sous-le-Val, has now been accused by two LGBT associations. The evangelical mayor, president of the Protestant Committee for Human Dignity (CPDH), declared that he would not bless a marriage "between two men or two women" out of fidelity to his religious convictions. He called for a "conscience clause", as exists in the case of infant baptism or for doctors who oppose abortion, but which does not apply to elected representatives. For the lawyer of the two LGBT associations, Franck Meyer's remarks constitute "discrimination committed by a person with public authority in the course of his functions". Meyer vehemently contradicted this in a press release on 17 December: "I therefore formally deny the accusations of discrimination made against me and consider that they amount to a defamatory denunciation. "

Arson Attack On Parish In Santiago de Cordoba

December 16, 2020, Spain

On December 16th, the main door of the parish at the Ronquillo Briceño street of the brotherhood Los Titulares de las Penas was set on fire. The entrance door, the facade and the pointed arch of the temple were caught by the flames - the fire department had to intervene and extinguish the flames. As a result charred remains were found in the choir of the parish and a dense cloud of black smoke was discovered inside the temple. The brotherhood has publicly condemned this act of vandalism against its canonical seat.

Christian CEO Bullied For His View On Same-Sex Marriage

December 16, 2020, United Kingdom

An employment tribunal told on December 16th, that a CEO was exposed to bullying, hostility and harassment because of his christian view on same-sex marriage. Kenneth Ferguson files his former employer, the Robertson Trust for unlawful termination, discrimination and religious harassment. He claims that the Trust's chair, Shonaig Macpherson, became "incandescent with anger" after she found out that the Stirling Free church was hiring a Trust property. Mr Ferguson is an elder and treasurer of the Stirling Free church, which is opposing same-sex marriage and abortion.

BBC Equated Conversion Therapy And Group Prayer with Corrective Rape

December 16, 2020, United Kingdom

The section of Family & Education on the BBC News website perpetuated misinformation about `conversion therapy‘ for same sex-attraction. The BBC News LGBT Correspondent, Ben Hunte, says, “While some violent practices which may be classed as conversion therapy, such as ‘corrective rape’, are already covered by existing criminal offences, many religious practices, such as ‘group prayer”, are not.”

Restoration Works on Church in Cordoba Completed After Arson Attack In December

December 16, 2020, Spain

In the early hours of December 16th, an arson attack took place on the main door of the St. James' Church in Córdoba, Spain. The fire damaged the door, facade and pointed arch of the Fernanden temple, forcing the fire fighters to intervene. The Fraternity of as Penas de Santiago publicly condemned this act of vandalism against its canonical seat, as well as the attacks that have recently been perpetrated against the Church and the Fraternities in Andalusia. Now the restoration work of the church's main door ist completed.

Man Arrested in Miechów for Disturbing Mass and Insulting the Priest

December 16, 2020, Poland

During mass on May 16th, a man entered the the basilica of the Holy Sepulcher in Miechów, threatened to kill two priests with a knife, and demanded money. He had done a similar act three times before, but this time, the police caught and arrested him. He could face up to 12 years in prison.

Cambridge University's Proposed Free Speech Policy Allows the Disrespect of Views You Don't Agree With

December 15, 2020, United Kingdom

In its plan to alter the existing statement on freedom of speech, the University of Cambridge said people must be "respectful" of "differing opinions" and "diverse identities". However, more than 100 scholars and senior staff quickly objected, saying the “authoritarian” proposals could threaten academic freedom. Their amendment to change the phrase ‘respectful` to ‘tolerate’ was voted on by members of the University’s governing body and won “by a landslide”.

Church in Bruckmühl Vandalised with Graffiti and Set on Fire

December 15, 2020, Germany

On December 15th, unknown perpetrators vandalised the parish Heufeld in Bruckmühl. The Vandals set a fire and tagged the church with spray paint. The estimated property damage is several thousands Euros. The police is investigating and looking for witnesses.

Perpetrators Who Stole From Church, Have Now Been Sentenced

December 15, 2020, Poland

Four main suspects in a case of robbery from the St. Joseph Church in Puławy have been sentenced to one year in prison. Although the perpetrators were only judged now the theft itself dates back to December 2020. They were found guilty of stealing goods of particular cultural significance. They additionally have to pay a fine of 1,500 PLN which is equivalent to 332,37 Euros.

Parish Church in Villinger Targeted by Vandals

December 15, 2020, Germany

During the month of December, the St. Brother Klaus church in Villinger was targeted by various acts of vandalism. This included heaps of excrement left there, cigarette butts found in the holy water basin, and empty alcohol bottles in the courtyard. The community of St. Brother Klaus has had to contend with it so far but they were forced to turn to the wider community to combat it.

Graffiti Spray Painted On Church In Mere

December 10, 2020, United Kingdom

On the 10th of December at night, the door of St. Michael Church in Mere has been vandalized by a graffiti. White spray paint was used. The police are calling for witness and clues.

Desecration and Theft In Stephanus Church In Hamm

December 10, 2020, Germany

On December 12th, the catholic St. Stephen's church in Hamm was target of a second burglary within a few days. Unknown perpetrators broke open a safe in the adjoining room and removed the tabernacle from its original place. Removing the tabernacle is a highly disrespectful act of desecration and hurt the feelings of pastor Christoph Gerdemann and those of many parishioners deeply. The perpetrators had targeted the safe on New Year's Eve, but were unable to open it. Pastor Gerdemann assumes they came back with better tools. The loot was only a small amount of money from the collection of the mass the day before.

Police Concerned Over Letters Sent to Seven Priests Saying "Allah Akbar"

December 9, 2020, France

An investigation was initiated after seven priest of Vaucluse received personal letters with the words "Allah Akbar". It was announced on December 9th by the gendermerie, which speaks of a case "taken very seriously". Handwritten letters were personally addressed and sent to the parish where the seven African priests live.

Shadow Minister Resigns After Stating That Registrars Should Have the Right of Conscientious Objection Regarding Gay Marriage

December 7, 2020, United Kingdom

On December 7th, the UK shadow minister for faiths, Janet Daby, has resigned from her position. This was due to her statement, regarding the right of registrars to refuse same-sex marriages without being terminated. Janet Daby said that registrars who had a religious objection to same-sex marriage should not be forced to conduct them, as well as someone who has objections to abortions is not forced to carry them out. She sincerely apologized for her misjudged comments, and decided to resign as Shadow Faith Minister.

Nativity Scene in Spain Severely Vandalized

December 7, 2020, Spain

On December 7th, the nativity scene that is placed every year in the Eguzki square in Berriozar became the target of vandalism. Almost all figures were split in half and destroyed by unknown perpetrators. The figures are made out of wood and were freshly painted this year, which means that the budget for the new restoration is very small.

Update: Four Christian Preachers Sue Police After Brutal Arrest and Won the Appeal

December 7, 2020, United Kingdom

On December 7th, four christian preachers, known as 'the Bristol Four', are accusing the Avon and Somerset Police for their brutal arrest (assault, false imprisonment and infringement of their Human Rights). Mike Overd, Don Karns, Mike Stockwell and AJ Clarke have made considerable claims against the police. The case raises important concerns about the right to freedom of speech, and the freedom of Christian preachers in the UK to express their religious beliefs and have the right to gather in public.

Vandals Devastated Church in Otwock and Filmed it

December 7, 2020, Poland

On December 7th, six Vandals aged 18 to 20 placed offensive, vulgar inscriptions on the facade of the church, the building of the town hall and the Józef Piłsudski monument in Otwock. The perpetrators recorded their actions on video and photos. They face up to five years in prison.

Suspected Arson At Historic Derbyshire Church

December 5, 2020, United Kingdom

On December 12th the ancient church in a village in Derbyshire was on fire. The Fire and Rescue Service of Derbyshire stated that by the time they reached the church, the fire had already caused significant structural damage. A 16-year-old Teenager has been arrested on suspicion of arson. Police are investigating.

Priest Assaulted During Mass in Colmar

December 5, 2020, France

On December 5th, in the church of Saint-Paul in Colmar a priest was physically attacked by a man who sat next to the altar. The perpetrator, unknown to the parishioners refused to respond to the priest's request to leave the choir. He threatened and then beat the priest. The police arrived and the man was hospitalized involuntarily at the psychiatric center of Rouffach. The case is being investigated.

Church Vandalism in Migliarino

December 4, 2020, Italy

On December 4th, unknown perpetrators vandalised the church San Vitale in Migliarino. The parish priest of Fiscaglia found overturned benches, broken windows and a destroyed statue as he entered the church. The police was informed and is investigating.

"Online Attack" on Church Service

December 3, 2020, Germany

The Berlin church district Tempelhof-Schöneberg has become the target of right-wing extremist "online attacks". These kind of attacks via the Internet are known as zoom bombings. During the online broadcasting of the service on December 3rd, unconstitutional signs and threats were shown and anti-Semitic statements were made. The attackers additionally made an attempt to include their own films and material. All incidents were reported to the State Security Department, which is investigating.

New Bill In Scotland: Saying 'Men Can't Become Women' Could Be Considered A Hate Crime

December 1, 2020, United Kingdom

On December 1st, Scotland's Justice Secretary has affirmed that regarding to SNP's hate crime bill, one could be prosecuted for stating that men cannot be woman. The Hate Crime and Public Order Bill (Scotland) was intended to criminalize expressions and attitudes perceived as "abusive" and aimed at "inciting hatred" against particular groups. However, in return it restricts freedom of speech and lacks it's sufficient protection.

Vandals Destroyed A Stained Glass Window In St Nicolas' Church

November 30, 2020, United Kingdom

On November 11th, a stone was thrown through the millennium stained glass window of St Nicolas' Church in Shoreham, while a dozen people were working inside the building. No one was injured, but the rock also damaged a pew. Reverent James Grant, Rector at St Nicolas' Church stated that the event had been distressing for members of the church community. “One fails to understand what draw you can have to destroying something like that without a consideration to the pain that causes to other people.” The police is investigating.

Council of State in France Rejects the 30-Person Limit For Religious Celebrations

November 29, 2020, France

On November 29th, the Council of State in Francerejects the 30-person limit for religious celebrations. The government's restriction was found to be "disproportionate". In the next three days a new system must be implemented that is more in line with the right to freedom of religion and worship.

Graffiti in a Staircase in Vienna Calls Out To Murder Christians and Glorifies Islamist Terror Attack

November 28, 2020, Austria

On November 28th, unknown perpetrators tagged a staircase of a Viennese municipal building with threats. The words "Death to Christians", "the house will soon belong to us and than the whole world" and glorifications of the Islamist terror attack in Vienna were smeared on the walls. Moreover, the graffitis said: May "Allah" have "mercy" on the 20-year-old assassin who murdered four people on November 2nd. The police was informed and a complaint was filed. The LVT (State Office for the Protection of the Constitution and Fight against Terrorism) has started investigations.

Church Defenders Attacked by Pro-Abortion Demonstrators

November 28, 2020, Poland

On the 28 of November 2020, during the demonstration of pro-abortion groups in Cracow, a direct attack was made on a group of members of the Self- Defense of the Faithful organization of Lesser Poland. They had decided to protect the local churches from pro-abortion demonstrators who may want to stick posters on the churches, which was attempted, or otherwise harm the churches. Around 14:00, those defending the churches were violently attacked with pepper spray and other objects.

Paint Attack On Pro Femina in Munich

November 26, 2020, Germany

On November 26th the Pro Femina consulting center in Munich was the target of a paint attack. After the growing political pressure on Pro Femina in the last few weeks, the office building was smeared with pink paint. On the opposite side of the street, posters were hung up with the slogans: "Decriminalize abortion", "My body, my choice" or "Kill fetuses". The police have been informed and a criminal complaint has been filed.

Search Warrant for Publicly Displaying Prints of Bible Verses Found Unlawful by Court

November 25, 2020, Germany

Young-Ai Park was publicly displaying prints of Bible verses on the walls of her restaurant in Berlin. She was accused of "hate speech" and subjected to a police search and a fine. On November 25th a court in Berlin has upheld the restaurants owner's right to freedom of religion and speech and found the search warrant issued by the district court unlawful.

'Burn the Clergy' Hashtag Tolerated By Twitter Spain

November 25, 2020, Spain

On November 24th, Pope Francis beatified 127 Catholics who were killed in hatred of the faith in Spain in the 20th century. At the same time the hashtag demanding Catholic priests to be burned alive became a trend on Twitter. Tweets with the hashtag #FuegoAlClero, which means "Burn the Clergy" were permitted by Twitter. Some of those tweets included pictures of priests with their heads in flames and others labeled priests as "pedophiles" and "thieves". Although Twitter's current user policy states that the promotion of violence on the basis of religious affiliation is not allowed, these pictures of priests in flames were not removed until the 25th of November.

Pastor in Germany Sentenced For Hate Speech

November 25, 2020, Germany

On November 25th, the Bremen District Court sentenced the protestant Pastor Olaf Latzel for hate speech. He had made several strongly derogatory statements about homosexuality based on his understanding of the Bible, for which he repeatedly apologised. The pastor has been sentenced to a fine of 8.100 Euro. According to the court, he had incited hatred against homosexuals and intersexuals. Olaf Latzel announced he will not accept the sentence. His lawyer demands an acquittal.