All cases

Saint-Pierre Church Desecrated

August 10, 2020, France

On the evening of 10th August, the side door of the Saint-Pierre Church in Charente-Maritime was forced open. The central cross was broken and thrown to the ground, the tabernacle was torn off, and the ciborium was emptied of the hosts. There have been many church profanations in the city of Charente-Maritime.

Man Broke Door of the Cistern of San Jose Church With a Butane Cylinder

August 9, 2020, Spain

In the morning of August 9th, a man went to the door of the cistern of the Church San Jose in Granada and threw a butane cylinder against it. He repeated this act several times until he broke it. At first, it was thought he could be mentally ill, but then the police has declared him as guilty.

Cross of St.Joseph Vandalized For a Second Time

August 9, 2020, Germany

During the time of 9th August to 11th, the 100-year-old Cross of St. Joseph was smeared and defaced for a second time after a week with the same satanic symbol. The cross had been defaced with an astrological symbol linked to satanism and feminism. The first act was reported on 5th August. The Statue was also lately burned. The suspect for the arson was caught by the police.

Satanic Motivated Profanation of 63 tombs in Lannemezan

August 9, 2020, France

During the night of August 9th, 63 tombs were vandalized and desecrated in the Lannemezan cemetery in the Hautes-Pyrénées region. Broken crosses and upside down plaques were discovered by family members. The police was alerted by the neighbors who heard the loud noise. A week later, the two young perpetrators were arrested and sentenced to 18 and 12 months in prison. According to their testimony the vandalism was driven by satanic motivations.

Wayside Cross Vandalized in Magneville

August 9, 2020, France

A wayside cross in Magneville/Manche was knocked down, leaving both the cross and the figure of Christ broken into pieces. An observer informed the Observatoire de la Christianophobie on August 9th.

Insulting Slogan Written on Doorsteps of Church in Cousances-les-Forges

August 9, 2020, France

During a walk in Cousances-les-Forges, a visitor noticed an inscription written on the doorsteps of the church with a marker, saying "I am the God of Fuck". He contacted the Observatoire de la Christianophobie on July 31 and provided them with a picture on August 9.

Vandals Defaced Church of Santo Stefano di Macurano

August 9, 2020, Italy

On the 9th of August, the medieval Church of Santo Stefano di Macurano, in the countryside of Alessano, was defaced with paint inscriptions on the walls. The phrases were vulgar and blasphemous made with red and black paint insulting the Church and God. The perpetrators were identified through witnesses and security cameras as an Italian man and a German woman.

Many Religious Objects Stolen from Saint-Georges Church of Chavanges

August 8, 2020, France

On the 8th August, the parish priest of the Church Saint-Georges of Chavanges found that two chalices, five ciboria, and a paten were stolen from the Church. On Monday, they filed a complaint to the gendarmerie in Brienne-le-Château. The objects did not have financial value. Therefore, the bias must have been to vandalize the place of worship. Also, the key to the tabernacle was stolen, so other items may also be missing. The Church usually remains closed at night. Hence, the perpetrators must have broken in.

Two Churches Vandalized On The Same Night

August 8, 2020, France

During the night of Saturday 8th to Sunday 9th August, two churches were vandalized in Etsaut and Urdos. It was an act of pure vandalism. The priest of the church of Etsaut thinks it was a group of perpetrators. The mayor filed a complaint to the police since the door was broken open, and the door of the sacristy was damaged too. The cupboards of the sacristy were open, and a small amount of money was stolen. There were no witnesses. The church of Urdos witnessed a similar scenery. The sacristy was forced open, but this time nothing was stolen.

The Interior Of the Onze Lieve Vrouw van Banneux Chapel Demolished

August 8, 2020, Belgium

On 8th August in the morning, the chapel Onze Lieve Vrouw van Banneux in Bree was vandalized. The interior was almost entirely demolished. Numerous statues were smashed, candle wax was dripped all over, and all the candles were destroyed, the walls and the ceiling were smeared. In 2016, 2014 and 2003 the Chapel was also vandalized. The local residents had heard the sound of destruction and broken glass, and reported the suspect to the police. It was a man from abroad without papers.

Act of Vandalism To The Statue Of St. Joseph

August 8, 2020, Italy

On Saturday 8th August, a vandal struck the Statue of St. Joseph in the Madonna della Pace Church in Pantelleria-Tracino. The hand of the saint was damaged. The statue will need a restoration.

A Church Vandalized with Graffiti in Marseille

August 7, 2020, France

On the 7th August, graffiti were found on the facade of the former church of the Mission de France in rue du Tapis-Vert in Marseille. The Graffiti were probably made at different times.

Three Statues of The Church of Saint-André Destroyed

August 7, 2020, France

During the last weeks before the 7th August, there were three acts of vandalism in St. Andrew Church in the historic center of Niort. It is suspected that the vandals came during the nights from Thursday to Friday and destroyed several statues of the church. The Statue of the infant Jesus, carried in the arms of St. Anthony was left in a thousand pieces. Some pieces were thrown in a trash can near the monument. The Church remained closed for safety, and the parish filed a complaint to the police.

‘Weapon’ Used to Target Staveley Church

August 7, 2020, United Kingdom

Between the night of 7th to 8th August, the windows of the Methodist Church in Staveley were attacked. Small holes were found in the windows. The size indicates that a sort of weapon was used, and witnesses reported sounds of gunfire. Similar holes were also found in the stained-glass windows at St. John the Baptist Church.The Police are investigating.

The Aravaca Hermitage Spray-Painted With Satanic Graffiti on Its Exterior and Church Vandalized

August 6, 2020, Spain

On the 6th August, the hermitage of Our Lady of the Good Way in Aravaca spray-painted with satanic graffiti and insults to the Church on its exterior walls. There were poorly painted pentagrams and graffiti with the number 666, associated with the devil in the Bible, and other insults.

Church Windows Damaged by Fire

August 6, 2020, Germany

On the 6th August, particularly in the period from Tuesday 8pm to Wednesday 11am, unknown perpetrators damaged the windows of St. Laurentius in Neuenkirchen. In addition, they had set fire to an object.

Excrements found inside Saint-Maclou Cathedral

August 6, 2020, France

The Saint-Maclou Cathedral in Pontoise was soiled by human excrements three times within a week, French newspaper Le Parisien reported on August 6. The town council and the team responsible for the maintenance of the church began to look for solutions.

Image of the Madonna and Crosses Vandalized in A Shrine

August 6, 2020, Italy

On the 6th August, in the village of Pescina, the Sactuary was found vandalized. The image of the Madonna was torn to pieces and the crosses were damaged. All along the path to the Shrine, the symbols and flowers were torn off. The police was notified.

Christ Decapitated on Wayside Crucifix in Durlangen

August 5, 2020, Germany

Unknown perpetrators decapitated a statue of Christ on a large wayside cross standing in Durlangen. The police are uncertain when the incident occurred and have not identified the perpetrators. Damage is estimated to be around 2,000 Euros.

Vandalism of Christ Statue in Velbert

August 5, 2020, Germany

Red paint was discovered sprayed on a statue of Christ on the Cross in front of the Kirche St. Joseph in Velbert on August 5, 2020.

Vandalized Graves in Cemetery of Saveuse

August 4, 2020, France

About fifteen graves were vandalized on 4th August in the cemetery of the town Saveuse. Vandalism was discovered by a woman who was visiting the cemetery. The police started investigating the scene. Many plaques were broken, the decorations were smashed, and crosses were damaged or displaced.

Church Windows Damaged by Arson Attack

August 4, 2020, Germany

On the night of 4th to 5th August, the Church St. Laurentius in Neuenkirchen suffered an arson attack. Through the fire, a wooden window was damaged. The perpetrators placed an object between the window grille and the frame and set fire to it. The police is asking for clues from witnesses.

Vandalism and Theft in Pavignano Parish House

August 3, 2020, Italy

Unknown perpetrator(s) ransacked two rooms in the parish house of Pavignano, cut open mattresses and stole two TVs and an image of the Virgin Mary. The inside of the rooms left an image of complete destruction. The police opened an investigation and suspected a person from the Biella region to be the perpetrator, as the same person is suspected to have vandalized the church walls with insulting inscriptions against the police only a few days earlier.

Feminists Interrupted a Prayer in Parish Two Days in a Row and Threatened with Death

August 3, 2020, Spain

On Monday 3th and Tuesday 4th August, the Parish of San Francisco de Paula was attacked by a group of uniformed teenage girls of extremist ideology. They interrupted the prayers for the victims of Covid-19 and insulted, threatened the parishioners with death and shouted at the ones present, asking them to leave the country. The most present were elderly citizens. They tried to climb up to the altar. The parish priest tried to file a complaint to the police for hate crime, but he was ignored by the agents. Being ignored by the police, he contacted the mother of one of the girls who attacked the parish, who also showed rejection but accepted to talk to her daughter. After media pressure, the police started investigating and filed the case.

Monument Of a Cross in Front Of The Cemetery Partly Destroyed

August 3, 2020, France

Between the 3rd and 4th August, in Pujaut, the monument of a cross in front of the cemetery was partly destroyed. A part of the stone pedestal and the cross, that was on top, were destroyed. The mayor of Pujaut wants an explanation for the degradation.

Under Investigation: Fire Severely Damages the 13th Century Church of San Martín de Plasencia

August 2, 2020, Spain

A large fire caused serious damage during the night of August 2nd inside the iglesia de San Martín de Plasencia, the oldest in the city, and affected a valuable altarpiece by the painter Luis de Morales 'El Divino' from the 16th century and which presides over the main nave.

Severe Arson Attack in St. Martin Church

August 2, 2020, Spain

On the 2nd August, Saint Martin Church in Plasencia was severely set on fire. The perpetrators have not yet been identified. The costs of the damage were around 9,000 euros for the drafting of the project and 400,000 for the restoration.

Vandalism of the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Gallipoli

August 1, 2020, Italy

During the night of August 1st vandals toppled over and smashed a stone holy water stoup in the small arena where religious masses are celebrated outdoors in the summer at the church of the Chiesa della Beata Vergine Maria Regina in Baia Verde di Gallipoli. The priest of the parish, Don Salvatore Leopizzi was immediately informed and saddened by the incident, which was not the first one to happen in his church. A police report was filed.

Under Investigation: Fire in Front of Church Saint Maximin in Wülfrath

August 1, 2020, Germany

In the early morning hours of August 1st, the Wülfrath fire brigade was called because of a fire on the premises of Saint Maximin Catholic Church endangering the church building, which is currently under construction. The fire was contained after 45 minutes and did not cause any damage to the church. The cause of the fire is unknown and arson has not been ruled out. The police are investigating.

Open Air Church Vandalized and Urinated

August 1, 2020, Italy

On the 1st to 2nd August, in the small village of Porto San Paolo, the Open-Air Chapel was vandalized. A group of people urinated in the stoup and threw the Statue of the Madonna to the ground. They also damaged a rear window of a car parked nearby.

Arson in Church in Spain Caceres Caused 420,000 Euros Damage

August 1, 2020, Spain

In August 2020 some reckless minors set fire to the church of San Martín de Plasencia in Cáceres, Spain. After analysing the damage caused by the fire to the church's roof and altarpiece bishop José Luis Retana, bishop of Plasencia, announced that the restoration will cost 420,000 Euros. Four Spanish institutions have agreed on collaborating to repair the church. The elements most damaged by the fire were the roof and the altarpiece, which was a 16th-century Mannerist style piece by Luis de Morales. Bishop Retana hopes for the restoration to begin as soon as possible so that the church can be reopened in time for a sacred exhibition of Castilla y León in Spring of 2022. It is unknown whether or not the culprits have faced legal consequences.

Stained Glass Window in Saint-Cadou's Chapel Vandalised

August 1, 2020, France

The chapel, which dates back to the XVI century ,has been vandalised. The perpetrators smash a stained glass window, which was already damaged and restored again in 2018. The costs for another restoration of the ancient window are estimated at 900€.

Window Facade of Saint-Paul Church in Saint-Nazaire Damaged

July 31, 2020, France

During the night of July 31st the window facade of Saint Paul Church in Saint-Nazaire was severely damaged, apparently collateral damage of a wider outbreak of gun violence occurring throughout the city. Despite the extensive damage the church community gathered to celebrate Mass on Saturday evening.

Vandalism and Theft in Two Schwieberdingen Churches

July 31, 2020, Germany

During the night of July 31st, an unknown perpetrator gained access to the Protestant Georgskirche in Schwieberdingen through the sacristy, stole an antique chalice, and went on to smash a crystal window of the main building of the church. Only a few days earlier, the Catholic Church of St. Peter and Paul had been attacked. An unknown person broke open the offertory box as well as the cash box of the prayer candles and stole the small amount of cash contained in it. A police spokeswoman said that no clues to the perpetrator have been found so far. However, she said, one could assume a possible connection between the two crimes.

Priests Not Allowed to Give The Sacraments to the Elderly in Residential Homes

July 31, 2020, Spain

The Bishop Lopez of Salamanca expressed his concern that the priests were not allowed to entry residential homes of elderly in residential homes. The elders requested the sacraments in the final stage of their lives. The bishop calls for the respect of the Organic Law of Religious Liberty that guarantees religious assistance for every person. He also argues that there are no regulations during the pandemic that impede the exercise of the right to religious assistance in the vicinity of death. Using the example of the Hospitals in Salamanca, he believes with the proper hygienic standards, religious assistance should be allowed.

Politically-Motivated Vandalism of Cathedral of Notre-Dame-de-Nazareth

July 28, 2020, France

On the morning of July 28th parishioners discovered graffiti sprayed on the walls of the Cathedral of Notre-Dame-de-Nazareth in Vaison-la-Romaine. One tag read "vaut mieux une paire de mères qu’un père de merde" ("better a pair of mothers than a shitty father"). On another side of the cathedral, the word "sorcellerie" ("witchcraft") was painted. The vandalism appeared a day after Monsignor Cattenoz, Archbishop of Avignon, wrote an open letter to the deputies and senators of Vaucluse as well as to the local press denouncing the pending bioethics legislation in France. In his letter (in full below), he noted that if the law passes, "a woman will be able to give one of her fertilized oocytes to her partner, it will be implanted in her uterus so that they will both be mothers, erasing any reference to the importance of a father ... for the growth and life of a child."

Activists Hang Rainbow Flag and Anarchist Bandana on Statue of Christ in front of Warsaw Basilica

July 28, 2020, Poland

During the night of July 28th activists from the self-described "anarchist-queer" community launched what they termed a "rainbow assault" across Warsaw. They placed a rainbow flag on the statue of Jesus Christ carrying the Cross in front of the Basilica and attached a purple anarchist bandana over Christ's face. Several of Warsaw's other famous monuments were similarly targeted. The activists left cards with a "manifesto" beginning with the phrases "This is an assault! It's a rainbow. It's an attack! We've decided to act." The message went on to say their provocative actions would continue until Polish society accepted them.

Theft and Vandalism in a Cemetery in Thionville

July 27, 2020, France

Between the 26th and 27th of July, about 21 bronze statuettes of Christ or the Virgin Mary were torn off and stolen from the Saint-François de Thionville communal cemetery (Moselle). Official said this was "a targeted, premeditated and large-scale operation."

Repeated Vandalism of Virgin and Child Statue in Noirmoutier-en-l'Île

July 27, 2020, France

Unknown perpetrators vandalized the statue of the Virgin Mary and Jesus during the night of July 27th for the third time -- this time, decapitating the head of the Christ child. In 2018, vandals beheaded both figures on the statue; and in mid-July, (see link below) the pedestal of the statue was vandalized with graffiti.

UPDATE: Volunteer Charged with Nantes Arson

July 26, 2020, France

On Sunday, July 26th, the diocesan volunteer who had been questioned and released last week was indicted for the arson of the Nantes cathedral and placed in pre-trial detention.

Graffiti on Saint-Jean-Baptiste Chapel

July 26, 2020, France

On the morning of the 26th , the Priest found Graffiti on the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Chapel and the door was painted in red. He posted the image on his Facebook Page.

Vandalism of Church, Cemetery, and Morgue in Günzkofen

July 26, 2020, Germany

During the night of Sunday 26th unknown perpetrators severely vandalized the cemetery of the St. Jakobus church and and the enclosed morgue. According to police, the perpetrators broke several windows of the church and the morgue at the cemetery in Günzkofen with grave decorations. In addition, they also tampered with several graves, causing total damage of about 1,000 euros.

Vandalism with Satanic Inscriptions Found on Church Doors in Goleszów

July 26, 2020, Poland

"666," a pentagram, an inverted cross, and the phrase "Ora Pro Nobis Lucifer" were painted on the door of the church in Goleszów by unknown perpetrators. The graffiti was noticed on the morning of July 26th by the priest who came to prepare the church for Mass. The police filed a report in this case and are investigating.

Barclays Bank and Online Platforms Closed Christian Charities' Accounts

July 25, 2020, United Kingdom

Two Christian organizations that help people “who voluntarily seek change in sexual preference and expression,” have been notified by Barclays Bank that their accounts would be closed. The move by the bank followed a social media campaign demanding that the bank end its professional relationship with Core Issues Trust (CIT) and The International Federation for Therapeutic and Counselling Choice (IFTCC), accusing both groups of promoting “conversion therapy.” In recent weeks, the UK government has pledged to ban "conversion therapy." The charities' head, Mike Davidson, disputes the use of the term: “The term ‘conversion therapy’ is being used as a catch-all phrase designed to discredit any help that people may provide to those with mixed sexual attractions who prefer their heterosexual side. This could include a listening ear, formal counselling or spiritual support.”

Vandalism of Wayside Cross in Bining

July 25, 2020, France

On July 25th, one of the wayside crosses in Bining (Moselle) was toppled over and smashed. The police are investigating and looking for possible witnesses.

Six Stained Glass Windows Smashed in Nîmes Church

July 24, 2020, France

Shortly before midnight on July 24th, a drunken man attacked the Saint-Baudile church in Nîmes, breaking six stained glass windows using a steel bar nearly two meters long. The man, known to the police, was arrested after being caught in the act.

Proposed Scottish Hate Crime Bill Threatens Freedom of Speech and Worship

July 23, 2020, United Kingdom

The Scottish Justice Committee has proposed a new hate crime bill, which extends the current hate crime law covering race, to include other "protected characteristics" such as religion, sexual orientation, and transgender identity. Christian and secular groups have criticized the bill as too broad and subjective, potentially interfering with freedom of speech and worship. The Parliament has accepted to re-draft the Bill, to protect Freedom of Speech. The new amendment should be known in December 2020.

Fires Set in Tyrol Church; Witnesses Sought by Police

July 23, 2020, Austria

Would-be arsonists started a fire in the parish church in Waidring (Kitzbühel district) on July 23rd. According to police, between 12 p.m. and 5 p.m., unknown perpetrators distributed and lit several matchboxes, matches, and candles on the church pews. In addition, they tried to set fire to a hymn book, presumably using matches. Around 5:15 p.m., a witness noticed the smell of fire in the church, but the fire had already gone out. There was a similar incident on Monday, July 20th: according to investigators, burning ignition wicks had been placed on the kneelers of the church pews.

Swastikas, Blasphemies, and Anti-Salvini Graffiti on Asola Church

July 23, 2020, Italy

The parishioners of the church San Rocco in Asola discovered vandalism on the outside wall of the church, after they left Mass on the morning of July 24th. Unknown perpetrators painted black graffiti on the wall with a swastika symbol, blasphemous phrases, and anti-Salvini insults. The police and the priest of the church were immediately informed and the police filled a report.

Equality Legislation in Malta Threatens Freedom of Religion; Conscience; Expression

July 22, 2020, Malta

Proposed Equality Bills 96 and 97 are ostensibly aimed at protecting an extensive group of people from discrimination and cover areas such as schools, public religious symbols, and services and employment. The Bills would make it illegal to discriminate on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, age, religious belief, state of health, and other “protected characteristics.” However, many sectors of society, including educators, professionals, business owners, health workers, parents, faith-based groups, and believers are concerned about the laws' overreach.

Convert Stabbed with Knife Outside Grindtorp Church

July 22, 2020, Sweden

Hossein Hosseini, a young convert from Islam to Christianity, was stabbed with a knife at Grindtorp Church in Täby, in the Stockholm area. According to reports, he has been receiving online death threats for a long time. He says he is "very scared".

Church Site Vandalized Causing 5,000 Euros in Damage

July 21, 2020, Germany

On July 21st, unknown perpetrators vandalized the entire area surrounding the Protestant city church of Groß-Gerau. Yellow graffiti was sprayed on walls, wooden benches, a parking sign and wall pillars causing an estimated damage of 5,000 Euros. The police ares investigating the incident and asked the public for help identifying the vandals.

Suspicious Fire in Ligugé Abbey

July 21, 2020, France

A fire was discovered on July 20, 2020, just before midnight, in the building used as a laundry room at the Abbey Saint-Martin de Ligugé. According to firefighters, about 20 of the 100 m2 were destroyed. One person was detained and questioned. No charges have been announced.

"Fake Mass" Filmed and Vandalism in Maccagno

July 21, 2020, Italy

The police of Maccagno suspect a small group of young people to have entered the church of Our Lady of the Point through a half-opened door during the night of July 21st. They took liturgical vestments from the sacristy and climbed onto the altar to "celebrate Mass" on it. The vandals later moved to the shore of the lake where they, after drinking bottles of beer, left the empty beer carton on the head of the statue of the Virgin Mary. Videos of the "fake Mass" appeared on social media and the police began an investigation.

The Deputy Agnès Thill talks about religious Intolerance in The Parliament (Video)

July 21, 2020, France

In a two-minute intervention, the Deputy Agnès Thill calls on the government to protect religious freedom and churches in Nantes. She referred to the latest report on anti-religious acts published by the Ministry of the Interior. Based on the report, 1052 anti-Christian acts, 657 antisemitic acts, and 154 anti-Muslim acts have been committed in 2019. She calls on the protection of secularism and fight against antisemitism, islamophobia, but also all anti-christian acts.

Vandals Smashed Four Windows of the Church of Großweitzschen

July 20, 2020, Germany

An employee of the parish of the church of Großweitzschen discovered on July 21st that four stained glass panes of the door on the organ tempore had been smashed the day before. Reports indicate that this is not the first time the church has been the victim of vandalism.

Vandalism of Virgin Mary Statue in Alt-Schwallbach Chapel

July 20, 2020, Germany

Between July 19th and 20th an unknown perpetrator cut off and stole the hands of the statue of the Virgin Mary in a chapel in Alt-Schwallbach. Local Catholics are shocked, as the vandalism contains a mysterious detail, the vandal supposedly took the cut off hands with him/her, as they could not be found in- or outside the chapel. The police is investigating the case.

Statue of the Virgin Mary Decapitated in Montaud

July 20, 2020, France

Unknown perpetrators decapitated a statue of the Virgin Mary in Montaud, an important monument for the local community with valuable symbolism. The mayor of the city Joel Raymond discovered the damage and filed a complaint.

Abbess of German Benedictine Convent Charged for Granting Church Asylum

July 20, 2020, Germany

The abbess of the German Benedictine convent Maria Frieden in Kirchschletten faced criminal charges for granting church asylum. The trial against Mother Mechthild Thürmer before the Bamberg District Court was scheduled for July 31. The abbess of the monastery in Upper Franconia had taken in an Eritrean woman in fall of 2018, who was to be deported to Italy. She disputed a penalty order for "aiding and abetting an illegal stay", combined with a fine of 2,500 euros, arguing for freedom of conscience.

Anarchist Tags on the Church of Saint Clement in Nantes

July 19, 2020, France

On July 19th, just a day after the fire at the cathedral in Nantes, the priest of the Fraternité Saint-Pierre serving the Saint-Clément church in Nantes discovered anarchist tags sprayed on the front of the church.

Armed Man Yelling "Allahu Akbar" Heading Toward Church Stopped by Motorist

July 19, 2020, France

A 38-year-old motorist stopped a man who was heading towards a church in Blanc-Mesnil, armed with a loaded machine gun, shouting "Allahu akbar." 

Vandalism of Christ of Calvary on l’Île d’Arz

July 19, 2020, France

Unknown perpetrators broke the Christ of Calvary of Grèavo on the l’île d’Arz during the night of July 19th to 20th. The Christ figure was knocked off the large public crucifix and broken into several pieces. "A silly act, a sacrilege," reacts Christophe Stener, a local historian and resident. "Human stupidity has no limits. Whether one is a Christian or not, this act is revolting." The gendarmerie are investigating.

Window Front of Church in Bad Soden Smashed by Vandals

July 19, 2020, Germany

Unknown perpetrators destroyed the glass front of a church in Bad Soden on July 19th. The vandals smashed the glass panes of the Catholic Church in Salinenstraße, causing property damage amounting to several thousand euros. The police are investigating and asked for witness statements.

Arson Investigation after Fire Heavily Damaged Nantes Cathedral

July 18, 2020, France

In the early morning hours of July 18th, a fire began in the Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul cathedral, in the heart of Nantes. Passers-by saw flames behind the rosette window of the cathedral and alerted emergency services a little before 8:00 am. When firefighters arrived, they discovered "a violent fire at the level of the organ located behind the rosette window." Upon further investigation, it appeared that the fire had started in three locations: one fire had started near the organ, while the other two were at the other end of the cathedral.

Theft and Vandalism of Tabernacle in San Giovanni Church

July 18, 2020, Italy

During the night of July 18th unknown vandals smashed the tabernacle under the image of Mary in the side altar of San Giovanni church in Trieste. Additionally, two valuable brass candlesticks were stolen. Don Sergio Fransin discovered the vandalism and theft and immediately reported the crime to the police.

Satanists Suspected of Theft and Desecration in St. Johann Baptist Church in Krefeld

July 18, 2020, Germany

Unknown perpetrators have stolen the golden door of the tabernacle, a monstrance stance and money from an donation box. The tabernacle door was forcefully torn out and the donation box vandalized and money stolen. The community of St. Johann Baptist Church suspects satanists to be the perpetrators, who use the stolen objects for satanic rituals, because the golden altar cross was not stolen, which speaks against just a monetary motivation.

Statue Of Virgin Mary Mutilated at the Miraculous Spring of Our Lady of Banneux

July 17, 2020, Belgium

Pilgrams to the miraculous spring of our Lady of Banneux discovered the severe mutilation of the statue of the Virgin Mary, which is situated above the spring. It is speculated that the vandalism took place in the week before July 17th. The face of the statue has been particularly mutilated therefore, the statue was replaced by an exact replica.

New Same-Sex Marriage Law in Northern Ireland Threatens Freedom of Conscience

July 17, 2020, United Kingdom

The Parliament of Northern Ireland passed a new marriage law for same-sex couples, which has two implications for the church and Christian business owners. The law prohibits private business to deny service to same-sex couples arguing for freedom of conscience. Additionally, the new legislation allows same-sex couples of faith to have religious wedding ceremonies in church or other religious settings if all parties agree.

Church of the Beata Vergine del Soccorso Repeatedly Vandalized

July 16, 2020, Italy

The portico of the Church of Beata Vergine del Soccorso, known locally as La Rotonda, is often used as a meeting place for young people in the city of Rovigo, despite an ordinance against it. Several times in the weeks before July 16th, mostly young people illegally climbed onto the historic porch and vandalized it, with a least one of them being caught on security cameras using it as a toilet on May 30th. The local police began an investigation.

Monument of St. John Paul II vandalized in Parisian Church

July 16, 2020, France

A bust of John Paul II, situated next to the entrance of the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, because the permission to build it on the square in front of the church was denied, was severely vandalized by unknown perpetrators. Although the street of Saint Hornore has surveillance, the case has not been reported to the police yet by the parish.

Anarchist Graffiti Targeting Church; City Hall in San Giorgio a Cremano

July 15, 2020, Italy

During the night of July 15th, vandals attacked various sites in the city of San Giorgio a Cremano near Naples, including the church of Santa Maria del Principio with graffiti. One tag on the church read "Fuoco al Vaticano." The city hall gate and the headquarters of some political movements were also targeted. The city's mayor, Giorgio Zinno, said the symbols and slogans demonstrated the vandals' anti-Catholic, anti-democratic, and anarchic ideology. The police are investing the case by analyzing the recordings of the public security cameras.

Fire in the Church Mother of Favara Destroys Organ, Paintings and Frescos

July 15, 2020, Italy

On July 15th, a fire broke out in the Church Mother of Favara, located at the heart of the city. It is speculated that the fire started at the electrical organ of the church due to a short circuit. The organ, several paintings and frescos were destructed by the fire. Fortunately, the work of the fire man prevented the fire to cause a structural damage to the building.

Theft of Relics in the Church of Honfleur

July 15, 2020, France

On July 15th the church of Saint-Léonard was a victim of theft. Parish priest Pascal Marie discovered that the contents of four relics were stolen. One relic is of special value, as it enshrines the bones of Saint Boniface, which are said to date back to the 8th century. The case was reported to the police. The estimation of the damage is difficult to evaluate because only the bones were stolen and the other valuable objects left behind.

Three Vandalism Incidents at Cemetery of Lézignan-Corbières in July

July 15, 2020, France

On July 15th, 24th, and 27th the cemetery of Lézignan-Corbières was repeatedly vandalized and various objects were stolen, such as crucifixes, crosses, vases, flowers, decorations, and plaques, . Gravestone plaques were dismantled, damaged, and reassembled elsewhere, and objects were moved. The perpetrators also attempted to open several graves. A police investigation was opened and the cemetery was closed to allow investigators to collect evidence for their investigations.

Mayor Publicly Criticised Parish for Holding a Rosary for the Family

July 14, 2020, Italy

The parish priest of the Church San Nicola in Lizzano was publicly criticized by the mayor for his prayer on the 14th of July. The priest organized a rosary for the families to ‘’defend the family from the pitfalls that threaten it, including the bill against homophobia.’’ The religious service was interrupted by a group of people holding rainbow flags and are in favor of the bill outside the church. According to the priest, the protesters put posters on the church saying, "God teaches you to hate gays", "God teaches you to discriminate" and similar phrases. While the Carabiniere were called to end the riot outside the church, the mayor defended the protest against the church. In the same respect, the Municipality of Lizzano also distanced itself from the initiative of the Church "We take, firmly, the distance," they wrote in a post published on Facebook.

Statue of the Virgin of the Ribbon Damaged

July 14, 2020, Spain

Unknown vandals damaged the sculpture of the Virgin of the Ribbon in the summit of Caro in Roquetes on July 14th. The vandals must have thrown stones at it and broken different parts off of it. The sculpture had recently been restored and the municipality has expressed their condemnation.

San Pietro Church in Canazza Vandalized with Paint Bomb for the 5th Time

July 13, 2020, Italy

On July 13th, a black paint bomb attack on the granite facade of San Pietro church occurred for the fifth time in two years. After a respite of a year, once again community members of the church again had to remove the damage using solvents to clean the oily back paint. This time, the vandals used twice as much paint than in previous assaults, making removal from the porous granite difficult.

Statue of Virgin and Child Vandalized with Red Graffiti in Noirmoutier-en-l'Île

July 13, 2020, France

During the night of July 13th and 14th the Marian statue of Noirmoutier-en-l'Île was vandalized with obscene red graffiti. The monument to commemorate the end of a parish mission in 1949 had previously been restored after being decapitated in 2018.

Harassing Graffiti at Saint-Martin Basilica

July 12, 2020, France

During the night of July 11th, the outside walls of Saint-Martin Basilica in Tours were sprayed with offensive graffiti (a cruder version of "become lesbians"), as well as the familiar anarchic tag "ACAB". The graffiti is clearly visible at the entrance of the basilica and was probably intended for the Benedictine nuns of the Sacred Heart of Montmartre, who serve in the basilica. The police took photos and are investigating the case.

Church in Linz Receives Threats and Personal Harassment after Media Coverage about alleged COVID-19 Outbreak in "Free Churches"

July 11, 2020, Austria

A birthday party amongst members of the Romanian free church "Pfingstgemeinde Himmelstor" was reported to be the source of a COVID-19 outbreak cluster consisting of 234 infected people. The free church Christ Apostolic Church International (CACI) rented their church building in Linz to the Romanian church and after the media reported about the incident and disclosed the address of the venue, CACI received public harassment on the streets and threatening emails. In contrast to the other free church community, CACI did not have any cases of COVID-19 and followed the official government guidelines, as it is member of the officially state recognised society of free churches in Austria, whose other members did not report any positive COVID-19 cases either.

Chuch St. Joseph in Holz Vandalized

July 10, 2020, Germany

In the night of July 10th unknown perpetrators forcibly opened the door of the Holzan church of St. Joseph and tore a plant and its roots out of a pot. The perpetrators then threw the plant in front of the church. The police opened an investigation.

Vandalism and Attempted Theft at the Verbanella Church in Castelletto Ticino

July 8, 2020, Italy

On July 8th an act of vandalism and attempted theft was discovered in Castelletto Ticino in the Verbanella Church. One stained-glass window was smashed into pieces, which also caused a damage on a statue of St. Anthony of Padua that fell on the ground. The police are investigating the incident.

Desecration of Saint Silas Chapel in Lesvos with Obscene Graffiti

July 8, 2020, Greece

In the latest in a series of vandalism and desecration incidents, unidentified perpetrators invaded the Saint Silas Chapel on July 8th, where they desecrated the interior, smashed windows, and sprayed obscene graffiti on the outside walls. The graffiti showed a clear bias against the local residents by writing phrases such as "f&*k you" on the walls. Despite the repeated complaints of residents no further action has been taken.

Two Smashed Windows at Rodde Chapel

July 7, 2020, Germany

Unknown perpetrators smashed two windows of the chapel of the Josefskirche in Rodde between July 5th and 7th causing at least 500 euros in damage. The police began an investigation.

Monstrance with Relic of Saint Leopold Stolen from Pilgrimage Church Maria Lanzendorf

July 5, 2020, Austria

Intruders stole a monstrance with a relic of St. Leopold III, the patron saint of Lower Austria, from the pilgrimage church Maria Lanzendorf, along with a second relic monstrance, as well as other liturgical objects such as chalices and incense boats. According to police reports, the crime was committed during the night of July 5th.

Suspicious Fire in the Saint-Paul Church of Corbeil-Essonnes

July 4, 2020, France

On the 4th of July at 5 o'clock in the morning the St. Paul Church in Corbeil-Essonnes was reported to be burning. The entire roof, interior, and the sacristy of the church were completely destroyed. The police reported that the fire broke out due to a gas leak caused by squatters, but at least one local resident is skeptical about this explanation.

Suspicious Fire in Frensdorf Pilgrimage Church

July 4, 2020, Germany

Around 6:30 p.m. on July 4th, an employee who entered the pilgrimage church from the back, noticed heavy smoke and fire in the area of ​​a church pew. A candle on the knee pad in front of the bench had set fire to a nylon rope, then the pad caught fire and the flames spread to the entire bench. The woman managed to extinguish the burning seat and backrest; then she called the fire brigade. The Bamberg criminal police took over the further investigation into the cause of the fire which resulted in 2,000 euros in damage.

Severe Vandalism of 75kg Cross at Weiden Church

July 4, 2020, Germany

On July 4th, unknown perpetrator knocked over the 75 kilogram cast iron cross in front of the Heart of Jesus church (Herz Jesu Kirche) in the Upper Palatinate town of Weiden, according to police reports. The cross, which was broken off steel pins, suffered massive damage. Police began an investigation and called for witnesses.

Attempted Theft in Church in Bad Orb

July 4, 2020, Germany

A thief, who had sneaked into the church in Würzburger Straße on the weekend, left the church without any loot. Between July 3rd and 4th, he entered the unlocked church and broke open the wooden door to the sacristy as well as a metal locker. He searched everything and disappeared again.

A Series of Thefts and Vandalism in Churches in the Area of Euskirchen Since July

July 3, 2020, Germany

Since the beginning of July, in the district of Euskirchen, there have been several break-ins in churches and vandalism or theft of donation money. The acts happened mostly on weekends. In a near region, also four churches were broken-in. The police are investigating.

Life Sentence for IS Supporter's Bomb Plot on St. Paul's Cathedral

July 3, 2020, United Kingdom

On July 3rd, Muslim convert Safiyya Amira Shaikh was sentenced to life with a minimum term of 14 years in jail for plotting a bomb attack on St. Paul's Cathedral London and a suicide bomb attack on the nearby underground station. Shaikh admitted the crime and showed no remorse; she wanted to kill as many "kufars" (unbelievers) as possible.

Severe Vandalism of Paintings in the Church Saint-Pierre d’Auxerre

July 3, 2020, France

On July 3rd, a Facebook page posted photos of paintings in the Church Saint-Pierre d’Auxerre that had been severely vandalized.

Man Arrested in Madrid after Shouting "I'm going to burn you all alive" during Mass

July 3, 2020, Spain

On July 3rd, Madrid's municipal police arrested a man after he burst into the San Ramón Nonato parish church in Puente de Vallecas, where a Mass was being celebrated, shouting "murderers, fags, and pedophiles! You should burn, I'm going to burn you all alive!"

Repeated Cases of Vandalism in Church of Bissendorf-Achelriede

July 2, 2020, Germany

In the three weeks between June 11th and July 2nd, the church of Bissendorf-Achelriede was vandalized three times by unknown perpetrators. The first two incidents happened at two buildings belonging to the church, eight windows were smashed and a wall sprayed with graffiti. The last incident occurred in the church and resulted in twenty-eight smashed windows, causing a total estimated damage of over thirteen thousand euros.

Sacred Heart Statue Unbolted and Stolen in Saint-Jean-Sart

July 2, 2020, Belgium

Between July 2nd and 3rd the newly-erected Sacred Heart of Jesus statue in the village of Saint-Jean-Sart was unbolted and stolen. The statue had been installed in the middle of June after extensive restoration by a community group. Local residents are shocked by the theft.

Threat of Criminal Sanctions to Churches Because of Covid-19

July 1, 2020, United Kingdom

Church leaders launched legal action against the UK government for unnecessary and bizarre Covid-19 Regulations against Churches. Bans with threat of criminal sanctions were imposed on churches while businesses and restaurants were trusted to take their own decisions. Christian leaders find a total lack of understanding on the part of the Government for matters related to religion and Christianity.

Fire in the Youth Centre at the Thomas Morus Church

June 30, 2020, Germany

On the evening of June 30th, a fire broke out in the youth centre, which is part of the Thomas Morus Church in Münster. The cause of the fire is still unclear but the investigation department of the police opened a case. No people were harmed during this fire.

British MP Receives Death Threat after Voting against Abortion Law

June 30, 2020, United Kingdom

In June, a British MP received a death threat and other online abuse after voting in accordance with her pro-life convictions. Dr Lisa Cameron, SNP MP for East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow, was sent the threat just days after voting against a pro-abortion bill, which limits support/protest near abortion clinics.

Catalan Priest Attacked With A Glass On The Neck

June 30, 2020, Spain

On July 30th in a parish on Consell de Cent Street, a priest came to the aid of an old lady in the church after overhearing an argument between her and an unknown man. The priest confronted the aggressor directly, who then attacked him with a glass and cut his neck. The perpetrator tried to run away but was stopped by a witness. The police arrived and arrested the individual, who has a violent robbery history.

Suspected Arson at San Girolamo Church in Rimini

June 29, 2020, Italy

On June 29th, firefighters were called to the San Girolamo Church in the city of Rimini shortly after 3:30 in the afternoon. A pedestrian reported smoke emanating from the storage room of the church building where old furniture and plastic chairs formed the basis for the fire. Fortunately, the firefighting team was able to quell the blaze. A forensics team investigated whether the fire had been intentionally set, noting that nothing indicated that short circuits or similar faults were the cause of the fire.