All cases

NI Court Prosecutes Man and Woman for Praying in Coleraine "Buffer Zone"

July 30, 2024, United Kingdom

In Northern Ireland, a court is set to rule on the case of a woman and a man who were arrested for praying inside an abortion "buffer zone" in October 2023. If found guilty in the current hearing, the woman who pleaded not guilty faces up to six months in prison. The police arrested them without any prior complaints about their presence on the street.

Theft and vandalism in Sant'Antonio Abate

July 30, 2024, Italy

On the night of July 30, four young people broke into the Sant'Antonio Abate Church in Incisa Scapaccino, Asti. They broke into the entrance door, destroyed the cribs and sacred furniture, smeared the walls with spray cans and damaged the sound system for the services.

Vandals cut off hands and destroy face of statue

July 28, 2024, Poland

On the night of 27-28 July, vandals severely damaged a statue of Mary located at the entrance to the village of Kościuk. The statue's hands were cut off, a hole was punched in its head, its eyes were gouged out and its face destroyed. This was not the first act of vandalism against a religious object in the region.

Arson Suspected Delmenhorst Church: Confessional on Fire

July 26, 2024, Germany

On 25 July 2024, a fire was discovered inside the Church of All Saints in Delmenhorst, which the parish priest suspects to be a deliberate act of arson. The fire caused damage in the confessional and forced the temporary closure of the church.

UPDATE: Christian teacher loses High Court appeal after being banned for ‘misgendering’

July 25, 2024, United Kingdom

Joshua Sutcliffe, a Christian maths teacher, lost his High Court appeal case after being banned from teaching for "misgendering" a pupil. The judge said that “just because misgendering a transgender pupil might not be unlawful does not mean that it is appropriate conduct for a teacher.”

SCOTLAND: MOST EXTREME BUFFER ZONE LAW COMES INTO FORCE

July 25, 2024, United Kingdom

On 22 July 2024, Scotland's highly restrictive abortion 'buffer zone' law came into force, creating a 200-metre zone around abortion facilities where it will be an offence to 'influence' the decision of anyone entering the facility. Offences include acts committed on private property if the act “is capable of being seen or heard by another person who is within the safe access zone“.

Vandalism in a historic altar in the St. Andreas Church in Offenburg.

July 24, 2024, Germany

On 24 July, a 57-year-old man knocked over a historic altar in the Catholic St Andrew's Church on Fischmarkt. The damage is estimated at tens of thousands of euros. Investigators are still trying to establish the background to the crime.

New Survey finds Christians in Scotland under pressure

July 23, 2024, United Kingdom

According to an opinion poll by the think tank “Logos” published in The Herald on July 23, Christians in Scotland feel “excluded”. More than 70% feel the Scottish Government does not support them and 75% were concerned about abuse against Christian politicians. 

Teenagers Mocked Catholicism Inside a Church

July 22, 2024, Spain

A group of teenagers entered a Catholic Church, disturbed the mass by mocking parts of the liturgy and yelling inside the church, and made fun of hosts, which are sacred objects for Catholics. They recorded everything and uploaded it to social media.

Church of Saint-Paul in Orne defaced with satanic graffiti

July 21, 2024, France

In the night of Saturday, July 20 to Sunday, July 21, vandals defaced the façade of the church of Saint-Paul in Orne, France, with satanist graffiti. The tags included inverted crosses, pentagrams, and writings such as ‘False God’, ‘Liar’, and the number ‘666’, symbolising the devil. The statues on the façade were also sprayed with red paint, adding to the seriousness of the damage.

Woman threatens priest with a cutter during mass

July 21, 2024, Spain

On Sunday, July 21, a 46-year-old woman was arrested in Tudela, Navarra, after threatening the priest who was officiating the Sunday mass and the congregation with a cutter. According to the Municipal Police of Tudela, the woman not only threatened with the cutter, but also broke the glass of the entrance door of the church by throwing a stone. This act of vandalism increased the level of alarm among those present, who quickly called the authorities.

Repeated vandalism Serres church

July 20, 2024, Greece

On Saturday, July 20, unknown vandals desecrated the Agios Georgios church in Kato Mitrousi, Serres. The walls, door, windows and the image of Saint George at the gate of the church were desecrated with mud and coffee.

Desecration of the Icon at Tomb of Bulgarian Patriarch Neophyte

July 20, 2024, Bulgaria

On July 20, an unknown perpetrator desecrated the icon of the Resurrection of Christ on the tomb of the late Bulgarian Patriarch and Sofia Metropolitan Neophyte. Pictures of the icon show severe damages.

Vandalism at St Mary's Church and cemetery in Baldock

July 19, 2024, United Kingdom

On 19 July, St Mary's Church and Cemetery in Baldock was vandalised by an unknown offender, with the Rector, Rev Phillipa Maddox, reporting that 'all the windows and doors' of the church hall had been smashed. Several gravestones in the churchyard were also damaged. Police are searching for the culprits.

Damaged of Memorial lamp at the church in Delbrück-Westenholz

July 16, 2024, Germany

Between June 28 and July 16, unknown persons destroyed the window of the memorial lamp for the dead in the shadow of the church tower of St Joseph in Delbrück-Westenholz. The parish assumes the destruction was willful and has filed a complaint with the police. This is not the first incident.

Daughter Taken Away After Parents Object to Puberty Blockers

July 15, 2024, Switzerland

A Swiss couple is taking legal action after their 16-year-old daughter was taken away from the parents and put into a government shelter due to the parents' objection to the daughter's "gender transitioning". The parents also said that doctors have been trying to administer puberty blockers to their daughter without their consent. The case has sent shockwaves around the world and raises severe concerns over the protection of parental rights, including for Christians objecting to the transitioning of their children.

Islamic tags and vandalism in Parisian Notre-Dame-du-Travail Church

July 15, 2024, France

Between Sunday, July 14 and Monday, July 15, vandals broke into the Parisian Notre-Dame-du-Travail Church, vandalised the building and left a number of Islamic anti-Christian graffiti, like "Submit yourselves to Allah infidels" and a knife planted in the throat of a statue of Mary.

Historic Cross Destroyed on Medieval Bridge in Le Monastère

July 14, 2024, France

A centuries-old Christian cross atop a bridge in Le Monastère, France, was broken by an unidentified vandal.

Thieves behead Statue of Jesus and Steal Money from Shrine

July 13, 2024, Italy

On Saturday, July 13, unknown perpetrators broke into the sanctuary of the Madonna della Grotta, stole over 500 euro and beheaded the statue of the infant Jesus.

Repeated Arson Attack on St. Benedikt church in Eisenharz

July 13, 2024, Germany

On July 13, fire was set to the church of St. Benedikt in the Allgäu community of Argenbühl-Eisenharz (close to Isny, Ravensburg district). This is already the second arson attack on the church this year. When the fire brigade arrived three pews were burning brightly, but the fire brigade was able to extinguish the fire quickly. However, according to initial estimates by the Catholic parish, severe damage was caused. The church is completely covered in soot.

Young Christians attacked on Lake Constance while preaching

July 12, 2024, Germany

On Wednesday afternoon, July 12, a group of young Christians aged between 16 and 23 were attacked on Lake Constance while they were reading bible verses over a megaphone on a rental boat.

Damage church window in Marktstrasse

July 11, 2024, Germany

Between July 7th and 11th, unknown persons damaged a window pane at the church in Marktstrasse. The window was apparently wilfully smashed. A witness noticed the damage, estimated at 300 euros, and called the police.

Man drives a truck into Austrian free church

July 8, 2024, Austria

On Monday evening, July 8, a man drove a truck into the Pentecostal Elim Church in Brunn am Gebirge, Austria. According to the police, this was a deliberate attack. The man confessed that he had acted out of anger, the perpetrator, however, is not known to the church.

Outdoor Cross Vandalised with Graffiti

July 5, 2024, Spain

The legal group "Abogados Cristianos" announced they may pursue legal action after the Ribalta cross in Castellón was attacked again.

Vandalism in the First Parish Unitarian Church

July 4, 2024, United Kingdom

On 4 July, a 43-year-old man vandalised a church in Kingston, causing damage estimated at hundreds of thousands of dollars. Police subsequently arrested the man without bail.

"Death to Jews and Christians" graffiti in Croissy-sur-Seine

July 3, 2024, France

On July 3 at around 11 am, the police discovered anti-police, anti-Semitic and anti-Christian tags in Croissy-sur-Seine (Yvelines, west of Paris). The writings were found on the wall of the Canotiers' underground car park. According to the news, the following slogans are written in metre-high letters: "ACAB", "FLIC = TUEUR", "FREE PALESTINE", and "À MORT LES JUIFS ET LES CHRÉTIENS", inciting to killing police, Jews and Christians.

Act of Vandalism in the church of Markgröningen

July 1, 2024, Germany

On Monday, July 1, unknown persons damaged the glass elements of a church window in Markgroeningen (Ludwigsburg district). A witness heard loud glass noises on Monday. According to a statement today, the damage is estimated at around 1,000 euros. An artistically designed window panel was destroyed at the same church in May.

The window of the Church of St. Paul's in Neuötting was damaged with apples

July 1, 2024, Germany

Between Friday evening and Monday morning, a previously unknown perpetrator smashed a window pane of St Paul's Abbey Church in Neuötting with apples. "The perpetrator must have entered the garden belonging to the church grounds to do this, as the church was locked at the time," says the police report.

Profanation of a statue of Mary in Żary

June 30, 2024, Poland

On the night of June 29 to June 30, an unknown perpetrator damaged both hands of a statue of the Mary, which is located on Zielona Góra Street in Żary. The police are investigating the incident.

Tear gas attack during evangelical church service

June 30, 2024, France

On Sunday, June 30, a disturbing event shook took place during a church service in Dijon. During the Seventh-Day Adventist Sunday service, which assembled about a hundred faithful at around 11:00 a.m., an unidentified individual entered the building and sprayed the assembly with tear gas. This unexpected attack caused panic and dismay among the participants, nine of whom were injured.

Vandalism of Saint Nizier Church During a Far-Left Protest

June 30, 2024, France

Several graffitied slogans appeared on the facade of Saint Nizier church in Lyon during a large antifa protest.

Minors set on fire the church hall in Wishaw

June 28, 2024, United Kingdom

On June 28, three minors set on fire the church hall in Wishaw. However, firefighters were called immediately, and they managed to extinguish the fire. The parish community is shaken by the incident and the local Bishop expressed his shock.

Secular Belgian court fines Catholic prelates for denying a woman access to deacon training

June 27, 2024, Belgium

Belgian prelates Archbishop Luc Terlinden of Mechelen-Brussels and former archbishop of Mechelen-Brussels Cardinal Jozef De Kesel were convicted by a Belgian court after they denied a woman entry into a diaconate formation program and ordered to pay compensation.

Arson at Methodist church in Doncaster

June 26, 2024, United Kingdom

As reported on 26th June, 100 year old Rossington Methodist church in Doncaster has been destroyed due to fire. It is believed to be an arson attack. The church was added to the Local Heritage List last year. It has been closed for worship since 2019.

Consecrated Host Theft

June 26, 2024, Spain

Intruders broke into the Sant Oleguer parish church, opened the tabernacle, and stole consecrated hosts in a targeted act of sacrilege.

Statue of Virgin Mary vandalised in Łańcut

June 24, 2024, Poland

On June 24, 2024, in Łańcut, a twenty-seven-year-old man devastated a roadside chapel and smashed a statue of Virgin Mary. The man was already arrested by the police.

Attack on Orthodox churches and synagogues in Dagestan

June 23, 2024, Russia

On June 23, militant gunmen attacked two churches and two synagogues in Russia’s North Caucasus republic Debrent. While numbers vary with sources, at least 25 people have been killed, including 4 civilians, 19 police officers and one priest, Father Nikolai Kotelnikov, and at least 46 people have been injured. The Church of Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, an Orthodox Church in Derbent, was also set on fire. It was the Pentecost Sunday for the Russian Orthodox Church. The Islamic terrorists allegedly screamed “Allahu Akbar”. These attacks against Christians and Jews happened in the Muslim-predominant Dagestan region of South Russia, bordering Georgia and Azerbaijan.

Attempts to Cancel Faith Conference in Munich

June 23, 2024, Germany

From June 20 to 23 the Christian ecumenical conference UNUM24 took place in Munich. Despite the fact that it was a prayer meeting, focussing on common worship and faith, and the organisers highlighted that it was "not a platform for political or social disputes", demonstrations by LGBTIQ activists demanded the cancellation of the event as the Christians participating in the event were assumed to be "anti-LGBTIQ rights". The Third Mayor of the City of Munich, Verena Dietl, from the Social Democrats, even called the event a meeting of "different fundamentally Christian LGBTIQ* hostile actors" and expressed her regrets that she did not have any legal possibility to prevent the event.

Cemetery vandalised: Perpetrators post video on social media

June 23, 2024, Spain

On the night of 23 June, the Spanish fiesta of San Juan, young people destroyed all the niches and some religious images in the Valdoviño cemetery ( La Coruña) by kicking them down. They also smashed statues of saints on tombstones and tore off their heads. They recorded their acts of destruction and abuse, including shouts and insults such as "F*** Jesus Christ", and uploaded the video to social networks.

Vandalism in Twistetal

June 22, 2024, Germany

Sometime between 20th and 22nd June, an unknown perpetrator threw a stone at a window of a church in Twistetal, 3 metres high, damaging the window. The cost of the damage is around 2500 EUR.

Arson in Windischbergerdorf

June 22, 2024, Germany

On June 22, the local priest of St. Michael's Church in Windischbergerdorf noticed a pungent smell inside the church. A wooden stand had been set on fire and the Bible was also covered with soot. Earlier, the priest has noticed 3 children riding away from the church on their bikes. The police believe that the fire was arson. The damage is estimated to be around 300 EUR.

Vandalism in Vilstrup: Organ severely damaged

June 22, 2024, Denmark

On 22nd June, unknown perpetrators damaged the organ of a church in Vilstrup. The organ is no longer functional and the damage is estimated to be around 100,000 krone. Keys were stuck, and there was a bottle of beer next to it. This is not the first time that an incident had happened in this church. In January, 58 designer chairs worth 174,000 krone were stolen.

Vandalism in Völklingen Church

June 21, 2024, Germany

Between June 20 and 21, a window of the Church of Reconciliation on Poststrasse in Völklingen was smashed. The damage is estimated to be around 300 euros.

"Debanking" of Christian pro-life organisations

June 20, 2024, Sweden

As reported on June 12 by CNE, two Christian pro-life organisations in Sweden and the Netherlands, have experienced "debanking". Mats Selander, who started the pro-life organisation Center for Bioethical Reform in Sweden (CBR-S) was forced to end his 30 year customer relationship with Scandinavian Bank Nordea. The bank subsequently even closed down his private account. He was not given any explanation besides "not enough customer knowledge", despite having disclosed all his transactions. Salender believes it is due to his pro-life views. With increasing regulations, many banks have been shutting down customers for their beliefs.

Evangelical church in Rome refused tax exemption, ECtHR dismisses case

June 20, 2024, Italy

As reported on June 20, the Supreme Court of Italy has ruled between Breccia di Roma, an evangelical church, and the Italian tax authorities. The authorities had refused to give the Breccia di Roma Church tax-exemption under Italian law, available to all religious places of worship, on the grounds that its premises lacked the “intrinsic characteristics” of a religious building. The Supreme Court backed the decision by the tax authorities. An appeal at the European Court of Human Rights has been dismissed. The case raises massive concerns about discrimination of evangelical churches in Italy.

Arson in Shakhunya

June 20, 2024, Russia

As reported on 20th June, a 38 year old man threw a Molotov cocktail on the wall of a church in Shakhunya. The man was detained. He stated that he was drunk and had a conflict with his mother. He is being tried for arson. However, he did not explain why he decided to attack the church.

Vandalism of Beauvais Cemetery

June 20, 2024, France

As reported on June 20, several graves were found vandalised in the Tilloy cemetery in Beauvais. Pots were overthrown, flowers were on the ground, plaques were broken.

More than 80 crucifix broken off and stolen from cemetery

June 20, 2024, Spain

Figures of Jesus were broken off and stolen from more than 80 crosses in the cemetery of Estremera, Madrid, in the night from 19 to 20 June, leaving behind empty stone crosses. The local community is shocked.

Krakow church defaced with hateful graffiti

June 19, 2024, Poland

As reported on June 19, the Church of St. Wojciech in Krakow was vandalised with vulgar graffiti, expressing hatred towards the Catholic church, the Vatican, and accusing the clergy of pedophilia. They also destroyed the facade of the church, where Saint Wojciech once used to preach.

Vandalism: Swastikas Drawn in front of church square

June 19, 2024, Italy

As reported on 19th June, residents and parishioners of the Church of Santa Maria Assunta in Isernia (Molise) reported the appearance of swastikas and other Nazi symbols painted on the pavement in front of the church.

Vandalism at Kettuvaara cemetery

June 19, 2024, Finland

As reported on June 19, Vandalism occurred at the Kettuvaara Cemetery in Joensuu. Someone broke into the cemetery's maintenance building, broke lanterns and scattered them on graves and left taps running.

Church in Borna Defaced with satanic graffiti

June 17, 2024, Germany

On June 17, a church in Borna was found defaced with graffiti in red paint reading "Satan" and "666" in several places. The church pews, a wall and a table cloth were also damaged with red paint.

Repeated Vandalism in Berlin

June 17, 2024, Germany

On 16th June, the display case of a church in Prenzlauer Berg district of Berlin was smeared with a Star of David. The following night the display case was broken. The display contained a flyer which was stolen. The flyer read "Our cross has no hook - your vote against right-wing extremism."

Arson attack on church in Nowy Sącz

June 16, 2024, Poland

On 16 June, the historic 17th-century Church of St Helena in Nowy Sącz was set on fire. The damage is immense, including the loss of a late Renaissance-Baroque altar with paintings from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries and Renaissance works from the 1580s. The tabernacle with the Blessed Sacrament, 3 altars and historical paintings had to be removed. The police have arrested one suspect.

Vandalism in Seine-Maritime

June 15, 2024, France

Around 15th June, the church of Notre-Dame-du-Parc near Dieppe was vandalised. The door leading to the bell tower was completely destroyed with a sledge hammer. The damage is expected to cost around 2000 EUR.

Vandalism in Oudrenne

June 14, 2024, France

An incident of vandalism in Sainte-Marguerite Church in Oudrenne has been reported on 14th June.

Arson attack on Quintin Basilica

June 13, 2024, France

On June 13, there was an arson attack on the Notre-Dame-de-Délivrance Basilica in Quintin. The police have confirmed that the fire was deliberate.

ECHR "No right to die" ruling and needs for protecting freedom of conscience

June 13, 2024, France

On June 13, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), in Dániel Karsai v. Hungary, held that Member States could continue to prohibit assisted suicide. The Court ruled in favour of Hungary that prohibiting euthanasia and assisted suicide was in accordance with the “right to life” under Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights and under international law. With some countries limiting the right to freedom of conscience of medical personal objecting to euthanasia objectors to euthanasia, this ruling is of particular importance.

Statue of the Virgin Mary Stolen from Historic Hermitage in Ciudad Real

June 13, 2024, Spain

Thieves forcibly entered the Ermita de las Virtudes near Santa Cruz de Mudela and stole the statue of Nuestra Señora de las Virtudes, prompting a police investigation and public appeals for its return. The statue did not have any material, but "incommensurable sentimental value" according to the parish.

Fire in Dublin Crypt

June 12, 2024, Ireland

As reported on June 12, a man broke into the 11th-century church of St. Michael in Dublin and started a fire in the crypt containing 5 medieval mummies. They were damaged beyond repair. The man is now on trial.

Attack on French Catholic Family Association in Lyon

June 12, 2024, France

The building of the French Federation of Catholic Family Associations (AFC) in Lyon was severely attacked, leaving the place vandalised and daubed with graffiti slogans including "Death to Nazis" and similar insults. "AFC is not part of any political party", AFC underlined in the face of this absurd accusations in a statement published on their website.

Catalonia: Register of conscientious objectors in medical care

June 11, 2024, Spain

On June 11, the Government of Catalonia approved the creation of a register of health professionals who object to performing or assisting in abortions for reasons of conscience. According to the official statement, the register will be administrative and electronic, and not public. However, the management of health centres which provide abortion services will be able to access these records. Such a register is feared to lead to situations of discrimination on religious grounds in employment and indirectly violate the right to freedom of conscience of health personnel.

UPDATE: UK withdraws prosecution for "withholding money for transitioning"

June 10, 2024, United Kingdom

After "feedback from stakeholder" the Crown Prosecution Service has updated its domestic abuse guidance for prosecutors. In the updated version the section on “Transgender and non-binary identifying victims” no longer states that withholding “money for transitioning” may be considered abuse. Furthermore, refusing to use one's children's preferred name or pronoun can only be considered as part of a wider offence of coercive behaviour if there is intent to cause humiliation or distress. For an offence the children must be at least 16 years or older.

Vandalism and Threatening Letters at Gelting Cemetery

June 10, 2024, Germany

On 10th June, several graves were found vandalised in the cemetery of the church of St. Benedict in Gelting. Flowers were torn, vases were thrown over, and wooden crosses were pulled out of the ground. Anonymous threatening letters were also sent. Previously, there had been copper, metal and bronze thefts from this cemetery.

Vandalism in Bordeaux Church

June 10, 2024, France

Around 10 pm on June 10, the Saint Éloi church in Bordeaux was vandalised during a leftist demonstration. The perpetrators threw down plates and cutlery kept for the winter soup kitchen and spray-painted "Death to nationalists" on the church walls.

Vandalism in Poitiers

June 9, 2024, France

On June 9, the Montierneuf church in Poitiers was found vandalised. The cross was twisted, the altar smashed, vases of flowers were thrown against the walls, a sacred plaque on the altar was unsealed, twelve columns were torn down and the cross from the high altar was thrown on the sidewalk. Furthermore, furniture and sacred objects were damaged. The most symbolic and sacrilegious act for the catholic community remains the degradation of the tabernacle, where the consecrated hosts were kept. It was unsealed from the top.

Christian concert attacked in Bonn

June 9, 2024, Germany

On June 9, during a concert inside a church at Bonn's Hofgarten, an unknown person threw a stone from outside, smashing a window and injuring a 55 year old musician. There were around 80 artists performing in the classical concert by Johann Sebastian Bach, St. John's passion "Open heaven for me".

Cross in Lubartów Defaced

June 8, 2024, Poland

On 8th June, a cross on a street in Lubartów with the figure of Jesus was found spray-painted with swastikas. The face of the statue was also smeared with white paint. On a bench nearby, graffiti containing "Slava Ukraine JP" was spray-painted.

Christian pro-life association attacked for 13th time in three years

June 6, 2024, Italy

The headquarters of the Italian Christian pro-life association Pro Vita & Famiglia in Rome was attacked on June 6. A female protestor, a cameraman of an Italian news channel and a candidate for the European Parliament pasted a pro-abortion poster on the building and refused to leave until the police arrived. This had been the 13th attack on this organisation in three years and third only that month.

Fire and theft in Walldürn

June 6, 2024, Germany

On June 6, unknown perpetrators entered the protestant church on Schachleiterstrasse in Walldürn and broke open the donation box. They not only emptied the money but also a statue of Christ was found damaged by fire near the groin.

Man sentenced for series of arsons in Pau

June 5, 2024, France

On June 5, Fataharhman Awad Allah Abdalkrem, a political refugee, was sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment for a series of arson attacks in Pau between March and May 2022. He had caused fire to the chaplaincy of the Saint-Pierre Church, from which he also stole a cash box containing 300 euros and a computer.

Verbal harassment during mass

June 4, 2024, Bosnia and Herzegovina

During the celebration of the Corpus Christi, a group of young men harassed the faithful with inappropriate insults and shouted "Takbir" (exclamation, which in Arabic means "Allah is great"). Similar Incidents were already happening during previous celebrations.

Arson attempt in Tyumen

June 3, 2024, Russia

On June 3, a 43-year-old man tried to set fire on the Dmitry Donskoy Church Tyumen. He threw incendiary mixtures and fled on his bicycle, as filmed by an eyewitness. The police have now detained the man. The motives are still unknown.

Cathedral evacuated after Bomb Threat

June 3, 2024, France

On the morning of 3rd June, the Amiens Cathedral was evacuated after receiving a bomb threat over a malicious call. It is presumed to be a hoax.

Vandalism in Freren

June 2, 2024, Germany

Sometime between May 31 and June 2, unknown perpetrators caused considerable damage to the staircase of the protestant church St. Andreas und Vitus in Freren. The sandstone slabs on the staircase were destroyed. The damage is estimated to be around 2000 EUR. This is not the first incident in this church.

Paintings vandalised in church in Amt Creuzburg

June 2, 2024, Germany

Between 1 and 2 June 2024, unknown perpetrators entered a church in Eisenach, Amt Creuzburg, and vandalised two wall paintings. The estimated damage amounts to approximately €1,000.

Multiple vandalism cases from St Gregory’s Church in Suffolk

June 1, 2024, United Kingdom

On Saturday, June 1, vandals entered the church of St Gregory’s and smashed the lead-lined windows in multiple places from inside. According to the St Gregory’s parochial church council (PCC), this is not the first incident; last month, vandals broke down the door to gain unauthorized access to the porch.

Vandals urinate into the holy water fountain of Strasbourg church

May 31, 2024, France

On the morning of May 31, the priest of Saint-Maurice Church in Strasbourg observed that some people had urinated into the holy water fountain near the entrance. This is not the first incident in this church. There have been a series of thefts and other incivilites over several months.

Vandalism of Chapel in Tawern

May 31, 2024, Germany

On May 31, unknown perpetrators knocked down two historical statues of saints and the Stations of the Cross in Margarethen Chapel Tawern causing severe damage. The head of the statue of Peter was broken and three reliefs of the Stations of the Cross were torn down from the wall.

Scotland: Most extreme buffer zone law passes first stage

May 30, 2024, United Kingdom

The Scottish draft legislation on abortion "buffer zones", which was passed at first stage on April 30, has sparked a debate on the criminalisation of silent prayer in these zones. This bill proposes the creation of a zone extending to 200 meters around abortion clinics in which "influencing" someone in regard to abortion would be illegal. In a parliament debate MSP Jeremy Balfour asked if he would be criminalised for praying at a bus stop inside the zone. He tabled an amendment seeking to exclude silent prayer from the criminal actions within the zone. MSP Gillian Mackay who introduced the Bill responded to Mr Balfour by saying: "If nobody knows someone is praying, and nothing in their conduct is capable of having the effects on women or staff that this Bill seeks to prevent, then it is unlikely that any offence could be committed. If someone stands silently praying for a long time, deliberately looking at women accessing an abortion clinic, or for example with a sign, then they may be committing an offence."

Fire in Pagnano Church

May 30, 2024, Italy

On May 30, a fire broke out in the church of San Giorgio in Pagnano. Fortunately, the damage is minimal, since the fire which had started from a wooden candle holder was immediately extinguished. While the cause of the fire is currently unknown the priest suspects that someone had deliberately started the fire, since the candle holder was only used to store unlit candles and it was empty. Also, no signs of melted wax were found.

Church in Faubourg-Bonnefoy severely vandalised

May 30, 2024, France

On 30th May, the Immaculate Conception church in Toulouse was heavily vandalised by unknown perpetrators. Several objects, boards and furniture were broken and overturned, causing severe damage. Although the altar is located in a protected area behind bars, it was also overturned and severely damaged. The head of the statue of Virgin Mary was covered with a blue cloth.

Man steals statue of Jesus from church

May 29, 2024, Italy

In the early morning of May 29, in the Santissima Addolorata church in Taranto, a man was caught on camera, carrying a statue of Jesus on his shoulder, which he had taken from the church. The police were able to track down the perpetrator, a 28-year-old convicted felon. He had already been under house arrest, during which he had escaped to steal the statue.

Vandalism of altar in Siedliska

May 29, 2024, Poland

On May 29 at night, unknown perpetrators destroyed decorations on the altar prepared for the Corpus Christi procession in Siedliska. They also tore down decorative trees attached to the Christian community centre, and damaged the stairs of the building. Furthermore, the contents of two garbage bins were spilt next to the altar.

Historic organ in Mockau vandalised during break-in

May 29, 2024, Germany

Sometime between 26th and 29th May, Stephanus Church in Leipzig was vandalised by unknown perpetrators, after breaking-in a side door with multiple security locks. Several pipes from the 19th century organ were ripped off, also damaging the instrument, though some of them have now been found by the police. The fence was also damaged during the break-in.

Chapel defaced with Islamic graffiti

May 29, 2024, Slovenia

On May 29, a chapel at the crossroads of Zagrad and Leše, in the municipality of Prevalje, Slovenia, was found defaced with graffiti. Unknown perpetrators wrote the word "Allah" in big letters with red paint on the walls of the chapel.

Man rammed car into Rodez Cathedral shouting "I hate Jesus"

May 28, 2024, France

As reported on 28th May, a 55 year old Frenchman has been arrested for driving his vehicle into the Cathedral of Rodez in Aveyron region. Fortunately, the SUV got stuck on the stairs leading up to the entrance and did not damage the Cathedral. According to witnesses, he was shouting “I hate Jesus” and “I hate Christianity”.

Man rams car into cross and shouts "Allahou Akbar"

May 28, 2024, France

On May 28 in Loyettes, in the Ain, a man of Turkish origin knocked over a Catholic cross with his van. After shouting "Allahou Akbar", he began to pray at the scene of the incident.

Vandalism in North Yorkshire

May 26, 2024, United Kingdom

Between 24th and 26th May, unknown perpetrators smashed 500 year old windows of a church in St. Mary's Church Thirsk.

Vandalism of cemetery in Ville-la-Grand

May 26, 2024, France

On the night of May 26 to 27, around forty graves were looted at the Ville-la-Grand cemetery near Annemasse and crosses damaged. This is not the first time such an incident has happened. Since september, there has been a series of thefts of bronze statuettes from the cemetery.

Virgin del Carmen Statue and Shrine Damaged for the Fourth Time

May 25, 2024, Spain

Vandals broke the shrine and damaged the statue of the Virgin del Carmen in Rincón de la Victoria by throwing stones. The incident was the fourth targeting the religious site and prompted a police investigation and public condemnation.

Vandalism in St. Anna Chapel in Altshausen

May 24, 2024, Germany

On Friday evening, May 24, an intoxicated man committed an act of vandalism and damaged the St. Anna Chapel in Altshausen. According to the police, the man went on a rampage in the chapel "like a madman". The man smashed objects, flower decorations and destroyed plaster angels. He also tore down a crucifix and ripped off the hand of a statue of a saint. The police arrested a 32-year-old suspect. According to the initial estimate, the damage amounts to 10,000 euros.

Statue and church vandalised in Diespeck

May 24, 2024, Germany

On 24 May 2024, around 6:30 p.m., a 40-year-old man entered the cemetery chapel in Diespeck and damaged a wooden statue of Jesus, breaking off its arm.

Vandalism in the Lutheran church in Diespeck

May 24, 2024, Germany

On Saturday, May 25, vandalism was reported at the local Lutheran church. An unknown individual damaged a pew, scattered flyers and brochures, and left waste inside the building. The estimated damage is €100.

Vandalism of statues in Szydłowo

May 24, 2024, Poland

Unknown perpetrators have painted defaced statues of Mary and Jesus in a roadside chapel in Szydłowo. In red colour they painted the eyes, nails and mouths. "This is a shameful and blasphemous act. It appears to have been done consciously and boldly during the day.", the local parish priest, Fr. Maruszewski said.

Vandalism in the church of Sant'Angelo Magno

May 20, 2024, Italy

On May 20, it was discovered that unknown vandals had broken inside the Church of Sant'Angelo Magno and destroyed candelabras, a crucifix, a statue, sacred vestments, and the 17th-century organ.

Stone Cross Destroyed in Act of Vandalism

May 20, 2024, Spain

A historic Christian cross in Órgiva was toppled and broken in a deliberate attack.

Vandals set fire to altar in Dannevoux church

May 19, 2024, France

On Pentecost, Sunday, May 19, between 9 am and 7.30 pm, in the church of Saint-Hippolyte in Dannevoux (Meuse), an act of vandalism was recorded and caused over €1,500 worth of material damage. According to a news report, fire was set to the altar. Fortunately, it was quickly extinguished with water from the holy water font, thus avoiding potentially dramatic consequences. The fire did, however, cause some damage to the altar. The tablecloth, base and column were partially burnt.

Police accused of pressuring Tory party to unseat Councillor Stevens

May 18, 2024, United Kingdom

Media revealed that a police detective allegedly put pressure on the Wellingborough local Tory party to unseat councillor Anthony Stevens after Mr. Stevens had defended the freedom of speech of a Christian street preacher and a Christian councillor. According to reports, the police detective explained that “in her opinion” Mr Steven was “not a fit person to be a councillor” because of his free speech beliefs and used internal information ton put pressure on the local chair of the committee. The incident happened just before the police searched and detained Cllr Stevens for supporting the freedom of speech case of Christian councillor King Lawal on his personal Twitter account in August 2023. The incident has prompted accusations of political interference by police.

"Allah" graffiti on Christ Church in Philippsburg

May 17, 2024, Germany

Unknown perpetrators daubed the facade of the Protestant Christ Church with the word "Allah" in Arabic language. The words were written with neon pink spray paint on the door and the wall. The town's inhabitants are shocked about the incidents, local media says.