All cases
Church defaced with anti-Israeli graffiti
April 6, 2025, GermanyUnknown persons had written anti-Israeli graffiti on a window in the entrance area of a church in Neukölln, Berlin. Further investigation was taken over by the State Security Police.
Fire in church: Police suspect arson
April 6, 2025, GermanyUnknown persons have apparently attempted to set fire to the grounds of a church on Harffer Strasse in Neuss-Erfttal. According to initial findings, a wooden flowerpot was set alight inside the church building.
Anti-Religious Graffiti Appears on Church Wall in Göttingen
April 5, 2025, GermanyAnti-religious graffiti was sprayed on a church in Göttingen, targeting the building with an ideological message about religion.
Man Harasses Worshippers in Church in Eboli and Attacks Officers
April 5, 2025, ItalyA man entered a church in Eboli and harassed the faithful during evening prayers by aggressively demanding money. The police had to intervene.
Church Windows Broken in Vandalism in Thorembais-les-Béguines
April 5, 2025, BelgiumA church in Thorembais-les-Béguines was vandalised, with several stained-glass windows deliberately broken. The incident affected the structure of the church and prompted a police investigation.
Statue of the Virgin Mary Vandalised in Mhère
April 5, 2025, FranceA man was observed vandalising a statue of the Virgin Mary situated at a roadside calvary in the hamlet of Enfert. The incident occurred around 8:30 PM and was witnessed by a local resident. The perpetrator appeared to be recording himself during the act. The event has left the local community shocked and concerned.
Christian woman convicted for holding sign "here to talk if you want"
April 4, 2025, United KingdomA 63-year-old Christian woman, Livia Tossici-Bolt, has been convicted for breaching a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) by holding a sign that read "here to talk, if you want" near an abortion clinic in Bournemouth. This case raises significant concerns about the impact of such orders on religious freedom and the right to free expression.
Thousands in Damages Every Month
April 4, 2025, GermanyChurches in Cologne's city centre, including the iconic Cologne Cathedral, are regularly targeted by vandals, causing thousands of euros in damage each month. Dr Dominik Meiering, the leading priest for Cologne's inner city, expressed concern about the repeated desecration, theft and graffiti, describing it as a serious burden on the Church and a threat to its public mission.
Vandals destroy shrine and cut off arms of Jesus statue
April 3, 2025, PolandUnknown perpetrators desecrated a religious site on the roadside between the villages of Podlesie and Sławno, destroying a statue of the Mary, tearing the body of a Jesus figure from the cross and breaking off its arms and damaging a painting of the Passion. The incident caused outrage among the locals.
Church crosses destroyed in Paternò
April 2, 2025, ItalyOn 2 April 2025, vandals destroyed two large crosses outside the Chiesa Madre in Paternò, Sicily. The attack follows other recent incidents in the same town, including an attempted theft of a sacred painting and verbal abuse during a Christian procession, raising serious concerns about growing hostility towards the local Christian community.
Repeated urine, faeces and riots in Mainz churches
April 1, 2025, GermanyIn recent weeks, several churches in Mainz have suffered serious acts of vandalism, including the desecration of holy water with urine and the destruction of confessional doors. These incidents have deeply distressed local clergy and parishioners, and have led to discussions about possible church closures to prevent further offences.
Church walls defaced with Swastika
April 1, 2025, GermanyBetween 30 March and 1 April, unknown persons sprayed graffiti on the walls of St Martin's Church in Hermeskeil. The graffiti included a swastika on the outside of the church.
Man smashes church windows and attacks priest
March 31, 2025, GreeceIn Volos, Greece, a man vandalised a local church by smashing its windows before attacking a hieromonk, striking him multiple times. The incident has deeply unsettled the local clergy and parishioners.
Finnish Couple Convicted for Private Prayer
March 31, 2025, FinlandOn 31 March 2025, a Finnish court convicted an elderly Christian couple of “assault” after praying with a young man about issues relating to sexuality. Despite the fact that the prayers were non-coercive and the young man had sought the support and participated in the prayers on his own initiative, the court upheld his claim that the prayers had caused psychological harm. The judgment—believed to be the first of its kind in Finland—has raised concerns about the application of criminal law to religiously motivated pastoral care and its potential implications for freedom of religion or belief.
Relic Busts Stolen from Church in Guémené-sur-Scorff in Repeated Theft
March 30, 2025, FranceTwo reliquary busts were stolen from a church in Guémené-sur-Scorff, marking the second theft targeting religious objects at the site within one month. The incident affected items of both religious and historical significance.
Desecration of crosses at the sanctuary
March 30, 2025, SpainOn the night of 29-30 March, vandals destroyed two crosses near the Sanctuary of St Michael in Aralar, in the Spanish Archdiocese of Pamplona and Tudela. This is the second attack on the site in recent months.
Anti-Christian Graffiti Discovered at Pamplona Church During Holy Week
March 28, 2025, SpainSantiago Parish in Pamplona was vandalized during Holy Week with graffiti containing anti-Christian threats, incitement to violence, blasphemous slogans, and political extremist messages.
Hateful Messages and Damage of Church Logo at Sestao Church
March 27, 2025, SpainUnknown individuals placed offensive stickers on the entrance of the Evangelical Church of Cuerpo de Cristo in Sestao, Vizcaya, displaying anti-Semitic messages and a swastika. The vandals also targeted the church's emblem, which contained Jewish symbols.
Vandalism in church
March 26, 2025, GermanyUnknown individuals entered the church on Wieslocher Straße and caused significant damage. Among other things, a plate of holy water was smashed, a microphone and its stand were knocked over, and the glass panel on the confessional door was broken. The intruders also removed a pipe from the organ and placed it on the altar. The unknown individuals then fled the church undetected.
Attempt to Ram Church Door with Vehicle in Borno
March 23, 2025, ItalyUnknown perpetrators attempted to force entry into a church in Borno by ramming the main entrance with a vehicle. The act directly targeted the church building but caused only limited damage.
Consecrated Hosts Stolen from Church in Hranice
March 23, 2025, Czech RepublicA man stole approximately 80 consecrated hosts from a church in Hranice. The incident caused shock among parishioners present at the church.
Man Damages Statue and Sets Fire to Church in Spilt
March 22, 2025, CroatiaOn 22 March 2025, in the church of St. Dominic in Split, a man damaged a statue and then started a fire on the candle stand with a gas lighter which caught fire when it was left on a candle, and the flame spread to the plastic candle holders on the stand. He is also suspected of stealing a metal gas bottle from a cupboard in the church.
Retired pastor faces trial for public worship service near abortion clinic
March 21, 2025, United KingdomClive Johnston, a retired pastor in Northern Ireland is facing trial for holding an open-air Christian service near an abortion clinic, raising serious concerns about the impact of so-called ‘buffer zone’ laws on religious freedom and freedom of expression.
Serious episodes of vandalism: Easter candle soiled with excrement
March 20, 2025, GermanySeveral churches in the Kraichgau region have recently suffered damage. Kürnbach has been the victim of vandalism twice - someone relieved himself and damaged candles and the altar bible. In Zaisenhausen, six windows were smashed with stones. In Bretten-Büchig the organ was covered with a sticky liquid.
Marian Statue and Church Window Damaged in Dornburg-Langendernbach
March 19, 2025, GermanyA Marian statue and a church window were damaged in an act of vandalism in Dornburg-Langendernbach.
Tabernacle Desecrated and Eucharist Stolen
March 17, 2025, SpainA church in Arroyo de la Encomienda was desecrated after perpetrators opened the tabernacle and stole consecrated hosts. The act has been strongly condemned by the Archdiocese of Valladolid and has affected the wider Catholic community.
Elderly Priest Assaulted and Robbed in Cambrai
March 17, 2025, FranceA 96-year-old priest in Cambrai was violently assaulted, tied up, and robbed in his presbytery. Four suspects have since been arrested and are facing charges including aggravated violence, unlawful detention, and the theft of both personal and religious items.
Court dismisses case against Christian preacher prosecuted for criticising Islam
March 14, 2025, United KingdomOn 12 March, a British court found Christian street preacher Karandeep Mamman not guilty of "causing religious harassment, alarm or distress" after he publicly criticised the Koran during a street sermon in January 2023. Listeners also reacted aggressively to him, threatening to beat him up and ''cut his throat'' and only letting him go after police arrived.
Wayside cross damaged
March 13, 2025, GermanyUnknown offenders have desecrated a cross on a footpath and cycle path near Haar, east of Munich. The left arm of the crucified Jesus was torn off and half a foot was chopped off.
Serious episode of desecration
March 12, 2025, ItalyUnknown assailants broke into the Church of St Paul the Apostle in Borgo Nuovo during the night, ransacked the parish and stole the chalice and the pyx containing the consecrated hosts.
Teenagers commit crimes in church
March 10, 2025, GermanyIn Quedlinburg, a trio of teenagers threw stones at a man at St. Benedict's Church. The church door was damaged. The man also observed one of the teenagers drawing a swastika in the guest book.
Church in Brittany vandalised twice in two weeks
March 10, 2025, FranceVandalism and burglaries have been reported in Treffiagat-Léchiagat, France. The church of Notre-Dame des Flots has been attacked twice since the beginning of March. The damage to the religious building was shocking to the faithful: smashed candles, torn liturgical books, overturned pews, broken vases and more.
Acid attack on Christian café: 15 attacks since July 2024
March 10, 2025, GermanyThe Café "Stay" of an evangelical free church in Leipzig has been attacked with butyric acid. The perpetrators probably poured acid into the coffee shop through the keyhole of the entrance door. The owners had to call the fire brigade. The perpetrators are suspected to be left-wing extremists. This is the 15th attack on the Christian café since July 2024.
Historic Gravestone Cross Destroyed in Repeat Vandalism at Baldock Churchyard
March 10, 2025, United KingdomA historic gravestone cross was knocked over and destroyed in a churchyard in Baldock, marking a second vandalism incident within a year. The damage affected burial memorials of long-standing significance to the local community.
Statue Profanation in Saint-Denis
March 10, 2025, FranceAn act of profanation targeting a religious statue was reported in Saint-Denis, leading to police arrests shortly afterwards. The perpetrators had also posted the act on social media.
Church Vandalised and Eucharistic Vessel Taken
March 9, 2025, ItalyUnknown persons broke into the church of Santa Teresa del Bambin Gesù in Battipaglia. They overturned candles, damaged offertories and a broken glass in the sacristy, but stole only a small case used by extraordinary ministers to bring the Eucharist to the sick.
Altar cloth set on fire
March 8, 2025, ItalyUnknown persons set fire to the cloth covering the main altar of the church of San Francesco, the sanctuary of San Nicola Greco. The cause of the crime is still unknown, although there has been a lot of vandalism in the city in recent weeks.
Gravestones at Churchyard in Maidstone Targeted with Swastikas
March 8, 2025, United KingdomAt least six swastikas were etched into gravestones at a churchyard in Maidstone, targeting burial sites associated with a Christian place of worship. The incident prompted an investigation by local authorities.
Repeated vandalism seals church doors with cement in Loimil.
March 7, 2025, SpainA church in Loimil was targeted in a repeated act of vandalism in which doors were sealed with cement.
Racist Harassment of Priest and Vandalism Reported at Parish in Dragona
March 4, 2025, ItalyA parish in Rome has reported a series of incidents involving vandalism, blasphemy, and the disruption of church activities, culminating in the racist harassment of a priest. The church has now restricted access to the premises.
Church closed outside service due to repeated vandalism
March 3, 2025, ItalyThe Parish of the Santissimi Petro e Giacomo Apostoli has decided to close the Church of San Giacomo, in Via Roma, except during liturgical celebrations due to increasing vandalism. The church has repeatedly had flower pots, offerings and stations of the cross stolen, as well as the figure of Jesus from the nativity scene and excrement behind the altar.
Altar Cross Stolen from High Altar in Church in Thalfang
March 3, 2025, GermanyA wooden altar cross was stolen from the high altar of a Catholic church in Thalfang, directly targeting a central object of religious significance within the church.
Vandals target Baptist Church
March 3, 2025, IrelandA Limavady Baptist the church in Northern Ireland has been targeted by vandals who destroyed a sign advertising a children's Sunday School. It was deliberately destroyed—torn up and rendered useless.
DONE JH: desecration of our monastery quarter
March 3, 2025, GermanyNazi symbols were sprayed in the vicinity of a church in Bad Herrenalb, and a church-affiliated youth bus was also vandalised. The incidents form part of an ongoing series affecting the church environment.
Pait attack on Mühlhausen church
March 2, 2025, GermanyVandals sprayed pink paint on the front door, display case and adjacent wall of the Evangelical Free Church in Mühlhausen. The perpetrator then fled the scene.
Desecration: Gave crosses turned upside down
March 2, 2025, GermanyUnknown perpetrators dug up seven grave crosses at the Erzhütten cemetery in Germany over the weekend and put them back in the ground upside down. According to police, at least two crosses and one grave were damaged.
Car of Parish Priest Set on Fire At Church in Santo Stefano d’Aspromonte
March 2, 2025, ItalyThe car of a parish priest was deliberately set on fire next to a church in Santo Stefano d’Aspromonte, directly affecting a member of the clergy and the church environment. The incident has raised concern within the local community.
Sacrilegious Theft at Church in Ancona
March 1, 2025, ItalyA patena used during the Eucharist was stolen from a church in Ancona, in an act directly targeting an object of central liturgical significance, which is considered a “sacrilegious theft,” by the parish priest.
Baptismal Font Damaged in Church in Venningen
March 1, 2025, GermanyA baptismal font was deliberately damaged inside a Catholic church in Venningen, affecting an object used for a central Christian sacrament. The perpetrators remain unidentified.
Baptist church vandalised with Antifa
February 28, 2025, HungaryOn 28 February, the Baptist congregation in Székesfehérvár, Hungary, discovered that the facade of their church building had been vandalised with the slogan "God is dead". The graffiti also contained antifa symbols.
Riot in church in Neheim
February 28, 2025, GermanyAn unknown offender has vandalised the Catholic church of St John the Baptist in Neheim. The man destroyed a cross, broke off the head and arms of a figure of Jesus, knocked over candlesticks and tore and smeared tablecloths on the high altar. He also spilled liquids and scattered books on the floor.
Christian Midwife Student Suspended over Expressing Conscientious Objections
February 28, 2025, United KingdomSara Spencer, a Christian midwifery student in Scotland, has been suspended from her National Health Service placement for comments she made on a private Facebook forum explaining her conscientious objection to performing abortions. Despite being cleared of any wrongdoing, Spencer's professors at Edinburgh Napier University have continued to warn her against expressing "inappropriate" pro-life views.
Vandalism of Chapel in Olbia
February 26, 2025, ItalyOn 26 February, the parish priest of Sant'Ignazio da Laconi found the small church of San Vittore in Olbia vandalised. Unknown perpetrators had broken rosaries, altar candlesticks and several other sacred objects. The police are now investigating the incident.
Suspected Arson Attack on Church in Saumur
February 26, 2025, FranceOn 26 February, a fire destroyed the 17th century door of the church of Notre-Dame-des-Ardilliers in Saumur (Maine-et-Loire, France). Around thirty firefighters and a dozen vehicles were mobilised to bring the fire under control. Although the cause of the fire is still under investigation, the authorities suspect arson and have launched an investigation.
Sacrilegious Theft Targets Church in Lille
February 23, 2025, FranceA Catholic church in Lille was burglarised, with perpetrators stealing a ciborium and lunula containing consecrated hosts, an act considered desecration in Catholic belief. The incident has deeply affected the local parish community.
Ten Commandments Mural Stolen from Church in Lincolnshire
February 23, 2025, United KingdomThree religious murals, including a depiction of the Ten Commandments, were stolen from a church in Little Steeping, Lincolnshire.
Nottinghamshire village church severely vandalised
February 23, 2025, United KingdomThe church of St Mary and St Martin in Blyth was severely vandalised, with a stained glass window smashed, an effigy of a knight damaged, a knife plunged into the bell tower door and religious objects desecrated.
Roadside cross vandalised in Lublin
February 22, 2025, PolandA 48-year-old man has been arrested for vandalising a roadside cross in Jakubowice Konińskie (near Lublin). The suspect broke the cross and threw it under an oncoming vehicle, just before destroying the candles placed near the monument. The man has now been charged with destruction of public property and insulting religious feelings.
Catholic priest violently beaten in Auxerre
February 22, 2025, FranceOn 22 February, a Catholic priest was attacked by two people outside the church of Saint-Eusèbe. The assailants insulted the priest, knocked him to the ground and punched him several times in the face. The priest, who had bruising and oedema on his face, was taken to hospital in a state of shock. Police are searching for the suspects.
Sacrilegious theft in Quattro Castella
February 21, 2025, ItalyA church in Quattro Castella was desecrated after unknown perpetrators forced the tabernacle and removed consecrated hosts.
Church Altar Cloth Set on Fire
February 21, 2025, GermanyAn unknown perpetrator ignited an altar cloth in St Sebastian’s Church in Bad Aibling, leaving burn damage to the side altar and a melted microphone cable.
Jesus Figure Torn from Cross During Vandalism in Church in Olten
February 20, 2025, SwitzerlandTwo men vandalised a church in Olten, destroying parts of the interior and tearing a figure of Jesus from the cross. The incident caused shock among parishioners.
Theft of Consecrated Hosts at Santarcangelo Convent
February 20, 2025, ItalyA theft occurred at the Capuchin Friars Minor Convent in Santarcangelo, Rimini, where the tabernacle and ciborium with consecrated hosts were stolen, prompting Bishop Nicolò Anselmi to condemn the act as a potential satanic desecration.
Santa Faz cross in Alicante vandalised again
February 20, 2025, SpainTwo years ago, on carnival night, the cross of the Holy Face, located in a public square near Alicante City Hall, was vandalised by unknown persons. The incident happened again on the same night, 20 February, and the cross was severely damaged. The Town Hall has now promised to install additional security measures to protect this public Christian symbol.
Altar Cross Stolen from Church in Emmerich
February 20, 2025, GermanyA bronze altar cross was stolen from the altar of a church in Emmerich am Rhein, directly targeting a central Christian symbol. The removal of the cross from the altar has raised concern within the local parish.
Christian prayer leader first charged under Scotland's buffer zone law
February 19, 2025, United KingdomRose Docherty, a 74-year-old Christian and leader of the pro-life prayer group "40 Days for Life", has become the first person to be arrested under Scotland's new abortion 'buffer zone' law for holding a silent vigil near a Glasgow hospital. The law, which criminalises any attempt to 'influence' abortion decisions within 200 metres of a facility, raises fundamental rights concerns. Pro-life groups plan to hold upcoming prayer vigils only outside the buffer zones, but politicians are already pushing for further extensions of the zones.
Statue of Christ Forcibly Removed and Stolen
February 17, 2025, GermanyA bronze statue of Christ was forcibly removed and stolen from outside a cemetery chapel in Harsewinkel, directly targeting a religious figure and long-standing Christian symbol at the site.
Cross broken: Church in West Keal vandalised
February 17, 2025, United KingdomSometime between 14 and 17 February, the Episcopal Church of St Helen in West Keal was robbed and vandalised by unknown offenders. The criminals broke a cross, burned signs, stole a tapestry and caused other damage. The crime has been reported to Lincolnshire Police, who are investigating.
Statue of Virgin Mary vandalised in Bydgoszcz
February 15, 2025, PolandOn the night of 14-15 February, unknown perpetrators destroyed an image of the Virgin Mary in a Catholic church in Bydgoszcz. Police are investigating.
Sacrilegious theft in Santarcangelo
February 13, 2025, ItalyUnknown assailants broke into the church of the Capuchin Friars Minor in Santarcangelo di Romagna. The suspects went straight to the tabernacle and stole a pisside containing the consecrated hosts. The police are now investigating the attack.
Arson attack on church in Nenzing
February 13, 2025, AustriaOn the evening of 13 February, unknown perpetrators set fire to a pew in the parish church of St. Mauritius in Nenzing. The Nenzing volunteer fire brigade extinguished the fire and ventilated the church, preventing further damage. The police are now investigating and are asking for witnesses.
Vandalism and arson attack on church in Aichach
February 13, 2025, GermanyOn 13 February, unknown persons vandalised the Catholic church in Gallenbach, a district of Aichach, Bavaria, and set fire to several objects. Although the flames did not spread to the rest of the church, the damage amounted to several thousand euros. The church will remain closed for the next few days as police investigate the attack.
Priest Murdered in Kłobuck Parish Residence
February 13, 2025, PolandFr. Grzegorz Dymek, a 58-year-old priest, has been killed in the parish residence in Kłobuck, Poland, by a former police officer.
UK Court Backs Christian Teacher After Unfair Dismissal For Sharing Christian Views
February 12, 2025, United KingdomOn February 12, 2025, the UK Court of Appeal ruled in favor of Christian teacher Kristie Higgs, who was fired in 2019 for sharing her concerns about sex education policies and expressed her Christian beliefs about this topic on her private Facebook page. The court confirmed that traditional Christian beliefs on social issues are protected under the Equality Act. The decision marks a major victory for freedom of speech and religion in the UK.
"Your mere presence is causing people harassment"
February 10, 2025, United KingdomChristian charity volunteer Isabel Vaughan-Spruce has again been targeted by police for standing silently in a buffer zone. This time, police officers told her that her 'mere presence' was causing 'harassment' and therefore prohibited behaviour in the area. Buffer zone laws in the UK continue to allow serious attacks on basic human rights.
Pietà Stolen in Repeated Targeting of Church in Gütersloh
February 10, 2025, GermanyA historic Pietà depicting the Virgin Mary and Christ was stolen from a church in Gütersloh, directly targeting a central Christian devotional object. The theft is part of repeated incidents affecting the same parish.
Nice Church Attacker Sentenced to Life Without Parole
February 10, 2025, FranceBrahim Aouissaoui, the terrorist who murdered three Christians in Nice’s Notre Dame Basilica in 2020, has been sentenced to life imprisonment without parole. The court confirmed his jihadist ideology and premeditated intent to kill 'infidels'.
Two churches in Wurzen attacked with arson
February 9, 2025, GermanyOn 9 February, two churches in Wurzen were set on fire by unknown perpetrators. Fortunately, in both cases police officers were able to extinguish the fires before any major damage was done. However, the total damage at both locations is estimated at around 2,000 euros. The police are now investigating the attacks.
Two churches in Hamburg attacked
February 8, 2025, GermanyOn the night of 7-8 February, unknown perpetrators attacked two churches in Hamburg, causing serious damage at both locations. Stones and pyrotechnics were used to vandalise the religious buildings. Police are now investigating whether the incidents are connected.
Arson and vandalism on Marigliano church
February 7, 2025, ItalyA 40-year-old man was arrested after a serious attack on a church in Marigliano on 7 February. The man set fire to the church door and destroyed several statues and furnishings in the churchyard. After a rapid investigation, police were able to identify and arrest the suspect.
Arson and vandalism at parish premises in Genoa
February 7, 2025, ItalyOn 7 February, the police and fire brigade were called to the parish centre next to the church of Santa Maria dei Servi in Genoa. The authorities found a piece of wooden furniture set on fire and several blasphemous phrases and swastikas written on the walls. The police are now investigating the attack.
Lack of access to evangelical religious education in Spanish schools
February 6, 2025, SpainA report by FEREDE highlights the lack of access to evangelical religious education in Spanish schools, which in some cases amounts to restrictions of parental rights to educate their children in conformity with their beliefs.
Church organ vandalised twice in two months
February 6, 2025, GermanyAfter a first episode of vandalism of the organ of the Holy Cross Catholic Church in Bretten-Büchig in December 2024, a similar attack took place earlier this month. In both cases, an unknown perpetrator poured a large amount of liquid over the organ, causing around €6000 worth of damage. The church remained closed for several days after the incident.
Statue of Virgin Mary destroyed in Poland
February 6, 2025, PolandOn the night of 5-6 February, an unknown perpetrator used a metal rod to destroy the statue of Our Lady of Fatima in the parish church of St Jadwiga Śląska near Łomża. The damage is estimated at around PLN 3,000. The police have been called to the scene and are now looking for the suspect.
Liturgical Book Desecrated Krosno Church
February 6, 2025, PolandA man vandalised a liturgical book in the parish church of the Holy Trinity in Krosno. The suspect is now charged with disturbing the rite and insulting religious feelings.
Repeated vandalism of roadside chapel in Laudermark
February 6, 2025, NetherlandsOn 6 February, unknown offenders vandalised a roadside chapel in Laudermark with polyurethane foam, causing extensive damage. According to the local parish, this is the second time in a short period of time that this public Christian symbol has been vandalised.
French municipality faces legal battle over displaying nativity scene
February 5, 2025, FranceIn December 2024, the town of Beaucaire was ordered to remove its nativity scene from the town hall by an administrative court, claiming its display violated secularism laws. Despite the ruling, the mayor refused to comply, resulting in further legal action and the threat of escalating fines. This marks the latest in a series of legal battles over Christian symbols in Beaucaire, which have been ongoing since 2016.
Nativity Figures Defaced at Church in Villastanza
February 4, 2025, ItalySeveral nativity figures were deliberately damaged inside a church in Villastanza, a district of Parabiago. The same church had already been targeted by an arson incident in 2023.
Historic Altar Cross Stolen from Church in Pietraszyn
February 3, 2025, PolandA historic cross was stolen from the main altar of a church in Pietraszyn. The parish has appealed to the public for assistance in locating the object.
Religious painting vandalised at cultural centre in Dydnia
February 3, 2025, PolandSometime between 31 January and 3 February, unknown offenders vandalised a historic painting depicting St Michael the Archangel, whose face was covered with yellow and dark brown paint. The painting was on display at the Municipal Cultural Centre in Dydnia.
Man sets fire to door of Milan church
February 2, 2025, ItalyOn the morning of 2 February, a man set fire to the door of the church of San Martino in Greco in Milan. A passer-by quickly noticed the fire and called the authorities, who quickly put out the threat. Police are now searching for the suspect.
Religious Statue Targeted in Theft
February 2, 2025, GermanyA sacred sceptre was forcibly removed from a Marian statue inside a church in Gronau, directly targeting a religious figure. While the object is of limited material value, it holds religious significance for the church community.
UK imposes VAT on private education: Christian schools forced to close
February 1, 2025, United KingdomA UK policy change imposing VAT on private school fees came into force in January 2025, forcing schools to pay 20% of tuition fees to the Treasury. Many Christian schools, already operating on tight budgets, face closure or fee increases, reducing parental choice in education. Critics argue that the reform unlawfully discriminates against faith-based education and violates international rights protections.
Decapitated statue of Mary
January 30, 2025, GermanyUnknown perpetrators have damaged a statue of the Madonna in a chapel in Wasserburg am Inn in Upper Bavaria.
Christian Prayer App "Hallow" Threatened by EU Regulations
January 30, 2025, European Institutions (EU, ECHR, et.al.)The Christian prayer app "Hallow", which reached number one on Apple's App Store in 2024, is now struggling to operate in the EU. CEO Alex Jones has expressed concern that strict regulations are effectively shutting down religious apps, raising concerns about digital religious freedom.
Two arson attacks on church in Jerez
January 26, 2025, SpainOn the night of 25 January, an attempt to set fire to one of the entrances to the church of San Miguel in Jerez was quickly smothered by the local population. However, just a few hours later, on the morning of 26 January, another fire was set at another door, this time requiring the intervention of the fire brigade. The police are now investigating both incidents.
Angel statue and donations stolen from St Mary Magdalene Church
January 26, 2025, PolandAn angel figure was stolen from a nativity scene inside a church in Rabka-Zdrój, along with donations collected from parishioners. The incident affected a religious installation of significance to the local church community.
Religious Icon Stolen from Behind Altar
January 26, 2025, GermanyAn icon was stolen from behind the altar of a church in Waiblingen, affecting an object of devotional significance within the church.
Fire Set at Entrance of Church in Koblenz
January 26, 2025, GermanyAn unknown man set a small fire at the entrance to the Herz-Jesu Church in Koblenz. Fortunately, the small fire was quickly extinguished and no damage was reported.
Polish Petition Aims to Ban Minors From Receiving Confession
January 24, 2025, PolandIn October 2024, actor and activist Rafał Betlejewski launched a petition to ban children and teenagers under 18 from receiving the sacrament of confession. After gathering just over 13,000 signatures, the proposal is now being debated in the lower house of the Polish parliament.