All cases

Arson in the St. Nicholas Church in Plön

April 28, 2024, Germany

On Sunday, April 28, unknown perpetrators set fire to a bench in the aisle of St. Nicholas Church. The fire did not spread, but the smoke caused extensive damage. The police are investigating the incident.

Right-wing slogans and swastika daubed on church doors

April 27, 2024, Germany

In the village of Hesborn, the parish church and the cemetery chapel were smeared with right-wing slogans and symbols. Early on Saturday morning, April 27, a large swastika was found emblazoned on the church door and "Foreigners out" was written on the door to the cemetery chapel. Police and state security are investigating.

Arson in Haren Church

April 27, 2024, Germany

Unknown persons set a fire in a church in Haren between April 26 and 27. According to the police, the fire was set in the porch of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church (Herz-Jesu-Kirche). Floor tiles were damaged as a result. The fire went out on its own.

Woman desecrates host during mass

April 27, 2024, Poland

Saturday April 27, a woman crushed a host and threw it to the ground that she had received during mass at the Church of St Charles Borromeo in Poznań.

Altar Cloth set on Fire in Capri Church

April 26, 2024, Italy

On Friday morning, April 26, an unknown perpetrator tried to set fire to the church of San Bernardino Realino in Carpi. After attempting to steal the offering box, he set fire to the tablecloth in the side chapel.

Processional Cross stolen from church

April 25, 2024, United Kingdom

A processional cross has been stolen from St Mary's Church in Cuckney. The cross was removed from its wooden staff by thieves who entered the church, the police said.

'Fire at the Vatican': Walls of Roman church defaced with graffiti

April 24, 2024, Italy

On Wednesday, April 24, the walls of the Church of the Immaculate Conception in San Lorenzo, Rome, were defaced with graffiti, including anti-Christian slogans. 'Fire at the Vatican', 'Freedom to anarchists', 'Trans liberation', 'Get the church out of our pants' and 'Free Palestine' were some of the inscriptions on the walls.

Vandalism in the Appels church

April 23, 2024, Belgium

On Tuesday evening, April 23, in the church of Appels in Dendermande, an act of vandalism was reported.

Repeated vandalism of chapel in Torfaen

April 23, 2024, United Kingdom

The chapel of Bethlehem Church in Blaenavon, in the south of Wales, has become a target of vandalism three times within three weeks. According to media reports, parts of the out buildings at Bethlehem Church have been vandalised and a wall and step were damaged. Furthermore, urine was discovered in the church doorway.

Santon Church vandalised

April 22, 2024, United Kingdom

According to the media, All Saints Church in Santon Downham, Brandon, was broken into and vandalised sometime between April 17 and 22. In the attack, a window was pulled out of its frame, graffiti was left and a toilet was damaged.

Vandalism: Windows smashed in Bonn Church

April 21, 2024, Germany

Since the weekend of April 21, the St. Franziskus church has had smashed windows since the weekend. The management board is shocked.

Vandalism and Fire in Hilders Church

April 21, 2024, Germany

On Sunday, April 21, unknown persons entered the Catholic Church of St. John the Baptist during official opening hours, tore flower decorations from the benches, destroyed sacrificial candles and burned paper in several places.

Vandalism and Islamic Graffiti inside Aachen Chapel

April 21, 2024, Germany

On Sunday, April 21, Ursula Becker, a member of the parish council at St. Katharina, Aachen, discovered garbage and graffiti in the parish's St. Mary Chapel. Among other things, "Allahu Akbar" was written on the walls and doors. The crime must have happened between 12 and 4 p.m.

Vandalism in St. Nikolaus Church in Dorsten

April 20, 2024, Germany

Between 20 and 21 April, unknown persons broke into St Nicholas' Church in Dorsten and left a trail of destruction, according to the local pastor. Among other things, they scattered the consecrated hosts all over the floor. The pastor is shocked by the incident.

Vandalism and Desecration of Church of Santa Maria in Albis

April 20, 2024, France

On Saturday night, April 20, individuals broke into the church of Sancta Maria in Albis, located in the heart of the village of Breil-sur-Roya.

Door of Santiago Church repeatedly vandalised

April 20, 2024, Spain

On Saturday, April 20, 2024, in Jerez, Spain, part of the lower area of ​​the door of Santiago church was torn off in what appeared to be a new act of vandalism.

Vandalism: Church glass door smashed

April 17, 2024, Germany

Between April 15, and 17, unknown perpetrators smashed the glass door of a church in Bad Homburg. As the time of the offence cannot yet be pinpointed and there is no further information about the perpetrators, the police are asking the public for help.

Attempted arson in the Chamerau church

April 17, 2024, Germany

On Wednesday, April 17, unknown perpetrators tried to set fire to two cardboard boxes and a plastic tablecloth in the church in Chamerau. There was minor property damage. According to police, the attempted arson took place during the opening hours of the Chamerau church.

Passion Trail Vandalised

April 16, 2024, Germany

The Passion Trail set up by the Evangelical Lutheran parish in Hagen-Haspe has been demolished. The path, which was lined with crosses and prayer texts, led along the forest path at Tücking.

Brussels authorities ban event due to “ethically conservative” beliefs on abortion, marriage, and the EU

April 16, 2024, Belgium

On April 16, Brussels officials issued a police order to ban the entrance to the NatCon conference. The official order to shut down the conference included the reason that its "vision is not only ethically conservative (e.g. hostility to the legalisation of abortion, same-sex unions, etc.) but also focused on the defence of “national sovereignty”, which implies, amongst other things, a “Eurosceptic” attitude”. In an emergency ruling, Belgium highest court has lifted the ban and declared it unconstitutional.

England's High court backs prayer ritual ban at schools

April 16, 2024, United Kingdom

In its judgment on Tuesday, April 16, the High Court of England and Wales dismissed a Muslim pupil's challenge to a ban of 'prayer rituals' at Michaela Community School in Brent, north-west London. The High Court judged that publicly funded schools in England can impose such bans of communal prayer rituals among students. It is not yet clear in how far Christian prayer will be affected by the ban.

Grave of Late Patriarch Neophyte Desecrated

April 15, 2024, Bulgaria

The grave of the late Patriarch Neophyte was desecrated in Sofia, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church informed Tuesday morning, April 16.

Youth disturb concert in Cathedral shouting "Allah Akbar"

April 14, 2024, France

On Sunday, April 14, five adolescents entered the Saint-Etienne Cathedral in Metz during a concert of Bach, one of them interrupting the concert and shouting "Allah Akbar". The teenagers then fled but were found and arrested by the police.

Shouting Man Smashes Objects in Church

April 13, 2024, Italy

Shortly after 6 pm, a 41-year-old man started shouting complaining about an alleged theft of a backpack. According to the police, he then entered the church in Via Felice Bellotti, the San Benedetto Monastery, in Milan’s city centre and started to hit commemorative wreaths and a statue, which he threw to the ground. The police intervened against the intoxicated man, who was charged with a criminal offence.

Jesus Figure Stolen from Easter Crib

April 13, 2024, Italy

In the afternoon of April 13, a statue of Jesus was stolen from the Easter crib in the Consolation Parish in Via XX Settembre in Genoa. The first scene of the Easter crib displayed Jesus entering Jerusalem on the back of a donkey.

Arrest warrant for youths on suspicion of terrorist attack against "Christians and police"

April 12, 2024, Germany

The German national security forces have unearthed a terrorist cell of minors in Düsseldorf. According to the newspaper Bild, the youths wanted to attack "Christians ("unbelievers") in churches" and "police officers in police stations" with knives and Molotov cocktails in the name of the ISIS. Arrest warrants have been issued.

Sacred objects stolen from Great Yarmouth Minster upset community

April 12, 2024, United Kingdom

Great Yarmouth Minster Church was broken into twice within two weeks, first overnight between March 29 and March 30 and then again on April 12, 2024. Besides stealing money the thieves also broke the windows of the church and took sacred objects, namely the bread and wine which has been blessed and kept reserved and some of the sacred oils. "So many people in Yarmouth feel hurt by the fact that a place they consider special and important to community life has been violated," the church Reverend said.

French priest prosecuted for citing Catholic teaching on homosexuality

April 12, 2024, France

Following the intervention of a government official, Father Matthieu Raffray was prosecuted for having referred to homosexuality as a sin, citing Catholic teaching on the matter. Despite the closure of the case by the public prosecutor, a new complaint has been filed.

Church façade vandalised during mass

April 10, 2024, Germany

On April 10, a young man threw several bottles filled with alcohol against the façade of the Catholic Sacred Heart Church in Diez during the church service at around 6 p.m, causing heavy soiling and property damage.

Theft and Arson in Church

April 10, 2024, Italy

At the church of Castelvecchio di Compito in the Lucca region, a 37-year-old man stole objects worth over 10,000 euros from the oratory, which included liturgical objects dating back to the early 19th century such as two candelabra and a wooden canopy. He set fire to the parish premises and fled.

Germany Issues Deportation Order for Iranian Convert

April 10, 2024, Germany

The administrative office for foreigners of Central Franconia, Germany, has issued a deportation order for an Iranian convert. According to the media, the lawyer has confirmed the conversion to Christianity of the Iranian asylum seeker. The lawyer also said that his client had been warned by his mother not to return to Iran because otherwise he would be arrested.

Arson attack on derelict church in Bishop Auckland

April 10, 2024, United Kingdom

On April 10, the derelict St John's Church in Bishop Auckland was set on fire. The police have confirmed they are treating the blaze as arson.

Vandalism at St. Athanasius Monastery Church

April 9, 2024, North Macedonia

The church of St. Athanasius monastery in Tetovo has been broken in, all the windows were broken and serious material damage was done.

Purse stolen During Prayer at Mass

April 8, 2024, Italy

During mass on Monday, a pickpocket stole a purse containing about 100 Euro and the woman’s phone in the church of Sant'Aniello Abate in Cosenza. The theft happened while the woman was praying.

Archbishop receives criminal conviction for criticising Russia's war in Ukraine

April 8, 2024, Russia

According to the religious freedom watchdog organisation Forum 18, Archbishop Viktor Pivovarov has become the fifth person to receive a criminal conviction for criticising Russia's war in Ukraine from a religious perspective. On April 8, he was found guilty of repeatedly "discrediting" the Russian Armed Forces after condemning the war as "aggressive" and "Satanic" in his sermons.

Religious Statue vandalised

April 8, 2024, Italy

Unknown vandals desecrated a Marian shrine in the hamlet of Salvandine in Serle, northern Italy. A citizen found the statue of Mary shattered and broken in two, likely after being struck with stones.

Someone damages Bible in church

April 8, 2024, Germany

An unknown perpetrator damaged a Gospel on display in the church of Zapfendorf on Tuesday 8 April. The book was damaged to the value of around 300 euros.

Vandalism at Lourdes Grotto

April 7, 2024, Belgium

Over the weekend, pedestals of a Lourdes Grotto were destroyed by vandals.

Vandalism at Burgdorf Church

April 7, 2024, Germany

In the night from Saturday to Sunday, unknown perpetrators caused damage to two window panes of the St. Pancratius Church in Burgdorf. The damage was estimated at 500 euros. This is another incidence of vandalism after instances in the Novembers of 2022 and 2020.

Window's of St. Martin Church in Bad Orb smashed

April 7, 2024, Germany

On the night of April 6 to April 7 several windows of the St. Martins church in Bad Orb were smashed, resulting in a high damage.

Fire and Vandalism at Roßwein Church

April 6, 2024, Germany

On Saturday, April 6, unknown persons set fire to a memorial table of the Church in Roßwein and damaged the donation box.

Minors Set Altar on Fire

April 6, 2024, Austria

Two Children, one of them a 12-year-old boy, set a fire to the Serbian Orthodox Church of Our Lady in Feldkirch causing considerable damage. After searching the unlocked donation boxes for cash, they set the cloth at the altar in the back of the church on fire endangering liturgical objects.

Vandalism and Theft in Den Bosch Church

April 6, 2024, Netherlands

Burglars broke into St. John's Cathedral in Den Bosch, smashed stained-glass windows, emptied a fire extinguisher inside the building and stole a time capsule intended to be opened in the year 2122.

Arson attack on French Church

April 4, 2024, France

A fire broke out in the church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste in Agneaux on Thursday afternoon, April 4. According to police investigation's initial findings, the fire was intentional.

Desecration of Mission Cross

April 4, 2024, Poland

In the Church of St. Maksymilian Maria Kolbe in Bogatynia, a Mission Cross was chopped down over night.

Swastika Graffiti Smeared at Church Wall

April 4, 2024, Spain

A graffiti with the word "memory" and just below Nazi swastika in red were smeared at the wall of Church of Santa Maria in Marrón in the Cantabria region.

Armenian Church Demolished in Nagorno-Karabakh

April 4, 2024, Other

Between December 28, 2023 and April 4, 2024, St. John the Baptist Church (S. Hovhannes Mkrtich) in Nagorno-Karabakh was destroyed, according to Caucasus Heritage Watch, referring to satellite pictures. The church was built in 1818 had been a landmark in Shusha/Shushi.

After Two Fires Church Temporarily Closed

April 3, 2024, France

Within 24 hours two fires hit the Saint-Serge Church in Angers. On April 2, the altar of the chapel of the Virgin Mary was set on fire. On the next day a fire broke out in front of the Saint-Ambroise statue. A suspect women was spotted and arrested by the police.

Church Smeared with Eggs, Glue and Dog Excrement

April 3, 2024, United Kingdom

Rivertown Church in Shotton was subject to vandalism. Eggs were thrown at the rear door. Previously, glue and dog excrement were smeared on the same door. Furthermore, the church has seen damage to both locks and seats inside. In light of the church’s effort in running a community hub, the incident appears very distressing to volunteers and the church community.

Controversy about secular court ruling on dismissal of a nun under canonical procedure

April 3, 2024, France

In an unusual case, a secular civilian court has issued a ruling against the Vatican’s in-house canonical procedures in the case of the dismissal of a French nun from her order and has sparked discussions on religious autonomy. On April 3, the Lorient tribunal ruled in favour of a nun who turned to the French court after being removed from a monastery in Brittany. The Vatican replied in a written statement that such a ruling on "internal discipline and membership in a religious institute" would be a "serious violation of the fundamental rights to religious freedom and freedom of association of Catholic faithful."

Church of Villamarina vandalised

April 2, 2024, Italy

On April 2, The church of Villamarina in Cesenatico has been targeted by vandals. The incident was captured by surveillance cameras. This is not the first time the parish has been targeted: There have been incidents of vandalism and thefts in the past.

Church starts dialogue project after severe vandalism

April 2, 2024, Italy

On April 2, the parish priest of the St. Anthony's Oratory in Porto Mantovano, Trento, found the oratory severely vandalised. Next to smashed locks, broken doors and glass, damaged objects and furniture, there was dirt, a swastika and offensive writings on the floor. The incident, was only the latest in a series of vandalism attacks on the oratory. The priest therefore reached out to the community for help.

Scottish 'Hate Speech' Bill Could Limit Freedom of Religion

April 1, 2024, United Kingdom

The Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act 2021 came into force on April 1, 2024. The Act could criminalise expressions of religious convictions, religious and human rights groups fear.

Desecration of Jaén Church

April 1, 2024, Spain

Residents of the small village of El Centenillo are shocked by the desecration of the Church of the Immaculate Conception in April. Recordings of a couple having sex at the altar have been circulated through various WhatsApp groups. The diocese has condemned these events and is demanding several reparations to replace the damage to this sacred place.

The Valley of the Fallen Under Threat: Expulsion of Monks and Attack on Religious Heritage

April 1, 2024, Spain

The Valley of the Fallen, a Catholic monument of reconciliation built after the Spanish Civil War, is facing increasing political pressure from the Spanish government. Plans to evict the Benedictine monks, change the religious identity of the site and even remove the monumental cross raise serious concerns about religious freedom and historical revisionism.

Teacher Faces dismissal for Questioning 'Gender Transition' Advice to 8-year-old kid

March 31, 2024, United Kingdom

A Christian primary school teacher who questioned Stonewall and Mermaids' recommendations to support a "gender transition" of an 8-year-old student without providing any supporting medical data has lost her job and is the subject of numerous regulatory body inquiries. She has filed a complaint with the Employment Tribunal accusing the school of victimising her for making a complaint, unfair dismissal, and discrimination based on her religion.

Liturgical clothings and procession flags stolen from church

March 31, 2024, Germany

On March 31, a stole, procession flags and clothing were stolen from the Roman Catholic Church of the Assumption of Mary in Scheinfeld, Germany. The perpetrator was apparently hiding in the confessional during mass before stealing the objects. The man also damaged the confessional, which caused damage of approximately 200 euros.

Man Insults Congregation and Attacks Liturgical Servant During Mass

March 30, 2024, Poland

A 38-year-old disrupted the Holy Saturday celebrations at the All Saints parish in Jastrzębie-Zdrój. Entering the altar area, he loudly shouted vulgar words from the pulpit. When being asked to leave the altar stage, he attacked one of the liturgical servants as well as a police officer during arrest.

Thwarted Terrorist Attack on Notre Dame de Paris

March 30, 2024, France

An Egyptian man with links to ISIS has been arrested over a suspected terrorist attack on the Notre Dame Cathedral of Paris, as became known in the media on March 30. The man was arrested on March 5 by officers from the General Directorate of Internal Security (DGSI). Thanks to the work of the domestic intelligence services, the terrorist was identified, arrested for "criminal terrorist association" and placed in pre-trial detention.

"Never again!" Banner Stolen from Church Fence

March 30, 2024, Germany

In the night from Good Friday to Holy Saturday, unknown perpetrators removed a banner from the fence of St Sebastian's parish and stole it. The campaign slogan: "Never again! - Strong together for democracy and against right-wing extremism!" Investigations are ongoing. 

Theft and Vandalism in two Portuguese Churches

March 29, 2024, Portugal

In the night of Good Friday, two churches in the Portuguese towns Golegã and Pombalinho were subjects to theft and vandalism.

Good Friday: Altar of Neuhaus church damaged with fire

March 29, 2024, Germany

An unknown person damaged the altar in the Catholic Church in Neuhaus an der Pegnitz, Germany, on Good Friday, March 29. According to the police, the perpetrator apparently "held a candle to the altar in such a way that the wood and the altar cloth were damaged". Fortunately, the fire did not spread.

Threats for christians on easter persist

March 28, 2024, France

France is placing police officers in front of Christian churches during Easter. In response to the recent attack in Moscow, the French police have issued a warning of an elevated risk of terrorism. As a precautionary measure, police officers will be stationed outside every Christian church during the Easter period.

Man vandalises painting and physically assaults staff inside church

March 28, 2024, Italy

On March 28 a man entered the church of San Ignazio in Capri and vandalised the painting San Longino with a spray can and a knife. Following a brief altercation with Andrea Saltini and other visiting staff, the vandal physically assaulted the Capri artist. Saltini sustained a superficial wound to the neck, fortunately not inflicted by the knife.

Vandalism at St John's Church Alresford

March 28, 2024, United Kingdom

In the night before Maundy Thursday, Easter crosses and the noticeboard of Baptist St John's Church in Alresford were vandalised.

Public cross in Lias broken into pieces

March 26, 2024, France

In the morning of March 26, the historic public cross in the village Lias, France, was unseated from its pedestal and broken into 4 pieces.

Theft of bell from Chapel in Tulnik

March 23, 2024, Croatia

A thief stole a bell from the chapel, which belongs to Buk parish near Pleternica. The bell was taken from the cemetery chapel in Tulnik before March 23, according to the police of Požega-Slavonska.

Desecration at hospital chapel in Pozzuoli

March 22, 2024, Italy

The 'Santa Maria delle Grazie' in Pozzuoli was the site of a defecation, as reported by Don Giorgio Della Volpe, the parish priest of the hospital chapel. According to him, an individual used the altar cloth to clean himself after defecating in the chapel. The images showed a man defecating on the ground floor of the Phlegrei hospital, between the benches of the sacred place.

ISIS boasts of "killing Christians" in Moscow attack

March 22, 2024, Russia

On 22 March, a terrorist attack targeting an event location close to Moscow resulted in the deaths of at least 137 people. Gunmen armed with automatic weapons opened fire during a crowded concert at Crocus City Hall. ISIS statements claiming responsibility for the attack boasted of “killing Christians”.

Suspected arson at church of of St Julia

March 21, 2024, France

On the morning of Thursday, 21 March 2024, a fire broke out in the church of Saint-Agathe and Saint-Julien in the village of Saint-Julia. The canvas burned and when the mayor, Christian Lagente, entered the church at around 10 am, everything was engulfed in smoke. The mayor made the first attempts to extinguish the fire before help arrived.

Threats During Mass in Castellammare di Stabia

March 21, 2024, Italy

On Thursday 21 March, the mass in the church of San Marco in Castellammare di Stabia was violently interrupted. A person entered the church and disrupted the religious rite in progress. Witnesses reported that the man pointed his finger at the worshippers, made threatening gun-like gestures and pretended to shoot at them. The worshippers present reacted firmly and stood up to the intruder despite his intimidating behaviour. The man then shouted and left the church, aggressively slamming the doors behind him.

Bust of Christ Vandalised at Rennes Church

March 20, 2024, France

A bust of Christ was vandalised and the church door damaged in Church of Saint-Germain in Rennes. The vandalism was discovered by the parish priest, Father Philippe Hebert, on March 20. The priest lodged a complaint the next day, investigations are ongoing.

Crosses broken off model churches

March 20, 2024, Croatia

On 20 March, all the crosses of the bronze model of the city of Zagreb were broken off from the small model churches. The bronze model is located near the Zagreb Cathedral.

Desecration of church in Reggino

March 19, 2024, Italy

The church of San Giuseppe, in Melito Porto Salvo, in Reggino, was desecrated by unknown individuals. The perpetrators damaged the security cameras, forced entry into the church, stole the consecrated host and scatter the others. Furthermore, a sacred vessel was also taken.

Arson in St Benedict Church prevented by employee

March 19, 2024, Germany

An unknown person set fire to a seat cushion and a shrub that were placed in the front area of the church in Eisenharz for the upcoming First Communion. The fire was extinguished by an employee, but the pew and shrub were damaged. Fortunately, no one was injured.

Vandalism in three churches

March 19, 2024, Poland

On March 19, the church Jana Pawła Street, Konstantynów, was vandalised. The perpetrator kicked a cross, damaged three windows and knocked over tables, pews, and kneelers. The cost of the damage amounts to PLN 5,000.

Organ Damaged in Waltrop Church

March 19, 2024, Germany

On Tuesday, March 19, a fire extinguisher was emptied into the pipes of the organ in St Peter's Church.

Vandalism at cemetery of protestant cemetery in Schermbeck

March 18, 2024, Germany

Between Sunday, March 17, and Monday, March 18, the cemetery of the Protestant parish was vandalised. Silke Knoll from the parish is shocked. She reported that toilets were damaged and flower pots on graves were looted and broken. In addition, toilet paper was scattered across the meadow and gravesites. Water cranes at the watering points were also left on, causing water to run onto the pavements.

Christian artist banned from her own exhibition after expressing concerns about puberty blockers

March 18, 2024, United Kingdom

Victoria Culf, a Christian artist, was reported to police and banned from her own exhibition after telling a Watford council worker, back in June 2023, that due to her Christian world view and as a mother she didn’t think children should transition. She is now taking legal action.

Vandal destroys window at Lutheran Church

March 18, 2024, Germany

On the morning of Monday, March 18, the Lutheran City Church on Kirchstraße was shaken by an incident. An unknown person threw a stone through a window of the church, causing damage of around 1000 euros. The church organ was playing at the time. No one was injured.

Unknown persons vandalise church in Oberveischede

March 18, 2024, Germany

Unknown perpetrators have vandalised St Lucia's Church in the Oberveischede district of Olpe. Candles, prayer books and brochures from the wooden display are strewn across the floor. Even worse was the damage to the holy water font. The massive stone vessel was smashed. The culprit or culprits also stole 60 tea lights. The police are investigating.

Vandalism of a cross at a place of worship in Gornja Brijesnica

March 17, 2024, Bosnia and Herzegovina

The prayer cross in the village of Gornja Brijesnica, which belongs to Lukavac in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, has been damaged for the second time in the last three years.

Ten statues and plaques in cemetery of Bovekerke vandalised

March 16, 2024, Belgium

On March 16, the cemetery surrounding the church of Bovekerke (Koekelare) was vandalised. Approximately a dozen statues, ornaments, flowers, and memorial plaques had been destroyed. The affected graves are not all close together and often involve very old concessions. According to another resident, some crosses have also been removed from the graves.

"This is a Muslim area" smeared on Evangelical Church

March 16, 2024, United Kingdom

A radical muslim graffiti was spray-painted on the windows of Southchurch Christian Fellowship Centre on Saturday night, March 16. The graffiti, which read "This is a Muslim area", is now being investigated by Essex Police as racially aggravated criminal damage. Ms Champion, who discovered the vandalism, said: "To see someone committing such hateful behaviour is so heartbreaking. It makes me very angry. A colleague and I went to the church to remove the worst of it because we didn't want people to feel intimidated when they came to the Sunday service the next morning."

Woman attacked by burglar during mass

March 16, 2024, France

A woman was attacked by a burglar when entering Saint-Étienne Cathedral for mass on March 16.

Vicar Offers Aid After Church Theft

March 15, 2024, United Kingdom

While the choir was practising in the early evening of March 15, various donated items worth £1,000 were stolen from the St Matthew’s Church in Burnley. However, the vicar Father Alex Frost, reaches out to people in need offering help in response to the theft.

Excrements found in St Michael the Church in Marktrodach

March 15, 2024, Germany

The pastor of the Protestant church in Marktrodach discovered human excrement behind the altar in the afternoon of March 15. The perpetrator is unknown, but it appears to be a repeat occurrence. The police reported that this was not the first instance of such an act in the church.

St John's Church in Herford remains closed due to vandalism

March 15, 2024, Germany

For the past few months, incidents of vandalism and damages have occurred in the Neuer Markt church in the Herford district. The pews have repeatedly been pushed and knocked over, a curtain has been torn down, a large sign reading 'open church', which is usually located at the back of the church, has been removed and placed on the altar and leaflets removed from their displays and scattered around the room. Furthermore, there have been complaints in the past about unknown individuals leaving their excrement in the church. Although the number of incidents has decreased, faeces are unfortunately still occasionally discovered in the church.

South Korean pastor arrested for missionary work in Russia

March 15, 2024, Russia

Baek Kwang-Soon, a South Korean pastor was detained in Russia on espionage charges after being found to have been working with North Korean fugitives in Vladivostok. According to Lee Seong Gu, head of the Global Love Rice Sharing Foundation, Baek had been doing missionary work and providing clothes, food, and the Gospel to Russian, Thai, and North Korean workers in need. Baek was arrested earlier this year by Russian law enforcement authorities, as reported by Russian state news agency Tass on Monday, March 11.

Statue of Mary damaged by gunshot

March 14, 2024, Poland

On 14 March, an unknown person fired a gun at the statue of the Virgin Mary in the Chapel of the Mother of God in the village of Trojanów. Following the attack, the parish organised a Stations of the Cross in reparation for this "heartbreaking act". The police are investigating.

A Statue of the Virgin Mary was Riddled with Bullets

March 14, 2024, France

A statue of the Virgin Mary overlooking the Notre-Dame-des-Mines chapel in Alès was found riddled with bullets alongside other damage like graffiti and stones thrown at the roof, prompting an investigation and a public fundraising campaign.

Gravestones and a statue of Mary defaced with spray paint

March 12, 2024, Poland

In March 2025, a series of vandalism incidents targeting Christian sites were reported in the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship of Poland. According to local police spokesperson Marcin Krasucki, the first report came on 12 March from Piotrków Kujawski, where unknown perpetrators spray-painted and damaged nine gravestones in the town’s cemetery. Shortly after, a roadside statue of the Virgin Mary in the village of Jurków was defaced with spray paint and the surrounding fence was damaged. A third report came from the cemetery in Połajewo, where 11 gravestones were similarly vandalised with paint.

Vandalism of shrine: Statue of Mary smashed

March 12, 2024, Poland

On 12 March 2023, local media reported an act of vandalism against the chapel located in the office building of the Zamrzenica Forest District. An unknown perpetrator vandalised the shrine, destroying flower pots, flowers and candles, and smashing the statue of Mary.

Church and 50 graves desecrated with Islamist slogans

March 11, 2024, France

During the night of March 11, acts of vandalism were committed in the cemetery of the village Clermont-d'Excideuil. Inscriptions with Islamic references were found on graves, the war memorial, the church door, a calvary memorial, and a fountain. Some of the tags read "France is already Allah's", "Isa will break the cross" and "Submit to Islam". Altogether, more than 50 graves were smeared.

Arson at Catholic Church in Schriesheim

March 11, 2024, Germany

Unknown perpetrators set fire to the altar and other items in the Catholic church in Schriesheim. A woman entering the church noticed the smoke and immediately alerted the fire brigade. Commander Oliver Scherer described the church as completely smoky inside, with a visible glow in the altar area. Police are investigating arson.

Vandalism in Börwang church

March 11, 2024, Germany

Unknown perpetrators vandalised a church in Börwang (Oberallgäu district) on Monday, March 11. The police reported that hot candle wax was spread and a swastika was painted on the church wall. The estimated damage is in the three-figure range.

Islamic tags on Notre Dame de Partout chapel

March 10, 2024, France

On Sunday, March 10, the mayor of Saint-Mesmin discovered that the Notre-Dame-de-Partout chapel in Périgord Vert and the cross facing it were sprayed with graffiti. The tags are reading "the cross will be broken", "convert yourselves" and "Allah". This is only one incident in a series of similar vandalism attacks in the region.

Collegiate Church in Poissy smeared with anti-Christian graffiti

March 9, 2024, France

On March 9, the inscription 'Jesus NTM', an anti-Christian graffiti, was discovered at the back of the city's main religious building, the Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame de Poissy. The inscription stands for 'F*ck your mother' and was found at the back of the 12th-century building, which is classified as a historical monument. The graffiti was believed to have been made the previous night.

Christians violently assaulted at Metz Cathedral after Rosary

March 9, 2024, France

On Saturday, March 9, a group which was praying the rosary at the Cathedral Saint-Étienne de Metz in response to the inclusion of abortion in the constitution, was violently attacked by members of the Antifa.

Episcopal Palace in Barcelona Defaced with Paint During 8 March Protest

March 8, 2024, Spain

Feminists from "Futuro Vegetal" have thrown purple paint at the façade of the Episcopal Palace in Barcelona.