All cases

Terrorists Attack on Church in Istanbul Leaves one Dead and several Injured

January 28, 2024, Turkey

On January 28 at 11.40 local time two masked gunmen walked into a Sunday mass at the Santa Maria Catholic Church in Istanbul's Sariyer district and fired two shots killing a person and leaving several injured. The Islamic State claims responsibility for the attack.

Vandalism and Theft the Sanctuary of the Angels in Cuneo

January 28, 2024, Italy

The Sanctuary of the Angels Church has repeatedly been a target of vandalism. Most recently, the statue of the Madonna was found on the ground with its little finger missing. While in the past it was mostly the candles in front of the statue of the Madonna which disappeared, this time a vase of holy water was stolen in the church.

Satanists leave 1000 Euros in Damage due to Church Vandalism

January 28, 2024, Germany

A pentagram was painted on the side entrance door of St. Vitus Church in Blumberg. An external electronic sensor and a lamp have also been damaged.

Woman harassed by Metropolitan Police for Publicly Signing Gospel Songs

January 28, 2024, United Kingdom

Harmonie London was performing in London's Oxford Street when a Metropolitan Police special constable told her: “No, miss, you’re not allowed to sing church songs outside of church grounds, by the way”.

Religious Statue Vandalised in Košute

January 28, 2024, Croatia

On January 28, unknown perpetrators smashed the statue of Blessed Alojzije Cardinal Stepinac in front of the parish church in Košute.

Baptismal font and Stations of the Cross stolen

January 27, 2024, Germany

During the night of 27-28 January, unknown perpetrators stole the baptismal font and several stations of the cross from the Catholic Liebfrauenkirche in Sinsen, Germany.

Man Set Fire around and inside Bordeaux-Caudéran church

January 27, 2024, France

On January 27, a man set a fire outside of the church in a bin before going inside the church and trying to set the altar on fire. He also attempted to set fire to a chair. He was quickly stopped by parishioners before the police came and arrested him.

Analysis: Increased anti-Christian vandalism during the Christmas season

January 26, 2024, Italy

OIDAC Europe's analysis shows an increase of anti-Christian incidents over Christmas. Next to tightened security due to terrorism threats to some major churches in European cities, a high number of vandalism of nativity scenes in Italy is raising concerns.

Eggs Thrown at Church

January 26, 2024, Germany

An unknown perpetrator threw eggs at the entrance doors of a church. This caused property damage and the police are investigating for the offense of disrupting the practice of religion.

Vandalism at St. Peter and Paul church Lindenberg

January 26, 2024, Germany

An unknown perpetrator threw rotten eggs at the five doors of St. Peter and Paul church Lindenberg. The parish priest said he did not believe that this was simply a joke by youth. This is not the first time the church has been targeted.

Church in Saint-Chély-d'Apcher vandalised with red spray paint

January 26, 2024, France

On the night of Thursday, January 25 to Friday, January 26, 2024, the facades of the church in Saint-Chély-d'Apcher was vandalised with red spray paint.

Vandal Targeted Haussy Church: Religious Statues Stolen and Defaced

January 26, 2024, France

A man was identified after stealing sacred objects and vandalizing a statue inside the Saint-Pierre church in Haussy, France.

Church vandalised with spray-painting

January 24, 2024, Germany

On the evening of January 24, the church of St Jodok was vandalised. An unknown person painted the façade of the church and the entrance area. A political motivation for the graffiti has been ruled out. Graffiti damage amounts to €1,000. The police are appealing for witnesses.

Thieves Steal Cross and Statutes from Salford Church

January 22, 2024, United Kingdom

A statue of Jesus on a crucifix was stolen from outside a church using an electric saw. Along with a kneeling angel and a kneeling figure of St Bernadette.

Metropolitan Longin attacked in Bancheny

January 22, 2024, Ukraine

On the night of January 22, 2024, an unknown person attacked the Ukrainian Orthodox Metropolitan Longinus of Bancheny, severely striking the bishop in the face. Metropolitan Longin lost consciousness, and surgery was performed on his eyelids.

Basque Protest Group Interrupts Mass and Vandalises Churches

January 21, 2024, Spain

Members of "Defentsa Komunitatea", a youth section of the Basque independence and nationalist movement, interrupted a mass throwing leaflets and fake money. During the last weeks some churches in Azpeitia and Beasain, as well as churches in Lasao, Arroa and Aizarna, have also been vandalized by members of that same group.

Vandalism to the Church of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary

January 21, 2024, Russia

In the Kalininsky district of St. Petersburg, vandals painted the walls of the Church of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary at the Peter the Great Polytechnic University (SPbPU). The archpriest said that unknown persons painted offensive slogans on the wall of the building. The police are currently investigating.

Church vandalised with anti-Semitic slur

January 19, 2024, Netherlands

On January 19, an anti-Israel tag "F*ck Israel" was discovered on the floor of the New Church of Putten in Gelderland, the Netherlands. On New Year's Eve 2023, the memorial space in the same Veluwe village was also covered with a green star of David and the date "7 October 2023". This was a direct reference to the day when Hamas carried out a major terrorist attack on Israel, killing 1200 people.

Cemetery vandalism

January 16, 2024, Spain

On January 16, some hooded men, during the early morning, destroyed the graves and tore off crosses and other religious images from the cemetery of Espinardo, Murcia, in order to steal them.

Parish priest in Varapodio physically attacked

January 15, 2024, Italy

On January 15, Father Giovanni Rigoli, the parish priest of Varapodio, was attacked and intimidated after a funeral service at the parish church of Santo Stefano.

Vandalism and Desecration of Bible in Ossingen Church

January 14, 2024, Switzerland

Over the weekend of 13-14 January, the Reformed Church in Ossingen (Weinland Mitte) was vandalised. According to local news reports, the perpetrator also tried to set fire to the Bible on display.

Church walls vandalised with Nazi symbols

January 13, 2024, Poland

On 13 January 2024, the walls of the Protestant Church of Peace in Świdnica, Lower Silesia, were vandalised and painted with Nazi symbols and slogans insulting Prime Minister Donald Tusk. One suspect has been arrested.

Teaching Assistant Wins Legal Case After Being Fired for Street Preaching

January 12, 2024, United Kingdom

In March 2022, Andy Nix, 65, was called to the headteacher's office from Temple Moor High School and interrogated about his street preaching in the summer of 2021. This happened after some students complained that his street preaching made them feel "unsafe". He was fired on the spot and had to leave the school premises immediately. Supported by the Christian Legal Centre (CLC), Mr Nix took legal action against the school claiming harassment, discrimination and a breach of his right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion under Article 9 of the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR). Now, the school decided to settle the case and pay him £7,000 in compensation instead of going to trial.

UPDATE: Prosecutor Will Take Päivi Räsänen Case to The Supreme Court

January 12, 2024, Finland

After the Court of Appeal cleared Päivi Räsänen of all charges in November 2023, the prosecutor has decided to take the case against the Finnish politician to the Supreme Court of Finland. The case started back in 2019 due to do social media postings by Mrs. Räsänen, in which she quoted a bible verse and asked the Finnish Lutheran Church to stop the support of the Helsinki Gay Pride Parade. Part of the charges were also directed against the Lutheran bishop Juhana Pohjola, who published a booklet by Mrs Räsänen about the Christian teaching on marriage and family.

Glass door of Guildford Cathedral smashed to pieces in senseless vandalism act

January 12, 2024, United Kingdom

As reported on January 12, vandals have caused considerable damage to the iconic glass panes at Guildford Cathedral. The door, which had sentinel angels engraved by a renowned glass artist, has been smashed. The Cathedral team said they were devastated by a “senseless act of vandalism at a holy place.”

Prayer book set on fire in church

January 12, 2024, Germany

On January 12, someone set fire to a prayer book in the Weihenlinden church in Germany. Thanks to the quick action of the people who were in the church, the damage was limited to a few pages of the book. Earlier, two children had pointed out a man smoking next to the book of wishes. The police have launched an investigation and are appealing for witnesses.

Fire set on church of San Matteo

January 9, 2024, Italy

On January 9, someone set fire to wooden pallets leaning against the walls of the Salesian Oratory of San Matteo in Messina, Italy. The fire blackened the walls of the church and the pavement. The incident was reported to the police by the oratory's director, Don Gabriele Cardaciatto. "We consider certain behaviours to be absurd and unseemly incivility," said Raffaele Verso, President of the V Municipality of Messina.

St. John Church in Barcelona vandalised by left-wing group

January 9, 2024, Spain

On January 9, the church of Saint John in Barcelona, Spain, was vandalised by the left-wing organisation ARRAN. The church is considered a cultural asset of the city. The incident was published in X by and several users called for ARRAN to be fined.

Hosts and sacred objects stolen

January 8, 2024, Italy

On January 8, between 2am and 4am, thieves broke into the sanctuary of Beata Vergine dell'Olmo in Portomaggiore, Italy, and stole hosts, sacred objects, video and sound equipment, and damaged the interior of the church. When the parish priest, Don Ugo Berti, went to prepare for the first mass of the day at 6.30am he found the church door open. At first he thought it was an accident, but then he saw that the entrance had been forced open in several places. He quickly alerted the authorities. "I am afraid it was a theft on behalf of Satanists: the hosts could be used to celebrate black masses," the parish priest said.

Arson to Monastery in Stavronikita, Greece

January 8, 2024, Greece

On January 8, the Holy Monastery of Stavronikita on Mount Athos suffered an arson attack. A 63-year-old man has been arrested, after being reported by one of the monks as the suspected perpetrator, and he confessed to being involved in the arson attack.

Arson to Church in Pula, Croatia

January 7, 2024, Croatia

On January 7, unknown perpetrators started a fire in front of the church in Pula. As a witness reported, the vandals placed two burning boards in front of the large wooden door, which was quickly engulfed by the fire. The police have started an investigation and are looking for the perpetrators. The church held a mass on the same day to pray for the ones who committed the act.

"God doesn't exist" graffiti sprayed on Mendigorría church

January 6, 2024, Spain

On the eve of Epiphany, the church in Mendigorría, Spain, was spray-painted with two graffiti reading "God does not exist".

Windows of St Jame's Church repeatedly smashed

January 5, 2024, United Kingdom

The stained galss windows of St James's Church in west London have been repeatedly smashed accross five nights. In total, they have been broken through 16 times. In some cases the panes have been damaged, in others they have been completely destroyed.

Man caused £35,000 worth of damage to church windows

January 5, 2024, United Kingdom

Over the course of five nights, an individual repeatedly attacked St James' church in London, damaging virtually every panel of the church's window. Some panels have been completely destroyed, others badly damaged.

ISIS issues global call to kill Jews and Christians

January 4, 2024, International

On Thursday, January 4, the IS militia once again claimed responsibility for the terrorist attack in Kerman, Iran. It also issued a global call to attack Jews and Christians, particularly in Europe and the US. In a recorded message, the spokesperson of ISIS, Abu Huzaifa Al-Ansari, urged extremist Islamists to kill "Christians, Jews and their allies in the streets of Europe, the United States and the world." He also specifically called for targeting churches.

Recidivist thief arrested for church burglary

January 4, 2024, Poland

In Łomża, Poland, a 28-year-old man was arrested. In December, he "broke the display case of the painting of Our Lady of Częstochowa and stole the decorations from inside".

Cross in Tarnów vandalised

January 4, 2024, Poland

A roadside cross with a figure of Christ was found vandalised in Tarnów, Poland. The corpus on the cross has been severely damaged.

Nativity scene in Turin destroyed

January 4, 2024, Italy

On January 4, the nativity scene and Christmas tree were destroyed in an act of vandalism in the 5th district of Turin. The president of the district, Enrico Crescimanno, announced that an investigation would be launched to identify the vandals. He also described the act as "a disgraceful gesture against the representation of the Nativity".

Statue of Jesus stolen from Nativity Scene - and Returned

January 4, 2024, Italy

On New Year's Eve, the the statue of Infant Jesus was stolen from a nativity shrine on Umberto I Square in Orbassano, near Turin. However, on January 4 the statue reappeared on the steps of St. John the Baptist Parish with a letter of apology: "I apologise for the stupid gesture. Please put it back where it belongs. Thank you".

Arson attack on Lutheran church in Halle

January 3, 2024, Germany

On January 3, a Lutheran church in Halle, Germany, was set on fire. The police assume it was an arson attack. "Witnesses became aware of the fire at the entrance to the church and were able to prevent the fire from spreading further", said the police spokesperson. As a result of the arson attack, the entrance door is damaged. The police is investigating the case.

Statue of Infant Jesus thrown into Garda Lake

January 3, 2024, Italy

Vandals attacked a Nativity scene in Salò, Italy. The figure of the Infant Jesus from the Nativity Scene of the local fire brigade was thrown into the Garda Lake between the 2nd and 3rd of January. The friends of the Salò fire brigade comment that "the baby Jesus was uprooted from his cradle and thrown into the waters in front of the site designated to house the Nativity." They also reported that the figure of St Joseph was also replaced.

Cologne Cathedral Terrorist Attack Plot uncovered

January 2, 2024, Germany

A plot to bomb Cologne's Catholic cathedral has been uncovered by police. "The attack was to have been carried out with a car packed with explosives," the local media announced. As a result of the plot, five men were arrested between 26 and 31 December, all of them allegedly linked to Islamic extremists. The Cologne police spokesman said that the police would maintain security at the cathedral.

Nativity Scene in Jastrzebie Destroyed

January 2, 2024, Poland

Between 1 and 2 January, the Jastrzębie-Zdrój Municipal Police Station received a report concerning devastation of a nativity scene. Four figurines were damaged and another two figurines were stolen and then destroyed by smashing, officers said.

Statue of Jesus stolen from Nativity Scene

January 2, 2024, France

In the church of Saint-Etienne de Faux-la-Montagne, the figure of the Christ Child was stolen from the crib of the nativity scene. The theft was discovered by the parish priest on 2 January.

Nativity scene Figures beheaded in Florence

January 2, 2024, Italy

Every year dozens of nativity scenes are set up along the Via dei Presepi. This Christmas, one of them was found with eight out of ten human figures decapitated, as it was reported by the police on January 2nd. The figures of the animals were also damaged. The incident has been described as a "sacrilegious surgical act". This event was also communicated on social media by the councillor, Susi Giglioli.

Arson attack on St John the Evangelist church

January 1, 2024, United Kingdom

Fire was set to St John the Evangelist church in Enfield. Forty firefighters were needed to extinguish the fire. It has been confirmed by the police that this was an arson attack. The fire started by the high altar and damaged stained-glass windows and artefacts.

Statue of Jesus from Nativity Scene Beheaded

January 1, 2024, Italy

On January 1st, unknown vandals smashed the statue of the Child Jesus in Gorla Maggiore, Italy, in broad daylight. Mayor Pietro Zappamiglio expressed "great sadness and bitterness at what has happened." It is hoped that the vandals were caught on church cameras.

Burglar robs church and damages valuable statue

January 1, 2024, Poland

On New Year's Day, a man stole money from a church in Sopot, Poland. During the robbery he broke a valuable figure worth more than 1,000 PLN.

Vandals smash 25 windows at church

January 1, 2024, Germany

25 windows of St John's Church in Salzhausen were damaged by vandals at the beginning of January. Unknown persons had smashed the windows with fist-sized rocks and caused damage of 42,000 euros.

Sacred objects stolen from Kassel church

December 31, 2023, Germany

Sacred objects were stolen from the chapel of the Apostles of the Romanian Orthodox Church in Kassel, Germany, on 31 December, according to police. The thieves also caused damage to the church. The identity of the burglars is unknown and the police are still looking for witnesses.

The statue of the Infant Jesus was decapitated in Alliste

December 31, 2023, Italy

It was reported that on New Year's Eve, unknown perpetrators vandalised the nativity scene of the parish church of San Quintino in Alliste, targeting the statue of the infant Jesus. The parish priest commented: "An outburst by our children that should make us reflect".

Nativity Scene Vandalised with Blue Paint

December 31, 2023, Germany

On January 4, a nativity scene was vandalised with blue paint outside the parish church of Großenbach-Hünfeld, Germany. The local community is shocked about the incident.

Statue of St John of Nepomuk repeatedly vandalised

December 31, 2023, Poland

On the night of 31 December to 1 January, unknown perpetrators destroyed a statue of St John of Nepomuk on Odmętowa Street in Kraków. This is the second such incident in a short period of time. A similar incident occurred in April 2023, just before Easter.

Three churches in Bauska broken into

December 31, 2023, Latvia

Between 30 and 31 December, three churches in Bauska were broken into. As the locks were broken, there was material damage in addition to the stolen goods.

Figure of Jesus stolen from nativity scene

December 31, 2023, Germany

The figure of the Infant Jesus has been stolen from the nativity scene in the Church of Christ in Niebull, Germany. The caretaker of the nativity scene, Ursula Mast-Christiansen, is appealing for the baby Jesus to be returned immediately.

Via Crucis vandalised in Mavignola

December 31, 2023, Italy

In the night from December 31 to January 1, unknown perpetrators have damaged the stations of the Via Crucis, defacing them and committing severe vandalism. According to the councilor of the Municipality of Pinzolo, Luca Vidi, the statue of Christ was stolen from the first of the stations of the cross. Other stations have been defaced with "unrepeatable slogans" against "the Church, Christianity and the Pope". "Some people are not educated as they should be, and there is no respect for the common heritage, ignoring the fact that it was created with everyone's efforts," the councillor commented.

Statue of Mary Vandalised for the Second Time

December 31, 2023, Hungary

On New Year's Eve a newly restored statue of Mary has been vandalised for the second time in Dunavecse, Hungary. Unknown perpetrators smashed the head of the statue and trampled its pieces.

Another Nativity scene vandalised in Italy

December 31, 2023, Italy

On New Year's Eve, vandals destroyed the nativity scene in Campogalliano, Italy. The crib was built by local volunteers. Unknown vandals destroyed the figures and also damaged a nearby bus station.

Nativity Scene Vandalism: Statue of Infant Jesus destroyed

December 31, 2023, Italy

A statue of the infant Jesus of the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie was found destroyed on New Year's Eve. The figure was found with its arm and head cut off. The head is still missing. The village, which has only 198 inhabitants, is wondering who could have done such a thing.

Baby Jesus Figure Beheaded and torn into pieces

December 31, 2023, Italy

As it was reported at the end of December 2023, the nativity scene in Piazza della Repubblica in Monfalcone, Italy, has been attacked. The statuette of baby Jesus was found decapitated and smashed to pieces. The police are investigating. The mayor, Anna Maria Christi, said that everything is being done to find those responsible.

Cemetery vandalism and thefts: Berlin Police recorded 170 cases in 2023

December 31, 2023, Germany

170 incidents of cemetery vandalism and thefts were recorded for the region of Berlin in 2023. These are the numbers the German Senate Department for the Interior and Sport published on July 29, 2024, responding to a parliamentary enquiry.

Nativity scene destroyed in Rome

December 30, 2023, Italy

On December 30, a nativity scene was destroyed in the Setticamini area of Rome, Italy. The crib was built by the citizens. The vandals "destroyed the face of Mary, they broke the hand of Saint Joseph, they tore down all the decorations and scattered them everywhere".

Jesus figure stolen from nativity scene

December 30, 2023, Spain

On December 30, the statue of the child Jesus was stolen from the nativity scene on Plaza dela Hispanidad in Cuenca. In a statement, the Consistory lamented that once again this year these acts of vandalism have targeted a heritage "that belongs to everyone".

Angel statue stolen from church

December 29, 2023, France

On 29 December 2023, an angel statue was stolen from Saint Peter's Church in Sète, France. The theft has been reported to the authorities and the police are investigating. The thief would have stolen the angel during church opening hours.

Figure of Infant Jesus stolen from Church

December 29, 2023, Italy

On January 29, Don Severino Bernardini, the parish priest of Sant'Agnese, noticed that the crib was empty: the baby Jesus had been stolen. This is not the first time that this has happened in the parish. Hopefully the priest, who is a man of vision, had another baby figurine in stock. However, Don Severino left a note in the cradle to try and move the thief's heart: "Please take me back to my crib". Although the missing figurine has been replaced, the parish priest hopes that the thief will return the stolen baby Jesus.

Thieves stole 30 crucifixes from cemeteries

December 27, 2023, Spain

Through the theft of up to 30 copper or brass crucifixes severe damage was caused in the cemeteries of Pantoja, Seseña and Borox, in the province of Toledo. Three thieves broke into the municipal cemeteries and tore the crucifixes off the tombstones, causing damage amounting to 20,000 euros in the Pantoja cemetery alone.

Arson attack on Maria Namen Church in Vienna

December 26, 2023, Austria

On December 26, unknown perpetrators set fire to the entrance of Maria Namen Parish Church in the 16th district of Vienna, Austria. A construction site toilet, which had been placed at the entrance of the church due to current rennovations, has been set on fire and completely melted. Apparently, fire accelerants must have been used. The parish priest, Jesus David Jean Villalobos, suspects arson.

Baby Jesus Torn into Pieces By Young Vandals

December 26, 2023, Italy

In Muggio, Italy, vandals damaged the Nativity scene by destroying first a sheep and later the statue of baby Jesus. The act was caught by the security camera and handed over to the police. Also, the parish priest of the Madonna del Castagno pastoral community, Don Maurizio Tremolada, published a video on his Facebook page showing the young people who entered the hut around 26 December and wrote a letter addressed to those who had destroyed the statue of the baby Jesus. In the letter, he invites the perpetrators to make up for their actions.

Aggressive Disruption of Christmas Mass

December 25, 2023, Poland

On December 25, 2023, a 50-year-old man disrupted a solemn Christmas mass celebrated in the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Koscielny Square in Łódź. The perpetrator interrupted the celebration of the service by behaving aggressively and shouting obscenities.

Arrest after prevented terror attack on Cologne's Cathedral

December 24, 2023, Germany

A 30-year-old man from Tajikistan has been arrested in connection with the terror warning for Cologne's Cathedral. Shortly before Christmas, the German police had received indications about a planned terrorist attack on the Cathedral. The police presumes an Islamist extremist motive. Cologne's Cathedral has been closed outside church service hours due to security concerns since Christmas.

Nativity scene violently destroyed

December 24, 2023, Italy

On Christmas Eve, street cameras caught a group of people damaging the nativity scene on the sqaure of Uboldo. The figures were "furiously kicked, punched and beaten". Someone also sat on the cradle and damaged it. The Major has announced that appropriate action will be taken.

18th century crucifix stolen on Christmas Eve

December 24, 2023, Sweden

On Christmas Eve, someone stole the 18th-century crucifix from St Nokolai's Church in Sweden. The thefts must have happened during the Christmas Eve celebration.

Repeated Thefts of Nativity Figures in Ancenis

December 24, 2023, France

Repeated thefts of figures from nativity scenes have been reported at Ancenis church.

Arrests after Prevented Potential Attack on Cathedral

December 23, 2023, Austria

Austria has increased security measures over Christmas due to threats of Islamist terror attacks. The suspected targets should have been Vienna's Cathedral and a few other churches. The Tajik man arrested in Germany was allegedly part of a terrorist group discovered in Vienna. The police is suspecting an Islamist terrorist motive and a connection to the ISIS-K (Islamic State - Khorasan Province). Although the suspect fled, a few other suspected terrorists, namely a man from Chechnya, another Tajik man and a woman from Turkey, were arrested before Christmas. The fugitive was arrested in Germany and is awaiting extradition to Austria.

Church Defaced with Paint just before Christmas

December 23, 2023, Poland

On December 23, three juvenile residents vandalised a church in Gostynin, Poland. The walls of the church was spray painted in blue. The tags show insults and possible slogans related to Catholicism. A police investigation was launched and the vandals were identified thanks to the city surveillance.

Statue from Nativity Scene Stolen and Church Damaged Before Christmas

December 23, 2023, Italy

On the 23rd of December, it was reported that a statuette of the nativity scene in the church of Valdagno was stolen. Now, the crib will be secured behind bars. The thieves stole the statue of a priest holding a monstrance and by doing so they also damaged the door, some pews and the steps to the entrance door, where another statue was ripped off. The police were notified.

Nativity scene figures stolen and damaged

December 23, 2023, Germany

Between December 23 and 30, three figures were stolen from the nativity scene in St Anthony's Church in Amberg, Germany. In addition, a fourth figure was completely smashed. The police are asking anyone with information to contact them.

Desecration of La Piarre Church

December 23, 2023, France

According to the local diocese, the parish church of La Piarre has been desecrated with the theft of a chalice and the desecration of consecrated hosts.

School eliminates Jesus from Christmas play

December 21, 2023, Italy

A primary school in Agna, Padua, decided to change its Christmas play by removing Christian references, including the name of Jesus, replaced by Cùcù, and the nativity scene. Teachers said they made the decision to avoid discontent among families of different faiths, but it offended Catholic parents. The play was changed without the parents' knowledge. Some families decided not to send their children to class in protest.

Sculptures Stolen From Church in Rietavas

December 21, 2023, Lithuania

On November 20, three wooden sculptures, included in the register of cultural values, disappeared from the church in Rietavas, Lithuania.

Religious statues and car of priest vandalised

December 21, 2023, Belarus

On December 21, an unknown perpetrator wrought havoc on the grounds of the church of St. Michael the Archangel in Smorgon. Several religious statues and the priest's car were damaged. The man shouted that the Catholic Church should "get out of here".

Vicious graffiti on church in Budel

December 21, 2023, Netherlands

On December 21, slogans attacking the asylum seekers' centre, a swastika and other symbols were found on the walls of the Church of Our Lady in Budel, North Brabant. On the side wall of the church building, texts were found such as 'azc weg' ('close down the asylum seekers' center'), 'own people first' and 'f*ck the police'. There is also a middle finger on one of the entrances to the church and a picture of the Prophet Muhammad on the church building.

Armenian Church of St. Mary in Sweden Vandalized Before Christmas

December 20, 2023, Sweden

St. Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church in Södertälje, Sweden, was the target of a raid on 20 December. Intruders gained access through a window leading to a room used for various ceremonies and stole valuable items with great sentimental value for the community. “We didn’t expect this. We are facing an empty altar before Christmas,” said Alexander Sharoyan, the church’s representative. A police investigation has been initiated.

Nativity scene destroyed by fire

December 20, 2023, Italy

On December 20, a fire destroyed the nativity scene in the parish church of Brentonico, Rome. A woman raised the alarm when she saw the church was completely filled with smoke. The parish priest, Don Daniele Laghi, suspects arson, as the nativity scene had already vandalised a few weeks ago. The police have opened an investigation to establish the facts.

Vandalism of Graveyard of Saint Eunan's Cathedral

December 19, 2023, Ireland

Between December 19 and January 3, unknown persons broke and pulled down several headstones in the graveyard of Saint Eunan's Cathedral in Raphoe, Ireland. Some were broken, other stones were pulled out of the ground. Local police are appealing to anyone with information about the vandalism.

Crosses will not be removed from Bavaria's state buildings

December 19, 2023, Germany

A German High Court rejected the claim that the presence of a cross infringes on the religious freedom of the plaintiffs. On December 19, the Federal Administrative Court of Leipzig dismissed a lawsuit against a Bavarian decree (Kreuzerlass) from 2018, which required the display of crosses in public institutions "as an expression of the historical and cultural identity of Bavaria".

Threats against Church in Geesthacht

December 19, 2023, Germany

According to the local police, St. Salvatoris parish church in Geesthacht, Germany, received a threatening letter. Due to security concerns, the parish had to cancel several events, including the nativity play. The Christmas church service is going to take place with police protection and restrictions.

Vandalism to Bethlehem Church Construction Site in Clamecy

December 19, 2023, France

The construction site of Bethlehem Church in Clamecy was broken into and vandalised on December 19, 2023. On site, construction equipment was manipulated, diesel siphoned off and some of the keys to the equipment were stolen.

Repeated theft of Jesus figure from nativity scene

December 19, 2023, Spain

On December 19, the Jesus figure from the nativity scene in Benimaclet, Valencia, was stolen again, only ten days after it had previously been stolen and replaced by a caricature. This time, the vandals did not only steal the Jesus figure, but have also painted the word "eviction" on the wooden planks protecting the crib.

Woman forced off public street by police while praying

December 18, 2023, United Kingdom

Livia Tossici-Bolt, a 63-year old charitable volunteer, has filed a complaint against officers who forced her off a public street where she was peacefully praying and holding a sign. While the officers accused her of breaching the local "buffer zone" legislation, Mrs. Tossici-Bolt was actually not standing within the zone, as video evidence confirms.

Nativity Scene Figures Beheaded

December 17, 2023, Germany

In the German town Rüsselsheim all figures of a nativity scene, including the depiction of baby Jesus, Joseph, Mary and the three Wise Men, have been beheaded in an act of vandalism. The damage was discovered on December 17. According to a report, the nativity scene, which was part of a Christmas marked, looked like a battlefield and the figure of Jesus in the manger was found beneath the rubble.

Pectoral Cross of Cardinal Wyszynski Stolen From Pilgrimage Church

December 17, 2023, Germany

A pectoral cross donated to the Church in Ortenburg, Germany, by Cardinal Wyszynski was stolen. Unknown perpetrators brok into the case in which it was stored to steal the cross.

Host and sacred objects stolen from the Holy Family Church

December 17, 2023, Poland

On December 17, the tabernacle of the Holy Family Church in Łódź was broken into and the host as well as monstrances, chalices, cans, and other items were stolen.

Cumbrae Church's Nativity Scence Vandalised

December 16, 2023, United Kingdom

A Christmas nativity scene at Cumbrae Parish Church was vandalised in Millport. Among other damages, the figure of Mary had been beheaded. The church community is shocked about the incident.

Former auxiliary bishop assaulted and seriously injured

December 16, 2023, Germany

The former Auxiliary Bishop of Hildesheim, Nikolaus Schwerdtfeger, has been the victim of an attack in his home and is being treated in intensive care.

St Anna church remains closed indefinitely after vandalism and threats

December 15, 2023, Germany

St Anne's Church in Stendal has been closed since December due to vandalism and intimidation. As reported on 28 February the church is still not receiving regular visitors and is only open for worship service.

France refuses Iranian Christian convert asylum

December 15, 2023, France

Ata Fathimaharlooei, an Iranian convert to Christianity, has received a deportation order after his asylum application has been refused in France. A return, however, would be very dangerous as he is threatened with death for apostasy in Iran.

Makovecs Square nativity scene destroyed

December 14, 2023, Hungary

On December 14, a nativity scene displayed on the main square in Markó, Hungary, was destroyed by unknown persons. The nativity scene, which was awarded the most beautiful in the country in 2020, was found with all the human figures decapitated, while the animal figures were untouched. The incident was reported to the police. Some of the figures appear to have been damaged beyond repair.

Stained glass window of St. Martinus Church damaged

December 14, 2023, Germany

On December 14, damage was caused to St. Martinus Church in Böttingen. An unknown perpetrator smashed the stained glass window integrated into the sacristy's concrete glass window, causing damage amounting to around 1,000 euros. The police are investigating.

Three Christians Sentenced to Jail for Conscientious Objection to Military Service

December 13, 2023, Ukraine

In the past months, three Protestant Christians have been sentenced to jail for conscientious objections to military service on religious grounds in Ukraine. One of them, Dmytro Zelensky, is imprisoned after his acquittal was reversed by the Ternopil Appeal Court in August 2023. He has been sentenced to three years in prison and is currently preparing his appeal to the High Court.