All cases
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.
Vandals attack Neuenkirchen church during service and desecrate cemetery
January 24, 2025, GermanyAt around 4.30pm on 24 January 2025, unknown individuals threw two stones through a window of the St Laurentius church in Neuenkirchen during a service. The following day, parishioners discovered that 14 graves in the nearby cemetery had been desecrated. The perpetrators had knocked over grave lamps and bronze vases, and destroyed porcelain figurines and vases with their feet. The police are investigating both attacks on the St Laurentius parish. The damage is estimated at €2,000.
Smear on Christian politicians in Austria
January 24, 2025, AustriaIn Austria, an official report on 'right-wing extremism' has been heavily criticised for defaming Christian politicians and placing traditional Christian beliefs in the context of 'right-wing extremism'. The Christian politicians named in the report reacted with shock and indignation. One of them, Jan Ledóchowski, whose ancestors were murdered by the Nazis, pointed out the absurdity of associating Catholic positions with right-wing extremism. Christian politician Gudrun Kugler, who the report unfoundedly claims was elected by a 'right-wing milieu', called the report unscientific and trivialised genuine right-wing extremism.
Woman set fire to the Holy Scriptures
January 23, 2025, PolandOn 23 January, a 43-year-old woman set fire to a Bible in a church in Kępno and threw a vase and candles from the altar.
Another attack on a church in the Sardinia region
January 23, 2025, ItalyOn the night of 23 January, unknown assailants vandalised the church of San Francesco in Oristano. The Christian community in Sardinia has suffered numerous attacks on religious sites in recent weeks. The police are now investigating all the incidents.
Sacrilegious theft in Sarajevo
January 21, 2025, Bosnia and HerzegovinaOn 21 January, unknown assailants broke into the convent church of the Sisters of Charity of St Vinka in the centre of Sarajevo and stole the vessel monstrance the large consecrated host, scattering the other smaller ones in the sanctuary. Several other items were also stolen.
Facade of convent vandalised with pro-abortion tags
January 20, 2025, FranceOn 20 January, the façade of the Grande Bretèche convent, home to the Dominican Sisters of the Presentation, was vandalised with pro-abortion inscriptions in a repeat of a similar attack last year. This is the second year in a row that the convent has been vandalised after hosting a pro-life event.