All cases

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, Spain

On 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, Poland

An 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, Germany

An 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, Germany

An 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, Poland

In 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, Germany

At 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, Austria

In 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, Poland

On 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, Italy

On 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 Herzegovina

On 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, France

On 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.

Vandalism of church doors in Prato

January 18, 2025, Italy

Unknown vandals have caused serious damage to both the main and side doors of the Basilica of Santa Maria delle Carceri in Prato. The incident, described by the local bishop as a "serious and senseless gesture", is being investigated by the police.

Sacrilegious Theft in Czarna Parish

January 18, 2025, Poland

Unknown perpetrators broke into the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Czarna and stole several liturgical objects, including a chalice and a container for hosts. The incident caused shock among parish clergy and local residents.

Islamist Bomb threats to church in Palencia

January 18, 2025, Spain

Two Islamist bomb threats against a church via a Telegram group caused great concern and prompted the immediate deployment of security forces in the city of Palencia.

Religious Statue Forcibly Removed and Stolen

January 17, 2025, Germany

Unknown perpetrators stole a statue of St Martin from a monument in front of the monastery church in Aldekerk, Germany. The incident caused significant shock among local residents.

Bible Stolen from Church

January 17, 2025, Italy

Unknown perpetrators stole a Bible from the ambo of the Church of Sant’Anna in Cagliari, Italy. The parish reported the incident with concern, noting that the church had repeatedly been targeted by disruptive behaviour and theft.

Swiss Federal Court Bans Subsidies for Catholic Girls' school

January 17, 2025, Switzerland

The Federal Court sitting in Lausanne has withdrawn from the Catholic girls' school Saint Katharina of Wil (Canton of Saint-Gall) the possibility of receiving public funds, considering that being Catholic and reserved for girls, it practices "discrimination".

Vandalism at St Matthew's Cemetery in Cainscross

January 16, 2025, United Kingdom

Vandalism at the churchyard of St Matthew’s Church in Cainscross has caused distress among families. The incident affected a space of religious significance for the local community.

School counsellor sacked for promoting Christian views on marriage

January 16, 2025, United Kingdom

Gozen Soydag, who was sacked from a Catholic school in February 2023 for publicly promoting traditional Christian beliefs on marriage, has received news that the court has rejected all her claims. Ms Soydag will appeal the decision as she feels she is being discriminated against because of her faith.