All cases
Statue of the Angel of Cilavenga once again vandalised
January 29, 2024, ItalyA statue of the Angel standing behind the parish church of San Pietro Apostolo in Cilavegna has once again been targeted by vandals, who have damaged its right arm. The statue of the Angel of Cilavenga has already been sprayed and stoned several times.
Communist and Anti-Israel Graffiti on Santa Maria della Pietà Church
January 29, 2024, ItalyThe external wall of the church of Santa Maria della Pieta, in via San Vitale, was daubed with symbols and the writing 'Israel = death', drawn in red paint. The letters "CCCP" and a hammer and sickle in red paint were also left on the wall.
Terrorists Attack on Church in Istanbul Leaves one Dead and several Injured
January 28, 2024, TurkeyOn 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, ItalyThe 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, GermanyA 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 KingdomHarmonie 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, CroatiaOn 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, GermanyDuring 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, FranceOn 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, ItalyOIDAC 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, GermanyAn 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, GermanyAn 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, FranceOn 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, FranceA 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, GermanyOn 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 KingdomA 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, UkraineOn 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, SpainMembers 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, RussiaIn 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, NetherlandsOn 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.