All cases
Theft of nativity scene figures
December 20, 2024, United KingdomOn 20 December, it was reported that all the figures - Mary, Joseph, animals and the Infant Jesus - were missing from the nativity scene next to the church in Tunbridge, Wales.
Destruction of the Passion Cross in Krosno
December 19, 2024, PolandIn the Sanctuary of St John Paul II in Krosno, the Passion Cross and the figure of Jesus Christ hanging from it were desecrated on 19 December. The vandalism was particularly brutal, and the figure was broken into many fragments.
14-year-olds arrested for vandalising cemetery
December 19, 2024, PolandBetween 9 and 19 December, a series of acts of vandalism took place at the Central Cemetery in Szczecin. The perpetrators damaged tombstones, demolished graves, spilled wax from lighted candles and smashed them against tombstones. Two 14-year-olds were arrested for desecration.
Cemetery in Migny vandalised with swastikas
December 19, 2024, FranceThe town hall of Migny filed a complaint after several swastika inscriptions were found on a monument in the local cemetery on 19 December. The police are now investigating this act of vandalism.
Metz Nativity Scene Vandalised: Statues of Mary and Joseph beheaded
December 17, 2024, FranceThe figures of Mary and Joseph have been beheaded in a vandalism attack on the nativity scene in front of the Metz train station, the city authorities announced on 17 December. According to the town hall, an investigation is underway to find the perpetrators. A complaint has been lodged.
Desecration of graves with satanic symbols: Ritual motives "not ruled out"
December 17, 2024, SpainIn Seville town of El Viso del Alcor, the desecration of four coffins in the municipal cemetery on December 17 is being investigated. Authorities and specialists do not rule out ritual motivations. In Spain, an increase in attacks on Christian cemeteries is reported for 2024.
Vandals damage church wall with fire
December 16, 2024, GermanyBetween 14 and 15 December, unknown persons set fire to the church behind the large chapel on Büscherweg, Kierspe, damaging the back wall of the church.
Vandalism: Withington church spray-painted
December 16, 2024, IrelandSt Peter's Church in Withington was vandalised on 16 December, with the door and interior sprayed with paint. Police officers described the damage as 'shocking and irreparable'.
Fire at Christian centre, suspected arson by left-wing extremists
December 15, 2024, GermanyAs reported on 15 December, a pile of rubbish and bulky waste caught fire at the back of a building housing the Bremen police and the local Free Church welfare office. Left-wing extremists claimed responsibility and expressed hostility towards the Pentecostal Church.
Ban on funeral processions in Manduria
December 15, 2024, ItalyThe mayor of Manduria, Gregorio Pecoraro, has approved an ordinance banning walking funeral processions. A local councillor is challenging the ban, saying it restricts religious freedom.
Nativity figurines disappeared
December 14, 2024, ItalyThe statues of Mary and the ox disappeared from the nativity scene in front of the church of San Michele Arcangelo and Santa Lucia in Cesa, a hamlet in the municipality of Marciano della Chiana, on December 14.
Desecration of a church with a satanic symbol
December 13, 2024, FranceThe church of Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption in Guercheville (Seine-et-Marne) was the target of vandalism on the night of 13 December. Parishioners in the village raised the alarm after discovering the symbol 666 with an "S" on the front door.
Pastor and Christian community offered protection by police
December 12, 2024, GermanyProtestant pastor Ralf Sedlak has been the target of several threats and attacks following a sermon criticising the Hamas attack on Israel in October. The police are now being called in to protect him and his family, as well as to provide security for church services as all members of the congregation face hostility.
Church walls defaced with graffiti
December 9, 2024, GermanyBetween December 6-9, unknown perpetrators defaced the facade of a facade of the Catholic community center St. Christophorus with graffiti. The white graffiti defaced both the north and west sides of the church building.
Figure stolen from nativity scene, damage caused
December 8, 2024, SpainSeven youths were reported in Santa Coloma for trying to steal the figure of the Virgin Mary from the municipal nativity scene at 4am on 8 December, causing damage. They fled after being surprised by the Town Hall guard and the night watchmen, but were identified a short time later in Sant Carles street.
Minors Devastate Church
December 7, 2024, GermanyAn 11-year-old and a 16-year-old caused a riot in a church in Bisingen in the Zollernalb district on 7 December, causing property damage of around 3,000 euros. They damaged a vase, antique candlesticks, plants and plant pots, and scattered books on the floor. Sheet music was scattered on the floor, the Advent wreath was knocked over and everything was lying around. The damage is estimated at 3000€, said a police spokesman.
Church walls and a statue of the Virgin Mary vandalised in Moissac
December 7, 2024, FranceOn the night of 7 January, unknown persons vandalised the walls of the Catholic church of La Mégère and a public statue of the Virgin Mary. The vandals sprayed several offensive inscriptions on both sites. The police are now investigating.
Church in Bordeaux Vandalised Once Again
December 3, 2024, FranceAs reported on December 3, the Saint-Éloi church in Bordeaux suffered significant damage after a burglary and vandalism estimated at 10,000 euros, with a safe broken and stained glass windows behind the high altar damaged. In June, the church was tagged during a feminist march in the Gironde.
Acid instead of wine in the chalice
December 1, 2024, ItalyThe Sunday mass in the church of Sant'Andrea on 1 December ended in hospital for a priest in the northern Italian community of Zignago - there was acid in the chalice instead of wine. The mass was interrupted and the congregation called the emergency services.
Vandalism of religious symbols in church
November 28, 2024, GermanyAs reported on 28 November, unknown persons threw the Easter candle against the wall of St Mary's Church in Waltrop, damaged altar objects, tore a prayer book and threw other objects around the church.