All cases
Prayer books set on fire on the altar
October 27, 2024, FranceOn 27 October, someone set fire to a dozen prayer books on the altar of the church of Chamalières-sur-Loire, causing a huge smoke cloud in the building.
Two Churches closed due to repeated vandalism
October 26, 2024, GermanyCatholic churches of St. Mauritius in Kippenheim and St. Leopold in Mahlberg (Baden-Württemberg) have been closed temporarily closed after multiple incidents of vandalism. The parish reports that the interiors of both churches were defiled with cigarette butts, soot, and wax from candles, some of which were partially burned and left behind.
Satanist tags on three churches
October 26, 2024, UkraineOn the night of 26 October, three churches in Ternopol, Ukraine, were covered with Satanist tags, most of which read "666".
Vandals burn church doors
October 25, 2024, SpainUnknown assailants have burned the outer door to the Sanctuary of San Miguel de Aralar, after painting a Star of David and the word "Jude" on the door.
Two churches attacked and desecrated in northern France
October 24, 2024, FranceOn the same day, two nearby churches in the Pas-de-Calais were robbed and vandalised. At the Saint-Saturnine church of Sains-lès-Marquion, the tabernacle was broken open, the chalice stolen and the consecrated hosts thrown to the ground. Both incidents are being investigated by the police.
Religious statues vandalised
October 23, 2024, GermanyUnknown persons have damaged figures of St Bernadette and St Mary in front of the church in Venningen on October 23. A hand was cut off and the heads damaged. The figures are part of an implied Lourdes grotto next to the car park in front of the church.
Minor sets fire to three churches in Bavaria
October 22, 2024, GermanyOn Ocotber 21 and 22, a chapel and a church in Bavaria were set on fire. The police suspects arson as the cause of the fire. Nobody was injured, but the damage caused is extensive.
"Ave Satan" painted on Church
October 22, 2024, PolandOn the night of October 22-23, the inscription "Ave Satan" was painted on the historic wall of the Holy Trinity Church in Kwidzyn. A 44-year-old man, known to local police for other crimes, was detained. However, he did not admit guilt.
Nativity scene set on fire at the Baptist church in Lechlade
October 22, 2024, United KingdomBetween 10pm and 10.30pm on Tuesday 22 October, a shed at Lechlade Baptist Church in Sherbourne Street was set alight. The fire destroyed a Christmas display and caused damage to nearby benches and plants. Police are investigating.
Theft and desecration of consecrated hosts
October 20, 2024, FranceOn 20 October, someone broke into the church of Saint-Nicolas de Montigny and stole the chalice containing the consecrated host. Other consecrated hosts were scattered on the floor.
Theft of consecrated hosts
October 19, 2024, FranceOn the night of October 19, the church of Saint-Éloi Matigny in Somme was fractured and desecrated, the cup that contains the hosts has been stolen from the tabernacle.
Vandals draw swastika on church pew
October 17, 2024, GermanyOn 17 October, unknown persons knocked over candles and threw leaflets in the church of St Stephan in Kissing. A swastika was also drawn on a pew with candle wax.
BRITISH COURT CONDEMNS ARMY VETERAN FOR PRAYING IN HIS THOUGHTS
October 16, 2024, United KingdomAdam Smith-Connor has been found guilty of praying silently in an abortion 'buffer zone'. The controversial decision confirms serious restrictions on freedom of religion and even thought UK 'buffer zone' legislation.
France: 14 churches burned in 10 months
October 15, 2024, FranceBetween January and October 2024, the French Religious Heritage Observatory recorded 14 deliberate arson attacks on French churches. This figure is much higher than in 2023. In response to this situation, proposed legislation and surveillance systems are being considered.
Repeated vandalism and desecration in Lot churches
October 13, 2024, FranceIn the Lot region, three churches have been vandalised in recent weeks. The most recent incident occurred at the Saint-Pierre church in Bagnac-sur-Célé on 13 October, when it was seriously desecrated. The Blessed Sacrament was stolen. A statue inside the church was also deliberately overturned.
Statue beheaded and replaced with Nazi photos
October 12, 2024, PolandOn 27 September, in Witaszyce, an unknown person cut off the head of the statue of Mary in a forest shrine. On October 12, five photos of the faces of Nazi soldiers were placed inside the shrine.
250kg mountain cross disappeared
October 12, 2024, SpainThe cross in honour of the mountaineers who died on the summit of Udalatx since 1971 has disappeared and its base has been sawn off, with a small saw and a written message mocking the symbol left on the stump. The cross, which was located between the border of Gipuzkoa and Bizkaia, weighed 250 kilos and was ten metres high.
Christian street preacher injured by assailant and arrested by police
October 10, 2024, United KingdomChristian pastor Dia Moodley was arrested and detained for 13 hours by Avon and Somerset Police after preaching about Christianity and Islam outside Bristol University during Ramadan in March.
UPDATE: Ireland's "buffer zone" law comes into force
October 10, 2024, IrelandIn October 2024, Ireland implemented a "buffer zone" law that prohibits any conduct that could "influence" abortion decisions within 100 metres of clinics. The law also restricts speech on private property near public areas, raising concerns about restrictions on religious freedom.
Cemetery vandalised in Leon
October 7, 2024, SpainOn 7 October, tombs and statues in the cemetery at Soto and Amio in León were smashed to pieces with sledgehammers. Locals found decorations had been overturned and that the vandals had left behind a statue of Mary holding a decapitated child.