All cases
Vandalism at St. Athanasius Monastery Church
April 9, 2024, North MacedoniaThe church of St. Athanasius monastery in Tetovo has been broken in, all the windows were broken and serious material damage was done.
Purse stolen During Prayer at Mass
April 8, 2024, ItalyDuring mass on Monday, a pickpocket stole a purse containing about 100 Euro and the woman’s phone in the church of Sant'Aniello Abate in Cosenza. The theft happened while the woman was praying.
Archbishop receives criminal conviction for criticising Russia's war in Ukraine
April 8, 2024, RussiaAccording to the religious freedom watchdog organisation Forum 18, Archbishop Viktor Pivovarov has become the fifth person to receive a criminal conviction for criticising Russia's war in Ukraine from a religious perspective. On April 8, he was found guilty of repeatedly "discrediting" the Russian Armed Forces after condemning the war as "aggressive" and "Satanic" in his sermons.
Religious Statue vandalised
April 8, 2024, ItalyUnknown vandals desecrated a Marian shrine in the hamlet of Salvandine in Serle, northern Italy. A citizen found the statue of Mary shattered and broken in two, likely after being struck with stones.
Someone damages Bible in church
April 8, 2024, GermanyAn unknown perpetrator damaged a Gospel on display in the church of Zapfendorf on Tuesday 8 April. The book was damaged to the value of around 300 euros.
Vandalism at Lourdes Grotto
April 7, 2024, BelgiumOver the weekend, pedestals of a Lourdes Grotto were destroyed by vandals.
Vandalism at Burgdorf Church
April 7, 2024, GermanyIn the night from Saturday to Sunday, unknown perpetrators caused damage to two window panes of the St. Pancratius Church in Burgdorf. The damage was estimated at 500 euros. This is another incidence of vandalism after instances in the Novembers of 2022 and 2020.
Window's of St. Martin Church in Bad Orb smashed
April 7, 2024, GermanyOn the night of April 6 to April 7 several windows of the St. Martins church in Bad Orb were smashed, resulting in a high damage.
Fire and Vandalism at Roßwein Church
April 6, 2024, GermanyOn Saturday, April 6, unknown persons set fire to a memorial table of the Church in Roßwein and damaged the donation box.
Minors Set Altar on Fire
April 6, 2024, AustriaTwo Children, one of them a 12-year-old boy, set a fire to the Serbian Orthodox Church of Our Lady in Feldkirch causing considerable damage. After searching the unlocked donation boxes for cash, they set the cloth at the altar in the back of the church on fire endangering liturgical objects.
Vandalism and Theft in Den Bosch Church
April 6, 2024, NetherlandsBurglars broke into St. John's Cathedral in Den Bosch, smashed stained-glass windows, emptied a fire extinguisher inside the building and stole a time capsule intended to be opened in the year 2122.
Arson attack on French Church
April 4, 2024, FranceA fire broke out in the church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste in Agneaux on Thursday afternoon, April 4. According to police investigation's initial findings, the fire was intentional.
Desecration of Mission Cross
April 4, 2024, PolandIn the Church of St. Maksymilian Maria Kolbe in Bogatynia, a Mission Cross was chopped down over night.
Swastika Graffiti Smeared at Church Wall
April 4, 2024, SpainA graffiti with the word "memory" and just below Nazi swastika in red were smeared at the wall of Church of Santa Maria in Marrón in the Cantabria region.
Armenian Church Demolished in Nagorno-Karabakh
April 4, 2024, OtherBetween December 28, 2023 and April 4, 2024, St. John the Baptist Church (S. Hovhannes Mkrtich) in Nagorno-Karabakh was destroyed, according to Caucasus Heritage Watch, referring to satellite pictures. The church was built in 1818 had been a landmark in Shusha/Shushi.
After Two Fires Church Temporarily Closed
April 3, 2024, FranceWithin 24 hours two fires hit the Saint-Serge Church in Angers. On April 2, the altar of the chapel of the Virgin Mary was set on fire. On the next day a fire broke out in front of the Saint-Ambroise statue. A suspect women was spotted and arrested by the police.
Church Smeared with Eggs, Glue and Dog Excrement
April 3, 2024, United KingdomRivertown Church in Shotton was subject to vandalism. Eggs were thrown at the rear door. Previously, glue and dog excrement were smeared on the same door. Furthermore, the church has seen damage to both locks and seats inside. In light of the church’s effort in running a community hub, the incident appears very distressing to volunteers and the church community.
Controversy about secular court ruling on dismissal of a nun under canonical procedure
April 3, 2024, FranceIn an unusual case, a secular civilian court has issued a ruling against the Vatican’s in-house canonical procedures in the case of the dismissal of a French nun from her order and has sparked discussions on religious autonomy. On April 3, the Lorient tribunal ruled in favour of a nun who turned to the French court after being removed from a monastery in Brittany. The Vatican replied in a written statement that such a ruling on "internal discipline and membership in a religious institute" would be a "serious violation of the fundamental rights to religious freedom and freedom of association of Catholic faithful."
Church of Villamarina vandalised
April 2, 2024, ItalyOn April 2, The church of Villamarina in Cesenatico has been targeted by vandals. The incident was captured by surveillance cameras. This is not the first time the parish has been targeted: There have been incidents of vandalism and thefts in the past.
Church starts dialogue project after severe vandalism
April 2, 2024, ItalyOn April 2, the parish priest of the St. Anthony's Oratory in Porto Mantovano, Trento, found the oratory severely vandalised. Next to smashed locks, broken doors and glass, damaged objects and furniture, there was dirt, a swastika and offensive writings on the floor. The incident, was only the latest in a series of vandalism attacks on the oratory. The priest therefore reached out to the community for help.
Scottish 'Hate Speech' Bill Could Limit Freedom of Religion
April 1, 2024, United KingdomThe Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act 2021 came into force on April 1, 2024. The Act could criminalise expressions of religious convictions, religious and human rights groups fear.
Desecration of Jaén Church
April 1, 2024, SpainResidents of the small village of El Centenillo are shocked by the desecration of the Church of the Immaculate Conception in April. Recordings of a couple having sex at the altar have been circulated through various WhatsApp groups. The diocese has condemned these events and is demanding several reparations to replace the damage to this sacred place.
The Valley of the Fallen Under Threat: Expulsion of Monks and Attack on Religious Heritage
April 1, 2024, SpainThe Valley of the Fallen, a Catholic monument of reconciliation built after the Spanish Civil War, is facing increasing political pressure from the Spanish government. Plans to evict the Benedictine monks, change the religious identity of the site and even remove the monumental cross raise serious concerns about religious freedom and historical revisionism.
Teacher Faces dismissal for Questioning 'Gender Transition' Advice to 8-year-old kid
March 31, 2024, United KingdomA Christian primary school teacher who questioned Stonewall and Mermaids' recommendations to support a "gender transition" of an 8-year-old student without providing any supporting medical data has lost her job and is the subject of numerous regulatory body inquiries. She has filed a complaint with the Employment Tribunal accusing the school of victimising her for making a complaint, unfair dismissal, and discrimination based on her religion.
Liturgical clothings and procession flags stolen from church
March 31, 2024, GermanyOn March 31, a stole, procession flags and clothing were stolen from the Roman Catholic Church of the Assumption of Mary in Scheinfeld, Germany. The perpetrator was apparently hiding in the confessional during mass before stealing the objects. The man also damaged the confessional, which caused damage of approximately 200 euros.
Man Insults Congregation and Attacks Liturgical Servant During Mass
March 30, 2024, PolandA 38-year-old disrupted the Holy Saturday celebrations at the All Saints parish in Jastrzębie-Zdrój. Entering the altar area, he loudly shouted vulgar words from the pulpit. When being asked to leave the altar stage, he attacked one of the liturgical servants as well as a police officer during arrest.
Thwarted Terrorist Attack on Notre Dame de Paris
March 30, 2024, FranceAn Egyptian man with links to ISIS has been arrested over a suspected terrorist attack on the Notre Dame Cathedral of Paris, as became known in the media on March 30. The man was arrested on March 5 by officers from the General Directorate of Internal Security (DGSI). Thanks to the work of the domestic intelligence services, the terrorist was identified, arrested for "criminal terrorist association" and placed in pre-trial detention.
"Never again!" Banner Stolen from Church Fence
March 30, 2024, GermanyIn the night from Good Friday to Holy Saturday, unknown perpetrators removed a banner from the fence of St Sebastian's parish and stole it. The campaign slogan: "Never again! - Strong together for democracy and against right-wing extremism!" Investigations are ongoing.
Theft and Vandalism in two Portuguese Churches
March 29, 2024, PortugalIn the night of Good Friday, two churches in the Portuguese towns Golegã and Pombalinho were subjects to theft and vandalism.
Good Friday: Altar of Neuhaus church damaged with fire
March 29, 2024, GermanyAn unknown person damaged the altar in the Catholic Church in Neuhaus an der Pegnitz, Germany, on Good Friday, March 29. According to the police, the perpetrator apparently "held a candle to the altar in such a way that the wood and the altar cloth were damaged". Fortunately, the fire did not spread.
Threats for christians on easter persist
March 28, 2024, FranceFrance is placing police officers in front of Christian churches during Easter. In response to the recent attack in Moscow, the French police have issued a warning of an elevated risk of terrorism. As a precautionary measure, police officers will be stationed outside every Christian church during the Easter period.
Man vandalises painting and physically assaults staff inside church
March 28, 2024, ItalyOn March 28 a man entered the church of San Ignazio in Capri and vandalised the painting San Longino with a spray can and a knife. Following a brief altercation with Andrea Saltini and other visiting staff, the vandal physically assaulted the Capri artist. Saltini sustained a superficial wound to the neck, fortunately not inflicted by the knife.
Vandalism at St John's Church Alresford
March 28, 2024, United KingdomIn the night before Maundy Thursday, Easter crosses and the noticeboard of Baptist St John's Church in Alresford were vandalised.
Public cross in Lias broken into pieces
March 26, 2024, FranceIn the morning of March 26, the historic public cross in the village Lias, France, was unseated from its pedestal and broken into 4 pieces.
Theft of bell from Chapel in Tulnik
March 23, 2024, CroatiaA thief stole a bell from the chapel, which belongs to Buk parish near Pleternica. The bell was taken from the cemetery chapel in Tulnik before March 23, according to the police of Požega-Slavonska.
Desecration at hospital chapel in Pozzuoli
March 22, 2024, ItalyThe 'Santa Maria delle Grazie' in Pozzuoli was the site of a defecation, as reported by Don Giorgio Della Volpe, the parish priest of the hospital chapel. According to him, an individual used the altar cloth to clean himself after defecating in the chapel. The images showed a man defecating on the ground floor of the Phlegrei hospital, between the benches of the sacred place.
ISIS boasts of "killing Christians" in Moscow attack
March 22, 2024, RussiaOn 22 March, a terrorist attack targeting an event location close to Moscow resulted in the deaths of at least 137 people. Gunmen armed with automatic weapons opened fire during a crowded concert at Crocus City Hall. ISIS statements claiming responsibility for the attack boasted of “killing Christians”.
Suspected arson at church of of St Julia
March 21, 2024, FranceOn the morning of Thursday, 21 March 2024, a fire broke out in the church of Saint-Agathe and Saint-Julien in the village of Saint-Julia. The canvas burned and when the mayor, Christian Lagente, entered the church at around 10 am, everything was engulfed in smoke. The mayor made the first attempts to extinguish the fire before help arrived.
Threats During Mass in Castellammare di Stabia
March 21, 2024, ItalyOn Thursday 21 March, the mass in the church of San Marco in Castellammare di Stabia was violently interrupted. A person entered the church and disrupted the religious rite in progress. Witnesses reported that the man pointed his finger at the worshippers, made threatening gun-like gestures and pretended to shoot at them. The worshippers present reacted firmly and stood up to the intruder despite his intimidating behaviour. The man then shouted and left the church, aggressively slamming the doors behind him.
Bust of Christ Vandalised at Rennes Church
March 20, 2024, FranceA bust of Christ was vandalised and the church door damaged in Church of Saint-Germain in Rennes. The vandalism was discovered by the parish priest, Father Philippe Hebert, on March 20. The priest lodged a complaint the next day, investigations are ongoing.
Crosses broken off model churches
March 20, 2024, CroatiaOn 20 March, all the crosses of the bronze model of the city of Zagreb were broken off from the small model churches. The bronze model is located near the Zagreb Cathedral.
Desecration of church in Reggino
March 19, 2024, ItalyThe church of San Giuseppe, in Melito Porto Salvo, in Reggino, was desecrated by unknown individuals. The perpetrators damaged the security cameras, forced entry into the church, stole the consecrated host and scatter the others. Furthermore, a sacred vessel was also taken.
Arson in St Benedict Church prevented by employee
March 19, 2024, GermanyAn unknown person set fire to a seat cushion and a shrub that were placed in the front area of the church in Eisenharz for the upcoming First Communion. The fire was extinguished by an employee, but the pew and shrub were damaged. Fortunately, no one was injured.
Vandalism in three churches
March 19, 2024, PolandOn March 19, the church Jana Pawła Street, Konstantynów, was vandalised. The perpetrator kicked a cross, damaged three windows and knocked over tables, pews, and kneelers. The cost of the damage amounts to PLN 5,000.
Organ Damaged in Waltrop Church
March 19, 2024, GermanyOn Tuesday, March 19, a fire extinguisher was emptied into the pipes of the organ in St Peter's Church.
Vandalism at cemetery of protestant cemetery in Schermbeck
March 18, 2024, GermanyBetween Sunday, March 17, and Monday, March 18, the cemetery of the Protestant parish was vandalised. Silke Knoll from the parish is shocked. She reported that toilets were damaged and flower pots on graves were looted and broken. In addition, toilet paper was scattered across the meadow and gravesites. Water cranes at the watering points were also left on, causing water to run onto the pavements.
Christian artist banned from her own exhibition after expressing concerns about puberty blockers
March 18, 2024, United KingdomVictoria Culf, a Christian artist, was reported to police and banned from her own exhibition after telling a Watford council worker, back in June 2023, that due to her Christian world view and as a mother she didn’t think children should transition. She is now taking legal action.
Vandal destroys window at Lutheran Church
March 18, 2024, GermanyOn the morning of Monday, March 18, the Lutheran City Church on Kirchstraße was shaken by an incident. An unknown person threw a stone through a window of the church, causing damage of around 1000 euros. The church organ was playing at the time. No one was injured.
Unknown persons vandalise church in Oberveischede
March 18, 2024, GermanyUnknown perpetrators have vandalised St Lucia's Church in the Oberveischede district of Olpe. Candles, prayer books and brochures from the wooden display are strewn across the floor. Even worse was the damage to the holy water font. The massive stone vessel was smashed. The culprit or culprits also stole 60 tea lights. The police are investigating.
Vandalism of a cross at a place of worship in Gornja Brijesnica
March 17, 2024, Bosnia and HerzegovinaThe prayer cross in the village of Gornja Brijesnica, which belongs to Lukavac in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, has been damaged for the second time in the last three years.