All cases
"Your mere presence is causing people harassment"
February 10, 2025, United KingdomChristian charity volunteer Isabel Vaughan-Spruce has again been targeted by police for standing silently in a buffer zone. This time, police officers told her that her 'mere presence' was causing 'harassment' and therefore prohibited behaviour in the area. Buffer zone laws in the UK continue to allow serious attacks on basic human rights.
Pietà Stolen in Repeated Targeting of Church in Gütersloh
February 10, 2025, GermanyA historic Pietà depicting the Virgin Mary and Christ was stolen from a church in Gütersloh, directly targeting a central Christian devotional object. The theft is part of repeated incidents affecting the same parish.
Nice Church Attacker Sentenced to Life Without Parole
February 10, 2025, FranceBrahim Aouissaoui, the terrorist who murdered three Christians in Nice’s Notre Dame Basilica in 2020, has been sentenced to life imprisonment without parole. The court confirmed his jihadist ideology and premeditated intent to kill 'infidels'.
Two churches in Wurzen attacked with arson
February 9, 2025, GermanyOn 9 February, two churches in Wurzen were set on fire by unknown perpetrators. Fortunately, in both cases police officers were able to extinguish the fires before any major damage was done. However, the total damage at both locations is estimated at around 2,000 euros. The police are now investigating the attacks.
Two churches in Hamburg attacked
February 8, 2025, GermanyOn the night of 7-8 February, unknown perpetrators attacked two churches in Hamburg, causing serious damage at both locations. Stones and pyrotechnics were used to vandalise the religious buildings. Police are now investigating whether the incidents are connected.
Arson and vandalism on Marigliano church
February 7, 2025, ItalyA 40-year-old man was arrested after a serious attack on a church in Marigliano on 7 February. The man set fire to the church door and destroyed several statues and furnishings in the churchyard. After a rapid investigation, police were able to identify and arrest the suspect.
Arson and vandalism at parish premises in Genoa
February 7, 2025, ItalyOn 7 February, the police and fire brigade were called to the parish centre next to the church of Santa Maria dei Servi in Genoa. The authorities found a piece of wooden furniture set on fire and several blasphemous phrases and swastikas written on the walls. The police are now investigating the attack.
Lack of access to evangelical religious education in Spanish schools
February 6, 2025, SpainA report by FEREDE highlights the lack of access to evangelical religious education in Spanish schools, which in some cases amounts to restrictions of parental rights to educate their children in conformity with their beliefs.
Church organ vandalised twice in two months
February 6, 2025, GermanyAfter a first episode of vandalism of the organ of the Holy Cross Catholic Church in Bretten-Büchig in December 2024, a similar attack took place earlier this month. In both cases, an unknown perpetrator poured a large amount of liquid over the organ, causing around €6000 worth of damage. The church remained closed for several days after the incident.
Statue of Virgin Mary destroyed in Poland
February 6, 2025, PolandOn the night of 5-6 February, an unknown perpetrator used a metal rod to destroy the statue of Our Lady of Fatima in the parish church of St Jadwiga Śląska near Łomża. The damage is estimated at around PLN 3,000. The police have been called to the scene and are now looking for the suspect.
Liturgical Book Desecrated Krosno Church
February 6, 2025, PolandA man vandalised a liturgical book in the parish church of the Holy Trinity in Krosno. The suspect is now charged with disturbing the rite and insulting religious feelings.
Repeated vandalism of roadside chapel in Laudermark
February 6, 2025, NetherlandsOn 6 February, unknown offenders vandalised a roadside chapel in Laudermark with polyurethane foam, causing extensive damage. According to the local parish, this is the second time in a short period of time that this public Christian symbol has been vandalised.
French municipality faces legal battle over displaying nativity scene
February 5, 2025, FranceIn December 2024, the town of Beaucaire was ordered to remove its nativity scene from the town hall by an administrative court, claiming its display violated secularism laws. Despite the ruling, the mayor refused to comply, resulting in further legal action and the threat of escalating fines. This marks the latest in a series of legal battles over Christian symbols in Beaucaire, which have been ongoing since 2016.
Nativity Figures Defaced at Church in Villastanza
February 4, 2025, ItalySeveral nativity figures were deliberately damaged inside a church in Villastanza, a district of Parabiago. The same church had already been targeted by an arson incident in 2023.
Historic Altar Cross Stolen from Church in Pietraszyn
February 3, 2025, PolandA historic cross was stolen from the main altar of a church in Pietraszyn. The parish has appealed to the public for assistance in locating the object.
Religious painting vandalised at cultural centre in Dydnia
February 3, 2025, PolandSometime between 31 January and 3 February, unknown offenders vandalised a historic painting depicting St Michael the Archangel, whose face was covered with yellow and dark brown paint. The painting was on display at the Municipal Cultural Centre in Dydnia.
Man sets fire to door of Milan church
February 2, 2025, ItalyOn the morning of 2 February, a man set fire to the door of the church of San Martino in Greco in Milan. A passer-by quickly noticed the fire and called the authorities, who quickly put out the threat. Police are now searching for the suspect.
Religious Statue Targeted in Theft
February 2, 2025, GermanyA sacred sceptre was forcibly removed from a Marian statue inside a church in Gronau, directly targeting a religious figure. While the object is of limited material value, it holds religious significance for the church community.
UK imposes VAT on private education: Christian schools forced to close
February 1, 2025, United KingdomA UK policy change imposing VAT on private school fees came into force in January 2025, forcing schools to pay 20% of tuition fees to the Treasury. Many Christian schools, already operating on tight budgets, face closure or fee increases, reducing parental choice in education. Critics argue that the reform unlawfully discriminates against faith-based education and violates international rights protections.
Decapitated statue of Mary
January 30, 2025, GermanyUnknown perpetrators have damaged a statue of the Madonna in a chapel in Wasserburg am Inn in Upper Bavaria.
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, SpainOn 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, PolandAn 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, GermanyAn 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, GermanyAn 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, PolandIn 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, GermanyAt 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, AustriaIn 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, PolandOn 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, ItalyOn 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 HerzegovinaOn 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, FranceOn 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, ItalyUnknown 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, PolandUnknown 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, SpainTwo 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, GermanyUnknown 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, ItalyUnknown 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, SwitzerlandThe 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 KingdomVandalism 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 KingdomGozen 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.
"Low-status" prisoners in Belarus banned from religious practice
January 16, 2025, BelarusIn a growing assault on religious freedom, several prisoners in Belarus are being denied any contact with religious services or members of the clergy because they are considered 'low status'. The ban even prevents them from possessing religious literature or devotional objects.
Several graves vandalised in Coron
January 16, 2025, FranceDuring the night of 15 to 16 January, several graves in the cemetery of Coron (Maine-et-Loire) were vandalised by unknown persons. The plaques were broken and the marble slab on top of one grave was smashed.
41 tombstones on church cemetery smeared with Nazis symbols
January 15, 2025, GermanyUnknown perpetrators vandalised a cemetery in Berlin-Heiligensee, Germany, damaging numerous gravestones and other property with extremist symbols. The incident is being investigated by police.
Figure of Jesus vandalised and thrown in the garbage
January 15, 2025, PolandOn the night of 14-15 January, unknown offenders committed an act of vandalism in the cemetery of the Parish of the Nativity of St John the Baptist in Tychy-Cielmice, Poland. The oak cross was destroyed with an axe, and the figure of Jesus was removed from the cross, smashed and thrown into a rubbish bin. The police are now investigating.
UPDATE: £7,500 PROSECUTION COSTS FOR HOLDING BIBLE VERSE SIGN
January 15, 2025, United KingdomOn 15 January 2025, the Crown Court rejected Stephen Green's appeals and confirmed his guilty verdict. The Christian preacher will now have to pay more than £7,500 in fines and prosecution costs for silently holding a Bible verse.
Occult vandalism at Lyndhurst church
January 15, 2025, United KingdomOn 15 January, a severed deer head was found on the porch of St Michael and All Angels Church in Lyndhurst. A similar incident occurred at the same church four years ago.
Teacher Sacked for Christian Beliefs Appeals Tribunal Decision
January 14, 2025, United KingdomBen Dybowski, a teaching assistant in Wales, was sacked after expressing his Christian views during a school seminar on diversity. Although the Education Workforce Council found no wrongdoing, an employment tribunal rejected his claim of harassment. He is now appealing the decision, raising concerns about the treatment of Christian teachers in Europe.
Religious Autonomy at Risk: Spain Investigates Dioceses under Trans Equality Law
January 14, 2025, SpainThe Spanish Ministry of Equality launched an investigation against seven Catholic dioceses over alleged breaches of the 2023 Trans Equality Law, following a complaint by the Spanish Association Against Conversion Therapies. As the law contains very vague wording—criminalising any “method (...) aimed at modifying the sexual orientation or gender identity” of an individual, even with their consent—it could potentially criminalise Catholic teaching and pastoral care around issues of sexual morality. Sanctions under the law include fines of up to €150,000 and exclusion from public funding.
Nativity scene in Bernay church defaced with atheist inscription
January 13, 2025, FranceDuring the Christmas holidays, unknown vandals defaced a crib in the church of Sainte-Croix in Bernay with an atheist inscription. The parish has already reacted and called for a spirit of dialogue.
Suspected arson attack on church in Borgholm
January 13, 2025, SwedenA fire inside a church in Borgholm is being investigated as a suspected arson attempt after smoke developed from an object inside the building. Authorities found no natural cause for the incident.