All cases
Paintings vandalised in church in Amt Creuzburg
June 2, 2024, GermanyBetween 1 and 2 June 2024, unknown perpetrators entered a church in Eisenach, Amt Creuzburg, and vandalised two wall paintings. The estimated damage amounts to approximately €1,000.
Multiple vandalism cases from St Gregory’s Church in Suffolk
June 1, 2024, United KingdomOn Saturday, June 1, vandals entered the church of St Gregory’s and smashed the lead-lined windows in multiple places from inside. According to the St Gregory’s parochial church council (PCC), this is not the first incident; last month, vandals broke down the door to gain unauthorized access to the porch.
Vandals urinate into the holy water fountain of Strasbourg church
May 31, 2024, FranceOn the morning of May 31, the priest of Saint-Maurice Church in Strasbourg observed that some people had urinated into the holy water fountain near the entrance. This is not the first incident in this church. There have been a series of thefts and other incivilites over several months.
Vandalism of Chapel in Tawern
May 31, 2024, GermanyOn May 31, unknown perpetrators knocked down two historical statues of saints and the Stations of the Cross in Margarethen Chapel Tawern causing severe damage. The head of the statue of Peter was broken and three reliefs of the Stations of the Cross were torn down from the wall.
Scotland: Most extreme buffer zone law passes first stage
May 30, 2024, United KingdomThe Scottish draft legislation on abortion "buffer zones", which was passed at first stage on April 30, has sparked a debate on the criminalisation of silent prayer in these zones. This bill proposes the creation of a zone extending to 200 meters around abortion clinics in which "influencing" someone in regard to abortion would be illegal. In a parliament debate MSP Jeremy Balfour asked if he would be criminalised for praying at a bus stop inside the zone. He tabled an amendment seeking to exclude silent prayer from the criminal actions within the zone. MSP Gillian Mackay who introduced the Bill responded to Mr Balfour by saying: "If nobody knows someone is praying, and nothing in their conduct is capable of having the effects on women or staff that this Bill seeks to prevent, then it is unlikely that any offence could be committed. If someone stands silently praying for a long time, deliberately looking at women accessing an abortion clinic, or for example with a sign, then they may be committing an offence."
Fire in Pagnano Church
May 30, 2024, ItalyOn May 30, a fire broke out in the church of San Giorgio in Pagnano. Fortunately, the damage is minimal, since the fire which had started from a wooden candle holder was immediately extinguished. While the cause of the fire is currently unknown the priest suspects that someone had deliberately started the fire, since the candle holder was only used to store unlit candles and it was empty. Also, no signs of melted wax were found.
Church in Faubourg-Bonnefoy severely vandalised
May 30, 2024, FranceOn 30th May, the Immaculate Conception church in Toulouse was heavily vandalised by unknown perpetrators. Several objects, boards and furniture were broken and overturned, causing severe damage. Although the altar is located in a protected area behind bars, it was also overturned and severely damaged. The head of the statue of Virgin Mary was covered with a blue cloth.
Man steals statue of Jesus from church
May 29, 2024, ItalyIn the early morning of May 29, in the Santissima Addolorata church in Taranto, a man was caught on camera, carrying a statue of Jesus on his shoulder, which he had taken from the church. The police were able to track down the perpetrator, a 28-year-old convicted felon. He had already been under house arrest, during which he had escaped to steal the statue.
Vandalism of altar in Siedliska
May 29, 2024, PolandOn May 29 at night, unknown perpetrators destroyed decorations on the altar prepared for the Corpus Christi procession in Siedliska. They also tore down decorative trees attached to the Christian community centre, and damaged the stairs of the building. Furthermore, the contents of two garbage bins were spilt next to the altar.
Historic organ in Mockau vandalised during break-in
May 29, 2024, GermanySometime between 26th and 29th May, Stephanus Church in Leipzig was vandalised by unknown perpetrators, after breaking-in a side door with multiple security locks. Several pipes from the 19th century organ were ripped off, also damaging the instrument, though some of them have now been found by the police. The fence was also damaged during the break-in.
Chapel defaced with Islamic graffiti
May 29, 2024, SloveniaOn May 29, a chapel at the crossroads of Zagrad and Leše, in the municipality of Prevalje, Slovenia, was found defaced with graffiti. Unknown perpetrators wrote the word "Allah" in big letters with red paint on the walls of the chapel.
Man rammed car into Rodez Cathedral shouting "I hate Jesus"
May 28, 2024, FranceAs reported on 28th May, a 55 year old Frenchman has been arrested for driving his vehicle into the Cathedral of Rodez in Aveyron region. Fortunately, the SUV got stuck on the stairs leading up to the entrance and did not damage the Cathedral. According to witnesses, he was shouting “I hate Jesus” and “I hate Christianity”.
Man rams car into cross and shouts "Allahou Akbar"
May 28, 2024, FranceOn May 28 in Loyettes, in the Ain, a man of Turkish origin knocked over a Catholic cross with his van. After shouting "Allahou Akbar", he began to pray at the scene of the incident.
Vandalism in North Yorkshire
May 26, 2024, United KingdomBetween 24th and 26th May, unknown perpetrators smashed 500 year old windows of a church in St. Mary's Church Thirsk.
Vandalism of cemetery in Ville-la-Grand
May 26, 2024, FranceOn the night of May 26 to 27, around forty graves were looted at the Ville-la-Grand cemetery near Annemasse and crosses damaged. This is not the first time such an incident has happened. Since september, there has been a series of thefts of bronze statuettes from the cemetery.
Virgin del Carmen Statue and Shrine Damaged for the Fourth Time
May 25, 2024, SpainVandals broke the shrine and damaged the statue of the Virgin del Carmen in Rincón de la Victoria by throwing stones. The incident was the fourth targeting the religious site and prompted a police investigation and public condemnation.
Vandalism in St. Anna Chapel in Altshausen
May 24, 2024, GermanyOn Friday evening, May 24, an intoxicated man committed an act of vandalism and damaged the St. Anna Chapel in Altshausen. According to the police, the man went on a rampage in the chapel "like a madman". The man smashed objects, flower decorations and destroyed plaster angels. He also tore down a crucifix and ripped off the hand of a statue of a saint. The police arrested a 32-year-old suspect. According to the initial estimate, the damage amounts to 10,000 euros.
Statue and church vandalised in Diespeck
May 24, 2024, GermanyOn 24 May 2024, around 6:30 p.m., a 40-year-old man entered the cemetery chapel in Diespeck and damaged a wooden statue of Jesus, breaking off its arm.
Vandalism in the Lutheran church in Diespeck
May 24, 2024, GermanyOn Saturday, May 25, vandalism was reported at the local Lutheran church. An unknown individual damaged a pew, scattered flyers and brochures, and left waste inside the building. The estimated damage is €100.
Vandalism of statues in Szydłowo
May 24, 2024, PolandUnknown perpetrators have painted defaced statues of Mary and Jesus in a roadside chapel in Szydłowo. In red colour they painted the eyes, nails and mouths. "This is a shameful and blasphemous act. It appears to have been done consciously and boldly during the day.", the local parish priest, Fr. Maruszewski said.
Vandalism in the church of Sant'Angelo Magno
May 20, 2024, ItalyOn May 20, it was discovered that unknown vandals had broken inside the Church of Sant'Angelo Magno and destroyed candelabras, a crucifix, a statue, sacred vestments, and the 17th-century organ.
Stone Cross Destroyed in Act of Vandalism
May 20, 2024, SpainA historic Christian cross in Órgiva was toppled and broken in a deliberate attack.
Vandals set fire to altar in Dannevoux church
May 19, 2024, FranceOn Pentecost, Sunday, May 19, between 9 am and 7.30 pm, in the church of Saint-Hippolyte in Dannevoux (Meuse), an act of vandalism was recorded and caused over €1,500 worth of material damage. According to a news report, fire was set to the altar. Fortunately, it was quickly extinguished with water from the holy water font, thus avoiding potentially dramatic consequences. The fire did, however, cause some damage to the altar. The tablecloth, base and column were partially burnt.
Police accused of pressuring Tory party to unseat Councillor Stevens
May 18, 2024, United KingdomMedia revealed that a police detective allegedly put pressure on the Wellingborough local Tory party to unseat councillor Anthony Stevens after Mr. Stevens had defended the freedom of speech of a Christian street preacher and a Christian councillor. According to reports, the police detective explained that “in her opinion” Mr Steven was “not a fit person to be a councillor” because of his free speech beliefs and used internal information ton put pressure on the local chair of the committee. The incident happened just before the police searched and detained Cllr Stevens for supporting the freedom of speech case of Christian councillor King Lawal on his personal Twitter account in August 2023. The incident has prompted accusations of political interference by police.
"Allah" graffiti on Christ Church in Philippsburg
May 17, 2024, GermanyUnknown perpetrators daubed the facade of the Protestant Christ Church with the word "Allah" in Arabic language. The words were written with neon pink spray paint on the door and the wall. The town's inhabitants are shocked about the incidents, local media says.
Vandalism at of San Lorenzo
May 16, 2024, ItalyIn Perugia, unknown perpetrators vandalised the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, forcibly detaching the metal railing in front of the Jubilee Door created by artist Artemio Giovagnoni. The damage occurred on the side of the cathedral and required considerable force, as the railing had been securely fastened to both the travertine column and the pavement.
"Are you here to pray for the lives of unborn children?"
May 16, 2024, United KingdomSebastian Vaughan-Spruce was fined on May 16th in Birmingham while standing in a buffer zone near an abortion clinic. Among other things, the police asked him "Are you here to pray for the lives of unborn children?", in order to establish whether he was committing a crime. Sebastian replied that he was not praying silently in his head and further clarified: "I did not approach anyone, I did not speak to anyone, I did not breach anyone's privacy. I simply stood silently." He carried no sign either. The police could not tell him which crime he was committing, but nevertheless asked him to move away and leave the zone. When he inquired why, he was fined for not moving.
Church of the Holy Trinity near Peć vandalised with Islamist graffiti
May 15, 2024, KosovoUnknown individuals broke into the Church of the Holy Trinity a village near Peć and vandalised it with graffiti. The messages included “Allah Akbar,” as well as Albanian phrases such as “Remove this church from here,” “Only Muslims are here,” “We don’t want churches, we want mosques,” and “Islam is the only true religion!”
Attempted petrol bomb arson attack on Glasgow Baptist Church
May 15, 2024, United KingdomOn Wednesday, May 15, an unknown perpetrator tried to set fire to Dennistoun Baptist Church in Glasgow with a petrol bomb which exploded in front of the entrance door of the church. Images show the charred pavement in front of the church. Police received reports of attempts to damage Dennistoun Baptist Church on Finlay Drive at around 10:50 a.m., and an investigation has been launched.
Catholic cemetery in Smorgon vandalised
May 15, 2024, BelarusOn Wednesday, May 15, unknown perpetrators set fire to a 19th century large brick chapel on the catholic cemetery in the town of Smorgon in Belarus. An image of Jesus and the roof of the chapel was burned. Parishioners are convinced that there was an act of profanation.
Arson and Vandalism in Sainte-Thérèse de Poitiers
May 14, 2024, FranceOn May 14, benches were gathered in heaps and set on fire in front of the choir in the church of Sainte-Thérèse in Poitiers. Furthermore, a statue of Mary was beheaded by the vandals.
Statue of Padre Pio Vandalised at Church in Pescara
May 13, 2024, ItalyOn 13 May 2024, residents of the Colle Pineta hill in Pescara discovered that a statue of Padre Pio had been vandalised and thrown onto the asphalt outside the “Santa Famiglia” parish church, resulting in its destruction. The statue had stood near the church entrance.
Man armed with knife caught in church
May 13, 2024, PolandOn Monday, May 13, a 40-year-old man entered a church in Czaplinek with a knife while a First Communion service for children was taking place. The adult worshippers overpowered the man and called the police. The latter detained him for disrupting the service. According to witnesses, the man was dressed all in black, held a long kitchen knife and was walking towards the priest.
LibDems reported to EHRC for deselecting Christian candidate
May 12, 2024, United KingdomMore than 400 party members filed a complaint with the UK Equality and Human Rights Commission which accuses the Liberal Democrats of deselecting a candidate based on his Christian faith in breach of equality law and having tolerated a “hostile environment” for people of faith. David Campanale, an Anglican believer and award-winning former BBC journalist has been targeted by an activist group within the party who has been lobbying against him because of his Christian believes since his selection as a candidate in 2021. The campaign alleged that he had not sufficiently disclosed his faith during the selection process, which he denies, and complained that a decade earlier he had been a member of the Christian People’s Alliance (CPA).
Islamic graffiti on church wall in Vienna
May 12, 2024, AustriaNext to the entrance to the church of St. Anthony of Padua slogans written in black pen appeared on the wall. "Islam will win, with you or without," and "Deen over Dunya" ("Religion over worldly life") are just some of the numerous slogans on the wall. Some of the words have been crossed out or replaced, but the graffiti has not been removed.
Stations of the Cross Vandalised in Essen
May 10, 2024, GermanyOn Friday, 10 May 2024, unknown perpetrators vandalised six stations of the Way of the Cross on the Haniel spoil tip in Bottrop and stole four copper plates. According to the Diocese of Essen, a police report has been filed, and this is not the first time the site has been targeted.
Vandalism in Saint-Pierre-sur-Dives
May 9, 2024, FranceOn the night of Wednesday, May 8 to Thursday, May 9, Ascension Day, the abbey church of Saint-Pierre-sur-Dives was the victim of acts of vandalism. The tabernacle, where the consecrated hosts are kept, was forcefully opened, although nothing was stolen. Mass vestments were also vandalised. The parish priest, Father Donat, immediately lodged a complaint with the gendarmerie. The gendarmerie is investigating the accident.
Minors commit Arson and Vandalism at Church
May 8, 2024, ItalyWednesday May 8, minors set fire to the Catheral of Casalmaggiore and vandalised it. The boys broke into the nave on the right side of the church where they broke the stoup into pieces and started a fire with candles. They then entered from the opposite side and went into a storeroom where the electrical panel that operates the lift and installations is located. The perpetrators could be identified thanks to surveillance cameras.
Polish missionaries arrested in Belarus
May 8, 2024, BelarusOn May 8, two Polish missionaries, Fr Andrzej Yukhnievich, OMI and Fr Pawel Lemekh, OMI were detained at the parish church of Our Lady of Fatima, Šumilina in Belarus for expressing their support to Ukraine. They have been sentenced to 15 days and 10 days in prison, for “subversive activity to the detriment of the Belarussian state”.
Repeated Vandalism in St Mary the Virgin church
May 6, 2024, United KingdomOn 6 May 2025, St Mary the Virgin Church on North Shoebury Road in Essex was vandalised for the third time in recent weeks. The attack occurred just days after the church had spent £1,200 repairing damage from a previous incident.
Fourth Act of Vandalism this year in Notre-Dame church in Livry-Gargan
May 6, 2024, FranceDuring the night of 5-6 May, the tabernacle in the church of Notre-Dame de Livry-Gargan (Seine-Saint-Denis) was torn from its place and stolen.
Arson attempt in Brive
May 6, 2024, FranceSaint-Sernin church in Brive became the target of two arson attempts on May 3 and May 6. Due to lack of resources to ensure continuous surveillance, the church is now closed.
Lutheran church in Plettenberg "devastated" by vandals
May 5, 2024, GermanyOn Saturday evening, May 5, the police were called to the Lutheran Böhler church in Plettenberg, because a witness had found "people rioting" there. Upon arrival the police found that the door had been smashed in and the wooden panelling was broken. The interior was "a picture of devastation", according to reports. The baptismal font was knocked over, a candelabra was torn down and a window was damaged. The organ on the upper floor was also demolished, as were parts of the roof truss. The damage is estimated by the presbytery to be at least 50,000 euros.
Host Theft in the Church of the Holy Trinity in Louvroil
May 5, 2024, FranceOn Sunday, May 5, a parishioner was preparing the church for mass when they discovered the tabernacle empty. The host was stolen and has not since been found. The community is deeply shocked by this act of desecration.
Vandalism and desecration of the church of La Rivière-Saint-Sauveur
May 5, 2024, FranceOver the weekend of May 4 and 5, an act of vandalism and desecration of the church was revealed in the church of La Rivière-Saint-Sauveur, France. An unknown perpetrator broken stained glass, and traces of fire were present. Above all, left excrement on the stairs leading to the funeral sheet. The volunteers responsible for opening and closing the church were also frightened by these acts, which coincide with the squatting of the building at night for several months.
Evangelical church of San Giuliano attacked after Sunday service
May 5, 2024, ItalyOn Sunday 5 May, an evangelical church in San Giuliano Milanese in northern Italy was attacked by a man who tried to enter the church premises after shouting anti-Christian phrases, including "Allah Akbar", according to a local newspaper. After an unsuccessful attempt to enter the church, he smashed the window of the church entrance. He was arrested by police following the incident.
Public prayer gathering attacked in Zagreb
May 4, 2024, CroatiaA monthly public rosary prayer in the main square of Zagreb and 12 other public places in Croatia has been repeatedly attacked by activists from the radical left. Since the politically inactive men have started gathering for rosary prayers in January 2023, aggressive political activists have started demonstrating against them, claiming that the peaceful prayer of the men would "limit women's rights".
Vandals repeatedly target Church of Gesù Liberatore
May 3, 2024, ItalyIn May 2024, repeated acts of vandalism led to the temporary closure of the oratory at the parish of Gesù Liberatore in Canosa di Puglia (Apulia region). The latest incident involved the deliberate damage of a reinforced plastic cover used to protect the outdoor stage that hosts most parish and summer youth activities.
12th century Templar Chapel vandalised
May 3, 2024, ItalyIn a disturbing act of vandalism, unknown perpetrators broke into the historic chapel of San Giacomo di Ruspaglia, situated between the municipalities of San Giorgio Canavese and San Giusto. The intruders forced open the door, smeared wax on the altar, and threw candles at the interior frescoes, causing visible damage.
Two attempted arsons in the church of St. Peter and Paul in Oberalting
May 1, 2024, GermanyBetween 22 April and 1 May, the Catholic Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Oberalting, Bavaria, suffered two arson attacks within a short space of time, in which the church's prayer book was set on fire. The local community is alarmed by these acts of vandalism, which target a sacred space for personal reflection and prayer. The police have opened an investigation into these deliberate acts of arson.