All cases
Polish cemetery destroyed
September 8, 2024, BelarusAs reorted on September 8, unknown perpetrators desecrated the memorial site of the victims of Stalinist repressions in the Vitebsk region. This is another case of desecration of Polish memorial sites in Belarus.
Burglars wreak havoc in church in Skara
September 8, 2024, SwedenOver the weekend of 7-8 September, unknown assailants broke into the Skånings-Åsaka church in Skara. They smashed the doors, windows and safe. The church's pastor says: "It's a real mess". The whole sacristy was turned upside down.
Man insults faithful during mass
September 8, 2024, PolandOn Sunday September 8, a 40-year-old man entered the church in Tarnobrzeg during mass on a bicycle. According to witnesses, he rode several laps in front of the altar while shouting vulgarities in English and making offensive gestures.
Muslim Politician uses Christian images for shooting exercise
September 7, 2024, SwitzerlandThe Zurich municipal councillor and Bosnian Muslim, Sanija Ameti, published photos of herself using a reproduction of a an image of Mary and Jesus as target practice at a shooting exercise on Instagram on September 7. The pierced heads of Mary and the baby Jesus could be seen on the picture.
Statue of Mary vandalised
September 7, 2024, PolandOn September 7, the Statue of Mary at the parish cemetery of St. Bartholomew in Goraj was doused with oil. The attack caused sadness among local parishioners.
Arson Attempt: Marian chapel in Gennep targeted for the third time
September 7, 2024, NetherlandsOn September 7, the Mariakapel at the Touwslagersgroes in Gennep, North Limburg, was the target of vandals for the third time in a short period of time.
Bomb threat against Kosice Cathedral
September 6, 2024, SlovakiaA bomb threat was sent by email to the Cathedral of St. Elisabeth in Kosice, Slovakia. It was claimed that explosives were hidden in the premises. Consequently, the church had to be evacuated and was searched by security forces.
Man throws knife at woman and vandalises Sacré-Cœur church in Nice
September 6, 2024, FranceThe police arrested a man for defacing the Sacré-Cœur church in Nice on September 6. He smashed several statues and threw a knife at a woman.
Ukrainian Orthodox Church badly damaged in arson attack
September 4, 2024, UkraineOn the evening of 4 September, the Pokrovsky Church of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in the village of Zeremlya, Zhytomyr region, caught fire. Police are investigating arson.
Parish house ransacked and sacred objects stolen
September 3, 2024, GermanyOn the night of September 3, unknown perpetrators broke into the parish house of Corneliastrasse in Unkel through a window and ransacked the premises. They also stole sacred objects from the church.
Church in Merat targeted with fire and theft
September 3, 2024, ItalyOn September 3, an attempted theft was noticed at the church of San Giorgio di Pagnano. This is the third time that the church has been targeted within a few months: At the end of May, a wooden candle box was set on fire inside the church. The priest was able to extinguish the fire before it could spread much further. A few weeks later, parcels for the members of the Bezece event disappeared.
Shrine in Otwock vandalised
September 3, 2024, PolandOn September 3, unknown vandals destroyed the shrine of "Our Lady of the Immaculate". The shrine was renovated 3 years ago by local people.
Arson Attack on the Immaculate Conception Church in Saint-Omer
September 2, 2024, FranceOn the night of 1-2 September, a 39-year-old man set fire to the sacristy of the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Saint-Omer. The flames then spread to the naves and then to the whole church. The bell tower and the roof were completely destroyed.
Arson Attack on Church of England in Greenisland
September 1, 2024, United KingdomA large fire broke out on Sunday, 1 September at the Parish Church of the Holy Name in Greenisland, Northern Ireland. Police are treating the fire as arson. To local parish community is shocked by the incident.
Fire set to church in Mazara
September 1, 2024, ItalyIn the night between September 1 and 2, unknown persons set the fire to the side door of the "Church of the Miracle" which is located in Via Casa Santa, in Mazara. The attack is a worrying sign of the continuation of criminal acts in the town.
Muslim woman enters church and threatens pastor: 'I am here to kill the God of the Jews'
September 1, 2024, United KingdomOn September 1, a Muslim woman entered the evangelical Angel Church in Islington, London, screaming 'Allahu Akbar' and that she was 'here to kill the God of the Jews’. She became more aggressive after she was asked to leave the building.
Severe damage caused in church theft
August 30, 2024, ItalyOn Friday 30 August, unknown persons broke into the sacristy by smashing the glass of one of the two entrance doors to the church in Mercatale di Vernio, Italy. Four chalices and three pyxes worth over 3000 euros were stolen.
Two church arson attacks in St Johnston
August 28, 2024, IrelandA 27-year-old man has been charged with a series of alleged arson attacks in St Johnston on 28 August. He is accused of attempting to set fire to three religious buildings, namely the Irish Catholic St Baithins Church, the Protestant Orange Hall and a local Masonic Hall.
Church smeared with hateful graffiti
August 27, 2024, NorwayHeggen Church in Buskerud was vandalised. The church is located in Vikersund, where there has been a very tense atmosphere in the last two weeks after a serious incident of violence in the village.
Arson attack on Emmendingen church
August 26, 2024, GermanyOn 26 August, unknown persons attempted to set fire to the side door of the Lutheran church in Emmendingen. The lower part of the wooden door was damaged. The total damage is estimated at around €3,000.
Arsonists Set Pilgrimage Church Altar on Fire
August 25, 2024, GermanyIn the night of August 24 to 25, unknown perpetrators tried to set fire to a pilgrim church in Dorschhausen, Bad Wörishofen. They also tried to set fire to the tablecloth on the altar, causing severe damage of several thousand euros.
Ukraine bans Ukrainian Orthodox Church
August 24, 2024, UkraineUkrainian lawmakers have approved a bill banning the Russian Orthodox Church. The text targets the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) of the Moscow Patriarchate and has raised concerns about the safeguarding of religious freedom in Ukraine. The law requires the UOC to cut all ties with the Russian Orthodox Church or face a process that would lead to its dissolution.
Facade of San Sebastiano targeted by vandals
August 24, 2024, ItalyIn late August 2024, the façade of the Church of San Sebastiano in Vignanello (province of Viterbo) was vandalised, causing damage to the plasterwork, entrance door, and adjacent oratory gate. The desecration of this 17th-century place of worship has provoked strong reactions from local residents.
Several church windows smashed
August 24, 2024, GermanySeveral church windows at Friedrich-Ebert-Staße were smashed with stones by unknown persons. Police are investigating.
Desecration of Greek Orthodox Cemetery
August 24, 2024, TurkeyOn August 24, staff at the Agios Eleftherios cemetery in Istanbul found that the barbed wire fence around the cemetery had been cut, gravestones desecrated, holes dug and the cemetery's guard dogs sedated.
IS claims Knife-Stabbing in Solingen was an Attack Against Christians
August 23, 2024, GermanyOn 23 August 2024, a 26-year-old Syrian man attacked several people at a city festival in Solingen. IS claimed authorship of the attack and announced via Amaq (IS news agency) that it was "directed against Christians." The attack left three people dead and eight wounded.
Vandals Destroy Easter Candle and Smear Altar
August 23, 2024, GermanyBetween 20 and 28 August 2024, unknown persons entered the Höchheim church and damaged the Easter candle. They also scribbled on the white altar ceiling with a burnt-out candle cloth. The damage is estimated at around 200 euros.
Serina cemetery: Church and chapels vandalised
August 22, 2024, ItalyDuring the night of 21-22 August, unknown perpetrators ransacked the church of the Sirena cemetery and vandalised up to 5 private chapels on the cemetery of Serina, Bergamo. Pews, religious objects, flower pots, candles and glass were strewn about and partly destroyed.
Churches in Switzerland facing a series of break-ins
August 22, 2024, SwitzerlandIn August 2024, thieves broke into several churches in Frick and stole valuable church ornaments: silver-plated candlesticks. In Wegenstetten, a crucifix was stolen. In Zeiningen, various gold-plated jewels were stolen. The losses were estimated at several tens of thousands of francs.
Vandalism Leaves Church in Bra Devastated
August 20, 2024, ItalySerious damage inside the Church of the Assumption in Bra on August 20 has caused deep concern. Unknown persons broke into the building and destroyed the furnishings and furniture. The altarpiece depicting the Assumption of the Mary was damaged with numerous holes, the face of the statue of Mary was smeared with black paint, crucifixes were broken and damaged, the curtain of the canopy over the altar was torn, and the marble and tiles were removed from the floor under the miniature of the Lourdes grotto.
Church Desecrated and Robbed
August 20, 2024, SpainAs reported on August 22, unknown perpetrators desecrated the church of Samartín de Güerces and stole objects of great religious and historical value: a chalice, a monstrance; lanterns, crosses and even lamps.
Theft of religious objects and cemetery vandalism
August 20, 2024, ItalyIn August, someone stole money, keys and the personal belongings, including devotional objects, of a canon from the archpriest at the church of Saints Simon and Jude in Cartigliano. Earlier that month, someone destroyed flowers and vases on several graves in the town's cemetery.
Man stabs Ludlow church door
August 20, 2024, United StatesAn act of vandalism at the Cathedral of Life church in Ludlow was recorded by police on 20 August. Pastor Cutts said a man had been sitting on the steps of the church, then got up, pulled out a knife and started stabbing the church door. Damage was found on the outside of the door. Ludlow police said the man had been arrested.
Virgin of the Star Statue Destroyed and Arson Attempted at Ribatajada Hermitage
August 20, 2024, SpainVandals shattered a historic statue and tried to set fire to the altar of the Virgen de la Estrella hermitage in Ribatajada, prompting outrage and investigation.
Payout for Christian woman who was fined for silent prayer, but government planing new restrictions
August 19, 2024, United KingdomA Christian charity volunteer has received a £13,000 payout and an apology from police after claiming her arrest for silently praying outside an abortion clinic was unjust and violated her human rights. While many see this as a victory for religious freedom, the new UK government is planning to introduce national legislation banning prayer outside abortion clinics.
"Allahu Akabar" smeared on Church in Haiger
August 19, 2024, GermanyUnknown vandals have smeared the walls of the city church in Haiger. According to police, "Allahu Akbar" was written on the walls.
Bishop's ceremonial chair stolen
August 19, 2024, United KingdomAn ornate historic oak bishop's chair, 100 years old and worth £500, has been stolen from the 13th-century All Saints' Church in Ashwicken between August 19- 23.
Church of Madonna di Portadini vandalised
August 17, 2024, ItalyVandals broke into a local church in Alatri, Italy, and turned it upside down.
Lutheran church in Greiz pelted with stones
August 17, 2024, GermanyUnknown persons threw stones at the Lutheran Church in Greiz. The incident is said to have taken place between 10 and 17 August. Lead glass windows were hit and damaged. The police are searching for the perpetrators. The loss is estimate at €4,000.
Vandals wreak havoc in Montecilfone church
August 17, 2024, ItalyOn the night from August 16 to 17, unknown persons destroyed a statue of Mary and other sacred objects in a chapel of a retirement home in Montecilfone.
Priest stabbed on the street in Ireland
August 16, 2024, IrelandOn August 16, in the morning an attacker brutally stabbed Fr. Paul Murphy from Waterford on his way to the Defence Force barracks in Galway, where he works as an army chaplain. Soldiers from the barracks had to open fire on the attacker. The priest is now in a serious condition.
Chalices stolen from two churches
August 16, 2024, FranceTwo churches in the Lot département suffered thefts of sacred objects on August 16 and 17, in Saint-Jean de Laure and Concots. These are the 4th and 5th thefts since the start of the year 2023 - and the 15th and 16th since the series of thefts began previous year.
Stone cross destroyed by vandals on Christian Feast Day
August 15, 2024, FranceOn the night of 15 August (the Catholic Feast Day of the Assumption Mary), vandals destroyed an important stone cross in Tréport, France. The stone cross is more than 400 years old and was declared a historical monument in 1913.
Vandalism at Kassel Church causes extensive damage
August 15, 2024, GermanyA safety-glass extension that served as a side entrance to the church was destroyed. Police are searching for the unknown perpetrators. Between the evening of 15 August and the morning of 16 August 2024, unknown perpetrators caused an estimated €8,000 in damage to St Martin’s Church in Kassel. The vandals deliberately shattered a 2 x 3 metre safety-glass panel at a side entrance to the church, likely using a pointed object.
Two churches closed due to increased vandalism
August 14, 2024, GermanyDue to repeated acts of vandalism, two churches in Bodenfelde and Uslar have had to close their doors outside of worship hours. The churches have been the target of various attacks, including broken windows, arson and an altar being defaced with swastika graffiti.
Repeated Vandalism at Bertesina Church
August 12, 2024, ItalyIn August 2024, unknown vandals damaged the Church of Bertesina (Vicenza) by smashing several high-set stained glass windows, likely by throwing stones. The attack was reported in the parish bulletin and occurred shortly after the church had completed the restoration of statues above the main entrance—an effort that had cost €3,500.
Terrorist attack had Church as Primary Target
August 12, 2024, TurkeyIn early 2025, an 18-year-old man was arrested in Eskişehir, Turkey, after carrying out a stabbing attack that injured five people in a local café. According to Turkish media outlet T24, the suspect had initially planned a terrorist attack on a nearby church but changed his target at the last minute, opting instead to attack civilians in a coffeehouse.
Parishioners Shocked after Vandals Smash Statue
August 7, 2024, United KingdomA statue of Mary outside St Joseph Church in Wembley in the Diocese of Westminster, was smashed into pieces in the night of August 7, leaving behind the empty plinth. The parishioners are shocked. Police presence around the church will be reinforced.
Young man records anti-Christian video inside church
August 6, 2024, ItalyA young Muslim man posted a video in Arabic on TikTok that he had recorded in a church in Milan. In the video, he asked an elderly woman if she was a Christian, then wished her death and cursed another woman in the same church.
Repeated Cross Vandalism: Figure of Jesus Cut into Pieces
August 5, 2024, PolandOn August 5, a cross in the fields of the Polish village Kościuki was vandalised again, following two previous incidents. This time, the vandals also cut up the figure of Jesus, which was attached to the cross, and threw the pieces in the bushes. The local community is shocked about the anti-religious hatred displayed by the act.