All cases
A couple who specialised in stealing from churches convicted
February 5, 2024, FranceA couple who specialised in stealing from churches has now been caught and convicted. In 2014 the couple had stolen various religious objects in broad daylight from dozens of churches in the west of France. Once stolen these sacred items were sent by mail to England before being sold.
Cross of 7th Century Church of Vankasar Removed
February 5, 2024, ArmeniaThe cross of the 7th Century Vankasar Church has been found removed on pictures circulating online.
Vandalism in the church of Fontenay-le-Comte
February 5, 2024, FranceOn February 5, vandals attacked the church of Notre Dame in Fontenay-le-Comte and broke two statues. The local Catholic community is deeply shocked about these acts.
Man spit on cross and handed out blasphemous cards in Białystok Cathedral
February 4, 2024, PolandShortly before Mass, a man entered Białystok Cathedral and placed cards bearing blasphemous inscriptions on pews, the pulpit, and the altar. Witnesses reported that he also spat on the crucifix and threw the missal to the ground.
St. Joseph Church in Schalke Vandalised
February 4, 2024, GermanyIn the course of a series of vandalism attacks, the St. Joseph Church in Schalke has also been targeted. The perpetrators threw projectiles through the stained windows destroying four windows, breaking a door and two gates.
LGBT group vandalises Greek Orthodox Church
February 4, 2024, GreeceThe Church of St. Achillius of Larissa was vandalised on the eve of the reading of the synodal circular of the Orthodox Church of Greece on the bill to legalize gay marriage. Unknown people wrote slogans on the ground and walls directed against the Orthodox faith and Metropolitan Jerome personally.
Vandalism to the cross of St. Hakob Church
February 4, 2024, ArmeniaThe cross of St Hakob's Church in the Hekimyan district of Stepanakert, the capital of the Republic of Artsakh, has been removed and the khachkar (cross stone) in the yard is missing. In addition, the tombstone of a monk in the courtyard of St Harutyun Church in Hadrut was desecrated by an Azerbaijani occupier in the historic Dizak area of Hadrut, Artsakh.
Arson Attack on Priest's Car
February 3, 2024, ItalyPriest Don Giovanni Rigoli's car was set on fire by an unknown perpetrator. This happened after the celebration of a funeral in the parish church of Santo Stefano.
Tabernacle broken into and consecrated hosts stolen
February 3, 2024, FranceThe church in Labastide-Murat, France, has been desecrated. The tabernacle was broken into and the custode containing the consecrated hosts was stolen. Only two weeks earlier, the presbytery had been broken into.
Man breaks statue in Saint Jean-Baptiste church "in the name of Allah"
February 2, 2024, FranceA man entered Saint Jean-Baptiste church and violently attacked the statue of John the Baptist using a crucifix. The statue, made of plaster, was completely broken and the crucifix was badly damaged.
Vandalism to St. Aloysius Church in Iserlohn
February 2, 2024, GermanyUnknown perpetrators daubed the wooden main entrance doors of the St. Aloysius Church on Hohler Weg in Iserlohn with graffiti. Also, an outdoor light was damaged and a flower pot was set on fire.
Consecrated Hosts and Reliquary Stolen
February 1, 2024, ItalyAt the beginning of February, a reliquary with the consecrated hosts was stolen from the tabernacle of the Mother Church in Locorotondo.
Vandalism at the Sacred Heart Church
January 31, 2024, GermanyOn January 31, unknown perpetrators entered the Sacred Heart Church in Sorghof, Germany and used candles to burn a hole in the upholstery of a prayer stool. Further, they also destroyed the reading glasses the church had kept there for a churchgoer.
Man turns himself in after spray painting satanist symbols on church
January 31, 2024, GermanyA man 32 hands himself into the police after going on a vandalism spree around Markt Schwaben. Spray painting the town hall and elementary school with anti-police and Nazi messages before then painting satanist symbols on a chapel and St. Margaret's Church.
Vandalism and Desecration of Eucharist in Church
January 31, 2024, ItalyThieves broke into the Church of Saint Mary of the Carmine in Lecce and stole money, desecrated the Eucharist kept in the tabernacle, and turned various sacred furnishings into corpses.
Suspected Arson Attack at St. Walpurgis Church
January 30, 2024, GermanyA fire broke out in the altar area of St. Walpurgis Church burning, among other things, the nativity scene. The fire caused damage of estimated 50,000 euros. Investigators have ruled out a technical defect and are assuming arson.
Statue destroyed inside church
January 30, 2024, ItalyUnknown assailants broke into the Madonna del Pilone church and smashed a statue of Mary, which was completely destroyed. They also stole a small amount of money.
Vandals destroy tombstones and chapel of the Secret Army
January 30, 2024, BelgiumOn January 30 vandals destroy tombstones and chapel of the Secret Army in Hoelbeek, Belgium. First the gravestones were smeared twice with black paint. Some time later the door and information columns of the chapel of the Secret Army were also painted black.
Draft Bill seeks to introduce Censorship Zones Around Abortion Clinics
January 29, 2024, GermanyGermany's Federal Family Minister, Lisa Paus, has proposed amendments to the Pregnancy Conflict Act ("Schwangerschaftskonfliktgesetz"), which would impose fines up to 5.000 euros fine on anyone committing a "disturbing" or "confusing" action within 100 meters around abortion clinics. Religious freedom organizations fear that this law could lead to 'censorship zones' like in the UK where individuals have been arrested for silent prayer and other peaceful expressions on public streets around abortion clinics.
Statue of the Angel of Cilavenga once again vandalised
January 29, 2024, ItalyA statue of the Angel standing behind the parish church of San Pietro Apostolo in Cilavegna has once again been targeted by vandals, who have damaged its right arm. The statue of the Angel of Cilavenga has already been sprayed and stoned several times.
Communist and Anti-Israel Graffiti on Santa Maria della Pietà Church
January 29, 2024, ItalyThe external wall of the church of Santa Maria della Pieta, in via San Vitale, was daubed with symbols and the writing 'Israel = death', drawn in red paint. The letters "CCCP" and a hammer and sickle in red paint were also left on the wall.
Terrorists Attack on Church in Istanbul Leaves one Dead and several Injured
January 28, 2024, TurkeyOn January 28 at 11.40 local time two masked gunmen walked into a Sunday mass at the Santa Maria Catholic Church in Istanbul's Sariyer district and fired two shots killing a person and leaving several injured. The Islamic State claims responsibility for the attack.
Vandalism and Theft the Sanctuary of the Angels in Cuneo
January 28, 2024, ItalyThe Sanctuary of the Angels Church has repeatedly been a target of vandalism. Most recently, the statue of the Madonna was found on the ground with its little finger missing. While in the past it was mostly the candles in front of the statue of the Madonna which disappeared, this time a vase of holy water was stolen in the church.
Satanists leave 1000 Euros in Damage due to Church Vandalism
January 28, 2024, GermanyA pentagram was painted on the side entrance door of St. Vitus Church in Blumberg. An external electronic sensor and a lamp have also been damaged.
Woman harassed by Metropolitan Police for Publicly Signing Gospel Songs
January 28, 2024, United KingdomHarmonie London was performing in London's Oxford Street when a Metropolitan Police special constable told her: “No, miss, you’re not allowed to sing church songs outside of church grounds, by the way”.
Religious Statue Vandalised in Košute
January 28, 2024, CroatiaOn January 28, unknown perpetrators smashed the statue of Blessed Alojzije Cardinal Stepinac in front of the parish church in Košute.
Baptismal font and Stations of the Cross stolen
January 27, 2024, GermanyDuring the night of 27-28 January, unknown perpetrators stole the baptismal font and several stations of the cross from the Catholic Liebfrauenkirche in Sinsen, Germany.
Man Set Fire around and inside Bordeaux-Caudéran church
January 27, 2024, FranceOn January 27, a man set a fire outside of the church in a bin before going inside the church and trying to set the altar on fire. He also attempted to set fire to a chair. He was quickly stopped by parishioners before the police came and arrested him.
Analysis: Increased anti-Christian vandalism during the Christmas season
January 26, 2024, ItalyOIDAC Europe's analysis shows an increase of anti-Christian incidents over Christmas. Next to tightened security due to terrorism threats to some major churches in European cities, a high number of vandalism of nativity scenes in Italy is raising concerns.
Eggs Thrown at Church
January 26, 2024, GermanyAn unknown perpetrator threw eggs at the entrance doors of a church. This caused property damage and the police are investigating for the offense of disrupting the practice of religion.
Vandalism at St. Peter and Paul church Lindenberg
January 26, 2024, GermanyAn unknown perpetrator threw rotten eggs at the five doors of St. Peter and Paul church Lindenberg. The parish priest said he did not believe that this was simply a joke by youth. This is not the first time the church has been targeted.
Church in Saint-Chély-d'Apcher vandalised with red spray paint
January 26, 2024, FranceOn the night of Thursday, January 25 to Friday, January 26, 2024, the facades of the church in Saint-Chély-d'Apcher was vandalised with red spray paint.
Vandal Targeted Haussy Church: Religious Statues Stolen and Defaced
January 26, 2024, FranceA man was identified after stealing sacred objects and vandalizing a statue inside the Saint-Pierre church in Haussy, France.
Church vandalised with spray-painting
January 24, 2024, GermanyOn the evening of January 24, the church of St Jodok was vandalised. An unknown person painted the façade of the church and the entrance area. A political motivation for the graffiti has been ruled out. Graffiti damage amounts to €1,000. The police are appealing for witnesses.
Thieves Steal Cross and Statutes from Salford Church
January 22, 2024, United KingdomA statue of Jesus on a crucifix was stolen from outside a church using an electric saw. Along with a kneeling angel and a kneeling figure of St Bernadette.
Metropolitan Longin attacked in Bancheny
January 22, 2024, UkraineOn the night of January 22, 2024, an unknown person attacked the Ukrainian Orthodox Metropolitan Longinus of Bancheny, severely striking the bishop in the face. Metropolitan Longin lost consciousness, and surgery was performed on his eyelids.
Basque Protest Group Interrupts Mass and Vandalises Churches
January 21, 2024, SpainMembers of "Defentsa Komunitatea", a youth section of the Basque independence and nationalist movement, interrupted a mass throwing leaflets and fake money. During the last weeks some churches in Azpeitia and Beasain, as well as churches in Lasao, Arroa and Aizarna, have also been vandalized by members of that same group.
Vandalism to the Church of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary
January 21, 2024, RussiaIn the Kalininsky district of St. Petersburg, vandals painted the walls of the Church of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary at the Peter the Great Polytechnic University (SPbPU). The archpriest said that unknown persons painted offensive slogans on the wall of the building. The police are currently investigating.
Church vandalised with anti-Semitic slur
January 19, 2024, NetherlandsOn January 19, an anti-Israel tag "F*ck Israel" was discovered on the floor of the New Church of Putten in Gelderland, the Netherlands. On New Year's Eve 2023, the memorial space in the same Veluwe village was also covered with a green star of David and the date "7 October 2023". This was a direct reference to the day when Hamas carried out a major terrorist attack on Israel, killing 1200 people.
Cemetery vandalism
January 16, 2024, SpainOn January 16, some hooded men, during the early morning, destroyed the graves and tore off crosses and other religious images from the cemetery of Espinardo, Murcia, in order to steal them.
Parish priest in Varapodio physically attacked
January 15, 2024, ItalyOn January 15, Father Giovanni Rigoli, the parish priest of Varapodio, was attacked and intimidated after a funeral service at the parish church of Santo Stefano.
Vandalism and Desecration of Bible in Ossingen Church
January 14, 2024, SwitzerlandOver the weekend of 13-14 January, the Reformed Church in Ossingen (Weinland Mitte) was vandalised. According to local news reports, the perpetrator also tried to set fire to the Bible on display.
Church walls vandalised with Nazi symbols
January 13, 2024, PolandOn 13 January 2024, the walls of the Protestant Church of Peace in Świdnica, Lower Silesia, were vandalised and painted with Nazi symbols and slogans insulting Prime Minister Donald Tusk. One suspect has been arrested.
Teaching Assistant Wins Legal Case After Being Fired for Street Preaching
January 12, 2024, United KingdomIn March 2022, Andy Nix, 65, was called to the headteacher's office from Temple Moor High School and interrogated about his street preaching in the summer of 2021. This happened after some students complained that his street preaching made them feel "unsafe". He was fired on the spot and had to leave the school premises immediately. Supported by the Christian Legal Centre (CLC), Mr Nix took legal action against the school claiming harassment, discrimination and a breach of his right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion under Article 9 of the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR). Now, the school decided to settle the case and pay him £7,000 in compensation instead of going to trial.
UPDATE: Prosecutor Will Take Päivi Räsänen Case to The Supreme Court
January 12, 2024, FinlandAfter the Court of Appeal cleared Päivi Räsänen of all charges in November 2023, the prosecutor has decided to take the case against the Finnish politician to the Supreme Court of Finland. The case started back in 2019 due to do social media postings by Mrs. Räsänen, in which she quoted a bible verse and asked the Finnish Lutheran Church to stop the support of the Helsinki Gay Pride Parade. Part of the charges were also directed against the Lutheran bishop Juhana Pohjola, who published a booklet by Mrs Räsänen about the Christian teaching on marriage and family.
Glass door of Guildford Cathedral smashed to pieces in senseless vandalism act
January 12, 2024, United KingdomAs reported on January 12, vandals have caused considerable damage to the iconic glass panes at Guildford Cathedral. The door, which had sentinel angels engraved by a renowned glass artist, has been smashed. The Cathedral team said they were devastated by a “senseless act of vandalism at a holy place.”
Prayer book set on fire in church
January 12, 2024, GermanyOn January 12, someone set fire to a prayer book in the Weihenlinden church in Germany. Thanks to the quick action of the people who were in the church, the damage was limited to a few pages of the book. Earlier, two children had pointed out a man smoking next to the book of wishes. The police have launched an investigation and are appealing for witnesses.
Fire set on church of San Matteo
January 9, 2024, ItalyOn January 9, someone set fire to wooden pallets leaning against the walls of the Salesian Oratory of San Matteo in Messina, Italy. The fire blackened the walls of the church and the pavement. The incident was reported to the police by the oratory's director, Don Gabriele Cardaciatto. "We consider certain behaviours to be absurd and unseemly incivility," said Raffaele Verso, President of the V Municipality of Messina.
St. John Church in Barcelona vandalised by left-wing group
January 9, 2024, SpainOn January 9, the church of Saint John in Barcelona, Spain, was vandalised by the left-wing organisation ARRAN. The church is considered a cultural asset of the city. The incident was published in X by and several users called for ARRAN to be fined.
Hosts and sacred objects stolen
January 8, 2024, ItalyOn January 8, between 2am and 4am, thieves broke into the sanctuary of Beata Vergine dell'Olmo in Portomaggiore, Italy, and stole hosts, sacred objects, video and sound equipment, and damaged the interior of the church. When the parish priest, Don Ugo Berti, went to prepare for the first mass of the day at 6.30am he found the church door open. At first he thought it was an accident, but then he saw that the entrance had been forced open in several places. He quickly alerted the authorities. "I am afraid it was a theft on behalf of Satanists: the hosts could be used to celebrate black masses," the parish priest said.