All cases
Anti-Clerical Activists Disrupt Mass in Wadowice
May 18, 2022, PolandOn May 18th, mass was held in the basilica of Wadowice to commemorate the 102nd birthday of Pope John Paul II. During the mass, the anti-clerical initiative "Enough of Silence", organized a protest in which they turned on loudspeaker to disrupt the celebrations. Some in the square tried to stop the protestors and were shocked by their presence saying: "How can you be there? On such a day?"
Tabernacle Stolen and Hosts Scattered in French Church
May 18, 2022, FranceThe tabernacle was stolen from the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Amiens on May 18th. The perpetrators entered the church when it was empty and did not only steal the tabernacle but also scattered the consecrated hosts on the floor. The priest only saw the desecration after he was alerted.
Statue of Madonna Stolen form Palidoro Church
May 18, 2022, ItalyOn May 18th, the statue of Madonna that is usually in front of the Santi Filippo e Giacomo church in Palidoro was stolen. The parish priest Don Roberto Leoni reported the incident but it remained unknown who committed the theft. The priest said: "Such a silly, bad gesture, offensive towards the Mother of the Lord and towards all her children, who are not few."
Sacred Objects Stolen from Sacristy of Church in Clamecy
May 18, 2022, FrancePerpetrators forced their way through the front door of the Collégiale Saint-Martin Church in Clamecy on May 18th and then entered the sacristy. When they left, they took with them chalices, a monstrance, and a censor. It was not known who the burglars were.
Vandalism and Several Sacred Objects Stolen from Church in Luneburg
May 17, 2022, GermanyDuring the night of May 17th, unknown perpetrators broke into the St. Michaelis Church in Luneburg and stole two silver wine jugs, a host's tin box and two patrons. While in the church, they broke several doors and the property damage and stolen items amounted to a cost of several thousand euros. They left the church unnoticed and the police were asking the public for information.
Civil Agents Mock Catholic Procession on the Streets
May 17, 2022, SpainA video went viral, where a group of agents from the Guardia Civil is seen carrying another officer who pretends to be the Christ of Good Death in Malaga, while they sing El Novio de la Muerte, the traditional anthem of the Spanish Legion. The agents carried the other officer like they were legionnaires on Holy Thursday, in the streets around the Sanctuary of Lourdes, while laughing, joking, and drinking, which has caused some outrage due to the disrespect to religious feelings.
Update: Spanish Bill Proposal to Allow 16-17-Year Old Girls to Get an Abortion Without Parental Consent
May 17, 2022, SpainThe government of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, formed by the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party and Unidas Podemos, presented a draft bill to allow 16 and 17-year-old girls to get an abortion without parental consent, also removing the mandatory 3-day period of reflection. The Council of Ministers approved it on the 17th of May. The Equality Minister, Irene Montero, stated that "the state guarantees them that the decision about their bodies, their life projects, and their maternity will be theirs". She further added that with this reform "rights will now be guaranteed and extended, and existing obstacles to exercising the right to voluntary termination of pregnancy will be removed". This Bill would be in conflict with parental rights.
Thieves Break into Grosseto Church
May 16, 2022, ItalyOn May 16th, thieves broke into the S. Maria Goretti church in Grosseto, and stole the offerings. To get in, they broke down the door and then they broke the glass to enter the sacristy. The investigations were ongoing as the damage was significant.
Churches in Venice Graffitied
May 16, 2022, ItalyThe church of Sant'Antonin a Castello and the basilica of the Santissimo Redentore alla Giudecca, were smeared with graffiti on May 16th. The façade of the Redentore church had red and black paint on it that looked like a mathematical formula. The Patriarchate of Venice said in a press release: "It was learned, with regret, that the facade of the Basilica del Redentore in Giudecca and the church of Sant'Antonin a Castello were targeted by acts of vandalism that damaged buildings that have significant religious, as well as historical and cultural significance, both for Venetians and for visitors."
Statue of Madonna Vandalized in Dortmund Church
May 16, 2022, GermanyThe wooden statue of Madonna and Child in Dortmund's Propstei Church, once again had wax poured over it from the sacrificial candles on May 16th. The statue is from the 15th century so will now have to be restored in a special workshop. The church was considering using lights without wax to prevent this crime from happening again but they still wanted to keep the church open for all.
Report Shows Discrimination Against Protestant Christians in Turkey
May 16, 2022, TurkeyA report from 2021 that examined the situation of Protestants in Turkey, revealed the severe levels of discrimination they face. It showed how decades of expulsions, social pressure, and government intolerance have led to a decline in Christian Protestants. It also exposes the challenges they are currently facing.
Karlskirche in Vienna Tagged with Graffiti (3rd time in 2022)
May 16, 2022, AustriaOn the 16th of May, the Karlskirche in Vienna was targeted with graffiti.
Statue of Virgin Mary destroyed and anti-Christian Threats in Madrid
May 16, 2022, SpainDuring the night of 15 to 16 May, unknown perpetrators destroyed a statue of the Virgin Mary, located in the garden of the house of the Heralds of the Gospel in Sevilla la Nueva, also causing other considerable damages to the property. They insulted and threatened the Heralds, cut off the electricity, and damaged other infrastructures on the property.
Half-Naked Protesters Wear Religious Symbols in Front of Churches
May 16, 2022, SpainThe police in Spain had to stop a protest that was taking place at the door of the church "Virgen de la Luz" in Cuenca, in which several half-naked women were wearing religious symbols. This was reported on the 16th of May by the online news "El Debate". Later on, "Abogados Cristianos" opened proceedings against the group for hurting religious feelings, after the same incident took place in other churches.
Church Madonna di Campagna Vandalized
May 15, 2022, ItalyThe churchyard of Madonna di Campagna in Verbania was vandalized by unknown perpetrators around the 15. of May. The glass of the board where parish news and notices are posted was broken and all the shattered pieces fell on the base.
Vandalism and Theft from Church in Ursini
May 15, 2022, ItalyOn May 15th, offerings were stolen from the Chiesa di Maria SS. Aiuto dei Cristiani church in the city of Ursini. The unknown vandals broke the glass of the rectory to get access to the offerings which they stole, along with a candlestick which is used to put coins into the offering box. They also tore up the curtain of the confessional. The police have investigated the crime.
Windows Broken with Stones in Leipzig Church
May 14, 2022, GermanyA 38-year-old man, thought to be Croatian, was observed throwing stones at an evangelical Church in Leipzig on May 14th. The police arrested him but not before he had damaged a total of five window panes. An investigation was underway.
Arson and Vandalism at Church in Henstedt-Ulzburg
May 14, 2022, GermanyOn May 14th, a man and woman broke open the door of the Henstedt-Ulzburger Kreuzkirche and vandalized the inside. They tried to set the carpet in front of the alter on fire, which went out, and they damaged knee cushions and hymnals. The property damage was not yet calculated but the police were notified and wrote a complaint to the Norderstedter detectives who investigated it.
Historic "Weather Blessing" Cross Stolen from Church in St.George
May 14, 2022, SwitzerlandA weather blessing cross, that is almost 200 years old and very important to the community, was stolen from the St. Gallen Catholic Church in St. George. It stands 45cm tall and was taken on the 14th of May by unknown thieves. Magnus Hächler, administrator of the church said: "It's a painful loss and very annoying."
Panoramic Church Window of Church in Leipzig Destroyed
May 13, 2022, GermanyThe Catholic provost church Sankt Trinitatis in Leipzig was once again targeted by vandalism after the theft of the tabernacle in April. This time, on May 13th, the 20-meter long by 3 three-meter high church window which has the entire Bible printed on it, was destroyed. The property damage was at least 50,000 to 100,000 euros said provost Gregor Giele of the Catholic New Agency (KNA). Police started an investigation.
Extensive Destruction of Church Windows in Leipzig
May 13, 2022, GermanySix panes of glass were broken in on May 13th at the Catholic Church Sankt Laurentius in Reudnitz-Thonberg, Leipzig. It was not known who completed the vandalism but an investigation was underway. The property damage was in the four-digit range.
Arson Attack and Theft on Pau Chaplaincy
May 12, 2022, FranceThe Chaplaincy in Pau was the victim of an arson attack on the 12th of May. The fire was started on the ground floor of the presbytery of the church of Saint-Pierre and it was obvious that the tabernacle was deliberately targeted as it was charred. The consecrated hosts were not burned but the police also noticed thefts of a computer and some money.
"Fake" Bomb Placed in Potenza Church
May 11, 2022, ItalyA suitcase that was thought to contain a bomb, was left in the Church of San Michele Arcangelo in the historic city of Potenza. It was placed there during the afternoon on May 11th and due to the ticking sound that the suitcase emitted, a bomb was suspected to be inside. A police squad was immediately notified but as the investigations were made, no bomb was found as it was supposed to be a bad joke.
Intruders Break into Church in Siegen-Eiserfeld and Ransack the interior
May 11, 2022, GermanyUnknown intruders forcibly broke into the church in Siegen-Eiserfeld on May 11th. Once inside, they ransacked several cupboards and using tools from the church inventory forced open locked containers. Nothing was stolen but the property damage was significant.
Insulting Graffiti on Church in Killeshil
May 11, 2022, IrelandThe outer wall of the St. Paul's Church of Ireland in Killeshil was painted with the words "baby killers" alongside a swastika symbol. The attack was labelled a hate crime by the PSNI who were investigating the incident. Frances Burton, the DUP councillor for the Clogher Valley area said: “It really is soul-destroying for the people involved with that church and it’s something that is so uncalled for."
Antique Windows Smashed in Neunkirchen and Church Vandalized
May 11, 2022, GermanyBetween May 11th and 12th, intruders broke into the Neunkirchen church on Kirchstrasse by throwing stones through two of the valuable antique stained glass windows. Inside the church, they ransacked cupboards and storage rooms but failed to break open a locked safe. It seemed like they didn't take anything but significant property damage was caused that will cost around 10,000 to repair.
Church Window in Stipshausen Damaged
May 11, 2022, GermanyA window in the Catholic Church of Stipshausen was damaged by an unknown vandal on May 11th. Witnesses found a medium-sized hole, which was probably caused by an object in the framed glass. The police were looking for witnesses with more information.
Burglars Steal Sacred Objects from Bad Doberan Monastery
May 10, 2022, GermanyThieves broke into the Bad Doberan Monastery on the 10th of May but have not been found. They ransacked the interior of the church and broke open a safe from which they took keys and an unspecified quantity of cash. In addition, they stole some sacred objects which were made of brass or gold and silver plated. The police launched an investigation but have not been able to track either the thieves or the stolen objects.
Arson and Desecration in Romsthal Church
May 10, 2022, GermanyOn May 10th, a church on Kirchstrasse in Romsthal was the victim of an arson attempt. The criminals set fire to several parish letters under a stool and burned some prayer texts near the altar. In addition, they knocked over an offering box, and some candles, and spread the wax over the floor. The fire was out by the time it was discovered and the property damage was around 150 euros but could have been much more. The police were looking for witnesses.
Cross and Candlestick Stolen from Church in Addington
May 10, 2022, United KingdomA cross and candlestick were stolen from the medieval church of St. Mary in Addington on the 10th of May. Reverend Debbie Forman said that the items have "little intrinsic value" but the church is "not the same without them." The church remained open and the hope was that the thief, who was not known, would return them.
Church in Rotherham Trashed by Illegal Party
May 10, 2022, United KingdomOn May 10th, vandals broke into the Rotherham Church and trashed the interior. They drank wine and left broken bottles everywhere as well as destroying the church-run nursery which is used to help single mothers with childcare. The incident forced the nursery to close for a week.
Bad Wörishofen Cementery Ransacked by Vandals
May 10, 2022, GermanyUnknown vandals have rioted in the cemetery of Bad Wörishof and knocked over a large gravestone. The cemetery caretaker, Frank Stehr, says that the cemetery is the target of thieves and vandals almost every day. He says flowers and grave arrangements or even gravestones are stolen regularly. "Again and again, people come to me and report that they have lost various such objects," he reports. Still, the last incident was unprecedented. "It was vandalism in its purest form," said Stehr.
Family Father Stabbed to Death in Marseille
May 10, 2022, FranceOn May 10. 2022, an army doctor was stabbed to death in front of his two children. The 40-year old man was quietly picking up his children from a catholic school in Marseilles, when he was attacked from behind by Mohammed L. (23). The suspect claims he committed this crime "in the name of God".
150 kg Bell Stolen from Baranow Church
May 9, 2022, PolandA bronze bell, weighing 150 kg, was stolen from the Baranow Parish Church on May 9th. The bell has images of the Crucified Christ and Madonna and Child on it and was made in 1853. The parish priest notified the police and appealed to the villagers.
Aggravated Theft in Crotone
May 9, 2022, ItalyTwo burglars entered a church in Crotone on May 9th and after removing the entire offering column, they took it outside, forced it open, and took the coins within. A passerby noticed the unusual activity and immediately notified the Carabinieri arrived on the scene with the State Police who caught the offenders. They were then charged with aggravated theft and taken to the Catanzaro prison.
Relic containing the blood of a Polish priest was stolen from a church
May 9, 2022, United KingdomThe St. Nicholas Church in Boston was the victim of a burglary on the night between the 9th and 10th of May. One of the stolen items was the reliquary containing the blood of Jerzy Popieluszko, a Polish priest who was beatified by the Roman Catholic Church in 2009. The police are investigating.
Church in Lomellina Vandalized
May 8, 2022, ItalyOn May 8th, vandals forced their way into the interior of the Santa Croce church in Lomellina. There, they damaged the the votive candle lighting system and ransacked the priest's office. No valuable appeared to be stolen but extent of the damage had not been properly assessed.
Destruction of Tombs and Crosses in Piekary Śląskie Cemetery
May 8, 2022, PolandAround 30 graves were destroyed by unknown vandals in the St. Józef cemetery of Piekary Śląskie on May 8th. Tombstones were pushed over and crosses were broken in an act that showed complete disrespect for a place that is sacred to so many. The crime was investigated with the support of forensic technicians who were trying identify the villains.
Anglican Chapel Severly Vandalised and Mocked
May 8, 2022, United KingdomSt. Mary's church near Saxton, Yorkshire, which is an important listed building, was vandalized by anonymous intruders on May 8th. A volunteer group that takes care of the chapel wrote on Facebook: "A sickening sight this morning...litter, smashed vases, glass everywhere, and worst of all the crosses broken too. To add insult to injury, a note of apology with a fake phone number," was also left there. The chapel stands in an isolated field and has often been a place of refuge.
Arson and Property Damage in Bobingen Church
May 8, 2022, GermanyUnknown people entered the Liebfrauen church in Bobingen and damaged several seat cushions and benches. On May 8th, they took the sacrificial candles that were in the church, and after lighting them, used them to burn holes in the furniture. An investigation was launched by the police and the damage was estimated at around 400 euros.
Theft and Vandalism in Ostellato Church
May 8, 2022, ItalyWhen the priests arrived at the Ostellato parish of "Santissimi Pietro e Paolo" on Sunday the 8th of May to prepare mass, they found that intruders had stolen the offerings and some golden objects after forcing their way through the back door during the night. The property damage was around 6,000 euros, which was not covered by insurance. The carabinieri started an investigation and hope to find the perpetrators.
116 Spiritual Sites Destroyed Since Russian Invasion of Ukraine
May 7, 2022, UkraineBetween February 24th, when Russia first invaded Ukraine, and May 7th, there have been 116 spiritually significant buildings destroyed. 91 of these buildings were Orthodox churches while the rest, were Mosques, Synagogues, Catholic and Protestant churches, and buildings of religious organizations. Most of these ruined sites were in the regions of Donetsk, Kyiv, and Kharkiv. The war in Ukraine has caused a divide, especially in the Christian Orthodox Church which has led Russia to ban the Ukraine Orthodox Church and Ukraine to attempt a similar ban on the Russian Orthodox Church.
Two Holy Water Fonts Stolen from Different Cemeteries
May 7, 2022, GermanyOn the 7th of May, two holy water fonts were stolen. One was stolen from the cemetery in Hittisau and the other was from the cemetery in Egg-Großdorf. It was not known who did it but witnesses were being asked to provide more information.
Churchyard in Ruvo di Puglia Vandalized
May 6, 2022, ItalyThe churchyard of the San Rocco church in Ruvo di Puglia, was vandalized on May 6th by unknown perpetrators. Diesel was sprinkled around which caused damage to the sidewalk and floor. Municipal councilor Mariatiziana Rugliani thought the cameras may be able to help identify who did it. He also said of the incident: "An ignoble act, a meaningless disfigurement to a sacred place and to those who lovingly guard it."
Vandalism to Evangelical Church in Vöcklabruck
May 6, 2022, AustriaThe evangelical church in Vöcklabruck, Austria, was vandalized on Friday the 6th of May. Three lights on the pathway outside the church were kicked over, and notices, brochures, leaflets, and prayer books were scattered all over the inside of the church. The microphones were damaged and the offering box was broken open from which money was then stolen. The amount of damage was not entirely clear but the police were investigating.
Man Arrested for Stealing Sacred Vessels from Nicosia Chapel
May 6, 2022, CyprusA 36-year-old man was arrested on the 6th of May on suspicion of stealing sacred vessels from a schoolyard chapel in Nicosia, Cyprus. Sometime between April 15th and May 3rd, the chapel was broken into and the sacred items were taken. Those investigating the crime found the man.
Window in Schlierstadt Church Smashed
May 6, 2022, GermanyA window of the Catholic church "Sankt Gangolf" in Schlierstadt, was smashed with a stone between May 2nd and 6th. The church was vandalized twice last year but this time, the property damage was around 1000 euros. The police were looking for more information about the perpetrator.
Parental Consent Not Needed for Children Under 16 Years Old to Take Puberty Blockers
May 6, 2022, United KingdomOn the 6th of May, the Supreme Court of the UK declined to take the Bell v Tavistock case, regarding puberty blockers for teenagers under 16 years old, which means the ruling by the Court of Appeals will currently stand. After the High Court ruled that 13-year-olds were not old enough and needed parental consent to begin hormone blockers; Tavistock appealed in June of 2021 and the Court of Appeals ruled that it was not the High Court's decision to make. Instead, they ruled that parental consent was unnecessary and that clinicians could decide it with their patients. This is a significant concern for Christian parents who would disagree with such treatment.
Anti-Christian and Nazi Tags on Parish Church in Mautern
May 6, 2022, AustriaThe outer walls of the parish church in Mautern were sprayed with Nazi symbols on May 6th. Once the police had the relevant details, they were able to identify the perpetrators who were brothers aged 21 and 27 from the Leoben district. The property damage was significant. One graffiti reads "F** Jesus".
Bishop's Car in Kaluga Vandalized
May 6, 2022, RussiaOn the night of May 6th, the car of Albert Ratkin, bishop of the Glorification Church in Kaluga, was painted with the "pro-Russian war" letters Z and V, and polyurethane was put in the exhaust pipe and doors. The vandalism was done because the Bishop had a YouTube channel, called "View from Heaven", on which he had posted videos against the war. He said: “I am not speaking with criticism, I am offering some solutions. Not everyone likes it, you see.”