All cases
Twitter Bans Spanish Deputy for Writing "Amen" in Support of the Holy Week
April 8, 2022, SpainTwitter censored the deputy of the VOX party in Spain, Víctor Manuel Sánchez del Real, for writing "Amen" and the cry "Long live Christ the King", in support of the Holy Week. The social network considered that the deputy's publications did not comply with Twitter's rules, by "publishing private information" and demanded that he deleted it in order to unlock his account.
Priest Robbed during Service in Warsaw
April 7, 2022, PolandA priest in Białołęka, Warsaw, was robbed while celebrating mass in an in an act that showed complete disrespect for the religious events of the church. On April 7th, a man and woman entered the church during the service and took the priest's phone. After being contacted, the thieves agreed to return the phone but only for a sum of money. The priest contacted the police who were investigating the crime.
Church of San Gottardo Tagged with Obscene Symbols
April 7, 2022, ItalyThe church of San Gottardo in Vittorio Veneto has been once again vandalized in an attack that was described as blasphemous and brutal. The incident was reported on the 7th of April. Unknown perpetrators inscribed Insults and phallic symbols in black on the walls of the sacred temple. Due to the lack of surveillance cameras, those who did it will be hard to find but after this act, the Municipality was considering putting some in.
Update: Two Men Arrested for Theft and Vandalism of Several Churches in Paris
April 6, 2022, FranceTwo men were taken into custody by the police on April 6th as they were expected to have committed multiple thefts and sacrilegious acts at Catholic churches in the Paris region. The churches included the Saint-Pierre Church in Bondy and the church of Saint-Germain-l'Auxerrois in Romainville, in which the tabernacle and consecrated hosts were vandalized, as well as thefts in the Grenoble Cathedral, and churches located in Val-de-Marne, Hauts-de-Seine, Seine-Saint-Denis and Paris. The total damage amounted to several tens of thousand of euros.
Orthodox Church in Strasbourg Tagged with Letter Z
April 6, 2022, GermanyThe letter Z was painted several times on the entrance of the Russian Orthodox Church in Strasbourg on April 6th. This letter is a symbol that has been associated with the Russian Army and the attack was obviously hateful. A complaint has been filed and the parish commented: "We mourn what is happening and wish a quick return of peace to Ukrainian land."
Spanish PSOE Law Criminalizes Pro-Life Prayer Groups Outside Abortion Facilities
April 6, 2022, SpainOn the 6th of April, the Spanish Senate approved an alteration to the Penal Code, in order to "punish the harassment and intimidation of anti-abortion activists of women who go to clinics to voluntarily interrupt their pregnancy". This modification, which could lead to 3 months up to 1 year of imprisonment, was endorsed by the Socialist Party of Pedro Sánchez, the Prime Minister. It was approved by Congress and enters into force when published in the Official State Gazette.
DIY Abortion Pills Violate Parental Rights in England
April 5, 2022, United KingdomNew DIY abortion laws in the UK, allow for women to have an abortion without seeing a medical professional; but, by simple talking, and then ordering pills over the phone. This raised serious concern for the health of women and the possibility for minors to abort without properly consulting a professional or their parents before starting something that could traumatize their lives. Parental rights are violated in this case, which is especially problematic for Christian parents who would not agree with their child taking such actions.
Russian Troops Commit Sacrilege at Chernihiv Cemetery in Ukraine
April 5, 2022, UkraineRussian troops vandalised a large cemetery near Mariupol on March 4th by repeatedly driving over crosses and tombstones with tanks. The necropolis is one of the largest in Europe and those who witnessed the event called it sacrilege. The cemetery was entirely destroyed in this unnecessary, sacrilegious, and inhumane destruction.
Statue of Madonna of Fatima Stolen from Cerreto Guidi Church
April 5, 2022, ItalyA meter-high painted wooden statue of the Madonna of Fatima, along with a small crucifix, was stolen from the Church of the Company in Cerreto Guidi. The sacrilegious theft happened Tuesday, April 7th and greatly upset the people of the town. The statue was of "great emotional value" to the town said archpriest, Father Alessandro Locatelli, and "the Christian people of Cerreto have been deprived of a dear image." The incident was reported to the local police station.
Molotov cocktail Thrown at Church in Muri-Gümligen
April 5, 2022, SwitzerlandThe Reformed Church in Muri-Gümligen was attacked with a Molotov cocktail on the night of April 6th. No one was injured but the property damage was high. The intent of the attack is somewhat unclear but since the church was lit up with blue and yellow lights, an anti-Ukraine motive was suggested. Whatever the case, a religious sight that is sacred to many was subjected to a hateful act.
"Death to Churches" Written on Church in Murcia
April 5, 2022, SpainThe Spanish police posted on Twitter that they identified the perpetrators who vandalised the parish centre in the Saint John district in Murcia. This was communicated on the 5th of April, together with a picture of the crime that shows the inscription "Muerte a las Iglesias" (Death to Churches) in red paint. After searching the vehicle of the perpetrators, they located spray paint cans of the same colour as the graffiti.
Arson at Church in Trinità
April 4, 2022, ItalyOn April 4th, the Madonnina Church in Trinità was once again vandalised. This time, unknown perpetrators entered the church and set the prayer sheets and offering box alight. In the past, the church has been tagged with graffiti and a nearby bench was defaced. The mayor Ernesta Zucco said: “I wonder what they can have against this modest church. I have no more words but these facts cry out for justice. We really can't take it anymore."
Church in Zell Vandalised
April 4, 2022, AustriaThe Evangelical church in Zell was vandalised by strangers on April 4th. A large window was smashed by an object of considerable size and shingles were torn off the façade. The Church filled a complaint and the police began an investigation with the hope that some DNA would be left on the shingles.
Church of Sant'Eligio Set Alight
April 4, 2022, ItalyThe façade of the Church of Sant'Eligio in Napoli was once again scarred by fire on April 4th, less than three months since it happened last. The monumental sight, which youth set fire to, dates back to 1270 and would have experience even worse damage had a fire extinguisher not been nearby. These repeated acts of arson show the youths contempt for the church and its Christian practices.
Severe Damage to Putbus Church During Burglary
April 4, 2022, GermanyOne or more perpetrators forced their way into the Putbus castle church on April 4th. Although only a double digit amount of money was stolen, about 3,000 euros of property damage was caused when they broke through multiple doors and roughly searched cupboards. An investigation was started by the police into this vandalistic theft.
Church in Vojvodina Vandalised With Threatening Graffiti
April 4, 2022, SerbiaA church in Novi-Banovitsa in Vojvodina, northern Serbia, was vandalised on 4 August. Unknown persons drew a line in orange paint around the Church of St Basil of Ostrog, built in neo-Byzantine style in 1991, and wrote the word "skulls" in Serbian on the bins at the entrance.
2 Churches Vandalized in Sprowston
April 3, 2022, United KingdomSt. Mary and St. Margaret's Church in Sprowston were victims of vandalistic attacks on April 3rd. Police were investigating the act in which the intruders threw toys at the spotlight in the nave, broke eggs inside the building, smashed the organ, and tried to start a fire.
Two Churches Attacked with Eggs and Vandalism in Sprowston
April 3, 2022, United KingdomSt. Mary and St. Margaret's Church in Sprowston were victims of vandalistic attacks on April 3rd. Police were investigating the act in which the intruders threw toys at the spotlight in the nave, broke eggs inside the building, smashed the organ, and tried to start a fire.
Serial Church Thief Caught in Pontine
April 3, 2022, ItalyA 51 year old man has been arrested for repeated thefts of churches since February, in the area of Pontine. He was caught red handed by the Carabinieri of the Minturno station as he was trying to open the offering box in the San Biagio church which he had stolen from previously. His wife was also charged for assisting him in their repeated and disrespectful thefts from Christian churches.
Window Smashed in Niederselters Church by Teenagers
April 3, 2022, GermanyA window, of a church in Niederselters, was smashed by two teenagers who were throwing snowballs at it on April 4th. The damage caused was around 1.000 euros and the police began looking for the perpetrators who were suspected to be boys between 15 and 17 years old.
Church in Messina Graffitied
April 2, 2022, ItalyThe outer wall of the church of Santa Lucia Vergine e Martire in Messina, was covered with graffiti on March 2nd. Most of the inscriptions targeted the police but a religious sight was used to carry out the offence. Father Giovanni Loppolo was happy to tell how the youth of the church had initiated the restoration project.
Window of Church in Weingarten Broken
April 2, 2022, GermanyThe windows of the Protestant church in Weingarten were smashed on April 2nd, causing 1,500 Euros worth of damage. The perpetrator was unknown but police investigated the incident and were looking for witnesses. A Facebook user commented on the incident: "People experience in such a place unique moments of life, joy, care, comfort, silence, protection, community, a connection to the Creator since time immemorial. People respect this place regardless of their faith and worldview."
Drunk Russian Man Hits Ukrainian Catholic Priest in Hamburg
April 2, 2022, GermanyAn intoxicated Russian man has physically attacked the pastor of a Ukrainian Catholic parish in Hamburg on the 2nd of April. According to the report, the man rang de door of the church, and after the priest opened it, he pushed the priest and hit him in the upper body. The priest was able to force the man out of the building and called the police. The Russian man also damaged a fence and a flower bed and stayed sitting on a bench until the police came.
Theft of Religious Objects in Rouillé Church
April 2, 2022, FranceIt was only noticed on April 2nd that objects of worship had been stolen from the church in Rouillé, Vienne. The last event there was on March 19th so the theft of ciboriums, chalices, and patens, which had all been locked in the sacristy, could have happened any time. This was one of many similar thefts that have recently happened in the area so churches are considering options to prevent such acts in the future.
100 Candles Stolen from three Holzland Churches
April 2, 2022, GermanyThree Holzland churches near Steinkirchen were targeted by theft in April. About 100 hand-decorated candles were stolen, which would have been used for charitable donations. The community of the churches was very disappointed by this act.
Pro-Life Catholics Praying Outside Abortion Facilities Faced Abuse
April 2, 2022, SpainOn the 2nd of April, young people and families were harassed by activists and feminists, while praying outside the Askabide abortion clinic in San Sebastian. They were praying the rosary on their knees, with a megaphone, under the motto "praying is not a crime" and carried a cross and an image of the Virgin. Tensions started to build up as protesters began harassing, censoring, and insulting the pro-life group. The police from Ertzaintza had to intervene in order to prevent attacks against the people praying.
Orthodox Priest Kidnapped in Cherkassya
April 1, 2022, UkraineA priest from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate was kidnapped by unknown persons in the Cherkassya region of Ukraine. A video showed that people broke into the service, and violently took the pastor. Those who tried to stop the kidnappers were also violently dealt with. The exact date of this incident and the well-being of the pastor was unknown but it was thought to have happened in Smela. This showed a continued attack on the Ukrainian Orthodox church.
Rampage in Dreis-Brück Church
April 1, 2022, GermanyPerpetrators, whose identity is not known, vandalized the parish church in Dreis-Brück on April 1st. They distributed, what was thought to be alcohol, in the gallery, and the tablecloth on the altar was burnt. The police were looking for clues as to who could have done it.
Stones Thrown at Image of Christ in Via Merlo
March 31, 2022, ItalyStones were thrown at a picture of Christ in Via Merlo in what could only be described as a hateful act. The incident happened on March 31st and resulted in the glass that was covering the picture getting broken. The vandals also stole candles and flowers and left inscriptions around the sight.
Religious Paintings Stolen in Marian San Nicola Church
March 31, 2022, ItalyTwo religious paintings and tens of euros were stolen from the Santissima Annunziata church in Marian San Nicola on March 31st. The money was from the offertory which got damaged during the theft. Don Saji, the parish priest, reported the incident to the carabinieri who were investigating it.
Update: Conversion Therapy Ban in UK No Longer Covers Transgender People
March 31, 2022, United KingdomBoris Johnson announced on March 31st that the so-called conversion therapy ban in the UK would no longer cover transgender people but only gay or bisexual people. This was a change from what had been announced a few hours earlier which was that the ban would be dropped entirely and non-legislative methods would be explored. Despite the entire ban not being dropped, this was still good news for the Christian community as this potential legislation would make it difficult if not impossible, for parents and teachers to encourage their children to adopt the Bibles views on gender and marriage.
Sacred Objects Stolen from Gleschendorf Church
March 30, 2022, GermanyDuring the night on March 30th, the Gleschendorf Church was robbed by unknown persons. The perpetrators stole valuable communion objects including a 300 year old baptismal bowl. This unfortunate event demonstrated a disrespect for the church and its proceedings.
Church in Satrup Graffitied
March 30, 2022, GermanyThe Laurentius Church in Satrup was vandalized with paint on March 30th. The façade was covered with phrases written in black paint which expressed contempt for the church and now have to be taken off by a specialist company.
Russian Occupied Crimea Orders Law to ban Ukrainian Orthodox Church
March 30, 2022, Russian occupied CrimeaLaw makers were ordered, by Sergei Aksyonov head of Russian-controlled Crimea, to draft a law banning the Ukrainian Orthodox Church from the Black Sea Peninsula. The working list was planned to be finished by the end of the week, at which point, it would be adopted by parliament. This reflected the tension which existed for a number of years in the Orthodox Church, but saw a resent rise as the war developed.
Update: Finnish Court Upholds Free Speech in Major Trial
March 30, 2022, FinlandOn March 30th, the Helsinki District Court unanimously dismissed all charges against MP Päivi Räsänen and Bishop Juhana Pohjola in a major freedom of speech victory. Päivi Räsänen was prosecuted for sharing her faith based beliefs on marriage in a tweet, and Juhana Pohjola had published a pamphlet, by Räsänen containing these beliefs, 17 years earlier. The ruling of this high-profile case stated that “it is not for the district court to interpret biblical concepts," ordered the prosecution to pay the legal costs of 60,000 EUR, and gave the prosecution seven days to appeal.
Sacred Relic Stolen from Church in Brianza
March 30, 2022, ItalyOn the 30th of April, an antique silver cross was stolen from a church in Barlassina. The cross, which was kept in a small box that was forced open, was of little monetary value which makes the theft particularly sacrilegious. Investigations were underway to find out who committed the theft.
Orthodox Priest Kidnapped in Kherson, Ukraine
March 30, 2022, UkraineSergey Chudinovich, an Orthodox priest from the church of Serhiy Chudynovych in Kherson, was kidnapped on March 30th. Three men, who claimed they were police officers, searched the documents of those present and then drove off with Sergey Chudinovich, who was said to be a well know public figure. He is one of the many religious leaders who has been abducted in Russian occupied areas of Ukraine.
Stone Wall of Notre-Dame des Conches Chapel Vandalised
March 30, 2022, FranceAt the end of March, the isolated Notre-Dame des Conches chapel was vandalised by people who attacked the stone wall with a crowbar to gain entry. They were unsuccessful, as they only made a large hole in it.
59 Religious Buildings, Mostly Orthodox, have been Damaged by Russian Military
March 28, 2022, UkraineSince the beginning of Russia's invasion of Ukraine on February 21st, 59 religious buildings have been badly damaged by Russian attacks in 8 different regions. The Ministry of Information Policy and Culture of Ukraine reported that most of these building had been Orthodox Churches while others were synagogues, mosques, and religious education institutions. The Kremlin claims to "protect Orthodoxy" but these statistics tell a different story.
Sacred Objects Stolen from Couhé
March 28, 2022, FranceA ciboria and chalices, both of which were in the sacristy or tabernacle, were stolen from the Couhé church on March 28th. Consecrated hosts were also taken, which implies the perpetrator was targeting the celebration of the Eucharist as hosts can be sold for high prices in some satanic circles. The theft of these objects of worship was a hateful attack on the religious traditions of the church.
Church in Bärenkeller Vandalized
March 27, 2022, GermanyThe church in Bärenkeller experienced considerable damage on the night of the 27th of March. A window in the basement was damaged and a church pew was ripped right out of the ground. The police are looking for witnesses for the investigation. According to the police, the damage to property is around 500 Euro.
Cross Stolen from St. Michael's Church
March 27, 2022, GermanyOn March 27th, a cross made of cast bronze was stolen from the crypt of St. Michael's church in Fulda. It was not known who did it but the police were investigating.
Würzburg Church Vandalized with Letter Z
March 27, 2022, GermanyThe letter Z, a pro-Russian symbol of war, was painted on the Gethsemane Church in Würzburg on March 27th. The congregation responded with a prayer for peace and the parish priest, Anna Bamberger, condemned the act. The perpetrator, who used this place of worship to advocate a war, was not found.
WHO called for Doctors to Act Against Conscience
March 26, 2022, SwitzerlandThe World Health Organization (WHO) has called for a ban on all limits on abortion as they may violate the rights of "women, girls or other pregnant persons." Among these proposed policies, was one that would limit medical professionals' rights to refuse to take part in abortion for conscientious reasons. These targeted Christian doctors who, for religiously based moral reasons, are unable to assist in an abortion and would face consequences if countries were to act on this guidance.
Church Ransacked in Walsum-Aldenrade
March 26, 2022, GermanyAn unknown thief ransacked several rooms in the church of Walsum-Aldenrade, and stole the money box from the choir community on March 26th. The bathroom window was pried open to gain access to the building but few clues as to who did it have been found. The police were notified and are looking for witnesses.
Police Detain Church Burglar in Luban
March 24, 2022, PolandA 22 year old man was detained in Luban for the burglary of a church, and church buildings, on the 24 of March. He damaged the door of the sacristy and broke windows to gain access to the other church buildings where he stole property left there. He was responsible for 11 thefts in all, some unrelated to the church, and was put under police provision and banned from leaving the country.
WEA Called Greece to Provide Religious Classes other than Christian Orthodox
March 23, 2022, GreeceIn the UN Human Rights council's Universal Periodic Review of Greece on April 23rd, the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA), encouraged Greece to provide alternative religious classes for students who were not Orthodox Christians. They said that there should be a class for all major religions in Greece and the Orthodox Christian class should be optional, as should all the other religious classes. This would increase the religious liberty of all denominations but also that of other Christian religions and especially parents of alternative religions.
WEA Advocacy Officer Challenged Greece's Proselytism Ban
March 23, 2022, GreeceDuring the UN Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review of Greece on April 23rd, a World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) Advocacy Officer, denounced the Greek law which prohibits proselytization. This law prevents Christian religions or otherwise, from attempting to undermine the religious beliefs of others. Although rarely applied, this law could hinder religious discourse and a Pentecostal was sentenced using this law.
Group of Young People Demolish A Cross in Baracaldo
March 23, 2022, SpainA group of young people demolished the Cabo Quilates Cross in Baracaldo in the early morning of the 23rd of March and uploaded it to social media. Although the major had also decided to demolish the monument under the "Historical Memory Law", he rejected the illegal actions of the group. The Historical Memory Law has been used across Spain to demolish several religious symbols and Christian crosses that were created in the context of the Spanish Civil War.
Precious Items Stolen from St. Nicholas Statue in Bari
March 22, 2022, ItalyUnknown thieves broke into the St. Nicholas Basilica of Bari and stole valuable items from the St. Nicolas statue within. They took a book with three silver balls and a cross with some precious stones. From the other hand, they took a golden ring with some stones and an old necklace. This statue has become a symbol of peace in the last weeks, due to the Ukraine war, which made the theft especially malicious. The theft occurred on 22. March.