All cases
Man Arrested for Repeatedly Smashing Stained Glass Windows of Churches in Leipzig Area
June 24, 2022, GermanyA 38-year-old man was arrested in early July after he was linked to the destruction of stained glass windows in an evangelical church in Stötteritz, Leipzig on 24 June - two windows were smashed with cobble stones causing 15,000 euros worth of damage. The police are trying to link him to two other stained-glass windows destroyed in two Leipzig churches, one of which was St Thomas.
Wooden Cross Set on Fire in Riccall Church
June 24, 2022, United KingdomAn arson attack took place at the St. Mary's Church in Riccall on Friday 24. June. A wooden cross that was attached to the front entrance of the church was set on fire and destroyed. Police are investigating the incident as a hate crime, as the religious symbol was directly targeted.
Another Arson Against the St. Nikolai Church in Caldern
June 23, 2022, GermanyOn June 23, unidentified young vandals set fire to the altar bible at the St. Nikolai Church in Caldern. Because of the massive damage caused by the fire, the Church will remain temporarily closed. This is the second time that the church has been targeted by arson.
Update! Sweden: Liberal Party Wants To Ban the Establishment of New Religious Independent Schools
June 22, 2022, SwedenThe Liberal Swedish Party wants to completely ban denominational independent schools, within the framework of the Swedish school system. Previously, they intended to block the opening of new religious schools but now they claim that the existing ones should also be closed in the next term. The chairman of the Christian Free School Council, Jan Rosman, says this "would definitely be a violation of religious freedom".
Church Windows Smashed in Leipzig Once Again
June 22, 2022, GermanyBetween the evening of June 22 and the morning of the 23rd, unknown vandals threw paving stones at a total of three church windows in Leipzig. The total amount of damages is estimated to be around 300 euros. The case was reported to the police and a case was opened to investigate the vandalistic act.
Vandal Caught on Church's Surveillance Camera Damaging a Cross
June 22, 2022, PolandOn June 22, a surveillance camera of the church of St. Andrzej Bobola recorded a man entering the vestibule of the building, damaging the cross, and then leaving the church. The video was sent to the police, who published a picture of the unknown vandal. They opened an investigation to gather evidence and witnesses who might be able to identify the perpetrator.
Statue of Mary Ripped out and Stolen From German Church
June 21, 2022, GermanyThe police announced on the 21st of June, that a statue of the Virgin Mary was stolen from the Church of St. Wenzeslaus in Schönsee, by unknown burglars. The statue was apparently ripped out from its attachment to the wall. It is approximately 100 years old, with 75 centimeters, hand-carved, and worth around 5,000 euros. It is not yet known the exact date and time the crime occurred, but the Bavarian State Criminal Police Office is looking into the case in order to find the culprits.
Theft and Property Damage From Lutheran Church
June 21, 2022, GermanyBetween June 21 and 22, unknown thieves stole a video camera and a microphone from the Lutheran Church. The police were alerted and investigations indicate that the perpetrators allowed themselves to be locked inside the church and then forced open a door to exit the crime scene. The items stolen were worth around 200 euros and the property damage is estimated at around 2000 euros.
Attempted Theft in the Church of Santa Maria Monserrato
June 20, 2022, ItalyUnidentified thieves attempted to rob the church of Santa Maria Monserrato, in Palermo. In order to enter, they unhinged the iron gate, enabling their access to the church. However, for reasons still unknown, they gave up and abandoned the scene. The case was reported to the police and an investigation is underway.
Bronze Cross Torn Off and Stolen From Fulda Cathedral
June 19, 2022, GermanyAccording to the diocese of Fulda, on the 19th of June, a valuable bronze cross was stolen from the Bonifatius tomb, in the Fulda Cathedral. It appears that the cross was violently torn from its anchorage, which likely damaged it in the process. The theft was reported to the police, which opened an investigation to find the burglars.
Young Boys Caused Fires and Smoke Inside Church
June 18, 2022, GermanyOn June 18 and 23, two young boys were "playing" with fire in the evangelical church, located on Klosterbergstraße. Fortunately, they didn't cause any considerable damage. On the 18th, they entered the church, in the early evening and it is suspected that they filled the glass candle holders with disinfectant and then lit them on fire. The candle holders withstood the heat, so the fire faded. On June 23, the same young boys went to the church at the end of the afternoon, but on this occasion, they lit a fire under a wooden desk. This time the fire spread a bit, creating a considerable amount of smoke inside the church, but it apparently died on its own. According to preliminary estimates, the material damage caused amounted to several thousand euros. The police were alerted and are now looking for witnesses to identify the young boys.
Attack on Catholic Rectory in Dolice
June 18, 2022, PolandOn the night of 18/19. June, there was an attack on the rectory of the Roman Catholic parish of Christ the King in Dolice. The perpetrator destroyed the gates, entrance doors, thermal insulation and facades of the rectory building and garden infrastructure. Death threats were directed toward the priests, and attempts were also made to provoke a riot.
150 Graves desecrated and Crosses Stolen
June 18, 2022, FranceDuring the night of 17 to 18 of June, the cemetery of Velsy (Eure) was vandalized. Crosses and other objects were stolen from 150 graves, almost the half in the cemetery. The mayor of the village, Annie Lefèvre, and her first deputy Laurent Lucas were on the spot to see the extent of the damage. They have filed a complaint at the gendarmerie.
Church Altar and Organ Smeared With Artificial Snow
June 17, 2022, GermanyAt the end of June, in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bühren, unknown vandals spreaded artificial snow on the altar, the lectern, the wooden floorboards, and the organ. The parishioners were especially concerned about the organ since it dates back to 1824 and is a listed building. However, a specialist company has examined it and it seems like there is no permanent damage, it will be possible to remove the snow but it will be "at great expense". The guest book was also vandalized with right-wing extremist and unconstitutional symbols. The sheet was removed as the pastor claimed that "such signs have no place in our church". The police were alerted and informed about this vandalistic attack.
Church Doors Glued Together in Marburg
June 16, 2022, GermanyOn the night between June 15 and 16. June, unidentified vandals glued the locks and the doors of the two entrances to the church of Peter and Paul in Biegenstrasse, blocking its access. A locksmith had to be called to the scene to repair the entrances in order to allow the Corpus Christi service and the procession for this festivity to take place in the church. The police were alerted and started an investigation to find the ones responsible for the vandalistic act.
Valuable Objects Stolen from Catholic Church in Germany
June 16, 2022, GermanyBetween 10 p.m. and 11 p.m., on 16. June, a Catholic Church was broken into by unknown people, who got access to the church through the entrance of the sacristy. They stole several objects, but it has not been clarified yet how many valuables were stolen. Nonetheless, the total damage caused to the property is estimated to be around several thousand euros. The case was reported to the police on the 19th of June, which opened an investigation to find the ones responsible for the burglary.
Satanic Vandalism of Church in Szczecin
June 16, 2022, PolandOn the night of June 16-17, an unknown perpetrator committed an act of vandalism on the grounds of the parish of St. James the Apostle in Szczecin. The vandal painted a pentagram symbol on the historic door of the Basilica.
Theft of Money and Religious Objects from Church in Calvi
June 15, 2022, FranceThe chapel of Notre-Dame de la Serra was looted during the night of 14 to 15 June in Calvi, in the island of Corsica. The trunks as well as various religious objects (rosaries, pikes) were stolen. The gate, the trunks and the cupboards inside were broken into with a crowbar.
Crucifix Stolen from Calvary in Würselen
June 15, 2022, GermanyOn 15 June, a cast iron crucifix was stolen from a Calvary in the village of Würselen near Aachen at the intersection of Kaiser and Bissener streets. The police have launched an appeal for witnesses.
Leaflets in A Church Catch Fire
June 15, 2022, FranceSome leaflets caught fire in the Saint-Jacques church on 15. June during the lunch break in Corne-sur-Loire. The leaflets were located at the entrance of the church building, police are investigating. The fire was quickly brought under control by the fire brigade and did not cause any further damage.
Jewels and Relics Stolen from a Church in Drogheda
June 14, 2022, IrelandA man has been charged with stealing relics and jewels and a crucifix from a monstrance in St Peter's Church in Drogheda, Ireland, on 14 June. The defendant is further accused of damaging the monstrance. He caused 1,000€ worth of damage and is currently in custody.
Catholic Church Vandalized in Helden
June 13, 2022, GermanyOn June 13, between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. unknown vandals broke into the Catholic Church in Helden, where they vandalized several furnishings and stole the microphone that was on the altar. The property damage is estimated to be in the four-digit euro range. Also, between June 12 and 13, unidentified thieves stole decorations from a grave in the cemetery located behind the church. It is unclear whether these acts were committed by the same perpetrators.
Loudspeaker stolen from Church in Neustadt
June 13, 2022, GermanyOn the 13th of June, between 10:00 a.m. and 11 a.m., an unknown thief stole an installed loudspeaker from a church in Neustadt. The theft was reported to the police, who are now looking for the culprit.
17-Year-Old Teenager Guilty of Arson in Church Garden
June 13, 2022, ItalyOn June 13, a fire was set to a palm tree in the garden of the church of San Leopoldo Mandic, in Padua. The friars reported the case to the police, whose investigations led to the 17-year-old teenager from Ponte San Nicolò, then held responsible for the damage. Fortunately, no significant damage was recorded, apart from that caused to the plant.
Church of Saint Antony of Padua Vandalized
June 12, 2022, ItalyDuring the night, between the 11th and the 12th of June, the church of Sant'Antonio di Padova was the target of an act of vandalism. Unknown people entered the church, by breaking a window, possibly looking to steal money or some valuable items. The vandals did not steal anything, but started drinking inside the church and vandalized it. Consecrated hosts were found scattered on the floor and the tablecloth on the altar had traces of blood. The blood found is suspected to be from one of the thieves who might have been injured while breaking into the church. The case was reported to the police, who started conducting investigations and collected the bloody tablecloth hoping it leads them to the culprits.
Four Ukrainian Churches Harassed and Forced to Close by Russian Soldiers
June 12, 2022, UkraineBetween June 12 and 16, four Protestant Churches were harassed in Russian-occupied eastern Ukraine, by soldiers and officials. Three of the churches are located in the Donetsk region - Central Baptist Church, the Church of Christ the Saviour in Mariupol, and a church in Manhush - and the other one is a church in Vasilievka in the Zaporizhia region. According to Dr. Hyun Sook Foley, representative of the Voice of the Martyrs Korea, officials conducted searches in these churches, demanded to see documents, confiscated equipment, and even forced church members to exit the building.
Wooden Eagle lectern stolen from church
June 12, 2022, United KingdomThe wooden eagle lectern was stolen from St Mary's Church in Gunthorpe by unknown perpetrators. The theft is believed to have taken place at some point during the weekend of Saturday, June 11, and Sunday, June 12. The police were able to return the eagle lectern the Church in Gunthorpe.
Windows of a Church in Wolverhampton Smashed with Stones
June 11, 2022, United KingdomThe West Midlands police have released CCTV footage of three people wanted for smashing the windows of Life City Church with stones on 11 and 13 June. The damage to the church was £1000 and a complaint has been made.
Four Fires Started Inside Church in Binge
June 10, 2022, BelgiumOn the 10th of June a big fire broke out in the Church of Recollects in Binche that consumed most of the church. The authorities detected three separate fires inside the building, which indicates a willful criminal act. The church was no longer in use but it was protected as a historical monument. After the fire, the authorities had to consider demolishing the building, due to its instability.
Break In into Offices of Church and Burgled
June 9, 2022, GermanyDuring the night from the 8th to the 9th of June, unknown people broke into the offices above the church on Main Street. They opened several cabinets inside the office and, from one of them, stole a couple of hundred euros in cash. The police were alerted in the morning and went to the scene to gather evidence. An investigation was opened to find the people responsible for the theft.
Man Arrested for Vandalizing Church in Poland
June 8, 2022, PolandA 26-year-old man was arrested for painting inscriptions on the façade of a church in Złotoryja, as well as some other buildings. He used spray paint and his vandalistic act was recorded by surveillance cameras. He could face up to 5 years in prison.
Statue of Virgin Mary Destroyed in Kluki
June 8, 2022, PolandOn the 8th of June, an unknown vandal destroyed a statue of the Virgin Mary at the Kluki commune in Poland. The residents were shocked by the hateful act and recalled other religious sights that had been damaged in the area. No official report had been submitted to the police yet.
EU Commissioner Downplays Massacre of Christians in Nigeria saying it is not Rooted in Religion
June 8, 2022, InternationalDuring a debate on 8. June in the European Parliament, triggered by the massacre of Christians in Nigeria that happened in a Church during a Pentecostal Mass, Commissioner Valdis Dombrovski severely downplayed the attacks by attributing them to "underlying causes beyond faith" such as "scarce resources", and "poor education", "unemployment", among others. These affirmations ignore that the perpetrators belong to the jihadist terrorist organization Boko Haram. Such statements push the narrative away from the issue of the terrible human rights violations of religious freedom in Nigeria, which has already claimed the lives of thousands of Christians in the last years.
Facade of Church in Zlotorya Vandalised
June 8, 2022, PolandThe Polish Laboratory for Religious Freedom (Laboratorium Wolności Religijnej) reports that on June 8, an act of vandalism was committed on the façade of one of the churches in downtown Zlotorya. A twenty-six-year-old man placed graffiti on the facade of the church and several other buildings. The perpetrator's act was recorded on city surveillance cameras.
Destruction of the Statue of the Virgin Mary in Belchatow
June 8, 2022, PolandOn June 8, Polish local media reported the destruction of a statue of the Virgin Mary at a memorial plaque commemorating the victims of the September 1939 bombing in the Kluki municipality. An unknown perpetrator destroyed the statue of the Virgin Mary, located in the forest, along the DK 74 road from Belchatow toward Kluki.
Blasphemous Mother of God‘s Image Displayed at LGBT+ Pride March
June 7, 2022, ItalyAt an LGBT+ pride march in Cremona, Italy, participants carried a half-naked mannequin dressed as the "Mother of God". The blasphemous display which took place during the LGBT+ Pride offended many Christians. Bishop of Cremona, Antonio Napolioni commented on the incident: "They do not fulfill any educational role, they do not communicate any values or rights. Their presence is a gesture that serves no one, but it hurts many people."
Church Repeatedly Vandalized and Desecrated by Teenagers
June 7, 2022, ItalyPolice were working to identify three teenagers, dressed in black, who targeted the Santo Crocifisso in Meda with vandalism and sacrilegious gestures. In this incident, around the 5th of June, they smoked and urinated in the church and then returned days later to knock over some chairs. They were confronted by the volunteers that work there but managed to disappear. The same had happened already in May.
Bible, Cross and Ten Commandments Tablet Stolen from Church in Marseille
June 7, 2022, FranceOn the 7th of June, the Church of Saint-Menet in Marseille was broken into and looted by unknown individuals. They forced open a locked drawer of the altar and stole a Bible with a golden cover, a large silver cross, and a tablet of the Ten Commandments. The priest of the church, finding it turned upside down, noticed the theft and alerted the authorities. The scientific police went to the crime scene and opened an investigation to find the culprits.
Former Church Set on Fire in Eckington
June 6, 2022, United KingdomA large church in Eckington, which has not been used for quite some time, was set on fire by unknown arsonists on the 3rd of June. Residents were told to leave their homes and two fire departments had to be called. Although this church may have been unused, its religious value was still present.
Anti-Christian Graffiti on Historic Church in Potsdam
June 6, 2022, GermanyThe evangelical Sacrower Heilandskirche in Potsdam was vandalized with large amounts of graffiti on the 6th of June by unknown people. The damage to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, which the police were investigating, will cost tens of thousands of euros to repair. The slogans written said "No God; No State; No Patriarchy" and portrayed an anarchist symbol.
9 Men Arrested for Stealing Trunks and Jewels from Churches
June 6, 2022, SpainOn the 6th of June it was reported that the Spanish police apprehended a group of 9 men who had been looting over 20 churches in the south of Spain. Some of the cities where they stole trunks, religious objects and jewels from the Saints were Murcia, Alicante and Almería.
Church Billboard Set on Fire in St. Margrethen.
June 5, 2022, GermanyAn unknown arsonist set fire to the billboard of the Catholic church in St. Margrethen sometime between 12:00 p.m. and 6:20 p.m. on the 5th of June. The fire went out on its own but damage of several hundred francs was caused. The St. Gallen police were looking for witnesses who could provide more information about the incident.
Religious Items Stolen from Bamberg Monastery
June 5, 2022, GermanyThieves, who have not been identified, stole a priest's robe and a monstrance from a monastery in Bamberg. The theft was noticed on the 5th of June and the value of the items is around 15,000 euros. The monstrance, which is used to present the holy Eucharist, is around 75 cm tall and close to 32 cm wide. The Police were investigating the crime.
Spain: Bishop called Homophobic and Insulted for Defending Life and Family
June 5, 2022, SpainBishop Santiago Gómez Sierra of Huelva spoke in a Mass on Pentecost Sunday and reminded Catholics of the importance of upholding the values of life and family when they vote in the upcoming election. He said that he was not trying to enforce anything but rather encourage "moral principles" that "should be above the different party strategies because they are issues required by reason, natural law, and true humanism.” For this speech, he was accused by left-leaning media and politicians of being homophobic and attacking "rights won by the left."
Two Statues Vandalised in Warsaw with Blue Paint
June 5, 2022, PolandAn unknown perpetrator committed an act of vandalism against the St. Maximilian Kolbe parish in Warsaw. The vandal scrawled blue paint on the statue of St. Maximilian Kolbe and the Papal Cross (from Pope John Paul's II 1st Pilgrimage to Poland), standing on church grounds. The incident occurred on June 5.
Altar Cross Stolen from Church in Jülich-Bourheim
June 4, 2022, GermanyDuring the weekend of the 4th of June, an altar cross was stolen from a church in Jülich-Bourheim by an anonymous person. The cross is made of gilded brass and stands 45 cm high. The police searched the sight for evidence but need more information.
Young People Broke Into and Profaned Church in L'Aquila
June 3, 2022, ItalyIt was reported on June 3rd, that young people entered the monastery of Sand Basilio in L'Aquila, disturbed the sisters sleeping there and profaned the confessional. First, two boys entered the convent and tried to force open the door of an elderly nun. Later during the night, a young man and woman were seen naked, and running from the confessional after allegedly having sex. The cloistered sisters were scared by the incidents and called the carabinieri who then investigated.
Vandalism and Theft to Church in Fragagnano
June 3, 2022, ItalyThe Maria Santissima Immacolata church in Fragagnano, was broken into on during the night of June the 3rd by a 38-year-old Moroccan. The man tried to steal money from the offering box as well as sacred objects, but was caught by the carabinieri who then retrieved the stolen goods. In trying to access these items, he caused a large amount of property damage that will cost around 1,000 euros to repair.
Sacristy of San Giuseppe Church in Grosseto Vandalized
June 2, 2022, ItalyOn June 2nd, the San Giuseppe Church in Grosseto was vandalized by a person who was caught on camera but has not been identified. A man in his 40s entered the sacristy and upset drawers that contained linen for the altar and objects for worship. He didn't steel anything but smashed a wooden door. This was one of several thefts and vandalism that have happened to churches in this area in recent weeks.
Man Arrested for Stealing Relic of Virgin in Spain
June 2, 2022, SpainThe Guardia Civil arrested a man that allegedly stole the Rosary of an image of the Virgin in Calañas. The investigation began on 2 June, when a report of the theft was received from the Sister Major of the Brotherhood concerned. The incident occurred when the relic was being exhibited in the left hand of the image of the Virgin of Amargura, in a chapel of the church of Calañas "Santa María de Gracia".