All cases
Vandalism at St. Blasius Parish
December 31, 2021, GermanyOn New Year's Eve, an unknown hooligan ripped a lamp in the square of the St. Blasius church in Balve out of its concrete base. The church council was offering a 500 euro reward to anyone who could provide information about the perpetrator.
Theft of Figures from Nativity Scene in Enzesfel
December 31, 2021, AustriaA bold theft of three kings and some sheep was carried out on on New Years Eve from the "Grödner nativity scene" in the Enzesfeld parish church by a unidentified man. Once video surveillance was viewed, the police saw the theft occur but the absence of the figures was only noticed by pastor Pastor Krzysztof Szczesny on January 7th. The 140 year old scene which is put up every year has had to be dismantled for fear of further thefts.
Court Sentences Couple, after Church Vandalism in Somme
December 31, 2021, FranceA couple who severely vandalized a church in Somme on New Years Eve 2021, were sentenced to pay 1,870 euros to the municipality to compensate for the damage. Although intoxicated, the court still found them responsible for the damage caused. They broke down the door of the church and once inside, lit candles, overturned items, and stole several objects including a monstrance.
Prohibition of Singing during Covid-19 Pandemic Ruled Unlawful
December 30, 2021, SpainThe Contentious-Administrative Chamber of the High Court of Justice of Aragon (TSJA) raised a question of unconstitutionality against the Law and Decree-Law in Aragon for the control of the COVID-19 pandemic, which prohibits singing in places of worship. The magistrates affirmed that singing in places of worship is part of the essential content of the right to Religious Freedom, and therefore unconstitutional.
UPDATE: Woman Assaults and Threatens Priests with Murder
December 30, 2021, SpainThe Newspaper "Ultima Hora" reported that a woman, who had been in jail for several assaults and vandalism against Catholic priests and Churches, was released recently. After leaving jail, she went towards several Churches and physically assaulted the priests. She was at Sant Miquel Church, where she attacked the priest Mossèn Antoni Gómez and then headed towards the Sant Felip Nei Church while shouting "I'm going to crucify you. You're going to God." The police was alerted by Mr. Gomez and took her back into custody.
Italy: Nativity Scene Figures Stolen
December 30, 2021, ItalyA 59-year-old man has been found guilty of stealing the figures of the Nativity Scene in Paterno, which belonged to the Church of Santa Marguerita. The theft happened between the 29th and 31st of December. After the parish priest filed a complaint, the Carabinieri searched for the perpetrator and found him due to security cameras.
Ongoing Vandalism of Luther Church in Fellbach
December 30, 2021, GermanyDue to the continuous vandalism of the Luther Church in Fellbach, protective grids have had to be installed to protect the windows. The damage was suspected to be caused by young people throwing stones. Those involved with the church were appalled that this was happening.
Vandalism to Church Window in Germany
December 28, 2021, GermanyUnknown perpetrators damaged a window of the church on the Schulstrasse in Golden-Veert between Monday 27. and Tuesday 28. of December. A parish employee discovered the damage on Tuesday morning finding part of the window pane on the side of the altar broken. The offence was reported to the police, which asked possible witnesses to provide information on the damages done to the church.
Church Located in Mönchengladbach Vandalised with Satanistic Graffiti
December 28, 2021, GermanyGraffiti has been sprayed on the sandstone around the Church of the Sacred Heart in the Bettrath-Hoven district. The words "Satan" and "Hail Satan" were written in green paint on the large wooden doors of the church's main portal and on the façade. A pentagram was also sprayed on the church building.
Nativity Arsonist Caught in Indre-et-Loire
December 28, 2021, FranceThe fire that started in the nave of the Château-la-Vallière church in Indre-et-Loire on 28. December was first thought to be an accident but later identified as arson. The firemen eventually put out the fire but not before it had burnt most of the nativity scene. A forty-year-old man, who has been convicted of arson in the past, was arrested.
Pro-Abortion Demonstrators Chant Anti-Christian Slogans
December 28, 2021, SpainA feminist group, purposefully organized a confrontation with pro-life demonstrators, and then chanted slogans such as "Let's burn the Episcopal Conference!" On December 28th, anti-abortion groups typically organize protests, as it is the feast of the Holy Innocents. This feminist group encouraged supporters to go to the clinic of Dator in Madrid on this same day which is why the incident occurred and police had to intervene to keep the peace.
Vandalism and Theft at German Church
December 27, 2021, GermanyOn the 27th of December, an unknown burglars entered the Catholic church in Bleidenstadt, and stole several candles, and a donation box with the money still in it. They also destroyed a hymn book and candle jars. The police were notified.
Theft of Consecrated Hosts in San Michele's Church in Menna
December 27, 2021, ItalyAround the 27. December, the consecrated Hosts of the San Michele Church in Menna were stolen by unknown perpetrators. The mayor of Vasto Francesco Menna denounced the incident: "It is deplorable what happened in the church of San Michele in Vasto, where a pyx with consecrated hosts was stolen." The mayor asked the citizens to collaborate with the investigators to identify the person responsible.
St. Simon and Judas Door Handle smeared with Margarine
December 27, 2021, GermanyIn Gross Reken, unknown people smeared margarine on the door handle of the church of St. Simon and Judas, leaving the pot of margarine right in front of the church door. The verger noticed the vandalism and the Pastor Thomas Hatwig told the Borkener Zeitung.
Baby Jesus Figure from Nativity Scene Beheaded
December 27, 2021, ItalyOn the night of 27. to 28. December, the figure of baby Jesus, who is part of the nativity scene located in front of the church of San Filippo Neri in Ciliverghe di Mazzano, was found beheaded. This was reported on Tuesday morning on social networks, which upset the citizens of that town. There is one security camera at the church, but it was not facing towards the place, where the nativity scene was, so it will be hard for the police to identify the perpetrators. The parish priest, Don Roberto Rovaris, commented: "There is no respect, outside of faith, for the ideas of others."
Unknown Perpetrators Vandalise San Paterniano Church
December 27, 2021, ItalyOn December 27th, the San Paterniano church in Perusa was vandalised by unknown persons. The security cameras show images of an overturned table, and all the objects on it, such as brochures, holy pictures and the offering box, were lying on the floor. Also, the microphone was broken and candlesticks were scattered around. The parish priest, Anton Sascau, is seen in the video with a grieving voice and commenting on this act of vandalism, but he also said he would welcome the responsible person.
Graffiti Threatens Herzkamp Pastor
December 27, 2021, GermanyThreatening pictures and slogans were painted against the pastor of Herzkamp. The police have investigated but nobody is suspect yet.
Arson at Church Nativity in Trévières
December 26, 2021, FranceOn December 26th, a fire broke out in the Saint Martin church Nativity scene in Trévières. It started near the crib and spread to the surrounding carpet but didn't grow too large despite the vast output of smoke. The investigators said "there is no doubt" as to the origin of the fire and believe it was intentionally started.
Nativity Scene in Huppy Vandalized on Christmas
December 26, 2021, FranceIn Huppy, the life-size wood nativity scene in front of the village Church was vandalized by unknown perpetrators. The figures were a tradition for the last 20 years, according to the parish people. The incident was discovered just after Christmas, on the 26. of December. The figures were scattered on the ground and some parts were broken.
Several Figures Stolen from Nativity in Cuenca
December 25, 2021, SpainThe figures of the Child Jesus and St. Joseph were taken from a Nativity scene in Cuenca, Spain on December 25th. Several of the other surrounding figures were scattered and but it is unknown who did it. The rector of the Seminary of Cuenca, José Antonio Fernández, accurately wrote on Twitter: "This is a hate crime."
Historical Basilica Vandalised Tagged with Graffiti on Christmas
December 25, 2021, PolandThe facade of the Basilica of the Holy Cross in Warsaw was defaced with graffiti on the 25th of December. The church is in the centre of Warsaw and has a special place in Polish history. On the outer walls, unknown perpetrators wrote the phrases "Secular State", "Techno will be here", among other tags. As a church, but also because of its historical value, the vandalisation of the church has aroused the indignation of many people. The police are investigating the case, as there were security cameras that recorded the scene.
Perpetrators Steal around 10,000€ in Offerings and Sacred Objects
December 25, 2021, ItalyDuring the celebration of Christmas mass at midnight, unknown thieves broke into the parish house in Piazza San Vittore in Rho, ripped out the safe, loaded it into a van parked in the courtyard and fled unmolested. The safe contained offerings, blessings and a valuable golden crown.
Nativiy Figurine Stolen in Locronan
December 25, 2021, FranceOn Christmas Eve, Jesus and some other figures from the nativity scene in the church of Saint-Ronan of Locronan, mysteriously disappeared. The carving was a treasure of the village and the parishioners were outraged by this disrespectful act. Antoine Gabriele the mayor of Locronan called it "lamentable" and "despicable".
Stolen Figurine of the Infant Christ Comes Back
December 23, 2021, United KingdomA church located in Oxfordshire celebrates after the return of Jesus to its nativity scene. The figurine was stolen a week before Christmas from St Mary's Church in Church Green in Witney, with local the police appealing for help on social media, in order to find its whereabouts. The appeal received a huge response, which lead to its return, even though slightly dirtier than before it was taken. Rev Canon Toby Wright told the BBC: "Baby Jesus is safely back and tucked up - it's great news for Christmas." The person who took Baby Jesus is still unidentified.
Christian Message for Christmas Censored in Barcelona
December 23, 2021, SpainA Catholic marketing association (ACdP) denounced on the 23rd December, that the three municipal public transport companies operating in Barcelona had censored a Christmas campaign that reminds people about the birth of Jesus as the centre of Christmas. The message that was meant to be displayed throughout the whole country was not visible in Barcelona. The slogan said: "Only one birth has changed the course of history. And it is not yours. Merry Christmas!". It aimed to vindicate the Christian meaning of this holiday with humour. The company Transportes Metropolitanos de Barcelona (TMB) censored the message because the authorities considered it "ideological".
St. Peter's Church Heavily Vandalised on Christmas Eve
December 23, 2021, United KingdomOn the night of December 23rd, a group of unknown people vandalised the St Peter's Church at Upper Arley in Worcestershire. The perpetrators urinated inside the church, damaged pews and a piano with graffiti, tore off a door and stole irreplaceable items. They urinated near the church altar and left the bell tower's doors open, which left the place unprotected against the rain. According to Louvain Beer, treasurer and lay minister at the church, the police did not attend the case until the 27th of December, and now they are investigating it as a hate crime.
Church Closed After Vandalism Act in La Roche-Maurice
December 23, 2021, FranceSevere acts of vandalism were observed in the Saint -Yves church in La Roche-Maurice on December 23. Christiane Le Goff, the staff member responsible for the church schedule, closed the church the next day. She tells, “The crib was overturned, hydro alcoholic gel was poured on papers and obscene drawings were been made on the register. It's the second time this week”.
Pastors Challenge Burgas Government over Discrimination to Non-Eastern-Orthodox Christians
December 22, 2021, BulgariaPastor Tochev and Pastor Kiryakov in Burgas, have challenged the local government's campaign to label all non-Eastern Orthodox Christian groups as sects and turn children against them at school. The case goes all the way back to 2008 when the City council of Burgas wrote a letter notifying the schools of the new policy and these two pastors were shocked by the content. Now, there case is being heard at the European court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, France.
Theft at the Cherry Tree Nativity in Salerno
December 21, 2021, ItalyUnknown people have stolen from the Nativity Scene of the Cherry Tree. The mayor, Gianfranco Valiante, has expressed his disappointment against an act that he considers aberrant just a few days before Christmas "They are also robbing Jesus Christ!"
Around 2,000€ Stolen from a Convent in Poppi
December 21, 2021, ItalyThe convent of the Benedictine monks of Camaldoli was the target of theft, at the end of October, while the religious gathered for prayer. About 20 cells were reported raided, with a total amount of missing items around 2,000€. The case is being investigated by the carabinieri of the Bibbiena company.
Anti-Christian Tag on Bouteillerie Cemetery Wall
December 21, 2021, FranceThe phrase "F*** Christ the King" was written on the cemetery wall in Bouteillerie on 21. December and had dual meaning since it is located near the Christ the King chapel. This wall has been frequently used by ultra-left taggers to express their extrem opinion.
Statue of Virgin Mary Defaced in the Abbaye aux Hommes in Caen
December 21, 2021, FranceOn December 21, a small statue of the Virgin Mary holding Jesus was defaced with spray paint. Located in the Abbaye aux Hommes in Caen, Mary was depicted to be vanquishing Satan with her foot on a serpent. This most likely was the cause for the act.
Nativiy Scene Vandalised in Fiumicino
December 19, 2021, ItalyAs it was reported on the 19. December, the parish priest and the faithful of the church of Santa Maria Porto della Salute in Fiumicino found some Nativity scene figures destroyed. The life-size statues made of plaster and fibreglass of a shepherd and a donkey were thrown to the ground. The former had both hands cut off and the donkey had a broken ear. The other statues did not receive damage, as they were fixed to the structure.
Shrine with Figure of Jesus Damaged in Głogów
December 18, 2021, PolandOn 18. December, an unknown perpetrator destroyed the shrine of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the parish of Divine Mercy in Głogów. The glass protecting the figure of Christ was found broken in six areas and the figure itself was also damaged. The perpetrator might have used a large stone found in the vicinity. This person also left a broken beer bottle next to the chapel. The police are investigating and looking for the perpetrator(s).
Second Case of Vandalism to the Church of the Holy Cross
December 18, 2021, United KingdomThe small church of the Holy Cross in Mwnt, Cardigan, had been vandalised twice in December, as the Rev John Bennett revealed. The church was damaged first at the beginning of December and the last case happened between the 18th and the 21st of December. The windows od the church were smashed with rocks and the pillar outside the church was damaged. A fundraising appeal was launched to help the small church with reparations, which has had a very positive response.
Special Stones Torn out and Cross Stolen from Altar in Oldenburg Church
December 18, 2021, GermanyParishioners were heart broken when an unknown intruder wrenched some semi-precious stones out of the alter in the Oldenburg Forum Church of St. Peter. The stones, which were taken out on the 18th of December, belonged to a wooden crucifix that had been in place since 1877. In addition, an alter cross decorated with silver was also stolen on the same weekend.
Giant Straw Goat Burned by an Arsonist
December 17, 2021, SwedenA giant straw goat, which has become an annual highlight in the Swedish city of Gavle, has been burned by an arsonist. A man, in his 40s, was arrested at the scene after the structure was set on fire, in the early hours of the 17th of December. Every Christmas since 1966, the Gavlebocken (Gavle goat) has been put up in the city's central Castle Square, but it has become a usual target for arsonists and vandals. The Gavlebocken annually draws visitors to Gavle, which is built up the first Sunday of Christian Advent. A big concert accompanied the goat's inauguration at the end of November.
Village in Wales Restored its Nativity after Being Fire-Bombed last year
December 17, 2021, United KingdomA year after the Nativity scene in a village in Wales was fire-bombed by vandals on Christmas Eve, the community Raglan in Gwent has decided to create a new life-sized Nativity.
Pure Vandalism in a Church in Volkmarsen
December 17, 2021, GermanyBetween the evening of December 16 and noon of the 18th, an unidentified individual broke into a church on Vikariestrasse in Volkmarsen. The perpetrator forced open and broke the door of the church, causing material damage of about 500€. However, nothing was stolen from the church. The case was reported to the police who began investigating the case.
Consecrated Hosts Stolen from a Church in Palermo
December 16, 2021, ItalyPyx with hosts stolen in the Church of Saints Peter and Paul, on December 16. Police was alerted but lack of evidence suggests a low probability of finding the perpetrators. Both the parish priest and the community that frequents the church were unsettled by the event, considering the hosts "the treasure" of the church.
Unknown Perpetrator Vandalizes Nativity Scene in Liege
December 16, 2021, BelgiumOn the 16th of December at noon, an individual attacked the nativity scene and the furniture of the church of Saint-Denis in Liege. He also left a message saying: "God is witness". The head of one figure was torn off and another one was destroyed.
France 2021: Christians are the Most Targeted Group for Anti-Religious Crimes
December 14, 2021, FranceOn the 14. December, the French Government presented its yearly listing of attacks against Christians. There were 1,380 anti-religious attacks between January and October 2021, from which 686 were targeted against Christians. As Father Hugues de Woillemont, spokesman for French Bishops' Conference, said during a press conference on December 14: "The acts listed are very varied, from tags on the wall of a church to the desecration of tabernacles." These numbers only include formal complaints filed by the police, so the dark numbers could be higher.
Biblical Quotes Painted on a Wall in Portstewart Under Suspicion
December 14, 2021, United KingdomA local council in Northern Ireland has dismissed claims, by an ‘equality expert’, that repainting Bible texts on a local sea wall may be in breach of its equality scheme. The council-owned wall bears the words: “‘The sea is His and He made it’ Psalm 95 v 5”, “Eternity?”, “Jesus said: ‘Ye must be born again’ John c3 v7”, and “‘Christ died for us’ Romans c5 v8”.
Mosque Shut down for Inciting Violence against Christians, Jews and Homosexuals
December 14, 2021, FranceA mosque in Beauvais in northern France has been ordered to shut down for six months for hosting preachings that incited hatred "against Christians, homosexuals and jews". According to the prefecture of the Oise department, the mosque was "inciting hatred", "violence" and "apology of jihad". Gérald Darmanin, France's interior minister, announced on December 14th that he had started the procedure for the closure of this mosque.
Sex-Education Guides Mock Virgin Mary and Violate Religious Freedom
December 13, 2021, SpainA Madrid court has ruled on December 13. that the distribution in schools of sex education guides called “Gender Rebel” in Getafe violated the right to religious freedom of Christian children, as it mocks Christian symbols and violates the right of parents to educate their children according to their beliefs. These guides ridiculed the chastity of the Virgin Mary and invite teenagers to masturbate, affirming that it is not a sin. The guides were promoted by the city council, as well as the ministry of equality.
Unknown Perpetrators Smash Windows of Evangelical Church
December 12, 2021, GermanyBetween 12. December and 14. December, unknown persons damaged several windows of the Evangelical church in Bad Arolsen-Helsen. The perpetrator(s) threw stones at the windows, causing damage of around 1,000 euros. The police are investigating.
Update: Charges Against Three Street Preachers Who Preached Against Homosexuality
December 11, 2021, IrelandThe three street preachers who were arrested on September 21st, due to their comments about homosexuality, faced their first court hearing on the 13 of October. Despite the reason for their arrest, no charges regarding hate speech were brought against them; instead, they were charged with public order offences. The incident is still being investigated and the case was adjourned until June 2022.
Offensive Tags Appear on the Church of St. Philipp Neri
December 11, 2021, SpainIn the centre of the city of Malaga. the church of San Felipe Neri, was vandalised on 11. December with offensive tags against the religious institution. These were made with spray paint by unknown vandals and have left the community of faithful very affected. One tag says "Sacrilego tú" (you sacrilegious) was graffitied on a mosaic of Jesus. Another message on the door reads: "Dead paedophiles". It seems that the police was able to identify and arrest the perpetrators.
Facebook Censors ACN's Campaign To Help Abused Women
December 11, 2021, United KingdomOn the 11. November, the Catholic Charity "Aid to a Church in Need" (ACN) UK noticed that Facebook had censored its ad campaign on tackling sexual violence against religious-minority women and girls. “Hear Her Cries” was the slogan of the campaign, which launched on 24. November. The campaign aimed to raise concern on a widespread problem in many African and Asian countries: the abduction of Christian girls and women for sexual violence by both armed extremists and militant members of other religious communities.
Pastor Sued for Charitable Work During Lockdown: Case Overturned
December 10, 2021, United KingdomThe 47-years-old pastor Chez Dyer was fined over £16,000 for holding a church service for the homeless in a car park during the lockdown in February 2021. Thanks to the support from the Christian Legal Centre her case has been dismissed by a magistrate’s court. She was also told by a magistrate, at a hearing at Nottingham Magistrates Court, that she was cleared from paying the fine and was issued with a defense cost order which means her legal fees will now be paid by the government.