All cases
UPDATE: Robertson Trust Admitted to Discriminating Against Christian Organisations
December 10, 2021, United KingdomIn 2019, The Robertson Trust - Scotland’s largest grant-awarding charity - cancelled the bookings of its conference rooms to two evangelical organisations: Stirling Free Church and Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. According to the Trust's policy, they are ideologically neutral and did not want to promote any religious belief. Almost a year after the controversy, the foundation has apologized for breaching equality laws for Christians and offered to pay both institutions £20,000 in reparation.
Stolen Cross finally found in Brig
December 10, 2021, SwitzerlandA cross, which was stolen in early December of 2021 from the Kollegium Spiritus Sanctus in Brig, was finally found in May of 2022. An investigation was launched at the time of the theft but there was no sign of the cross or thief. It was found in a bush where the thief must have hurled it. Pastor Paul Martone said: "It hurts my religious sensibilities and shows disrespect for believers and Christian values."
Burglary and Desecration in Godega Church
December 9, 2021, ItalyUnknown intruders broke into the church of Pianzano on December 12th. The parish priest said they forced their way into the cabinet where the holy vessel's were kept but those were not touched. However, some of the Holy Masses were missing and they found the keys to the sacristy as the offerings for the candles were gone. The sacristan of Pianzano found the break in and was disappointed by it.
Baby Jesus from Nativity Scene decapitated and broken
December 9, 2021, Spain24 hours after it was put on public display in the monastery of El Escorial in the town of San Lorenzo, the statue of the baby Jesus was found decapitated and missing an arm. Those in charge of the San Lorenzo Town Hall are restoring the figures so that they can once again be exhibited in public. The nativity scene in El Escorial is made up of 450 figures, made with a wooden frame, painted paper pulp and clothes donated by the people of the village.
Historic Madonna Statue Vandalized in a Church in Dortmund
December 8, 2021, GermanyThe statue of Madonna in a church in downtown Dortmund was vandalized on December 8th. The unknown perpetrator spattered wax, which had then dried, all over the statue and experts needed to be found to remove it. The statue, which is from 1470, is of great value to the church.
18-year-old Hits a Priest and Damages a Church
December 8, 2021, PolandPolice in Łęczyńska arrested an 18-year-old on December 8th, after hitting a priest in the face and threatening him. The perpetrator was drinking outside the parish of St. Barbara in Łęczna when one of the nuns working in the parish noticed him, as he was behaving noisily and drinking alcohol. She then reported this to the local parish priest, who asked the man to leave. The drunken man hit him in the face and threatened to kill him. He may be imprisoned for up to 5 years for the damage to property.
Immaculate Conception Procession Attacked with Insults and Death Threats
December 8, 2021, FranceOn Wednesday 8. December, ten people violently attacked a procession of 30 believers on the occasion of the feast of the Immaculate Conception in Nanterre (Hauts-de-Seine). The Catholics were threatened with phrases like "I swear by the Koran, I will cut your throats" and insulted by being called "Kafirs", which means "infidel". The attackers also threw water and even a torch in their direction. In response to these actions and the threats made, the Minister of the Interior condemned the attacks.
100 Nickolas Sacks Stolen from Amstetten Church
December 7, 2021, AustriaUnknown malefactors broke into the vicarage of the Herz Jesu Church in Amstetten and stole 100 St. Nicholas Sacks on the 7th December. The sacks, which were intended for the children of the church, were filled with sweets, fruit, and nuts. They youth group had filled the sacks and was quite angered by the theft which showed complete disregard for church property.
Between 70 and 80 Graves Desecrated in Tarnobrzeg
December 7, 2021, PolandThe Sobów cemetery in Tarnobrzeg, was vandalized on December 7th. A man who regularly visits the cemetery reported to the police that between 70 and 80 graves have been desecrated: crosses were torn off, broken figures, and the slabs have also been moved. The sight was totally devastated and the author of the crime had no respect for a place.
Pastry Shop Display Nativity Scene Made with Sexual Organs
December 7, 2021, SpainChristian Lawyers has filed a complaint against a pastry shop in Seville for the exhibition of a nativity scene made with male and female sexual organs. The irreverent scene is in sight of everyone and shows disrespect towards Christians. In its complaint, Christian Lawyers states that "the establishment has advertised the nativity scene on its social networks and despite being aware that it has offended a good number of citizens, it has not moved it."
Anonymous Vandal Destroyed Church Garden with a Car
December 6, 2021, PolandThe St. John Paul II Church garden in Wojcieszyna, a village near Nowogard, was devastated. The perpetrator smashed the wooden fence, which had been built in the summer, with the car and ruined the grounds of the church. The villagers reported the incident to the police and were trying to get information to identify the perpetrator.
Santa Maria del Galeso Church Graffitied
December 6, 2021, ItalyThe parish of Santa Maria del Galeso was painted with profanity and the words "Tari is paid" on December 6th. The police were trying to find out who did it by reviewing footage and the priest was saddened by the act. This was not the first time something similar to this had happened to the church.
Extreme Vandalism to Church caused over 10 thousand Euro Damage
December 4, 2021, GermanyOn Sunday morning (5. December), the churchgoers found the Johanneskirche in Feuersee completely vandalised. The perpetrator(s) devastated the Protestant church by destroying over 20 windows, breaking open the cupboards, taking the bibles from the shelves and throwing them around, among other things during the night of the 4. December. The damage is estimated at over 10 thousand Euros and the Church has to remain closed for the time being. The police are investigating to find the perpetrator(s).
Church in Cardigan Heavily Vandalized
December 2, 2021, United KingdomThe Church of the Holy Cross in a cove of Mwnt in Cardigan, was vandalized on the 2nd of November by unknown perpetrators. The intruders ransacked the church, smashing windows and damaging property. The church is visited by thousand every year so the act had a significant impact.
Proposal to replace the word "Christmas" with "Holidays" or "Winter Break" raised Concern
December 1, 2021, InternationalIn the first week of December, an internal document outlining communication guidelines for European Union staff was leaked, which raised concern among the Christian population. In this document, the EU Commissioner for Equality, Helena Dalli of Malta, proposed replacing the term "Happy Christmas" for "Happy Holidays" or calling Christmas a "winter break" in the name of inclusivity. Among the Christian voices that raised concern, Pope Francis called this action "a fashion of a watered-down secularism" and called it an "anachronism". The document has since been withdrawn.
35,000€ Stolen from a Church in Milan
November 29, 2021, ItalyOn the night from November 28 to 29, around 35,000€ were robbed from the Church of Santa Ausiliatrice in via della Ferrera, Milan. A woman who works in the secretariat of the church noticed the forced window and the safe wide open and alerted the authorities.
Church in Regensburg Terribly Damaged by Vandals
November 29, 2021, GermanyOn the 29th of November between 11a.m and 7 p.m, an unknown person went on a rampage in the Holy Spirit Parish Church in Regensburg and damaged several sacred objects. The offender stole a cross from the altar, urinated in a corner, broke a chandelier off the altar of Mary, and tipped several lighted candles over. The police were looking for witnesses who can give information about this incident.
Monument defaced with Anti-Catholic Tags
November 29, 2021, ItalyThe Online Newssite "Taccuino di Verità" posted on 29. November that the Base of a Monument in Ferrara was tagged with black spray paint. The tags contained offensive inscriptions against the deputy mayor Nicola Lodi and towards priests, saying "Priests eat children". The police will investigate with CCTV footage from the Piazza Ariostea.
Cathedral Entrance Vandalised with Paintings
November 28, 2021, ItalyThe entrance door to the cathedral of San Steffano in Milazzo has been vandalized with writings and graffiti, leaving it in a deplorable state. The mayor has strongly condemned the acts and ordered police reinforcement of the area to prevent future vandalism. The mayor further claimed: "this cannot be my city", since there seems to be a high degree of tolerance towards this kind of acts, which should be "heavily sanctioned". He recalls that the square in front of the church is often the target of raids and "unthinkable actions" that should be countered.
Relic from St. Joseph Stolen in Macherio
November 28, 2021, ItalyIn the church of Saints Gervase and Protasius in Macherius, a relic from St. Joseph, placed next to a figure of the saint, was stolen a few days before November 28th. This relic of St. Joseph was a piece of cloth that was kept inside a glass case. The incident was reported to the Carabinieri who are now investigating the matter.
Church windows in Everingen Repeatedly Vandalized
November 28, 2021, GermanyThe windows of the St. Jacobi church in Everingen, have been repeatedly damaged by unidentified persons. In the space of two weeks, the windows were broken twice by thrown stones, the latest incident was recorded on November 28th.
Sacred Painting from 1706 Damaged in Rampage
November 28, 2021, ItalyThe chapel of St. John the Baptist of via Bergamas in the historic center of Gradisca was vandalized on November 28th. The unknown individual, broke into the church, threw candles on the floor and against the altar, damaged a sacred painting from 1706, and then smeared the walls and a wooden notice board with candle wax. The rampage left the chapel in complete disarray and showed obvious malice toward the church.
Arson at Church in Boulonnais: A Total of 8 Attacks in One Month
November 27, 2021, FranceOn the night of 26th to 27th November around midnight, a fire struck a church in Boulonnais in the town of Le Portel. The church Saint-Pierre Saint-Paul had already been vandalised a couple of days before. The fire started at the back of the religious building in the sacristy where the equipment of the parish priest and volunteers is kept. Nineteen firemen intervened to control the fire, which threatened the whole church. The police arrested a 36-year-old suspect during the night as he was trying to flee, as the police commissioner of Boulogne, Arnaud Jublin, explained. A hearing of the suspect will take place soon.
Anti-Christian Messages in the Church of Mauléon-Licharre
November 27, 2021, FranceThe church of Mauléon-Licharre was targeted with anti-religious inscriptions on November 27th. "P Do Fil's Team" and "ABA GZU" (down with Jesus) were written on the side of the church during the night. The gendarmerie started an investigation and the priest of Mauléon said "It's so cowardly."
8,000 Euros of Damage Caused to the Geisinger Church
November 26, 2021, GermanyIntruders who entered the Geisinger church didn't steal anything but caused large amounts of damage. On November 26th, they entered through a window and then used large amounts of force to smash through the sacristy door. There was glass and splinters everywhere and the damage incurred would cost 8000 euros.
Vandalism At the Sant'Antonio Abate Church
November 26, 2021, ItalyVandals at the church of Sant'Antonio Abate, forced open the church door and damaged the lock in the process on November 26th. They did not steal anything but the vandalism was evident. Investigators were trying to find out more about the crime such as who did it and with what intent.
Arson by Under-Age-Boy at a Church in Toulouse
November 26, 2021, FranceA parishioner of the church of Fronton in Toulouse witnessed on the 26. November how a fire broke out on the altar of the church. Thanks to his quick reaction, the fire was rapidly brought under control. The investigation launched by the police showed that the fire had been set by a minor. The young man has been taken into police custody and will be tried in February 2022.
Church of Santa Maria Magdalena Vandalised Twice in November
November 25, 2021, PolandThe parish of St. Mary Magdalene reported an attack that took place on the 23. November in the morning. Police were notified by the parish priest that someone had smashed the windows with a stone in the sacristy and the utility room. The damage was estimated at 1.5 thousand PLN according to the police. This is not the first case in recent days, as on the 14. November, three lanterns and lamps illuminating the facade were destroyed at the same church. The investigation of that case is still running.
Church Door in Poznań Destroyed
November 25, 2021, PolandAn unknown man destroyed the door of the St. Jerzy church in Poznań, in late November 2021. It was reported in May of 2022, that the police would drop the case because the video was of too poor quality for the man to be identified. The police thought that he also may be involved in some other case, and could be caught then.
Sussex County Records Highest Number of Crimes in Religious Buildings Outside of London
November 24, 2021, United KingdomFor the second year in a row, only London has experienced more crimes in religious buildings than the county of Sussex. The data, provided by the Sussex Police after the Freedom of Information Act (FOI) requested it, revealed that 367 crimes have been committed at churches in Sussex in the 12 months to August. Of the 367 crimes at churches, cemeteries, and crematoriums, 54 were thefts, 106 cases of criminal damage and 44 cases of violence. This showed how these places of worship are considered easy targets for criminals.
Break-in to Church and Liturgical Objects Stolen
November 22, 2021, ItalyThieves entered the parish of San Michele in San Salvi, Florence, on the night from November 22 to 23, and broke into a sacred furniture, stealing two chalices, a monstrance, and other things. The criminals forced their way in through a door, then seized some sacred objects used to celebrate mass. The police started investigating the theft, along with staff from the Forensic Department to find those responsible for the criminal act.
Weathercock of St Martin's Church Damaged
November 22, 2021, GermanyBetween November 19 and 22, an unknown perpetrator damaged the "sun and moon" symbols attached to the weathercock of St Martin's Church in Steinheim an der Murr. The church building on the Kirchplatz was scaffolded and cordoned off due to renovation measures. It is presumed that the unknown perpetrator climbed over the scaffolding up to the church tower. The damage done to the property has yet to be quantified.
UK Report: More than 4,000 crimes committed at churches in One Year
November 22, 2021, United KingdomAccording to the Countryside Alliance, an organisation that has been reporting on crimes committed at churches across the UK, during a period of 12 months from 2020 to 2021, there have been over 4,000 crimes committed at churches and religious premises. The figures were gathered from 40 of the country's 45 police forces, which revealed there were 4,169 incidents of theft, vandalism, physical assault or burglary across the UK during one year, despite the eight months of lockdown. During the last 4 years, the organisation has documented 30,169 crimes.
Two Fires in One Week at St François-de-Sales Church
November 20, 2021, FranceA fire broke out on the 20. November in the afternoon in the sacristy of the St-François-de-Sales church. This is the second fire within a week, which has devastated the parish community. The fire broke out in the sacristy of the Church. This is one of the incidents that happened during a wave of arson attacks and vandalism to churches in the area. A suspect for all the attacks was apprehended on the 27th of November.
Church Wall Found With Red Paintings in Avellino
November 19, 2021, ItalyOnce again the church of the Rosary has been targeted by vandals. On the morning of November 19, writings in red paint were found on one of the walls of the façade of the church, in Corso Vittorio Emanuele. Both the religious community of the Rosary and the citizens are outraged by this attack which is considered by them a childish act. Investigations are underway and surveillance cameras are being analyzed to find the culprits.
Repeated Thefts in the Cemetery of Vaucluse
November 19, 2021, FranceThe recurrent thefts in the Violès cemetery in Vaucluse, near Gigondas, have negatively impacted the inhabitants. The sign on the cemetery gate reads "thefts, more thefts, always thefts!", complaining about the wave of thefts taking place in the Violès cemetery in Vaucluse, near Gigondas. The sign further intends to warn the families to be as vigilant as they can, considering the resurgence of thefts in the cemetery throughout the year. The town council and the directors of the funeral parlour have explained that it is almost a case of plundering, "everything is stolen, anonymous plaques, the most beautiful flower pots, and even artificial compositions".
Christian-Based Youtube Channel Banned
November 18, 2021, SpainYouTube has decided to close "La Contra TV", a channel with a Christian worldview that advocates for values such as life, family, and religious freedom. With nearly 300,000 subscribers, its motto is: "We give news that others hide". "La Contra TV" is considered a highly influential channel, sharing information that tends to be less featured in mainstream media. In 2019, Youtube closed "La Contra TV" for the first time due to alleged "serious or repeated violations of Youtube's policy related to the prohibition of hate speech", and put it back online after the complaints in defence of free speech. In 2021, the channel has been closed again.
Woman Steals Offertory Boxes During Funeral Mass
November 18, 2021, ItalyDuring a funeral mass taking place in the Church of San Martino in Sottomarina, a woman took advantage of the fact that the baskets used to collect the offerings were placed at the sides of the entrance to the church, stole around 1000 Euros, and disappeared. The police immediately initiated the investigations and the money was soon found, but not the woman.
Several Sacred Objects and Tools from San Giuseppe Moscati Church Stolen
November 17, 2021, InternationalAs reported by Il Mattino, the thieves stole three chalices for the hosts, a laptop computer, a portable video projector, and two pyxes from San Giuseppe Moscati Church. The parish priest, Don Lupo, realized what had happened when he returned to the parish for catechism, noticing that the laptop and video projector were missing. The parish priest filed a complaint with the carabinieri that suspect that the thieves entered the church on the morning of November 17, taking advantage of the parish priest's absence. Deploring this occurrence, Don Lupo said: "We hope that these people will put a hand on their conscience and return what was stolen".
Graffiti on a Church Facade in Schifferstadt
November 17, 2021, GermanyThe façade and information board of the Catholic church in Schifferstadt was sprayed with paint on November 17th. The author of the vandalism was not known but the police were investigating the crime and looking for witnesses.
OSCE Report shows alarming increase of Anti-Christian Hate Crimes
November 16, 2021, AustriaOn the "International Day for Tolerance", the OSCE released a Hate Crimes Report, which documented 980 descriptive incidents against Christians out of 4008 incidents. Descriptive incidents are the ones documented by civil society organizations, such as the Observatory. There is a larger number of cases when police numbers are counted. The Observatory has drawn attention to the rising trend (70%) of Anti-Christian Hate Crimes since last year, considering that only 8 out of the 136 civil society or international organisations consistently reported crimes with Anti-Christian bias.
Memorial Plaques Vandalized at a Church in Quedgeley
November 16, 2021, United KingdomPolice are looking for vandals responsible for the damage caused to the memorial plaques and flower pots at a church in Quedgeley, on the night of 16th of November. “Plaques were damaged while flowers and flower pots were thrown around outside of St James Church in School Lane,” said a police spokesperson. Police officers spoke to the vicar and church wardens, who expressed interest in working with the vandals once they have been identified, in order to educate them on how their actions impacted the church community.
Church Hall in Ludwigsburg Vandalised
November 15, 2021, GermanyBetween the night of the 14th and the morning of the 15th of November, an unknown individual broke into the parish hall of the Protestant Church in Neckarweihingen, leaving behind property damage of around 5,000 euros. The case was reported to the police and, according to the investigations, the burglar did not steal anything.
Police Found Man Responsible for Theft of Church Statue and Other Art Pieces
November 15, 2021, FranceThe man responsible for a theft in an art gallery in Clermont-Ferrand was arrested on September 14. He had broken the window to get inside the art gallery, leaving behind traces of DNA, which made it easier for the police to track him down. During investigations, police found a figure of St. Anthony, stolen from a church in Montferrand two days earlier. The statue was returned to the church and he was ordered to reimburse the value of the stolen statuette to the owner of the gallery. On November 15, a court sentenced him to one year in prison for having more than thirty cases of theft on his record.
Two Journalists Insult Christian Singer on Twitter, calling Christians "Disabled"
November 14, 2021, SlovakiaHateful comments against the Christian singer Sima Magushinova and Christians in general on Twitter, arouse a wave of indignation among the Slovak political class. Many of them publicly defended Sime Martausová and criticized the attitude of the two journalists responsible for the offenses: Petr Tkačenek, commentator of the daily SME and Rada Ondřejíček, author of the Cynical Monster.
Lamps at Church in Łęczna Destroyed
November 14, 2021, PolandLamps illuminating the façade of the St. Mary Magdalene church in Łęczna were destroyed on the 14th of November. Three lamps were intentionally smashed, which showed hate towards the church. It was not known who did it. Police are investigating.
Arbroath church targeted by vandals on Remembrance Sunday
November 14, 2021, United KingdomOn Sunday 14. November, the St John’s Methodist Church in Arbroath was targeted by vandals. Three windows of the church were deliberately smashed. “The act of vandalism was bizarre and upsetting for the congregation gathering on Remembrance Sunday,” said Reverend Baker. Mr. Baker thinks something was used to hit the window repeatedly, rather than an object being thrown at it. The police are investigating.
Theft of Tabernacle and Liturgical Objects Cause 15,000€ in Damage in Church
November 13, 2021, GermanyBetween the 8th and the 12th of November, St. Christopher's Church in Rüsselsheim was robbed. At least two unknown people started by damaging the church window and tearing it out of its mounting. In the church, the thieves stole a handmade tabernacle from the 1960s made of gold-plated brass, weighing about 60 kilograms and worth around 10,000 euros. In addition, the thieves stole host bowls and a custodian from the tabernacle and several hundred euros from the collection. The granite slab on which the tabernacle stood and a border were damaged by the perpetrators' brutal actions. According to initial estimates, the total damage was around 15,000 euros. The case was reported to the police and the investigative team at the Rüsselsheim police station took over the investigation.
Irish Government Proposed to Remove Right to Conscientious Objection for Abortion Procedures
November 13, 2021, IrelandThe Irish Labour Party has adopted a policy supporting the legalization of abortion up until birth, without any restriction. The Labour Party, which introduced this proposal, further intends to remove the current 3-day waiting period, as well as remove the right of medical professionals to conscientiously refuse to perform an abortion. The proposal was announced and voted on the 13th of November, during their annual party conference.
Catholic Church of Christ the King in Gothenburg Vandalised
November 13, 2021, SwedenThe Catholic Church of Christ the King and its chapel were vandalized on November 13. Fr. Tobias Unnerstal, the parish Priest of the Christ the King Church, reported the incident to the police. The members of the parish prayed for those responsible for the vandalistic acts.