All cases
Unknown Vandals throw Stones at Church windows in Bernitt
February 8, 2022, GermanyStones were thrown at the church in Bernitt on February 8th. Windows on the house of worship were broken in what could only be called a vandalistic attack that caused over a thousand Euro damage. The police is investigating.
Sanctuary in Strassberg Ransacked
February 8, 2022, GermanyAs it was reported on the 8th of February, unknown perpetrators set a flower basket and several song paper sheets on fire and then spread the smouldering remains throughout the chancel of a church in Strassberg. The perpetrators also damaged the altar in the act. They caused around 100 euros worth of damage and then left with a large altar candle.
Unknown Vandals Overturn the Car of a Priest in Ibiza
February 7, 2022, SpainOn February 2nd, the car of priest Pedro Miguel López was overturned in a parking lot beside the church. It was the second time his car had been attacked, but this time, much more damage was done including seriously damaged bodywork. The police were notified of the crime.
Decapitated Sculpture of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in San Fernando
February 6, 2022, SpainIn the early hours of February 6th an act of vandalism took place in the town of San Fernando Cádiz. The sculpture of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, located in the square of the parish of Nuestra Señora de la Oliva, was decapitated. After the attack the sculpture had to be removed from its usual place. The parish, and some municipal political groups alerted the police and asked the authorities to arrest the offenders and compel them to pay for the damages caused.
Painting of a Church Defaced in Italy
February 5, 2022, ItalyA painting that was inside the church of Monterosso Calabro was defaced in the Vibonese area. The work had been donated to the parish by Professor Giuseppe Farina, a renowned artist, in memory of the baptism of his nephew and all the children of the community. The unknown perpetrator scribbled over the name of the nephew that was written on the painting around the 5th of February. The municipal administration, led by Mayor Antonio Giacomo Lampasi, strongly condemned the gesture.
Sacrilegious theft in church in Brescia: Pyx with consecrated hosts stolen
February 5, 2022, ItalyThe parish priest of Santa Maria Vittoria church in Brescia's Via Cremona reported that someone had stolen a pyx from the church tabernacle on 5 February. According to the priest, this grave incident was done by someone that knew how to move inside the church and where the tabernacle keys were saved.
New Control Mechanism for French Religious Associations to Access Subsidies
February 4, 2022, FranceA current tool has been implemented under the french anti-separatism law, which aims at reinforcing "respect of republican principles." This is the Republican Commitment Contract (CER), which was approved in 2020, and it needs to be signed by all associations, including religious ones, to have access to subsidies. While the National Council of Evangelicals (CNEF) and the Protestant Evangelical Committee for Human Dignity (CPDH) welcome the contract that seeks to uphold freedom of association and freedom of conscience, thought and religion, as well as the fight against violence, they are concerned about the practical application and interpretation of these measures by public authorities or administrations, as "some terms could be misinterpreted."
Church Door Damaged in Poland
February 4, 2022, PolandOn the night of 3 to 4 February in Bierutow, unknown perpetrators destroyed the door to the St Joseph the Spouse church in Bierutow. It is possible that the intention was to break into the church. The police are investigating who may be behind the act. The parish posted a picture of the damage on Facebook.
Theft and Vandalism in Ireland Church
February 4, 2022, IrelandOn February 4th, the police arrested a man who broke into the Sacred Heart Church in Limerick. He smashed the offering box and then stole the money that the faithful had put there as well as breaking some statues.
Online Safety Bill could lead to Censorship of Christian teaching
February 4, 2022, United KingdomOn the 4. February, the UK Government published a press release about strengthening the Online Safety Bill that was drafted back in 2019. While the Bill aims to protect children and internet users from criminal acts, such as sexual harassment, illegal pornography and violence, some MPs are raising concern about other parts of the Bill that could endanger freedom of speech. The drafted Bill could also include the prosecution of what is to be considered "harmful" information and communication, which is a very broad term, and could be used wrongly to target unwanted opinions, such as the conservative Christian teaching.
Hosts Stolen from Fulda Cathedral
February 4, 2022, GermanyA 23-year-old stole the consecrated hosts from the Fulda Cathedral on Friday the 4th of February and then after disposing of them, returned the host bowl to the sanctuary. The police managed to arrest him and after they were done, they released him. They continued to investigate the incident for "disturbing the practice of religion," which carries a particularly heavy sentence.
Karlskirche in Vienna Vandalized for the Second Time in 2022
February 4, 2022, AustriaOn the 4th of February, the Karlskirche in Vienna was vandalized by unknown people.
Cyprus, Suspect Detained after Repeated Vandalism and Theft in Church
February 3, 2022, CyprusIn Cyprus, a 21-year-old Nicosia man was arrested for repeated thefts from churches, and faces accusations "of entering a place of worship with intent to commit a crime, inflicting malicious damage, attempted theft, and burglaries," reported Cyprus Mail. Investigations of the five recorded incidents, which happened between December 21st and January 4th, were ongoing.
Update: Pro Life Campaigners Could face a Jail Sentence in Spain
February 3, 2022, SpainNew legislation in Spain could mean that people who support or pray in demonstrations outside abortion clinics may be arrested and face a jail sentence of three months to a year. Christians, who are more likely to be involved in this type of protest due to their pro-life convictions, will be targeted if their actions are said to be "offensive, intimidating, or coercive". After being passed in the Congress of Deputies on February 3rd, this bill awaits a vote in the Senate.
School in Flen May Face 10,000 SEK Fine for Prayer
February 1, 2022, SwedenThe Ålidenskolan kindergarten in Flen may be charged a fine of 10,000 SEK (960 euros) if they continue to do a meal time payer in school. They came under scrutiny after an school inspection accused them for having a religious element to their teaching which is not in line with Swedish regulations. This reflects Sweden's goal to remove all religion from their education system.
Remembrance Chapel for Sailors in Cotentin Vandalised
February 1, 2022, FranceThe chapel of Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue (Manche) was once again vandalised when flowers and other objects were taken. This chapel was dedicated to lost sailors at sea and is a sacred place for many. It has now been placed under video surveillance to stop such acts happing in the future.
Broken Window and Room Searched in Bad Schoenborn Church
February 1, 2022, GermanyThe St. Vitrus church was broken into by unknown perpetrators who broke a window and searched rooms. The incident happened on the 2nd of January in Schoenborn.
Clock Hand Stolen from Church in Kranenburg
January 31, 2022, GermanyThe small hand of a clock on a church in Kranenburg was stolen during the night of the 25th of January by unknown people. The thieves attempted to remove the minute hand as well but failed, and thus damaged it. The emotional value of the clock is great and members of the congregation were very upset by the hands disappearance.
Catholic Home in Saint-Brieuc Targeted with Anti-Christian Tags
January 30, 2022, FranceThe car and home façade of the Catholic entrepreneur Sébastien Drouin, were painted with anti - Christian tags such an upside down cross and the number 666, know for its Anitchrist connection. He openly expressed his faith and was the radio host of the local Catholic station RCF. Him and his family unfortunately had to pay for their beliefs and Mr. Drouin posted on Twitter: "Where can we be safe?"
Attempted Attack in the Basilica in Blois
January 29, 2022, FranceA man with typical Muslim attire returned to the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Trinité in Blois on 29. January after he had prayed to Mecca and been asked to leave. The churchman was concerned by his behaviour an called the police who searched him. The Koran and a long kitchen knife were found attached to his belt at which point he was taken into custody.
Driver of Pro-Life Van is Physically Attacked
January 28, 2022, PolandThe driver of a van that displayed pro-life slogans and images was attacked in Warsaw and the incident was recorded on video. A man threw an object at the vehicle as it stopped by a red light, and when the driver opened the door, he tried to pull him outside and hit him twice, and then he ran away.
Islamist Who Disrupted Funeral Could Have also Painted Swastika on Basilica
January 27, 2022, FranceDuring a funeral on 27. January, a man entered the Saint - Denys Basilica in Argenteuil, shouted "Allah Akbar," and then fled. Moments later, a swastika was found painted on the outside of the church and the acts were thought to be connected. The incident was reported to the police but no one has been caught.
Church in San Teodoro Damaged by Arson Attack
January 26, 2022, ItalyA fire, that broke out in the church of San Teodoro, was suspected to be a deliberate act of arson after the video surveillance was examined. No major damage was noted but the fire started near a statue of Mary and some candles were burned. The deliberate act was being investigated by the Carabinieri.
Swastikas Painted on Church of Melton Mowbray
January 26, 2022, United KingdomSwastikas and a Star of David were spray - painted on the St. Mary's Church in Melton Mowbray. Police officers were looking into the vandalistic act and labeled it "religious aggravated graffiti." It came a few days before the Holocaust Memorial Day and a member of the church posted online "To desecrate a House of God seems pretty low."
Communist Banner Hanged From Christ Statue in Murcia
January 26, 2022, SpainOn the 26th of January, the Christ statue located on top of the castle of the Murcia district, in Monteagudo, was found in the morning with a large banner with the faces of Soviet leaders, Stalin and Lenin, decorated with the communist symbol of the hammer and sickle on a red star and with a text stating: "It is very difficult to destroy someone who is not willing to surrender". The banner was removed by the municipal firefighters on the same morning it was found.
France: Ban on "Conversion Therapy" Does Not Target Abusers but Breaches Parental Rights
January 25, 2022, FranceOn January 25, the French National Assembly unanimously approved a "conversion therapy" law, introducing prison sentences and high fines for those convicted of trying to change the sexual orientation or identity of LGBT+ people. Whereas the abusive practices mentioned in the law have never occurred in France, the broadly written law does not mention conversion therapy organizations or possible perpetrators, but it prohibits parents from refusing hormonal therapies or even questioning their children about their doubts about their identity. A Child psychiatrist, Christian Flavigny, warned that this law will hinder any reflection on children in deep distress and disqualify the parent-child bond.
500 Graves in Houdain Desecrated and Robbed
January 25, 2022, FranceIn the night of January 1st, 500 graves were robbed and desecrated in the Bois des Tours cemetery, in Houdain. The thieves were after metal objects that they could resell as scrap and the incident was reported to the police. Although they were after monetary gain, the act showed a complete lack of respect for those who were buried there and the religious objects on their graves.
Nativity Scene Figure and Fundraising Money Stolen
January 24, 2022, GermanyThe police investigation into the theft of a nativity scene figure from St. Nikolai's Church in Höxter has not yet produced any hot leads. The "Thankful Boy", a fundraising figure, had been dismantled from the nativity scene ensemble and stolen together with the money (more than 100 Euros). The boy belonged to the 150-year-old nativity scene.
A Clinic Training Course calls the Bible and Christianity "racist"
January 23, 2022, United KingdomAs reported by Daily Mail on 23. January, a leading mental health clinic in London, Portman Clinic, told a student therapist during a training course that Christianity is a racist religion and that the Bible can be considered racists because it makes a contrast between "darkness" and "light". Amy Gallagher is a 33-year-old nurse, who is preparing to take legal action against this clinic. She will sue the clinic for discrimination against her as a Christian and a white person, and also due to the distress caused through this experience. A crowdfunding campaign has been started to support her on her legal challenge.
Silver Crucifix Stolen From St.-Lamberti Church
January 23, 2022, GermanyOn 23. January, people saw a possible suspect stealing a silver crucifix from the St.-Lamberti Church in Oldenburg. The cross, 45 centimetres high and 30 centimetres wide, had stood in the baptistery, an entrance hall of the Protestant church. Besides the cross nothing else was stolen. The police are investigating.
Vandals Devastate Church and Mock Priest
January 23, 2022, ItalyDue to repeated acts of vandalism in the Church of Ritiro, the parish priest, father Romeo, decided to close the church outside worship hours. He posted on Facebook at the end of January: "Due to repeated acts of vandalism in the church, most recently this morning, the church will be closed from today. It will only open before celebrations or parish activities." The mayor of Messina, Cateno de Luca, has expressed his concern and outrage regarding these incidents and announced he would go to Mass as a sign of solidarity to the priest. The mayor described incidents such as overturned candlesticks on the altar, and trash and cigarette buds found on the floor.
Graffiti on Chapel in Piétat by Unknown Vandal
January 23, 2022, FranceThe word "Ska" was spray-painted in black on the Notre-Dame de chapel in Piétat, France. Ska, is a music genre that originated in 1950s Jamaica and seems to have no relevance to the chapel. Despite this, it was a deliberate act to deface the side of a religious building.
Vandalism of Church Objects in Chaumont
January 23, 2022, FranceVandalism that occurred in 2021, to the Saint-Jean-Baptiste basilica, was finally reported during the general meeting of the Innovatis Basilica association. Burnt papers were found in the entrance to the church and several urns had been damaged. Some candles had also been stolen and it has been suggested that cameras be installed to prevent such actions in the future.
Greek Ministry Report: Anti-Christian Attacks make up approx. 93% of all Anti-Religious Hate Crimes in 2020
January 22, 2022, GreeceGreece’s Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs has released a report showing that between 2015 to 2020 there have been 2,339 incidents of desecration of Greek Orthodox churches. This means these churches are the main target among all religious groups in the country, as they make up approximately 93% of the cases. In 2020 alone, there were 404 attacks against religious spaces: 385 attacks were against Christians, while there were less than 10 attacks to any other religion.
Expensive Chalice Stolen from Church in Poland
January 22, 2022, PolandA gold plated chalice worth several thousand zlotys was stolen from St. Martin's Church in Kepno, Poland on February 22nd. The chalice was later found in a dumpster and recovered. Investigators guess there were two thieves but they have not been found.
32 Nativity Figures Stolen from Saint-Pierre Church in Palavas-los-Flots
January 21, 2022, France32 figures were stolen from the nativity scene at the Saint - Pierre church in Palavas - los - Flots on 21. January. Their total value was estimated to be around 300 euros. The visual artist, Marie-Pierre Guilhot, who had compiled the scene was especially saddened by the theft and said: “As a Catholic, you should forgive but here I find it difficult to forgive.
Municipality in Spain Takes Down Cross in Parish Church
January 21, 2022, SpainThe mayor of Villagarcía de Arosa began the demolition of the cross of the parish church, in late January 2022. The removal will be undertaken under the Historical Memory Law and will cost more than 1,000 euros, according to the PSOE government team. On social media, the political party VOX wrote: "infamy is being committed. A theft of our history and our faith. The local PSOE allows it with financial help from the Diputación".
Burglary and Theft in Szczytno Church
January 20, 2022, PolandA 25-year-old man, was found inside the basement of a Church in Szczytno by the pastor, on the 20th of January. Upon investigation, it was found that the intruder had broken three widows of the church and had then attempted to steal three items worth a combined value of 5,000 zlotys.
German Evangelical Pastor Receives Death Threats
January 20, 2022, GermanyThe police in Germany has communicated that a pastor from Herne, Melanie Jansen, who regularly organises peace prayers on Saturdays (parallel to Covid-19 protests), has received death threats. The State Protection Service is now investigating, as the persons from the two incidents until now were unknown. The Evangelical Church in Rhineland has condemned these threats and have expressed solidarity towards this colleague and "sister in Christ".
Vandals Tagged Church Walls and Door with Blasphemous Words
January 20, 2022, ItalyIn Muggio, the façade of the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Castagno was found covered with blasphemous taggs on the 21st of January. The walls and the entrance door of the church were vandalised by unknown perpetrators, with the words "Dio cane" (Dog God). According to the news outlet "Today", the places of worship in the city had been attacked with arson in recent weeks and in the summer. The community was very affected by this incident and volunteers have cleaned the walls.
Arsonist Burns Church Altar in Germany
January 20, 2022, GermanyOn 20 January, the Paul Gerhardt Church in Berlin fell victim to an arson attack, destroying the altar, an image of Christ and the organ. Thirty firefighters were needed to extinguish the fire. The Evangelical congregation was shocked by the incident, with Pastor Aljona Hofmann saying: 'It strikes at the heart of the church.' According to a witness, a man left the church in a hurry shortly before the fire started; the church would normally have been closed at this time. The police are investigating.
France: Minister of Interior Releases 4 Million Euro Budget to protect Places of Worship
January 20, 2022, FranceThe minister of interior in France, Gérald Darmanin, has announced a four million euro budget to secure places of worship after a series of acts of vandalism to churches. In relation to this, the philosopher and historian, Remi Brague, said in an interview that attacking the Catholic Church has become very easy. He also sees it as a way of weakening the whole country and points out that the solution to improve the security of Churches is not only financial. The minister plans to finance video surveillance in particular.
Catholic Church Vandalised with Dog Manure for several Months
January 20, 2022, GermanyThe police have found a suspect, who might be responsible for the vandalism attacks that endured the Catholic church St. Aegidius for several months since October 2021. The man had smeared dog excrement on the walls of the church or left dog excrement at the entrance of the church almost every week. The pastor Anrul Lourdu commented: "We are speechless and meanwhile also powerless. It is simply undignified, unattractive and inhumane what is happening."
Suspected Arson to Church in Valladolid
January 19, 2022, SpainThe church of Our Lady of Fatima in Valladolid has been severely damaged by a fire that was started from outside the church. The investigation indicates that the fire could have been caused by arson. The head of the parish of San José Obrero, Enrique Barrientos, said: "In principle, it seems to have been provoked because the fire went from the outside in. There had been some acts of vandalism in the area." The incident took place on the 19. January in the early morning, and the first one to raise the alarm was the headmaster of a school that is attached to the chapel. The fire damaged a church door, an image of the Virgin and the electronic organ, which was completely burnt.
Police Arrest Man Guilty for Theft of Sacred Obejcts
January 18, 2022, ItalyThe police of Salerno has captured a man who was guilty of stealing sacred objects from the church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel on the 18th of January. The thieve had stolen a silver chalice and monstrance. The police were alerted by Don Biagio, the parish priest who was in the sacristy when the theft took place. The 24-year-old perpetrator was identified with the security cameras and the objects were returned to the church.
Outer Walls of Church in Napoli Marred by Fire
January 18, 2022, ItalyOn January 18th, the outer walls of the Sant'Eligio Church in Piazza Mercato, Naples, were blackened by a fire lit by youths from the city. The police quickly arrived at the scene but not before the walls had been damaged.
Church Front Set Alight in Muggiò
January 18, 2022, ItalyThe doormat of the Santa Giuliana church in Muggiò was set alight by unknow vandals on 18. January. The main doors of the historic 13th century church were blackened by the flames. This act of arson was obviously done in contempt of the church.
Church Bell Tower in Villingen-Schwenningen Defaced
January 18, 2022, GermanyThe bell tower of a church in Villingen-Schwenningen was defaced by unknown vandals. They sprayed the tower with writing and caused property damage of around 100 Euros on January 18th. The police were looking for more information and wanted witnesses.
Arson to Nativity Scene in Church in Dortmund
January 17, 2022, GermanyThe police assume that the straw on the cot of the Provost Church of St. John the Baptist was set on fire by someone. Arson is suspected. This was reported by "Der Westen". According to the parish website, a visitor to the Catholic church noticed the fire at the cot on Monday and reported it. With the help of a fire extinguisher, the caretaker and sexton were able to prevent the fire from spreading to the Christmas trees and the wooden altar.The nativity scene has now been dismantled. The church remains open, but additional safety measures are being considered.
Entire Music Equipment Stolen from Dresden Church
January 17, 2022, GermanyAn unknown thief stole the music equipment form the Friedenskirche Church in Dresden-Löbtau. The theft happened on the 17 of January and police say the stolen goods had a value of around 2,000 euros. The equipment is vital for celebrating services.