All cases
Vandals Smash Church Window in Horn-Bad Meinberg
September 27, 2021, GermanyUnknown perpetrators smashed the window of the local church in Horn-Bad Meinberg on 27 September. According to the police, the window is located directly above the church door. The damage amounts to around 2.000 Euros.
Güdesweiler Church Broken into and Raided
September 26, 2021, GermanyUnidentified thieves broke a window to get into the Güdesweiler church on March 26th. They took the money from a sacrificial candlestick box and also stole some of the sacrificial candles.
Update: University Revokes its Decision Regarding the Catholic Chaplain
September 25, 2021, United KingdomFr Palmer had been declined as a University chaplain due to posts on his Twitter account expressing personal opinions and views regarding abortion and assisted suicide. After the "Free Speech Union" threatened the University for ignoring the 2010 Equality act, Nottingham University recognized Fr Palmer to become the Catholic priest of the University
Joan of Arc's "Heart" Stolen in Nimes
September 25, 2021, FranceA 19-year-old boy discovered, after he came back from holidays, that a bronze heart containing a reliquary of Joan of Arc had been stolen.
Thieves Steal Sacred Objects of the Laurentius Chapel in Waltrop-Leveringhausen.
September 25, 2021, GermanyDuring the night of the 25th of September, a golden monstrance with the relic of Saint Laurence and a baroque cross were stolen from the altar of the St. Ludgerus parish. On Monday, the parish was surprised to find everything but the monstrance, returned in a bag in the neighboring garden. The intent of this was unknown but it was suggested that the thieves had a guilty conscience. Bernd Brinker, said of the monstrance which was never found, "The ideal value is great for the community, which has cherished and cared for the chapel for decades."
Evangelical Foster Agency Accused of "Discriminatory Policy" Against Homosexual Couples Lost Case
September 24, 2021, United KingdomThe Christian Cornerstone (North East) Adoption and Fostering Agency has lost the case at the Court of Appeal. They were hoping to reverse a ruling that found the agency "discriminatory" for working only with heterosexual couples. Three Court of Appeal judges have found the Foster agency's policy discriminatory, as they find that the basis of the agency's religious beliefs is not enough to justify their policy of only recruiting heterosexual carers.
Flags of Evangelical Church in Nagold Repeatedly Vandalised
September 24, 2021, GermanyFor the fourth time in a row this year, the flags decorating the evangelical church in Nagold have been torn or cut. Among the upset parishioners, an active woman in the community stated that the flags are not cheap and they are paid with everyone's donations.
Offering Box Stolen and Sacristy Door Broken in Avoscan Church
September 24, 2021, ItalyOn September 24th, unknown thieves broke into the church in Avoscan through a broken window. Once inside, they took what was in the offering box, which wasn't much, and then broke the sacristy door to see it there was anything they could take from there. Parish administrator Don Luigino Canal said it was, "More moral than economic damage."
Right-Wing Extremists Storm Pastoral Office in Linz
September 23, 2021, AustriaAround 15 hooded men have stormed the office of the Diocese of Linz with leaflets, banners, and a megaphone. The pursuit was to protest against a memorial that will be placed in Linz's city cemetery for the refugees who died in the Mediterranean Sea. The group apparently belongs to the right-wing extremist "Identitäre" (Identitarians).
Oxford College Regrets Hosting a Christian Event
September 22, 2021, United KingdomThe Wilberforce Academy (Christian seminar) has been holding its courses in different Oxford colleges for many years. But this year, the Worcester College, where the seminar was taking place, apologized for having hosted this event "that caused significant distress" as it was published in the student newspaper "The Tab".
Street Preachers Arrested after Preaching the Gospel and on Homosexuality
September 21, 2021, IrelandMr Williamson was preaching on the streets of Dundalk together with two other colleagues, when he was asked by police to stop. The reason was that he was critically preaching about gender ideology and homosexuality, the police considered the content to be a hate crime and that the preaching disrupted the public social order. Together with Robert Ervine and Sean Paul Tully, Ryan Williamson got arrested. The trial is expected on 13 October.
Cemetery Severly Vandalized in Rivière
September 21, 2021, FranceThe cemetery of Rivière was ransacked on September 21st but it was not know who did it. A municipal employee found: "Many vases ... thrown to the ground, breaking and cracking the tombstones in places. Flowers were dug up. Crosses were torn off and cut." The gendarmerie was informed of this hateful act.
Germany increasingly Denies Asylum to Christian Converts from Islam and Deports them To Muslim Countries where they Face Death
September 20, 2021, GermanyOpen Doors, an international Christian organisation, which supports persecuted Christians worldwide, has published a report on the current situation of 5.207 Christian converts in Germany. The vast majority of them are denied asylum and many of them are threatened with deportation to conservative Muslim countries where conversion to another religion is considered a crime worthy of death.
Church in Sandhausen Vandalised
September 20, 2021, GermanyUnknown perpetrators have vandalized the church of the Holy Trinity and caused several damages: burning a sign, removing the Pascual Candle and damaging it, chairs and cushioins have burn holes, etc. Despite this event, the parish priest still wants to leave the church open for the people so that they can "recharge their batteries and strengthen their faith during this time". He also urged the people to protect the church "by visiting it and thus protect it from further damage". According to the police it seems that the perpetrators were not looking for money, "it was vandalism".
Painting Solen from Church in Zębocin was Later Found
September 20, 2021, PolandA 16th century painting worth 100 zloty was stolen from the St Stanislaus church in Zębocin. The theft was immediately reported to the police who began to search for it. Much to the churches relief, the "Mother of God with Child" painting was found at an auction in Warsaw on September 20th.
Several Windows Smashed at Catholic Church in Villmar-Aumenau
September 20, 2021, GermanyStarting on September 19th and then continuing for about a week, unknown villains were smashing the windows on the Catholic Church in Villmar-Aumenau. A cleaning person discovered the vandalism and promptly informed the parish who, in term, told the police. An investigation was started and the damage amounts to around 1,000 EUR.
Arson at Church in Mantua
September 19, 2021, ItalyOn September 19th, the statue of Madonna was scarred by arson in the Santa Caterina church in Mantua. The fire, which was started at the altar, burnt the tablecloth covering the alter and also damaged some sacred furnishings including the statue. Fortunately, the damage was not extensive, but the crime affected the religious community.
Surveillance Camera Caught Two Burglars inside St.Liborio's Church
September 19, 2021, ItalyImages from CCTV showed that a car was driving away from the church of San Liborio where religious objects and 5.000 Euros in cash, which was contained in a metal cupboard, were stolen. The two perpetrators, 37 and 46 years-old and with previous convictions, were identified after a quick investigation by the local police station
Offices of the Swiss Evangelical Alliance Vandalised by Radical LGBTQ+ Groups
September 18, 2021, SwitzerlandIn the run-up to the March for Life, three different pro-life Evangelical centres have been vandalized in two different cities, Zurich and Emmenbrücke (Lucerne). The perpetrators threw paint and vandalized the offices of the SEA. The attacks were claimed on an anarcho-autonomous pro-LGBTQ information platform. "We condemn this way of acting and reacting but we are trying to continue the dialogue in the public debate, without being intimidated," reacted Daniela Baumann, spokesperson for SEA, accompanied by Evangeliques.info.
Anti-Catholic Graffitis on the Walls of Santa Lucia Chapel
September 18, 2021, SpainOn the 18. September, it was reported that the chapel of Santa Lucia and the wall of the rectory of the Rianxeira parish of Asados were vandalised with graffiti and anti-Catholic slogans. The perpetrator or perpetrators of this aggression to the heritage used red paint to leave messages against the Church and the clergy printed on one of the side walls of the church and on the entrance to the rectory, like calling them a "catholic mafia".
Art Festival Against "Religious Censorship" celebrates "Blasphemy Day"
September 17, 2021, Italy"Ceci n'est pas un blasphème" is the title of the festival which claims to celebrate freedom of expression and attack "religious censorship". The festival took place between the 17th and 30th of September, the day on which "Blasphemy Day" is celebrated. The non-profit festival included exhibitions, talks, comedians, to promote anti-clerical art and raise funds to be donated to organizations that provide protection and legal assistance to people persecuted for having said or created blasphemous content. Interestingly, many artists have targeted Christian symbols to create blasphemous images, whereas the countries and cases with severe Blasphemy laws and punishments are Muslim.
Two Arson Attempts in a Church in Waldmünchen
September 17, 2021, GermanyAn unknown perpetrator seems to have tried twice to set the church in Waldmünchen on fire. The first time by placing a candle on the floor of the closed-off side altar with an advertising leaflet from church on it, shortly after the leaflet caught fire. On the next Saturday he tried it again by throwing a burning paper into the area of the fenced side altar. Fortunately the rest of the church was not damaged and the fire was contained. The police are investigating.
24-year-old Man Stabbed to Death While Handing Out Church Leaflets
September 17, 2021, United KingdomMohamed Issa Koroma has been stabbed to death, while he was handling out church leaflets. The attacker will be charge with murder and possession of a bladed weapon in public and will appear at Sheffield Crown Court on 22 September. When the police arrived, Mr. Koroma was seriously injured and still alive but shortly died after the attack. “Our investigation into this incident continues at pace and our officers remain at the scene as they conduct their enquiries" said the Detective Chief Inspector Paul Murphy, 31, of South Yorkshire Police. The motive is still unclear.
Fire Extinguisher Used to Damage Church in Louvie-Juzon
September 17, 2021, FranceOn the 17th of September, anonymous perpetrators vandalized the church of Louvie-Juzon in France by damaging the furniture and emptying the fire extinguisher over the furniture and floor of the Church. The major, who said being very disappointed, has lodged a formal complaint.
Two More Organizations Vandalized by Activists in Run-Up to March for Life
September 17, 2021, SwitzerlandIn the run-up to the March for Life, three different pro-life Evangelical centers were vandalized in two different cities, Zurich and Emmenbrücke (Lucerne). The perpetrators painted the offices of the Pro-Life organization in Lucerne with Graffiti between 15-17 September. Also, the organization Zukunft CH foundation was defaced with graffiti. The attacks were claimed on an anarcho-autonomous pro-LGBTQ information platform. "It is worrying that on certain socio-political issues it is obviously no longer possible to express oneself freely without being affected by hatred and vandalism," said the AES, Zukunft CH, and "Pro-Life" in a joint statement issued on September 21.
Church Window Broken by a Group of Young People
September 16, 2021, ItalyThe parish of Mortizzuolo in Mirandola was vandalized by a group of young people that was gathering next to the church. The group ended up breaking a window of the church. Police are investigating and tracking videocameras.
Statue of the Virgin Mary Toppled in Warsaw
September 16, 2021, PolandUnknown perpetrators have toppled a statue of the Virgin Mary, which was placed in the garden of the Franciscan Sisters of the Family of Mary convent in Anin, Warsaw. The statue was tied with a telephone cable, which indicates that the vandalism was intentional. According to Father Marek Doszko, pastor of the parish of Our Lady Queen of Poland, where the house is located, the statue fell on soft ground and leaves, so no extensive damage was caused. The profanation took place on the day of the commemoration of the founder of the congregation, St. Zygmunt Szczęsny-Feliński
Monstrance Stolen from Church in Fourmies
September 16, 2021, FranceOn 16 September, the glass door of the chapel of the church of Saint-Pierre was forced open with a crowbar. The perpetrators stole a tin monstrance. "The object was not of great material value, but it had spiritual value. This monstrance was used for Adoration every Friday, reports Abbé Potier. The thieves did not take the lunula, i.e. the glass vessel containing the consecrated host. The object is incomplete and therefore cannot be sold as it is. "I am very hopeful that it will be abandoned somewhere and we will eventually get our hands on it again sooner or later". The police are investigating.
Several Thousand Euros Damage: Stained Glass Window of Church in St. Godard Smashed
September 16, 2021, FranceUnknown perpetrators smashed stones against a stained glass window dating back to the XVI century. The incident took place between the night of the 15. to the 16. September in the Church of St. Godard. The church is well-known for its artistical value and is "very much visited for the Heritage Days" explained Élizabeth Labaye, a municipal councilor in charge of tourism and heritage, she is disappointed by the fact that the church was recently "completely cleaned" and because the damage is estimated at several thousand Euros.
About Fifty Graves Vandalised in Poitiers Hospital Cemetery
September 16, 2021, FranceA family that was visiting the Hopital des Champs cemetery alerted the police on 16 September, after they found around fifty graves, which were tagged with the symbol of Sidaction. Police are investigating.
Church in Szczecin Severely Vandalised
September 15, 2021, PolandA 33-year-old man destroyed a historic 1.5 metre wooden cross, an electric censer and a font in the church vestibule, and assaulted the priest who tried to calm down the attacker. Father Dariusz Olszak was beaten and will undergo surgery for a broken jaw. The man, who already had a criminal record, is awaiting his sentence. Police are investigating.
Needs more info: Theft in the Church of Notre-Dame de l'Assomption
September 15, 2021, FranceThe sacristy, of the Notre-Dame de l'Assomption church in Sully, was broken into during the night of the 15th of September. The intruder, stole some candlesticks and a chalice but was not caught. The mayor filed a complaint.
Rogation Cross in Saussines Vandalized
September 15, 2021, FranceIn mid-September, one of the three Rogation Crosses in Saussines, a town northeast of Montpellier on the road to Ales, was vandalized. The perpetrator remains unknown. The act shocked the locals and the faithful.
Statue of the Virgin Mary Attacked with Arson
September 14, 2021, FranceA processional statue of the Virgin Mary in the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Bon Secours in Guingamp was set on fire on 14 September. The fire was extinguished with an extinguisher by the owner of a nearby crêperie. According to a source close to the case: "The initial findings totally confirm it. It is clearly an arson attack. For the moment we have no information on the perpetrator or perpetrators. The investigations will continue. The statue was not completely destroyed, but its clothes were destroyed.
Church Vandalised with Anti-Semitic Tags in Perugia
September 13, 2021, ItalyBlasmephic tags in red paint were found on the memorial plaque of the great Perugian Bishop Luigi Piastrelli, who was parish priest in St. Agatha's church for almost 70 years, from 1908 to 1975. The plaque is found on the facade of the Church. The residents have expressed shame and indignation, according to the report, and they have also called on the police to launch an investigation with help of security cameras on the area.
Ruins of St. Finian's Church in Esker Vandalized
September 13, 2021, IrelandThe historic ruins of the St. Finian's Church in Esker were smeared with black paint on September 13th. The structure is of great local significance and had recently undergone restoration work when the defacement occurred. The Councilor considered this act of vandalism a direct insult to the religious sight and those working there.
Three Teenagers Shout Blasphemies During Mass in Sorso
September 12, 2021, ItalyThree times in a row, three teenagers entered St.Pantaleon's church during mass was taking place and started shouting blasphemies. After the incident, they just left rapidly. Residents and church parishioners have been asking for more control due to the rise of acts of vandalism. The police seem to ignore the requests.
Fourth Break-In at the Madonna delle Lacrime in Siracusa
September 12, 2021, ItalyOn the 12th of September, the News Outlet "Siracusa2000" reported that the Shrine of Our Lady of Tears was vandalised twice in the last 48 hours. This is already the 4th case at the same church within a month. The perpetrators entered through an upper window, shattering its stained-glass window, but they did not steal anything. After several thefts, the parish people had taken the offering boxes away.
Theft and Vandalism in Church of Notre Dame de Lourdes
September 11, 2021, FranceThe church of Notre Dame de Lourdes in Argenteuil was desecrated and broken into. The thieves forced their way into the church through a small window. Inside the church, they stole the ciborium from the tabernacle and threw the holy hosts on the ground. From there the perpetrators went on to the sacristy where they stole a chalice and a paten. All of the stolen items were made out of silver, which gives a hint of the motive of the theft. The glass cruets and other items of worship were left untouched, although they searched the premises. According to the parish vicar, there have been no other recent burglaries of the church or of churches in the area. A reparation ceremony will take place.
Statue of the Virgin Mary at the L'Immacule Conception Church Destroyed
September 11, 2021, FranceThe statue of the Virgin Mary at the Immaculate Conception Church in Bonnencontre was broken into thousand pieces. The major and the parish priest believe it happened on 11th September. In the pictures posted by "Le Bien Pubic" one can also recognize scattered bibles on the floor. A formal complaint has been filed.
Blasphemous Graffiti on Church in Palomares
September 11, 2021, SpainGraffitied profanities against God appeared on a church in Palomares neighbourhood of Béjar on September 11th. The neighbors discovered the graffiti which will take a large amount of work to remove. The police investigated the incident but there were no suspects yet.
Offering Box Repeatedly Being Robbed
September 9, 2021, ItalyThe rector of St Anthony's exposed a warning sign on the church's news table: 'He steals our money, but I want to avoid him trouble'. Repeatedly, the priest had found the box containing the offerings of the faithful robbed several times during the last months. He writes that if the thieve comes again he will reach to the police.
Afghan Faith Minorities, Specially Christians Face Crisis while the "EU Religious Special Envoy" Position Is Vacant
September 8, 2021, BelgiumSpecial Envoy for the promotion of freedom of religion or belief outside the EU seems to be a difficult position. After being two years vacant, Christos Stylianides took up the vacant post and left it after less than five months for another one. Human Rights experts express their concern about how poorly this position is supported and resourced.
Christian Lawyers Appeal Against the Government's Decision to Ban Religious Processions
September 8, 2021, SpainThe Organisation of Christian Lawyers has appealed to the courts that the ban the Junta de Castilla y León placed on religious processions to contain the spread of the Covid 19, was not just. The ban was imposed in Castilla y León to prevent the festival of the patron saint, which takes place on September 8th, from happening. Christian Lawyers claims that this ban interferes with the fundamental right of religious liberty.
St David's Church in Hubberston Repeatedly Vandalized
September 7, 2021, United KingdomThe church of St. David and its surroundings continue to be vandalized almost on a daily basis: litter, condoms, sanitary towels, signs of drug use, and human excrement have had to be cleared away by the parishioners, the vast majority of whom are elderly. The latest event affected the church directly where the windows were smashed and graves desecrated. Church members, neighbors, and the police have worked to limit the amount of vandalism. One of the regular church attendants expressed her concern regarding the ongoing vandalism, "The costs and efforts to maintain and continue to preserve these local assets are immense. As a community, we seek to protect our village green and buildings for future generations (...) For almost 900 years it has been cherished and used by thousands of people near and far, as a place of spiritual peace and as a link between generations past and present".
Church Premises Vandalised with Insulting Graffitis Against the Church
September 6, 2021, SpainThe famous romanic chapel known as Monsacro has been vandalised with graffitis and messages against the Church. The chapel building was not vansalised but the Way of Sorrows and the boundary markers were tagged with hostile messages.
Burglary in La Bien Aparecida Church
September 6, 2021, SpainThe chalice, sacred books, and several candles were stolen from the parish of La Bien Aparecida in Santander on September 6th. The door of the tabernacle was also torn off and the Bishopric pointed out that the perpetrator "did not pursue an economic motive, since the pieces do not have great value for sale, but to commit sacrilege." It happened shortly after the Sunday mass but no thief was found.
Theft of Crucifix in Terlizzi
September 6, 2021, ItalyA crucifix was stolen on September 6th from the statue of Sant Rita in the Blessed Virgin Mary Immaculate church of Terlizzi. The statue has great religious significance and the vandalistic theft upset the church goers. They have invited all to pray that the crucifix gets returned.
Two Churches in Siracusa Vandalised
September 5, 2021, ItalyThe Church of the Mazzarrona and now also the basilica sanctuary of the Madonna delle Lacrime have been the target of thieves and vandals. Police are investigating.
Enormous Damage Caused to Vandalised Church in Burgerland
September 5, 2021, AustriaThe Evangelical Church of Markt Allhau has been vandalised by unknown perpetrators during the night of the 5th to 6th of September. The whole façade of the church was smeared with ketchup, eggs, and bananas while a window was broken with a stone. The incident has been reported to the police and they are investigating. The damage amounts to several thousand euros.