All cases
UPDATE: Catholic Nurse Wins Discrimination and Harassment Case
January 5, 2022, United KingdomMary Onuoha was constructively dismissed in 2020 from the Croydon NHS Trust Hospital in London for wearing a golden cross necklace. She now has won the case against her unfair dismissal for discrimination and harassment, with the help of the Christian Legal Center, as it was communicated on 5. January. The Hospital had said her necklace was "too visible" and posed a ‘risk of injury or infection’, but the ruling found out that other medical staff wore jewellery, religious attire and badges, and that this was "widely tolerated". The ruling declared the dismissal of Mrs Onuoha discriminatory and arbitrary, and recognized her right to religious freedom, such as wearing a cross necklace.
Saarburg Church Heavily Desecrated and Vandalised
January 5, 2022, GermanyUnknown vandals broke through the door of the Protestant church on the Schlossberg in Saarburg, Germany, on January 5th. The perpetrators urinated in the church and left vomit and cigarette ashes. This disrespectful act was the second crime in the church after candlesticks had been stolen the previous year.
Theft and Damage of Liturgical Objects in France
January 5, 2022, FranceSacred objects in the Saint-Symphorien church in Genouilly, were damaged and taken by unknown thieves. They stole the liturgical piece that displays the host, and after breaking through the tabernacle door, took two ciboriums that hold the host. Michel Legendre, the mayor of the commune, plans to file a complaint about this disrespectful act.
Arson: Molotov Cocktail Thrown at Church
January 5, 2022, NetherlandsOn New Year's Eve, a Molotov cocktail was hurled at Arnhem's Saint Nicholas Church starting a fire. Jan van Schuylenburg, who is a church volunteer, was soon at the scene and put the fire out. There is footage of the cocktail being thrown, which will help with the prosecution, and Jan "think(s) it was an attack".
Repeated Vandalism and Damage at Church in Sint-Truiden
January 5, 2022, BelgiumThe Saint Martin's Church in Sint-Truiden has been continuously targeted by vandalism and theft. Bundles of wipes were torn from the cross and set on fire and a few days earlier, the mass book was thrown and knocked around until it was broken. A few months back, the ribbons of the antique mass book were set on fire but luckily the book was not burnt. Sexton Etienne said: “A church is a public building and it should stay that way... People should be able to come here in complete safety to pray and relax.”
Three Statues Defaced and Basilica Vandalised by a Man in Saint-Denis
January 5, 2022, FranceA man came to the basilica of Saint-Denis and used an iron bar to damage three statues on the 5th of January. The rector of the cathedral-basilica said he had filed a complaint on the same day and the vandal was quickly arrested. The 30-year-old man caused several material damages. At first, the man came to the Basilica and was refused access to a space behind the altar, prohibited to the public. He returned a little later, armed with an iron bar, with which he attacked the display cases in which religious objects (crucifixes, statuettes and other trinkets) were exhibited. Then, the man threw three plaster statues to the ground.
Arson to Chapel of the Madonna by Unknown Perpetrators
January 4, 2022, ItalyUnknown vandals broke into the chapel of the Madonna in Cima Sappada by breaking the lock, which was reported on the 4th of January. The perpetrators took the tablecloth off the altar and lit a fire inside the chapel by using wooden stacks and the tablecloth. Some passing hikers noticed that the door had been opened and reported the damage to managers of a nearby refuge. Fortunately, the damage was not extensive.
Vandals Tagged Two Churches in Arona
January 4, 2022, ItalyOn the days prior to the 4th of January, there was a surge of vandalism in Arona. Unknown vandals damaged the main door of the San Rocco Church and the Sacro Cuore Church with graffiti. They painted crosses on the doors. Apart from that, vandals also defaced a sign of a high school.
Church installs Window Protection due to Recurrent Vandalism
January 4, 2022, GermanyDue to ongoing vandalism, there are now protective grids at the Luther Church in Fellbach. The damage is thought to have been caused by young people throwing stones.
Unknown Perpetrators Vandalise Church and Steal 2000 Euros
January 3, 2022, ItalyOn the 3. January, the parish priest, Don Gianluigi Ganabano, found out that thieves had broken into the Church of Santa Maria Immacolata the night before. Around two thousand euros were stolen from the church. The parish priest found the premises ransacked and called the police. The thieves forced open a side door and took possession of some boxes containing offerings.
Unknown Man Punches Priest During Mass
January 3, 2022, SlovakiaA video was posted on the 3rd of January, which shows how a man approached a Greek Catholic priest during Mass and punched him in the arm. The man was wearing a jacket with clearly read "F**k your God" and was rapidly taken away by other men, who reacted to the attack. The incident took place in the church of Pavel Petr Gojdic and Blessed Vasyl Hopko in Bardejov. After the attack, the 26-year-old priest asked the congregation to pray for his aggressor and declared forgiveness for him. The man was detained by the police and could face up to 3 years of prison.
43,000 Signatures Against the Removal of a Catholic Statue in Les Sables d'Olonne
January 3, 2022, FranceSince the decision by the Administrative Court of Nantes to remove the statue of Saint Michel in the town of Les Sables d'Olonne, two online petitions collected over 43,000 signatures against it removal. The statue is on the front of the Saint Michel church and the court wanted it removed withing six months as the said in violated a 1905 law on secularism. The statue has been there for years and the town was determined to not let it go.
Presbyterian Church in Creutzwald Vandalised
January 3, 2022, FranceThe Presbyterian church in Creutzwald was severely vandalised by unknown criminals. The lights, various pots, mailbox, and shutter were all damaged by fire crackers and the questioning angel, placed at the top of the crib, was removed of its head and the donations gone. For fear of more acts like this, the church has reduced its visiting hours.
Statue of Saints Destroyed in Marl Church
January 3, 2022, GermanyOn January 3rd, an intruder entered the Barbara Church in Marl-Hamm and destroyed statues of saints. "When exactly they came in, we unfortunately do not know," said Sister Aloysiana. The doors to the church were not locked and the police were investigating the crime.
Nativity Scene Vandalised in French Village
January 2, 2022, FranceOn the 2nd of January, it was reported that the Christmas Nativity installation which adorned the religious building was vandalised. "I find it unacceptable. Especially as it required a certain amount of effort to reach it, given the height at which it was situated," said Jean-Pierre Quet, the mayor of Artigues-de-Lussac. The work was created some years ago by municipal workers and volunteers: "It was 5 to 6 metres long, with figures and a scrap metal frame. Everything was plugged in. Whoever did this tore it down, they can't do anything with it. It's a purely gratuitous act of vandalism", he said. A complaint was filed to the police.
Teenagers destroy Church of Marguerita Sign
January 2, 2022, ItalyAfter some vandals destroyed the panel of the Church of Santa Margherita which was outside the structure, the Associazione 21, which manages the building, posted a message on their website. They posted it on the 3rd of January, saying that some 11-12-year-old boys kicked and smashed the panel in front of the Church.
Bomb Detonates at Greek Church on New Year's Eve
January 1, 2022, GreeceAn explosion caused by unknown perpetrators occurred outside the Church of St. Paul in Athens at about 12:30 AM on New Year's, as reported by Protothema.gr. The explosion was caused by ten gas canisters placed outside the church, which caused minor material damage, such as blackened spots on the church's facade. A similar event took place in 2018, where two people were wounded. The police are investigating the attack.
Unknown Vandals destroy Statue of Christ
January 1, 2022, FranceOn the 1st of January, the statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the Saint-Porchaire Church, was thrown to the ground and destroyed, according to a witness. An investigation has been opened by the police and two men might have been the perpetrators. There are no suspects for the time being and a complaint has been filed.
Statue of Baby Jesus Vandalised in the Netherlands
January 1, 2022, NetherlandsThe statue of baby Jesus in the village of Heesh has been victimized by vandalism between Christmas and New Year. According to the report, these attacks on the nativity scene are very common. This time, the head of the statue of Jesus was broken into four pieces, and the cot had a big hole in it. Peter van Moorselaar of De Drie Leliën, who is in charge of taking care of the nativity scene has also shared the crime. He mentioned how the head of the baby Jesus looked as "if vandals had played soccer with it." Even though there were concerns over the price of the damages, Joke Franken and his daughter have restored the statue of baby Jesus.
Lecce: Theft of the Baby Jesus Figure
December 31, 2021, ItalyIn Lecce, the baby boy from the large nativity scene set up in Piazza del Duomo was stolen, as reported on the 31st of December. Unknown perpetrators stole the statue of baby Jesus during the night. It was placed in the center of the Nativity scene in front of the cathedral church. This apparently happens every year, which affects the people of Lecce and the curia. The police are working to see if there is any footage from security cameras to identify the thieves.
Fire at St. Nicholaus Church on New Year's Eve treated as Arson
December 31, 2021, SwitzerlandA big fire broke out in the St. Nicholaus Church in Hofstetten on the evening of the 31. December and it is being investigated for arson. The police were alerted and they, together with firefighters, rushed to the Catholic church to extinguish the fire, which took several brigades. It has left massive damage to the church, including the organ and the interior of the church. The damage is likely to amount to several 100,000 francs. There have been no injuries, but the police is running an investigation and asking for witnesses. According to the interim parish president, Georg Sigfrist, unknown vandals had destroyed the nativity scene inside the church shortly before the fire broke out.
Jewels and Offerings Stolen From Mary Image
December 31, 2021, ItalyIn Taranto, the jewels and offerings that the parish people left to the icon of "Our Lady of Health" in her shrine have been stolen, as reported on the 31st of December. Monsignor Emanuele Ferro, spokesman for archbishop Filippo Santoro reported this to the media.
Christ Child Theft in Modling Nativity
December 31, 2021, AustriaThe Christ Child figurine was stolen from a nativity scene in the Herz-Jesu parish in Modling. It was over fifty years old and had little monetary value so the Vicariate Councillor & Pastoral Assistant Alexandra Kommer expects it was done as a prank adding: "Who does something like that?" The police started an investigation to find the thieves.
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”.