All cases
Pastors Challenge Burgas Government over Discrimination to Non-Eastern-Orthodox Christians
December 22, 2021, BulgariaPastor Tochev and Pastor Kiryakov in Burgas, have challenged the local government's campaign to label all non-Eastern Orthodox Christian groups as sects and turn children against them at school. The case goes all the way back to 2008 when the City council of Burgas wrote a letter notifying the schools of the new policy and these two pastors were shocked by the content. Now, there case is being heard at the European court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, France.
Theft at the Cherry Tree Nativity in Salerno
December 21, 2021, ItalyUnknown people have stolen from the Nativity Scene of the Cherry Tree. The mayor, Gianfranco Valiante, has expressed his disappointment against an act that he considers aberrant just a few days before Christmas "They are also robbing Jesus Christ!"
Around 2,000€ Stolen from a Convent in Poppi
December 21, 2021, ItalyThe convent of the Benedictine monks of Camaldoli was the target of theft, at the end of October, while the religious gathered for prayer. About 20 cells were reported raided, with a total amount of missing items around 2,000€. The case is being investigated by the carabinieri of the Bibbiena company.
Anti-Christian Tag on Bouteillerie Cemetery Wall
December 21, 2021, FranceThe phrase "F*** Christ the King" was written on the cemetery wall in Bouteillerie on 21. December and had dual meaning since it is located near the Christ the King chapel. This wall has been frequently used by ultra-left taggers to express their extrem opinion.
Statue of Virgin Mary Defaced in the Abbaye aux Hommes in Caen
December 21, 2021, FranceOn December 21, a small statue of the Virgin Mary holding Jesus was defaced with spray paint. Located in the Abbaye aux Hommes in Caen, Mary was depicted to be vanquishing Satan with her foot on a serpent. This most likely was the cause for the act.
Nativiy Scene Vandalised in Fiumicino
December 19, 2021, ItalyAs it was reported on the 19. December, the parish priest and the faithful of the church of Santa Maria Porto della Salute in Fiumicino found some Nativity scene figures destroyed. The life-size statues made of plaster and fibreglass of a shepherd and a donkey were thrown to the ground. The former had both hands cut off and the donkey had a broken ear. The other statues did not receive damage, as they were fixed to the structure.
Shrine with Figure of Jesus Damaged in Głogów
December 18, 2021, PolandOn 18. December, an unknown perpetrator destroyed the shrine of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the parish of Divine Mercy in Głogów. The glass protecting the figure of Christ was found broken in six areas and the figure itself was also damaged. The perpetrator might have used a large stone found in the vicinity. This person also left a broken beer bottle next to the chapel. The police are investigating and looking for the perpetrator(s).
Second Case of Vandalism to the Church of the Holy Cross
December 18, 2021, United KingdomThe small church of the Holy Cross in Mwnt, Cardigan, had been vandalised twice in December, as the Rev John Bennett revealed. The church was damaged first at the beginning of December and the last case happened between the 18th and the 21st of December. The windows od the church were smashed with rocks and the pillar outside the church was damaged. A fundraising appeal was launched to help the small church with reparations, which has had a very positive response.
Special Stones Torn out and Cross Stolen from Altar in Oldenburg Church
December 18, 2021, GermanyParishioners were heart broken when an unknown intruder wrenched some semi-precious stones out of the alter in the Oldenburg Forum Church of St. Peter. The stones, which were taken out on the 18th of December, belonged to a wooden crucifix that had been in place since 1877. In addition, an alter cross decorated with silver was also stolen on the same weekend.
Giant Straw Goat Burned by an Arsonist
December 17, 2021, SwedenA giant straw goat, which has become an annual highlight in the Swedish city of Gavle, has been burned by an arsonist. A man, in his 40s, was arrested at the scene after the structure was set on fire, in the early hours of the 17th of December. Every Christmas since 1966, the Gavlebocken (Gavle goat) has been put up in the city's central Castle Square, but it has become a usual target for arsonists and vandals. The Gavlebocken annually draws visitors to Gavle, which is built up the first Sunday of Christian Advent. A big concert accompanied the goat's inauguration at the end of November.
Village in Wales Restored its Nativity after Being Fire-Bombed last year
December 17, 2021, United KingdomA year after the Nativity scene in a village in Wales was fire-bombed by vandals on Christmas Eve, the community Raglan in Gwent has decided to create a new life-sized Nativity.
Pure Vandalism in a Church in Volkmarsen
December 17, 2021, GermanyBetween the evening of December 16 and noon of the 18th, an unidentified individual broke into a church on Vikariestrasse in Volkmarsen. The perpetrator forced open and broke the door of the church, causing material damage of about 500€. However, nothing was stolen from the church. The case was reported to the police who began investigating the case.
Consecrated Hosts Stolen from a Church in Palermo
December 16, 2021, ItalyPyx with hosts stolen in the Church of Saints Peter and Paul, on December 16. Police was alerted but lack of evidence suggests a low probability of finding the perpetrators. Both the parish priest and the community that frequents the church were unsettled by the event, considering the hosts "the treasure" of the church.
Unknown Perpetrator Vandalizes Nativity Scene in Liege
December 16, 2021, BelgiumOn the 16th of December at noon, an individual attacked the nativity scene and the furniture of the church of Saint-Denis in Liege. He also left a message saying: "God is witness". The head of one figure was torn off and another one was destroyed.
France 2021: Christians are the Most Targeted Group for Anti-Religious Crimes
December 14, 2021, FranceOn the 14. December, the French Government presented its yearly listing of attacks against Christians. There were 1,380 anti-religious attacks between January and October 2021, from which 686 were targeted against Christians. As Father Hugues de Woillemont, spokesman for French Bishops' Conference, said during a press conference on December 14: "The acts listed are very varied, from tags on the wall of a church to the desecration of tabernacles." These numbers only include formal complaints filed by the police, so the dark numbers could be higher.
Biblical Quotes Painted on a Wall in Portstewart Under Suspicion
December 14, 2021, United KingdomA local council in Northern Ireland has dismissed claims, by an ‘equality expert’, that repainting Bible texts on a local sea wall may be in breach of its equality scheme. The council-owned wall bears the words: “‘The sea is His and He made it’ Psalm 95 v 5”, “Eternity?”, “Jesus said: ‘Ye must be born again’ John c3 v7”, and “‘Christ died for us’ Romans c5 v8”.
Mosque Shut down for Inciting Violence against Christians, Jews and Homosexuals
December 14, 2021, FranceA mosque in Beauvais in northern France has been ordered to shut down for six months for hosting preachings that incited hatred "against Christians, homosexuals and jews". According to the prefecture of the Oise department, the mosque was "inciting hatred", "violence" and "apology of jihad". Gérald Darmanin, France's interior minister, announced on December 14th that he had started the procedure for the closure of this mosque.
Sex-Education Guides Mock Virgin Mary and Violate Religious Freedom
December 13, 2021, SpainA Madrid court has ruled on December 13. that the distribution in schools of sex education guides called “Gender Rebel” in Getafe violated the right to religious freedom of Christian children, as it mocks Christian symbols and violates the right of parents to educate their children according to their beliefs. These guides ridiculed the chastity of the Virgin Mary and invite teenagers to masturbate, affirming that it is not a sin. The guides were promoted by the city council, as well as the ministry of equality.
Unknown Perpetrators Smash Windows of Evangelical Church
December 12, 2021, GermanyBetween 12. December and 14. December, unknown persons damaged several windows of the Evangelical church in Bad Arolsen-Helsen. The perpetrator(s) threw stones at the windows, causing damage of around 1,000 euros. The police are investigating.
Update: Charges Against Three Street Preachers Who Preached Against Homosexuality
December 11, 2021, IrelandThe three street preachers who were arrested on September 21st, due to their comments about homosexuality, faced their first court hearing on the 13 of October. Despite the reason for their arrest, no charges regarding hate speech were brought against them; instead, they were charged with public order offences. The incident is still being investigated and the case was adjourned until June 2022.
Offensive Tags Appear on the Church of St. Philipp Neri
December 11, 2021, SpainIn the centre of the city of Malaga. the church of San Felipe Neri, was vandalised on 11. December with offensive tags against the religious institution. These were made with spray paint by unknown vandals and have left the community of faithful very affected. One tag says "Sacrilego tú" (you sacrilegious) was graffitied on a mosaic of Jesus. Another message on the door reads: "Dead paedophiles". It seems that the police was able to identify and arrest the perpetrators.
Facebook Censors ACN's Campaign To Help Abused Women
December 11, 2021, United KingdomOn the 11. November, the Catholic Charity "Aid to a Church in Need" (ACN) UK noticed that Facebook had censored its ad campaign on tackling sexual violence against religious-minority women and girls. “Hear Her Cries” was the slogan of the campaign, which launched on 24. November. The campaign aimed to raise concern on a widespread problem in many African and Asian countries: the abduction of Christian girls and women for sexual violence by both armed extremists and militant members of other religious communities.
Pastor Sued for Charitable Work During Lockdown: Case Overturned
December 10, 2021, United KingdomThe 47-years-old pastor Chez Dyer was fined over £16,000 for holding a church service for the homeless in a car park during the lockdown in February 2021. Thanks to the support from the Christian Legal Centre her case has been dismissed by a magistrate’s court. She was also told by a magistrate, at a hearing at Nottingham Magistrates Court, that she was cleared from paying the fine and was issued with a defense cost order which means her legal fees will now be paid by the government.
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.