All cases
Third Theft in Madonna delle Lacrime Sanctuary in one Month
September 4, 2021, ItalyFor the third time in a row, the Madonna Delle Lacrime Sanctuary located in Siracusa has been robbed of its offerings and vandalized. The last incident happened between the 3rd and 4th of September. The thieves seemed to have entered through the side door, shattering its glass, as seen in the photo. Police and forensic personnel are carrying out investigations.
Arson Caused Damage of Several Thousand Francs to St.Andrea's Church in Gossau
September 3, 2021, SwitzerlandUnknown persons set fire to several objects between 4.45 pm and 6 pm on the 3rd of September. Fortunately, the fire went out by itself. The arson was discovered by the sexton, who smelled smoke when entering the church. He found a singed wooden table with charred objects. According to the St. Gallen cantonal police, property damage amounting to several thousand francs was caused. The Priest of the Church, Andy Givel, expressed surprise and concern regarding the incident.
Chiesa Matrice di Alessandria della Rocca Robbed and Vandalised
September 3, 2021, ItalyAccording to initial investigations, the robbery took place on the 27th of August, but the parish priest of the church reported the incident to the police only on 3 September. Unknown perpetrators broke into Chiesa Matrice di Alessandria della Rocca and vandalised the tabernacle by stealing the gold and cooper door of the tabernacle. The perpetrators also looted the collection box. The police are investigating.
Church Door Glued Shut in Verín
September 3, 2021, SpainThe door of the Os Remedios church in Verín was glued and wired shut by vandals to prevent the mass for the Virgin being celebrated. The parishioners were disgusted by that act and had to pray outside. A complaint was filed and a locksmith eventually managed to open the door.
New Study in Ireland Reveals: Catholic Students Are most Affected by Bullying
September 2, 2021, IrelandA recent study by the "National Anti-Bullying Research and Resource Centre" of the University of Dublin proves that Christian students are particularly affected by intolerance and discrimination in secondary schools. The report is based on 214 interviews with religious education teachers from each of Ireland's secondary schools. Half of the surveyed schools recognised bullying because of a students faith as a problem. Teachers expressed their concern about negative stereotyping and exclusion of students with strong beliefs or unpopular opinions. According to the responses in the study, Christians and particularly Catholics have been targeted the most. One teacher noted: "It is now socially accepted in Ireland that Catholics are insulted or belittled."
Saint-François Church in Le Havre Desecrated with Stanic Grafitti
September 2, 2021, FranceGraffitis were found on the front door of Saint-François church representing satanic symbols, inverted crosses and also insults against the police. The city council denounced the vandalistic act.
Statue of Saint Timothy Vandalised in Termoli
September 1, 2021, ItalyA vandal damaged the clay statue of Saint Timothy on 1 September, located on the roundabout near the Homonim church. As reported by a witness, the perpetrator seemed restless because he was muttering and accusing.
Church in Tamines Repeatedly Vandalised
September 1, 2021, BelgiumThe church of Bachères, in Tamines, was continually vandalized by unknown groups of individuals during the week leading to the 1st of September, according to local residents. They reported the late night activities at the old church and the acts of degradation to the police. These incidents showed a lack of respect for a sight that is sacred for many.
Vandalism and Desecration in the Church of Ca' de Caroli in Scandiano
September 1, 2021, ItalyOn 1 September the walls of the church were vandalised and statues, furnishings and liturgical objects destroyed. The Vicar-general rushed to the place of the incident as soon as possible, to evaluate the damages and calm down the community. In the forthcoming weeks, Bishop Massimo Camisasca will visit the church and preside a Holy Mass.
Theft and Vandalism in Church in Corigliano-Rossano
August 31, 2021, ItalyTwo men, 18 and 19 years old, have been arrested for theft and damage to property of the Maria Santissima Delle Grazie church in Corigliano-Rossano. They broke a votive lamp, knocked the Santo Rita statue to the floor, and caused damage of around 10,000 euros. They are awaiting trial.
Italian Church Vandalized with Graffiti for the Third Time
August 31, 2021, ItalyThe local church of Alatri was defaced for the third time in a couple of months by unknown vandals, this was reported on 31 August. The parish reported the act of vandalism, which was Graffiti with the Italian battle phrase "Avanti Savoia"on the Church "XII Marie". The parish community has already witnessed similar acts of vandalism. The local newspaper calls it "political" graffiti. The vandals have not been identified yet.
Priest Discovers Arson in German Church in Essen
August 30, 2021, GermanyThe priest of the Catholic Church of St. Peter and Laurentiusin Essen found the remains of an arson on 30 August. The unknown vandals sprayed disinfectant alcohol on a pile of papers to create a fire, damaging two benches and the floor. The case was reported to the police, which is looking for the suspects.
Grave of Father Profaned in Polish Cementery
August 30, 2021, PolandDuring the night to the 30. August, unknown perpetrators profaned the grave of Father Leon Kantorski. He was known for helping oppositionists and helping the Polish-Ukrainian reconciliation. The tomb was found by another member of the St. Christopher Church. The hundred-kilograms-heavy tombstones were removed, probably by several people. Fr. Wojciech Osial suspects that this was done to hurt the parish community and local Catholics, and also that maybe they unsuccessfully tried to steal the slabs. The police were informed and they are investigating the case.
Scotland Plans to Introduce Censorship Zones and Changes in Abortion Law
August 30, 2021, United KingdomThe Scottish government has recently proposed to create censorship zones outside abortion clinics. These plans are being pushed despite a poll showing that only 21% of the UK population supports the introduction of "censorship zones", while many people in and outside the pro-life movement denounce the risk of censorship zones as a threat to free speech. Other planned changes are increasing the number of hospitals and clinics required to provide late-term abortions and removing in-person consultations prior to the medical procedure, which makes it difficult to assess if a person is seeking an abortion due to abuse or coercion.
Cemetery in Redessan Desecrated for Second time in Two Weeks
August 28, 2021, FranceFor the second time in two weeks, the cemetery in Redessan has been vandalised. This time it was on the 28th of August. At least twenty graves were damaged, crosses were broken, etc. No graves have been opened and no inscriptions have been found so far. Investigations are ongoing and police are searching the cemetery for evidence.
Nottingham University Refuses to Instal Catholic Priest as new Chaplain because of His Catholic Views
August 27, 2021, United KingdomNottingham University confirmed on 25 August, that they had declined to install Father David Palmer, a priest of the Personal Ordinariate of Our lady of Walsingham, because of "the manner" he commented on his social media site, a university spokesperson said. Palmer was supposed to become the chaplain of both Nottingham University and Nottingham Trent University. While the latter instaled him the former invited Father Palmer to an interview in which he defended his posts about assisted suicide and abortion to go against the Catholic belief. After Bishop Patrick McKinney declined to propose another priest the University accepted to allow Father Palmer to celebrate mass as a "guest Priest".
Church Vandalised and Set on Fire in Behren-lès-Forbach
August 27, 2021, FranceOn 27 August unknown perpetrators set fire to the protestant church in Behren-lès-Forbach. The fire was started with rubbish and sacred objects found inside the church. Although the fire brigade managed to intervene quickly and got the fire under control promptly, it caused extensive damage, especially in the church's basement. The parish filed a complaint with the local police, who are currently investigating and looking for the perpetrators. Fortunately, no people were harmed, as the fire started outside of church service hours. Behrens Minister of Interior, Gérald Darmanin, as well as parishioners, condemned the incident.
Vandals Damaged Two Statues of the Redeemer in Bari
August 27, 2021, ItalyBetween the 26. and 27. August, the two statues in front of the Redentore Church in the Liberta district of Bari were damaged by unknown vandals. The statue of Mary took the most damage. After inspecting the case, the authorities decided to position the security cameras to cover the area. Now, in the public churchyard, the entrance will now also be only allowed with the specific ordinance.
Statues Vandalised outside Church in Bari
August 27, 2021, ItalyIn the evening of August 27th, one of the two statues outside the Church of the Redeemer was damaged in a vandalistic attack. Various leaders have decided to take action to prevent such acts in the future such as the repositioning of cameras, the banning of scooters in the area, and the placement of bollards.
Harvard University Elects Atheist as President of Chaplains
August 27, 2021, United StatesThe new unanimously elected president of the Harvard's organisation of Chaplains, Greg Epstein, is an atheist and humanist. He is also the author of a book called "Good Without God: What Billion Nonreligious People Do Believe" and he has served as a humanist Chaplain since 2005. Epstein says that he doesn't look towards God for answers, instead to personal relationships, sharing the idea that the value of religion relies on their strong community rather than the spiritual connection to God. Evangelical Chaplain Pete Williamson, who voted for Epstein, points out that even if the new president is not aiming to promote Atheism and promotes interfaith cooperation, the media has used a divisive tone that triggered outrage and worry among Christians. Bishop Robert Barron thinks differently as he says: “If a professed atheist counts as a chaplain — which is to say, a leader of religious services in a chapel — then ‘religion’ has quite obviously come to mean nothing at all.”
Doctor David Mackereth Appeals Court Decision
August 26, 2021, United KingdomIn 2018 Christian A&E doctor David Mackereth was fired from his position because of his deeply held belief that God created humankind male and female. An employment tribunal consequently ruled that Davids belief is not 'worthy of respect in a democratic society' and that the Christian belief is 'incompatible with human dignity'. Supported by the Christian Legal Centre Dr David Mackereth is now appealing the ruling, which legally states that Christians could be discriminated against, as their belief is not protected by the Equality Act. The first hearing is expected to start this autumn, probably in October.
Theft of Sacrilegious Objects in San Felice Church
August 26, 2021, ItalyUnknown perpetrators stole offerings and gold objects such as rings and a golden necklace from the San Felice di Tenna parish church in Tramonti. The incident is said to have happened sometime overnight from 25 to 26 August. The culprits must have known that parish priest Father Justin Nnamdi Emeziem left the town to attend a summer camp. Apart from the stolen offerings and a broken offertory box, the military and the police found a damaged statue of the Virgin Mary and gold objects belonging to the statue missing. Police in cooperation with the military is investigating the incident, which was caught by nearby surveillance cameras. An exact amount of the stolen goods has yet to be determined.
Desecration of Graveyard in Zielona Gora
August 26, 2021, PolandA cemetery in Zielona Gora has been desecrated by unknown perpetrators. The destroyed graves belonged to the family of Mariusz Michalski and his wife Małgorzata. They reported the incident to the local police on 22 August. Police found the gravestone overturned broken in four and scattered. As they haven't been to the cemetery for almost a month they do not know when it happened, but the family asked the locals for help. This is not the first case of vandalism in the Zielona Góra cemetery. It keeps happening over and over again, police are currently looking into CCTV while awaiting useful information from the public
Churchdoor in Germany Damaged by Unknown Perpetrator
August 26, 2021, GermanyUnknown perpetrators damaged the door of the Church of Merkenbach between the 26 to 28 of August. These persons caused a dent in the copper fitting on the door, the cost of the damage is undefined. The police have filed the case and they are looking to identify the perpetrators.
Anarchist and Disrespectful Tags on St.Elisabeth's Church Front Door
August 26, 2021, GermanyThe Catholic Church of St. Elisabeth on the Lammerberg appeared with graffiti on the front door. During the night of August 26, unknown people sprayed "Too loud" on the relief of St. Elisabeth and "Much too loud" on the two bronze doors using blue and green paint. The church caretaker, Gerhard Spiegler, was able to remove the anarchy sign "A" in a circle, which the vandals left on the glass notice box. On the north portal, however, a specialist is needed.
Multiple Thefts from Cemetery in Vivonne
August 25, 2021, FranceThe municipality of Vivonne has now recruited a guard for their new local cemetery as it had been subjected to various acts of theft and vandalism. The latest incident happened on 25 August where an unknown perpetrator stole flowers from various graves. As the police were informed they asked the public to put GPS chips in their flower pots, as this had helped to capture a flower thieve in a prior case. According to Vivonne's major the public is traumatized by these repeated acts of disrespect to the dead.
Catholic Television Channel Slammed for Airing Pro-Life Film
August 25, 2021, FranceFrench TV channel C8 aired the American film "Unplanned" on 16 August. After airing the fact-base-movie members of the public, as well as high ranking members of the Government, called the movie a "despicable anti-abortion propaganda tool". C8, which is owned by Catholic French billionaire Vincent Bolloré, is now accused of "obstruction to abortion". Politician Élisabeth Moreno is now aiming to legally prosecute the broadcasting service.
Government Protects Collective Worship in British Schools
August 25, 2021, United KingdomUK's Minister for the School System, Baroness Berridge, took a clear position regarding collective worship in state-funded schools in England and Wales. Her statement came as a response to the National Secular Society (NSS), who asked the Government in a letter to repeal the law regarding the daily act of collective worship in schools earlier this year. In their statement, they asked to replace collective worship with secular worship, Berridge referred in her statement to the School Standards and Framework Act from 1998, which declares that state-funded schools in England and Wales must conduct acts of collective worship "wholly or mainly of a broadly Christian character". Nick Gibb, the Minister for School Standards stated in March that "the department would remind schools of their duties if needed".
Church and Organ Vandalised in Beaucamps-le-Vieux
August 23, 2021, FranceUnknown perpetrators ransacked the church of Beaucamps-le-Vieux on the night of 23 August. They are said to have ripped out the pipes of the church organ and thrown church clothes all over the place. Parish priest Father Daleb Mpassi discovered the heinous act. During the act, a wooden part of the organ pipe got damaged when the culprit(s) twisted and crushed the pipes. According to police, the culprit(s) waited to be locked in the church to commit these crimes as no door was forced open. Father Mpassi filed a complaint with the police, who are currently investigating.
Historical Church Windows in Cambrai Vandalised
August 23, 2021, FrancePolice in Cambrai has been called the crime scene where unknown perpetrators damaged a century-old stained glass from the Cambrai Cathedral. The incident happened on 23 August and was reported by the archdiocese. Unknown perpetrators are said to have thrown stones through the stained glass that survived both world wars, as it was built by the end of the 19th century. An investigation is already underway.
Finish Lawmakers Consider Conversion Therapy Ban
August 23, 2021, FinlandLawmaker in Finland have agreed to consider a conversion therapy ban after a citizen initiative received the required 50,000 signatures. The initiative was launched in July by Perttu Jussila and it had since reached 52,721 signatures which meant it would be referred to Parliament. If it would become law, traditional Christian teaching on gender would be challenged.
Arson at St. Francis Church Door in Muggiò
August 23, 2021, ItalyOn the 23. August it was reported that the front door of the St. Francis Church in Muggio was deliberately set alight. This happened only two months after the Church of St. Charles suffered a similar attack. Unknown vandals sprayed an inflammable liquid and set fire to the door. Fr. Marco Oneta discovered the attack on the next morning and informed the police. The flames have damaged the inside of the doorway.
New School Guidance on "Supporting Transgender Young People" in Scotland Violates Human Rights and Is Ideologically Infused, Say Critics
August 21, 2021, United KingdomScottish feminists groups and lawyers are siding with the Christian Institute who consider the new guidance introduced by the government as highly questionable and being promoting a dangerous ideology. The document states that some children "are exploring their gender identity in primary school settings", and that they can come out as transgender "at any age". It reads: “If a young person in the school says that they now want to live as a boy although their sex assigned at birth was female, or they now want to live as a girl, although their sex assigned at birth was male, it is important to provide support and listen to what they are saying.”Marion Calder, from For Women Scotland described the new guidance as "really, really worrying". Leading Human Rights Lawyer Aidan O'Neill criticised that this move goes against human rights laws and is additionally a threat to parental rights. The Government has now backtracked from their plans as the Christian Institute threatened them with legal action.
Christian Preacher Arrested for Reading the Bible out Loud in London
August 20, 2021, United Kingdom“Be careful with what you say in future when reading outside”, this was the response a Christian street preacher received one month after he was questioned by the police for reading the Bible aloud in a calm voice and steady tone outside a railway station in London. During his interview, the police tried to determine whether the man's reading was "abusive" and harassing under the public order act. Organisations aiming to protect freedom of speech are concerned about peoples right to freely express themselves in public as the Public Space Protection Orders can easily censor and therefore criminalise normal people on the streets. Changes to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts (PCSC) Bill are expected in September.
Priest Brutally Attacked in Bristol by Four Men
August 20, 2021, United KingdomFather Colin Mason of Sacred Heart Church in Westbury-on-Trym has addressed a complaint letter to the police after the investigation about the attack he suffered was dropped. The incident took place back on 20. August when 60-year old Priest told a group that was renting his church hall for a wedding party that they had gone past the agreed time. Immediately after, he was held by four men, while one man - probably in his late 20's - punched him until he was covered in blood and left him lying on the ground. He said the initial response from the police was very efficient, but he did not hear any news for a month. As he called asking for an update, they told him that the case had been 'filed'.
Church in Gieres Desecrated with Satanistic Graffiti
August 19, 2021, FranceThe church of Saint Martin de Gières located east of Grenoble was desecrated on 16 August. Unknown perpetrators smeared satanistic tags on the church. The profanation stated that "God is a fraud", "Satan is great" and that "The only Church that illuminates is the one that burns". The tags were one metre high and sixty wide and paint in black. The police were informed and are investigating the case.
Statue of Virgin Mary Desecrated in Plouay
August 19, 2021, FranceThe shrine of Lourdes in Plouay was vandalized by unknown perpetrators. They have decapitated the statue of the Virgin Mary, sometime overnight from 16 August to 17 August. Built in 1955, the Shrine was a remembrance of the miraculous healing in Lourdes of Marie-Félicité Le Goaller. Another statue was spared, it was the statue of Saint Bernadette. This was not the first vandalistic attack against the site. The police were informed and are investigating.
Man Enters Cathedral with Knives and Threatens Guard in Bourges
August 19, 2021, FranceA 39-year-old man tried to enter the cathedral of Bourges armed with secateurs, a penknife and a butcher knife. He is said to have threatened a guard but luckily didn't injure anyone. The incident occurred on 19 August, the police were informed in time who managed to apprehend the homeless man. He is in custody and will have to respond for threatening the guard, insulting police officers and carrying prohibited weapons. Police are investigating and ruled out that the incident was a terror attack6667zzz.
Cross on Baptismal Font Stolen from Trier Church
August 19, 2021, GermanyThe cross on the brass baptismal font covering was stolen from the St. Antonius Church in Trier. Parishioners were shocked to find that this eye catching piece of their church had disappeared on August 19th. A complaint has now been filed about this vandalism.
Church desecrated in Langeac
August 18, 2021, FranceUnknown perpetrator(s) desecrated the church of Saint-Gal in Langeac. The damage was reported on 12 August. They are said to have broken into the church and overturned the altar of celebrations and the objects placed on it. In addition, the police found excrements near the entrance to the place of worship. The police are currently investigating and looking for the culprit.
Polemic Cross of Ribalta Vandalised
August 18, 2021, SpainThe Cross located in the Ribalta Park in Castelló has been vandalized with graffiti by unknown perpetrators on the 18. August. The Cross was targeted to be demolished in compliance with the "Historical Memory Law", but the judge has not yet decided on the issue. The message with graffiti said: "Either you knock down the cross, or we will knock it down". This shows bias against religious symbols. The city council has deemed the graffiti unacceptable and has proceeded to remove it.
Police Apprehend Suspect of Church Vandalism
August 17, 2021, FranceA man was arrested after urinating in the Sacred Heart Church in Agen. The arrest took place on August 15 after the man unknowingly set off an alarm while entering the church. Police arrived shortly after and apprehended the man who was irritated by what was happening. He is said to have confessed.
Notre Dame de Lourdes in Roly Vandalised Again
August 16, 2021, BelgiumUnknown perpetrators vandalised the shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in Roly. During the act, a crucifix broke. The incident itself dates back to August 16 and is not the first act of vandalism in the region. In the past two years, the shrine has fallen victim to vandalism several times. In order to maintain the shrine it was decided to install cameras. The police were informed and are investigating.
Statue of Father Eternal Vandalized in Trégastel
August 16, 2021, FranceA statue of Father Eternal in Trégastel has been desecrated. The incident happened during the night of 16 August. Unknown perpetrators are said to have painted unpleasant tags onto the 152-year-old statue. Police have been informed and are currently trying to identify the culprit(s).
Bell Stolen from Germana Chapel in Much
August 16, 2021, GermanyFor the second time, the Germana Chapel in Much was the target of theft. Since this chapel is particularly isolated, the thieves took advantage of it and stole both the bell and its ringing mechanism. The theft occurred somewhere in the second week of August, since on the 10h, a witness heard the bell still ringing, said the police. The police spokesperson, Stefan Birk stated "We assume that the perpetrators climbed a ladder into the eight-meter-high tower of the Germana Chapel and lowered their loot". They further suspect that the thieves intend to sell the bell to a scrap metal dealer as it happened before.
Church and Cemetery Vandalized in Leipzig
August 16, 2021, GermanyFrom the 15th to the 16th of August, unknown vandals graffitied three large black writings on a cemetery wall in Leipzig. In addition, the church's showcase was sprayed with two black symbols (crowns), measuring approximately 125 x 60 centimeters. The damage caused amounted to approximately 1,500 euros, but the police started an investigation to assess the total damage inflicted on the property.
Evangelical Church Vandalized in Hannover
August 15, 2021, GermanyUnknown perpetrators destroyed parts of the Evangelical Reformed Church after they broke in on August 8th. The news said they left the rooms vandalized and some objects were stolen.
Statur of the Virgin Mary Desecrated in Massafra
August 14, 2021, ItalyA statue of the Virgin Mary was destroyed in Massafra. The incident happened sometime overnight from 13 to 14 of August. A Madonna from Medjugorje, as the statue is also known, was placed outside the Sacro Cuore Church. Massafra's community, as well as parish priest Don Michele Bianco, were shocked by the incident. The latter also informed the police about the incident. According to reports, the police is evaluating video surveillance, which shows two rather young people committing the act.
Desecration of Church Garden in Monfalcone
August 14, 2021, ItalyOn 9 August, currently unknown perpetrators vandalised the garden of the church in Monfalcone. The incident was reported by the San Giuseppe association, which manages the oratory. Their president, Luca Waldner, explained the necessity of keeping the garden closed until the reparation work is completed. According to Waldner, this is just one of many vandalism acts targetting the church and its premises. Police have been informed and are currently investigating.
Street Preacher Arrested for Alleged Hate Speech
August 14, 2021, United KingdomStreet preacher Ryan Williamson from Loughbrickland was arrested for alleged hate speech, while preaching in Larne on 10 August. Subsequently, MP Mr. Wilson expressed on social media that “police probably didn’t handle this very well”, for there is video footage of Williamson preaching and his arrest circulating on social media. Williamson was released 30 minutes later. However, the police are being harshly criticised. Williams stated to have received much support from the local community.