All cases
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.
Vandalised Graves in Saint-Jean-de-Muzols (Ardèche)
August 14, 2021, FranceBetween 13-14 August, three graves in Saint-Jean-de-Muzols cemetery were vandalised. The incident has been reported to the police, who are now investigating the case.
Vandalism and Theft at Church in Laskowa
August 13, 2021, PolandUnknown perpetrators vandalised the church of the Most Holy Name of Mary in Laskowa. The incident is said to have happened sometime overnight from 11 to 12 August. It has been reported that the culprit vandalised the church and stole money and parts of the church's furniture. Damage has been estimated to be 2,200 Euros. Police were informed and are currently looking for the perpetrator.
Police Recovers Safe Stolen from Church in Lüdenscheid
August 13, 2021, GermanyIn the night from 18 to 19 July, an unknown person stole a safe from the church "Queen Mary" in Lüdenscheid. In the latest event, the police managed to find the safe, which was discovered by a passer-by in a near park. The police are now looking for any possible eyewitnesses. The 200-kilos heavy piece will be returned to the church after the investigation comes to an end.
Second Arson This Year Attack against Church in Déols
August 13, 2021, FranceArsonists once again attacked a church in Déols near Châteauroux. The church was deliberately set on fire in the past already, one recent case dates back to August 8, 2021, in which the altarpiece was destroyed by the fire. In the year 2020, the church has also been subjected to arson, leading the clergy to close the church for reparation works. Police are investigating.
Swastikas Tagged on Church in Hénon
August 13, 2021, FranceOn 12 August, unknown perpetrators desecrated the church of Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul in Hénon with swastikas. The damage was discovered by the sexton, who came to close the church's door. According to the report made, the vandals also damaged the porch of the building. Police have been informed.
Graveyards desecrated in Redessan
August 13, 2021, FranceDuring the night of 13 August, unknown perpetrators vandalised the cemetery of Redessan. The cemetery is located on the road to Saint Gervasy. It was reported that a cross was broken, plaques were smashed and flower pots were thrown over. A complaint was filled with the police who are investigating the case.
Zaragoza Church Defaced by Gratify
August 13, 2021, SpainThe façade of the Zaragoza church of La Magdalena was painted with inscriptions on the 13th of August. The graffiti included anarchist symbols with phrases reading: "Evictions without riots", and "freedom prisoners 27-F." This church has been targeted a number of times and few walls are free of this vandalism.
Parish Priest in Vienna Locks Thieve in
August 12, 2021, AustriaA priest in Vienna simply locked up an offertory thief in his church. The priest had kept an eye on the suspicious 39-year-old male of Romanian descent, who has allegedly been stealing money from the offertory since July 2021. When he returned on August 10, 2021, the parish priest observed the man's actions through video surveillance and simply locked him up, while he stole again. Without further ado, he informed the police about the thieve. Police are currently investigating the case.
Toddlers Allowed to Change Gender without Parental Consent
August 12, 2021, United KingdomUnder the new LGBT inclusivity guidelines, children as young as four will be able to change their names and gender at school, without their parents' consent. A 70-pages document authorized by the Scottish government, dictate teachers to ask pupils for their new names and pronouns instead of questioning their 'decision' to transition to living as the other gender. Campaigners fear for the safeguarding of children and the breach of parental rights to protect their children. Scottish lawyer Aiden O'Neill fears that this move could be very illegal and potentially dangerous.
Armin Laschet Publicly Mocked for His Believes, Experts Concerned for Religious Freedom
August 12, 2021, GermanyArmin Laschet, the CDU's candidate for the next federal elections, has been attacked in an anti-Catholic video shown at a political election event in early August. In the video, Laschet is seen as a Russian Matryoshka doll that 'hides' several other dolls inside. A voiceover says "whoever votes for Armin Laschet and the CDU, votes for ultra-Catholic Laschet confidants for whom sex before marriage is taboo". Bishops and politicians fear for a wider erosion of freedom of religion in an increasingly secular Europe.
Sacred Hosts Stolen from Church in Houyet
August 12, 2021, BelgiumA thieve stole an 18th-century silver ciborium and consecrated hosts from a church in Houyet. The police have been informed and are now looking for the perpetrator. It is said that the incident took place on 12 August.
Accused Finish MP Päivi Räsänen Concerned over Religious Freedom of Christians in Europe
August 11, 2021, FinlandIn 2004 MP Päivi Räsänen co-authored a church pamphlet about human sexuality for which she is additionally prosecuted on the grounds of ethnic aggravation . The other charges raised against her are based upon a TV interview and a social media post she made. If she is found guilty on all three counts she might be facing a prison sentence of up to six years. During a podcast with Jeff King, she told him that her case raises questions about religious freedom in Finland. "If, for example, any of the viewpoints contained in the Bible would be considered sufficient as such to fulfil the criteria for the crime of ethnic aggravation, then the distribution of the Bible, or rendering it available would in principle be considered a crime of ethnic aggravation and thus punishable", she cited a police report on her case. Talking to King she further stated: "This is also a question, are we allowed to agree with the Bible? Are we allowed to keep Bibles in public and teach what the Bible tells us? I think this is a very, very deep question of freedom of faith and religion."
Church in Remigny Vandalised
August 11, 2021, FranceOn the 7th July, the church in Remigny has been attacked again only a couple of days of it re-opening. Unknown perpetrators broke two stained glass windows in the historical church. A complaint has been filed and police are currently searching for the perpetrators.
Police Apprehended Vandals of Cemetery
August 11, 2021, FrancePolice arrested two brothers at the age of ten who are said to have desecrated 18 graves in the communal cemetery of Ham-les-Moines. The incident happened on 31 July, however, the police only managed to arrest them in August. It was reported that the police caught them as they were trying to desecrate another graveyard. They were handed over to their parents, who might have to pay for the damage their children made.
Another Act of Vandalism in the Church of Lubliniec
August 10, 2021, PolandAn unknown perpetrator has knocked over the candles and the candlestick in the Saint Nicholas' Church in Lubliniec. The incident took place on the morning of August 7, 2021. It was reported by a churchgoer who noticed the broken votive chandelier. Police are investigating.
Polish Police Apprehend Man who Desecrated Church in Lubliniec
August 10, 2021, PolandThe Police arrested a 39-year-old male, resident of Lubliniec. The man was apprehended on 9 August and is accused of having knocked over and broken a votive candle holder in the Saint Nicholas Church in the city centre. According to a police spokesperson the man admitted to the accusations raised against him. He was charged with the crime and is now facing a punishment of up to five years of imprisonment.
Stolen Crucifix of Church in Vada Recovered
August 10, 2021, ItalyA stolen crucifix from the church in Vada was recovered and brought back to its place. The small sacred object was stolen from the altar of the parish of San Leopoldo for unknown reasons. A passerby spotted the gold-plated object in a bush, not far from the parish. Police were informed and the crucifix has now returned to its former place. However, the investigation to find the culprit is still ongoing.
Man Steals from Churches and Attacks Parish People
August 10, 2021, PolandAn unknown suspect stole a currently unknown amount of money from two churches in Katowice. On August 10., upon his return to one of the churches, he was confronted by the parish priest and a parish employee resulting in them being attacked with a spray bottle of gas. The 50-year-old was caught on CCTV and is now being searched for by the police who was informed by the parish personnel.
Statue of the Virgin Mary in Tramoyes Desecrated with Degrading Drawings
August 10, 2021, FranceUnknown perpetrators desecrated the statue of the Virgin Mary in Tramoyes. It is reported that the face of the Virgin was painted with a felt-tip pen, the incident occurred on 10 August. The culprit drew glasses and a moustache onto the statue, which is located near a church. A complaint was filed and the police were notified.