All cases
40-Year-Old Man Arrested for Theft of Service Book from Church in Ravenna
July 27, 2021, ItalyItalian police arrested a 40-year-old suspect in the case of theft of a missal in a church in Ravenna. The stolen missal was placed on the altar of the church of San Rocco, where a man of Moroccan descent was seen taking it. The theft had been reported to the authorities a couple of days prior to the arrest. Police are still searching for the stolen book. The suspect is being charged among other things with offending a religious denomination.
Cemetery Vandalised in Rendeux
July 27, 2021, BelgiumUnknown perpetrators damaged various graves in the cemetery in Beffe in the city of Rendeux. It has been reported that vandals knocked over flowers and broke grave markers. The incident dates back to 27 July. A complaint was filed with the police who are currently looking to identify the culprit(s).
Unknown Perpetrator Damaged the Angels from the Pulpit
July 27, 2021, GermanyA parishioner of the Martinskirche in Kirchheim found the wings of one of the six plaster angels, which typically sit on the altar of the church, on the ground and broken. The wings had fallen to the floor after some vandal had tried to cut the statue from its base and in the process had dropped it. A complaint was filed but the police had little hope that the perpetrator could be found.
Christian Activist Hatun Tash Stabbed in London
July 26, 2021, United Kingdom39-year-old Christian activist Hatun Tash has been stabbed several times while speaking at the "Speaker's Corner" in London's Hyde Park. The incident happened on the afternoon of 25 July, during a gathering. She suffered light injuries to her head but was taken to the hospital for care. Police are looking for the culprit who left the knife at the scene before escaping.
Pastor Faces Charges for Granting Church Asylum
July 25, 2021, GermanyPastor Andreas Schlechtweg and his wife Susanne Wittmann-Schlechtweg are facing charges for granting asylum through the church in Bamberg. The pair had granted asylum to a young Irani woman in 2020, who was supposed to be deported to Croatia according to the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees. On 26 August, they have to respond to the charges raised against them. If found guilty they might be incarcerated.
Arson at Church in Finistère
July 25, 2021, FranceUnknown perpetrators set fire to a plastic folder containing sheets of songs and prayers inside a church in Loctudy, Finistère. The incident occurred on 25 July. Further damage was prevented, thanks to the quick intervention of a visitor. According to the parish, no complaint has been filed yet. The first deputy mayor of Loctudy, Sylvain Cosnard, ensured that measures would be taken to protect the church from further attacks.
Arson in an Herentals Church
July 25, 2021, BelgiumThe church of Our Lady on Nederrij in Herentals was victim of an arson attack that was luckily noticed soon enough and could be extinguished by fire fighters before too much damage was done. Young people were seen in the area shortly before the fire broke out but no one has been caught yet. Major Peelaerts of the Kempen fire department said: "They are serious facts. The arson on the stairs could have had serious consequences.”
Catholic Group Attacked During Demonstration In Nantes
July 24, 2021, FranceA group of Catholic demonstrators has been attacked by people wearing black clothing. The incident happened on 24 July, during an anti-sanitary pass demonstration. Fifteen demonstrators gathered around a Civitas banner, a catholic political movement, to demonstrate against the implementation of the sanitary pass in France. While demonstrating a group of individuals dressed in black, with hidden faces started to attack the demonstrators. It is unclear whether or not the police has been informed.
Update: Street Preacher Wins Legal Challenge
July 23, 2021, United KingdomA court in London ruled in favour of 31-year-old pastor Joshua Sutcliffe. The street preacher was preaching in Camden, North London on Good Friday in April 2020, as he was approached by four police officers, who claimed he is breaching government COVID restrictions and subsequently fined him. "We find the defendant not guilty on all charges. We find that the defendant was outside and that he had a reasonable excuse as he was travelling to his place of work, as a worship leader", ruled the Magistrates Court in London.
Physical Assault to Pro-life Activist, Police Observes Passively
July 23, 2021, United KingdomA member of a peaceful pro-life display was punched in the face while standing in the streets of Norwich by a woman who did not agree with the content written on one of the posters. The incident, which happened on the 23. July, did not alarm the police officers. When a police officer was asked for his inaction, he responded that the aggression committed was "proportional" to the one displayed by the pro-life group.
Attempted Arson and Vandalism at Church in Dieulefit
July 23, 2021, FranceActs of vandalism and attempted arson have been committed at the church of Dieulefit. On the morning of 23. July, the mayor, Pierrick Gouronnec, went to the site accompanied by representatives of the parish. The gendarmes came to take the usual samples and noted the damage: candles and enclosure were stolen. In addition, candles were lit on the altar, which could have had serious consequences because they could have caused a fire. This event, which is taken very seriously by the gendarmerie, is currently being investigated, and the church is now under increased surveillance. This is also because the church already fell victim to an arson attack in January of the same year and has been extensively renovated in the last months.
Evangelist Arrested in London for Preaching about Homosexuality and Given Mental Health Evaluation
July 22, 2021, United KingdomRyan Schiavo was arrested in London for preaching on the streets that "homosexuality is a sin" or that "churches that have rainbow flags on them are not real churches". A woman who heard him called the police and some minutes later he was arrested. The incident was recorded by a friend of the street preacher.
Teenager Destroyed Church Crucifix
July 21, 2021, PolandAdam K., a 17-year-old was charged with destroying a statue of Christ in the Mikołów district during July. He unscrewed the metal cross, which he then used to smash the statue with, and then threw the shards into the field. Despite his claims that he did it because of alcohol intoxication rather than hate for religion, he has been charged with "insulting religious feelings by publicly defacing an object of religious reverence by destroying it."
Repetead Acts of Vandalism in the Protestant Church of Oberfrohna
July 21, 2021, GermanyExtremely often, charges are filed to the police because unknown persons leave damage in the Lutherchurch in Oberfrohna and the Church in Rußdorf. Suspects have already been spotted running away. Christiane Zitzkat, a pastor, commented that the damages happen "every week", and in the summertime more often than in winter.
Crosses Cut Down in Llodio
July 21, 2021, SpainCrosses on the top of the Goikogane and Alpitsu peaks were cut down on the weekend of the19th of June by unknown attackers. Both crosses, located in the Llodio municipality, were cut off at the base. Bishop Elizalde said, “Attacking it, as someone has done in our land, is an attack against oneself and against all humanity.”
Desecration of Statue of Virgin Mary in Kraplewo
July 20, 2021, PolandAn unknown perpetrator is currently being searched for by polish police. The perpetrator is accused of having desecrated a statue of the Virgin Mary and the destruction of a roadside shrine in Kraplewo near Ostróda. Build in the 1950s the shrine has a cultural and historic meaning for the locals. If identified, the perpetrator is facing up to two years in prison for insulting an object of a religious group or a place intended for the public performance of religious rites.
European Bishops Urge Action to Protect Religious Freedom as Attacks Increase Globally
July 20, 2021, BelgiumEuropean bishops are urging the European Union to ensure religious freedom is protected in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. In a statement released by the Commission of Bishops Conference of the European Union, it can be read that “vulnerable religious communities are experiencing discrimination, intolerance and, in some cases, persecution as victims of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.” The statement followed a meeting of church representatives held on July 15.
Teenagers Accused of Arson at Church in Mauléon-Licharre
July 20, 2021, FrancePolice arrested two suspects in the case of damaging the church of Saint Jean Baptiste in Mauléon Licharre in the Atlantic Pyrenees. The incident dates back to 7 July. The suspects are accused of having tried to set fire to the church, by lighting songbooks and throwing them into the church. It is thought that in the course of this action, a statue of the Virgin Mary was damaged. Police are investigating
Repeated Arson Attacks against Church in Pont-de-Vaux
July 19, 2021, FranceIn the course of 72 hours, french authorities were called two times because of a suspected arson inside a church in Pont-de-Vaux. Thanks to the quick interference of the authorities the fires were extinguished without causing much damage. It is suspected that both fires have been deliberately set by currently unknown perpetrators. The church is under surveillance and the police are investigating.
Unknown Perpetrators Vandalise and Desecrated Cross at Church in Vaguines
July 18, 2021, FranceUnknown perpetrators have desecrated a cross at the church of Vaguines. The incident is thought to have taken place sometime overnight from 18 to 19 July. The perpetrators have spray painted the cross in pink and wrote "Jesus son 2 rape" onto the church wall. Police are investigating since the case has been reported by the town's authorities.
Blackpool Transport Has to Apologise and Pay Reparations for Discriminating against Christian Event Organizers, Court Rules
July 16, 2021, United KingdomAfter a court ruling, council owned Blackpool Transport has now agreed to pay £109,000 in damages caused to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association for banning adverts for an event organised by the same. The public transportation company banned the advertisements after evangelist Franklin Graham, who was an invited guest speaker at the Festival of Hope event, commented upon Islam and homosexuality. Additionally, the transport company offered a public apology and have now implemented clear policies regarding adverts. Franklin Graham is "grateful to God" for this outcome.
Repeated Vandalism in Bad Rappenau Church
July 16, 2021, GermanyAn unknown intruder knocked the candle off the altar of the Bad Rappenau church and caused other damage on July 7th. Pastor Joachim Bollow, labeled the damage as extreme, which amounted to about 1000 euros in financial costs. There was a similar incident in March.
Update: Christian School Worker Fired for Facebook Post Allowed to Appeal
July 15, 2021, United Kingdom45-year-old Christian, Kristie Higgs, was fired from her job in 2020 for posting concerns about LGBT+ ideology being implemented in her son's school. The anonymous complaint leading to her being fired stated her post was "homophobic and prejudiced". Mrs Higgs posted the post on her private Facebook page only visible to her family and friends. In an Employment Appeal Tribunal, His Honour Judge (HHJ) Taylor ruled in favour of Mrs Higgs stating: “This appeal potentially raises important issues on the approach to be adopted by the Tribunals to manifestation and expression of beliefs”. Higgs has now appealed her case which will be heard starting on the 27th of February.
Law Allowing Employers to Ban Religious Symbols at Workplace in Germany Confirmed by European Court of Justice
July 15, 2021, European Institutions (EU, ECHR, et.al.)The EU's European Court of Justice ruled that employers are allowed to ban visible religious symbols from their businesses, i.e. they are allowed to forbid their employees to wear crosses and headscarves. In its ruling, the Luxembourg-based tribunal stated its member states should weigh up if the ban corresponded to a "genuine need" on the part of the employer, especially since it potentially interferes with the employees' rights to freedom of religion. The case came to court after two Islamic-identifying women in Germany filed legal complaints against their workplaces for interfering with their beliefs. Subsequently, the case was brought in front of the European Court of Justice ruling on the legitimacy of the national legislation.
Spanish Medical Body Fears for the Freedom of Conscience
July 14, 2021, Spain“Unacceptable, illegal, and unjust”, that is how a body representing Spain's medical colleges referred to the threat to conscientious objection on abortion made by the states government minister's. In the sight of the adoption of the Matic report, Spain's Equality Minister Irene Montero declared that “the right of physicians to conscientious objection cannot be above women’s right to decide”. Montero requested the General Council of Official Medical Colleges (GCGOM) to respond to her proposed changes. GCGOM, is the governing body representing 52 local medical colleges, on 12 July, they published a statement defending the right to conscientious objection.
Church Vandalised and Almost Set on Fire in Bollengo
July 14, 2021, ItalyUnknown perpetrators tried to set fire to the Romanesque church of Santissimi Pietro e Paolo in Bollengo. Mayor Luigi Ricca noted that the police "found traces of flammable liquid in the churchyard. The same group then broke one of the road signs indicating the route of the Via Francigena in the area". Since the modus operandi is similar to the case of church vandalism at the San Silvestro church in Chiaverano from June 2021, the police are suspecting the same group to be responsible. However, Mayor Ricca does not think that it is the same group. Investigations are ongoing.
Church in Grüfflingen Desecrated by Vandals
July 13, 2021, BelgiumCurrently unknown perpetrators desecrated a church in Grüfflingen. The incident happened sometime between 13 to 14 July. It had been reported that the culprits desecrated the church walls and the labelling close to the church. The police are investigating.
Desecration of Statue of Virgin Mary in Bayeux
July 13, 2021, FranceDuring the night of 5 to 6 July, currently unknown perpetrators decapitated the statue of the Virgin Mary in Bayeux. The statue is located near the Augustines chapel in Bayeux and had already fallen victim to other acts of vandalism. In 2013 a young man decapitated the statue, while in 2017, the head of the statue was covered in black paint. Although the police managed to recover the head of the statue nearby, the search for the culprit continues.
Historic Relic Stolen from Church in Blaye
July 13, 2021, FranceUnknown perpetrators stole a relic from the church in Blaye. The perpetrators stole a fragment of a rib belonging to Saint Romain, a Gallo-Roman priest who lived in the 4th century, making the rib 1,800 years old. Additionally to the rib, a silver case, containing the rib, has also been taken. The parish and the association for the protection of the church have filed a complaint with the local authorities. They are currently investigating the case.
Man Detained After Desecrating Church in Istanbul
July 12, 2021, TurkeyThe Surp Takavor Armenian Church in Istanbul has been desecrated. A 14-second video appeared on social media showing three men dancing next to a stone cross atop the church's courtyard gate. It is thought to have happened on 10 July, as the video was released on the evening of 11 July. Turkish authorities detained the three suspects on 12 July, while they were in their homes. An investigation is underway.
Church in Białystok Vandalised by Woman
July 12, 2021, PolandA 64- year old woman is the main suspect in the case of vandalism and theft from the Saint Adalbert's Church in Białystok. On CCTV footage the woman is seen tearing off a statue of Jesus Christ from the church wall and throwing it into a waste bin. The incident happened on 12 June right before the morning mass at 6.30 a.m. Parish priest father Jan Wierzbicki noticed the theft after a trace of glue remained on the plastered wall, where statue once hung. The police managed to recover the torn off statue and als caught the culprit. a 64-year old woman. She is now being charged with insulting religious feelings. The reasons for the act of vandalism are still unknown.
Perpetrators Sawed Off the Wooden Cross in the Unnau Forest Church
July 12, 2021, GermanyOn the 7th of December, the several meters high wooden cross of the Waldkirche church was sawn off by unknown people. Pastor Christof Schmidt and the parish were shocked by this act. The Pastor stated "We are very concerned about this. For us, it feels like an attack on our community because we appreciate this place very much and we like to come here often. We don't know whether the perpetrator wanted to position himself against the Protestant Church or our parish or Christianity or perhaps acted thoughtlessly". The case was reported to the police and the Pastor added that the cut did not look very professional, which might give some indication of who did it.
Attempted Arson in Church in Déols
July 11, 2021, FranceUnknown perpetrators are said to have started a fire on 11 June, at the parish church of Saint-Etienne de Déols. The incident must have happened sometime between 3 and 4 p.m. when the church was open to the public. The fire was discovered by visitors to the church, who immediately informed the police and the fire brigade. Little damage was caused thanks to their quick intervention. A special team of investigators are on the case.
Vandalism and Theft at Church in Henstedt-Ulzburg
July 11, 2021, GermanyUnknown perpetrators entered the church in Henstedt-Ulzburg in Segeberg. The incident happened sometime between Sunday (11 July) afternoon and Monday (12 July) morning. Once inside the church, they broke several doors and took every money they could find. The perpetrators caused an estimated damage of 2500 Euros, excluding the stolen money. Police reconstructed the incident, leading them to believe the culprits gained access through a terrace door. The public is asked to forward any information to the local police station in Norderstedt.
Christian MP Jacob Rees-Mogg Attacked on Twitter
July 10, 2021, United KingdomTwitter allowed politician James Dornan to personally attack his Christian colleague MP Jacob Rees-Mogg. After high profile conservative Mr Rees-Mogg tweeted a video about the upcoming Nationality and Borders Bill, Mr Dornan responded stating: "Hope you remember this the next time you go to confession. You and your cronies are already responsible for the deaths of thousands and you're now happy to see the most desperate people in the world suffer and drown. If your god exists you will undoubtedly rot in hell." Consequently, the post was reported to the Standards Commission for Scotland. The conservative party is now asking for an apology.
Sacristy of Saint-Vaast church in Moreuil Vandalised
July 9, 2021, FranceOn 9 July unknown perpetrator(s) vandalised the sacristy of the Saint-Vaast church in Moreuil. The incident must have happened after 7 p.m. A parishioner noticed the damage done to the sacristy the following morning. It has been reported that the perpetrator broke the door to the sacristy courtyard and a window to the sacristy. The incident was reported to the police, who are investigating the case.
Court Rules in Favor of Employee Fired over Deeply Held Believes
July 8, 2021, France14 years after a Christian employee of the French Public Transport company RATP was dismissed for refusing to use the word "I swear" during an oath-taking procedure, a French High Court ruled in the employee's favour. In 2007, the trainee employee had to take an oath, to be allowed to start her new position, in which she had to say "I swear". She refused to use those words since her religious beliefs contradict them. In high court on 7 July 2021, the court ruled that "it is possible to replace the phrase 'I swear' with a solemn undertaking".
Spain about to Adopt New Abortion Law and Abolishing Conscientious Objection Clause for Health Professionals
July 8, 2021, SpainSpains Minister of Equality, Irene Moreno, announced on 8 July that the Spanish government is considering to fully decriminalize abortion and to end medical professional's right to conscientious objection. Morenos announcement came shortly after the European Union adopted the Matic Report, which labels abortion as a fundamental human right. Spain's medical body as well as the President of the Bioethics Committee slammed that idea and called it "unconstitutional", as the right to conscientious objection is "an individual right" to health professionals. Moreno wants to adopt the changes in the last quarter of 2021.
Cathedral in Łódź Vandalised with Red and White Paint
July 7, 2021, PolandThe archcathedral basilica in Łódź was vandalised by an unknown perpetrator, who destroyed the buildings valuable historical door with white paint and the square in front of the church with red hands. CCTV footage reveals the incident happened at around 3 a.m. on 7 July. The police have been informed and are currently looking for one individual, stated police spokeswoman Joanna Kącka.
Catholic Organisations Criticizes Adoption of Matic-Report by European Parliament
July 6, 2021, ItalyCatholic groups all over Europe joined together on defending religious freedom. In a joint statement, 14 organisations criticised the adoption of the Matic Report by the European Parliament. The Report formally labelled "Report on the situation of sexual and reproductive health and rights in the EU, in the frame of women’s health", just made abortion a "human right", declared conscientious objection as a "denial of medical care" and undermines Parent's Rights. The Holy See and Bishops all over Europe are deeply saddened by this outcome.
Update: Church Singing Ban in the UK to be lifted
July 5, 2021, United KingdomInitially, the singing ban in churches throughout England was expected to be lifted in June. Especially because choirs, professional singers and singing in bars and pubs have at that point been allowed to take place. Then on June 15, the English government extended the restrictions for churches only, which are set to come to an end on 19 July. Secretary of health Mr Sajid Javid announced that all restrictions would be eased off stating: "There will be no limits on the number of people who can attend life events like weddings and funerals and there will be no restrictions on communal worship or singing." Prime Minister (PM) Boris Johnson also stated that the usage of masks would become voluntary.
Vandalism at Cemetery in Comblanchien
July 5, 2021, FranceUnknown perpetrators damaged several graves at the cemetery in Comblanchien, France. It is unclear when the act occurred. However, it was reported to the police on 24 June. The culprits have broken some headstones and have torn off, removed or moved flowers and plants. Mayor Didier Toubin has discovered the desecration. A complaint has been lodged. Police are investigating.
UK Schools Potentially Facing Fine for Breach of Free Speech
July 4, 2021, United KingdomFollowing the case of Rev Dr Bernard Randall vs. Trent College, Tory MPs are now seeking to add schools to a programme, which would penalize schools for favouring 'woke over free speech'. In the eye of the 'woke' and 'cancel culture' movements, the government is set to protect free speech and open debate in academia. PM Boris Johnson declared the government's commitment to protect free speech and open debate in academia in May, during the Queen's Speech programme. Similar cases to the one of Rev Dr Randall are supposed to be included in the debate. A vote on the sanctions is expected later this month.
Christian Culture in Turkey under Attack: Government Keeps Silent
July 4, 2021, TurkeyTurkey's Minister for Culture and Tourism has been harshly confronted in parliament by Garo Paylan, an Armenian member of the opposition. The confrontation follows the latest instance of targeted desecration of Christian sites in the Country and Turkey's silence and apparent indifference regarding the repeated desecration of those sites and the erasure of Christian culture. The 18th-century Sup Toros Armenian Church in Kayseri had been heavily damaged in January 2021. Paylan criticised the governments' failure of an action to protect historical and cultural-religious sites officially recognized as such by UNESCO, such as the Hagia Sofia and other churches throughout the Country. He additionally criticised the conversion of Churches to mere venues for tourism, Museums, Hotels and Galleries. An official statement is expected.
Theft of 300-year-old Sacred Object from Saint Brigida Church in Legden
July 4, 2021, GermanyOn 4 July, unknown perpetrators stole an almost 330-year-old historic consecration vessel for oil from the Saint Brigida Church in Legden. The vessel had been used since 1694 at every baptismal mass in the parish and has therefore a high sentimental value. Stolen from the sacristy, the theft took place sometime between 12:30 and 13:10. In addition to the vessel, a large candle has also been stolen. The police are informed and are now looking for witnesses in the case.
Desecration of Sacred Heart Statue in Bas Rain
July 4, 2021, FranceA gold-plated Sacred Heart Statue in Bas Rhin (Alsace), France, has been desecrated with a swastika. The incident was discovered and reported by the parish priest of Molsheim on 4 July. The perpetrators are said to have used a point to engrave the symbol to the high up statue. Deputy Nathalie Dischler commented about an increase in vandalism towards Christian symbols and institutes in the region. Police are investigating.
San Andrés Church in Cordoba Vandalised with Insulting Graffitis
July 3, 2021, SpainThe San Andrés church in Cordoba, has fallen victim to an act of vandalism. The 13th-century Fernandine church is home to the brotherhoods of Esperanza and Buen Suceso. Three sections of the wall have been graffitied with insults and signatures. In 1985 San Andrés was declared an Asset of Cultural Interest. Police are investigating to apprehend the culprit(s).
Update Conversion Therapy: Ministers Concerned about Freedom of Religion
July 2, 2021, United KingdomUK's House of Commons discussed the plans to ban conversion therapy in the face of Pride month. In the discussion Dame Angela Eagle urged the government to accept the ban as it is currently written, which includes praying. She stated, "as a minimum, they must introduce a ban on conversion therapy, with no religious exemptions and no loopholes." Other Ministers are concerned about the freedom of religion and consequently the church's role.
Update: School Chaplain Reported to Terrorist Watchdogs Hearing Delayed
July 2, 2021, United KingdomSchool chaplain, Rev Dr Bernard Randall, who was reported to the government's terrorist watchdogs for encouraging children to form their own opinions about their school's new LGBT+ rules while accepting contradicting views had his employment tribunal hearing postponed for over a year. Rev Randall 48, will now have to wait until September 2022 since the Boarding School with an Anglican ethos he was ordained Chaplain of, Trent college, failed to serve their evidence.
Update: Relationship and Sexuality Education in Welsh Schools Sparks Debate around Parent's Rights
July 2, 2021, United KingdomIn Wales the adoption of a new Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) is being discussed. While the Welsh government is considering its adoption, some parents, like Izzy Montague, are raising serious concerns about the protection of children. If accepted RSE will start with the next academic year. Parents and education specialists are raising serious concerns about what its adoption would mean for our society as it is known.