All cases
Repeated Vandalism and Objects Broken in Kempten Church
October 6, 2021, GermanyApart from church services, the doors of The Assumption of the Virgin Mary church in Kempten have been forced to close. This decision was taken due to the repeated acts of vandalism and broken objects there. The head of the parish community says the scripture stands were overturned, sacrificial candles scattered across the church interior and damaged. The parish has filed a complaint with the police.
Church in Sankt Mang Closed due to Vandalism
October 6, 2021, GermanyThe Maria Himmelfahrt church in Sankt Mang was forced to close because of repeated attacks by vandals. The damage included sacrificial candles destroyed and scattered, scripture stands overturned, and the thanksgiving altar looted. A complaint was filed in October.
Temple in Huelva Targeted with Paint Bomb
October 6, 2021, SpainThe façade of the Gerizim Evangelical Church in Huelva was splattered with red paint on October 6th. Although the police did not categorize it as a hate crime, the villains chose a religious building to commit the crime, and this should not be disregarded.
Display Bible Defaced at St. Ulrich Church
October 6, 2021, GermanyIn October the news outlet Allgäuer-Zeitung reported cases of vandalism in the Kempten area. According to the parish priest Aleksander Gajewski, the Bible displayed in the church of St. Ulrich in East-Kempten was defaced with tags. In another Church, the vandalism damage was even greater.
Desecration of Graves at St.Mary's Church in Wexford
October 5, 2021, IrelandThree headstones at the graveyard of St.Mary Church have been desecrated after they were vandalised with red graffitis on . The parish prieste, Cllr Michael Sheehan, has expressed his concern and has asked to "anyone who knows any information on this to make it known to the guards and that the full rigors of the law be applied.” He further stated: "I think it’s despicable that anyone would feel so low that they would have to attack a person’s grave. St Mary’s is the site of some really old graves, dating back from centuries gone by."
Nurse Suspended for Wearing a Cross-Necklace Challenges Case of Discrimination
October 5, 2021, United KingdomMrs. Onuoha worked at Croydon University Hospital in London for many years as a nurse and has been wearing a golden cross necklace for 40 years without any problems. During the last two years, she started being pressured to remove her cross. Her necklace was considered "too visible" and posed a ‘risk of injury or infection’, despite the jewelry pieces of other medical staff not being criticized. After her repeated refusal, Mrs. Onuoha faced an investigation, was suspended, and relegated to work as a receptionist, and was told not to mention the reason for her relegation. With help of the Christian Legal Center (CLC), she is confronting the Hospital for harassment and discrimination.
Arson at St. Remy's Church
October 4, 2021, BelgiumIn the night of 4 October, the church of Saint-Rémy in the centre of Ottignies fell victim to arson. A carpet, a chair and a panel were set on fire. The incident was quickly brought under control by alerted firefighters. Shortly after the incident, Ottigines police checked a laundromat located in the neighbourhood. There, an intoxicated suspect was identified and arrested. At the time of his arrest, the man born in 1987 and of no known address was in possession of a box of matches. The man, who already had a criminal record, will be brought before the criminal court as part of an accelerated procedure.
Church Bell Stolen from St Matthew's Church in Withernsea
October 4, 2021, United KingdomSt. Matthew's parish community realized on Sunday 10th that the church bell was stolen after it failed to ring at a Sunday service. Apparently the bell was dropped from 9.1m above damaging the cellar doors. The damage is estimated at 8000€. Rev Martin Faulkner "would appreciate the return of its bell to the church grounds with no questions asked", he added that the bell "has a special place in the hearts of the Withernsea community", having been rung every week during Clap for Carers and to commemorate local people who died with Covid".
Church in Badia Vandalised Multiple Times
October 3, 2021, ItalyOver the course of a month the church in Badia has been vandalised in various ways: glasses were broken with stone, stones were pulled out of the walls and dog excrements smeared on the facade of the church. The last damage was perpetrated by smashing the windows with stones. Stones falling inside the church also caused damage to the wooden pews. Police are investigating.
Sacred Items Stolen from Parish Church in Saint-Léger
October 3, 2021, FranceA complaint was filed by Father Nicola Berthier for the theft of objects of worship form the church in Saint-Léger-sous-Beuvray. On October 3rd, he found the sacristy door forced open and two chalices, a paten, and a ciborium all missing. These are all sacred objects used in mass and their theft is deeply hurtful for the church.
22-Year-Old Detained for Defacing Church
October 2, 2021, PolandThe news reported on 2nd of October that police officers from Wołów detained a 22-year-old man who damaged a cross and the facade of a church. The perpetrator painted symbols and messages insulting religious feelings on the walls and facade of the church. He is now facing a heavy prison sentence.
Cross of Church Cemetery in Tempelberg Smeared and Vandalised
October 2, 2021, GermanyA large cross that stands in front of the small cemetery at the church in Tempelberg was desecrated. Unknown perpetrators smeared and vandalised the cross. The incident occurred on Germany's Unity Day, which is annually celebrated on 2 October. Police are investigating.
Madonna delle Grazie Vandalised in Salza Irpina
October 2, 2021, ItalyThe front door of a church in Salza Irpina was vandalised with graffiti on 2 October. The mayor of the city, Luigi Cella, has expressed his indignation on social media and hopes to find the perpetrator/s. "A deplorable gesture of vandalism was made against our church Maria Santissima delle Grazie".
Prayer in General Considered a Harmful Form of “Conversion Therapy” by Cooper Report
October 1, 2021, United KingdomThe Cooper Report has been recently published by the Ban Conversion Therapy Legal Forum that was founded at the end of June. The Ban Conversion Therapy Legal Forum is a multidisciplinary group of parliamentarians, academics, barristers, legal professionals and survivors, whose aim is to ban any form of what is by them considered as conversion therapy. The Forum also considers any from of prayer as a harmful practice used for conversion therapy. They further state that an individual cannot consent to any form of conversion therapy. This implies that Christians or people in general, who seek help or guidance when they struggle with their gender identity, would not be allowed to get pastoral help that is not confirming their new gender identity, which the persons are maybe not even sure about yet. The Report further states that the human right of religious freedom is to be seen as inferior in this case.
UNIVERSITY OF EXETER CONDEMNS DEATH THREATS AGAINST STUDENTS OF PRO-LIFE ASSOCIATION
October 1, 2021, United KingdomThe pro-life student "Life Society" association from the University of Exeter was the target of a hate campaign aimed to dissolve the group and its activity at the university. A petition among students and an open letter addressed to the university's Students Guild was sent to stop the pro-life group. Additionally, the group got harassed on social media. An online hate campaign was coordinated, to send them negative comments and even death threats, which were reported to the police. Fortunately, the University of Exeter defended the Pro-Life Association and supported their right to freedom of speech.
Study shows Christians are the Most Persecuted Religious Group for 12 Consecutive Years
September 30, 2021, United StatesThe Pew Research Center has published its last report on religious freedom. The findings show that Christians have been the most persecuted group worldwide for 12 consecutive years. The report analyses the situation, based on government policies and violent incidents in 198 different countries before the Covid-19 pandemic. The report concludes that Christians suffer different kinds of persecution in 153 countries, being the most persecuted group since 2007.
Catholic Monument Defaced During Religious Celebrations
September 30, 2021, ItalyIn Desenzano di Albino, the bell tower of the shrine of the Madonna della Gamba was defaced with spray-painted tags on the 30th of September, which is during the days of the novena - a patronal feast celebration. The inscription advertised a heroin dealing point. on the Desenzano al Serio parish's social page, they posted a photo of the vandalism and wrote: "We have no words, only so much disappointment and bitterness, given also the festive period for our community. We invite those responsible, caught on camera and caught in the act, to come forward to clean up the damage, otherwise, we will turn the footage over to the authorities."
Twitter Bans Spanish NGO's Account After Post Critical of Euthanasia
September 30, 2021, SpainOn June 26, 2021, the "Christian Lawyers" account tweeted: “Euthanasia is being debated in Congress. The Federal Right to Die Association has been financing itself for years with inheritances and legacies of the sick people whom it assists in their last moments. Enough already. #righttolive #euthanasia”. For this post, the social network blocked their account on the 30th of September, claiming the message broke "the rules that prohibit publishing private information". The organization is challenging this censorship.
Priest Discovered Armed Man in Parisian Church
September 29, 2021, FranceA Priest in the Saint-Luc church in the 19. district of Paris was approached by an agitated armed man on 29. August, asking for the time of mass and saying he wants to attend. After answering him, the priest noticed the man was carrying a revolver gun and alerted the police, who later took the suspect into custody near the church. The 28-year-old suspect was found with a loaded gun and had already been known for other offences. The police are investigating.
Update: Former Finnish MP Faces Trial for Quoting the Bible
September 29, 2021, FinlandFormer MP Päivi Räsänen, physician and mother of five is awaiting her hearing for the 22nd of January, 2022. She is being investigated after the Finnish Prosecutor General filed criminal charges against her. One of the reasons is that she published a tweet quoting the Bible. Räsänen could faced a two-year prison sentence or a fine for the tweet.
New Law in Spain Plans to Publicly Publish List of Medical Staff Who Object Abortion
September 29, 2021, SpainThe Spanish Ministry of Equality is planning to create a registry of medical doctors, nurses, and staff who object abortion on the grounds of conscientious objection. The intended registry is part of a reform of the abortion law in Spain, passed in 2010. The argument for the proposal is to be able to guarantee the “right to terminate pregnancies” in public hospitals, as in many hospitals abortions are not performed, given the conscientious objections of the staff. Many bishops and experts are strongly criticizing this registry, as such a list can cause discrimination and harm freedom of expression, as well as freedom of conscience.
The Stations of the Cross in Wettemhausen Vandalized
September 28, 2021, GermanyThe Stations of the Cross were severely vandalized on September 28th in Wettemhausen. Some of the figures were overturned while other had been dismembered. Glass beads had been demolished and the Burgau police were examining the scene for indications of who the perpetrators may have been.
Roof of Church in Frodsham Stolen
September 28, 2021, United KingdomA "substantial" part of St. Laurence's Church roof has been stolen by a group of thieves. Sergeant Simpson, from the Cheshire Police Rural Crime Team, has written on Facebook: "When someone steals from a listed or protected site, building or monument, its a crime against all of us. They are stealing our shared history", and he added, "the impact on the community can be devastating too, so please keep an eye on our history and report anything suspicious."
Vandals Smash Church Window in Horn-Bad Meinberg
September 27, 2021, GermanyUnknown perpetrators smashed the window of the local church in Horn-Bad Meinberg on 27 September. According to the police, the window is located directly above the church door. The damage amounts to around 2.000 Euros.
Güdesweiler Church Broken into and Raided
September 26, 2021, GermanyUnidentified thieves broke a window to get into the Güdesweiler church on March 26th. They took the money from a sacrificial candlestick box and also stole some of the sacrificial candles.
Update: University Revokes its Decision Regarding the Catholic Chaplain
September 25, 2021, United KingdomFr Palmer had been declined as a University chaplain due to posts on his Twitter account expressing personal opinions and views regarding abortion and assisted suicide. After the "Free Speech Union" threatened the University for ignoring the 2010 Equality act, Nottingham University recognized Fr Palmer to become the Catholic priest of the University
Joan of Arc's "Heart" Stolen in Nimes
September 25, 2021, FranceA 19-year-old boy discovered, after he came back from holidays, that a bronze heart containing a reliquary of Joan of Arc had been stolen.
Thieves Steal Sacred Objects of the Laurentius Chapel in Waltrop-Leveringhausen.
September 25, 2021, GermanyDuring the night of the 25th of September, a golden monstrance with the relic of Saint Laurence and a baroque cross were stolen from the altar of the St. Ludgerus parish. On Monday, the parish was surprised to find everything but the monstrance, returned in a bag in the neighboring garden. The intent of this was unknown but it was suggested that the thieves had a guilty conscience. Bernd Brinker, said of the monstrance which was never found, "The ideal value is great for the community, which has cherished and cared for the chapel for decades."
Evangelical Foster Agency Accused of "Discriminatory Policy" Against Homosexual Couples Lost Case
September 24, 2021, United KingdomThe Christian Cornerstone (North East) Adoption and Fostering Agency has lost the case at the Court of Appeal. They were hoping to reverse a ruling that found the agency "discriminatory" for working only with heterosexual couples. Three Court of Appeal judges have found the Foster agency's policy discriminatory, as they find that the basis of the agency's religious beliefs is not enough to justify their policy of only recruiting heterosexual carers.
Flags of Evangelical Church in Nagold Repeatedly Vandalised
September 24, 2021, GermanyFor the fourth time in a row this year, the flags decorating the evangelical church in Nagold have been torn or cut. Among the upset parishioners, an active woman in the community stated that the flags are not cheap and they are paid with everyone's donations.
Offering Box Stolen and Sacristy Door Broken in Avoscan Church
September 24, 2021, ItalyOn September 24th, unknown thieves broke into the church in Avoscan through a broken window. Once inside, they took what was in the offering box, which wasn't much, and then broke the sacristy door to see it there was anything they could take from there. Parish administrator Don Luigino Canal said it was, "More moral than economic damage."
Right-Wing Extremists Storm Pastoral Office in Linz
September 23, 2021, AustriaAround 15 hooded men have stormed the office of the Diocese of Linz with leaflets, banners, and a megaphone. The pursuit was to protest against a memorial that will be placed in Linz's city cemetery for the refugees who died in the Mediterranean Sea. The group apparently belongs to the right-wing extremist "Identitäre" (Identitarians).
Oxford College Regrets Hosting a Christian Event
September 22, 2021, United KingdomThe Wilberforce Academy (Christian seminar) has been holding its courses in different Oxford colleges for many years. But this year, the Worcester College, where the seminar was taking place, apologized for having hosted this event "that caused significant distress" as it was published in the student newspaper "The Tab".
Street Preachers Arrested after Preaching the Gospel and on Homosexuality
September 21, 2021, IrelandMr Williamson was preaching on the streets of Dundalk together with two other colleagues, when he was asked by police to stop. The reason was that he was critically preaching about gender ideology and homosexuality, the police considered the content to be a hate crime and that the preaching disrupted the public social order. Together with Robert Ervine and Sean Paul Tully, Ryan Williamson got arrested. The trial is expected on 13 October.
Cemetery Severly Vandalized in Rivière
September 21, 2021, FranceThe cemetery of Rivière was ransacked on September 21st but it was not know who did it. A municipal employee found: "Many vases ... thrown to the ground, breaking and cracking the tombstones in places. Flowers were dug up. Crosses were torn off and cut." The gendarmerie was informed of this hateful act.
Germany increasingly Denies Asylum to Christian Converts from Islam and Deports them To Muslim Countries where they Face Death
September 20, 2021, GermanyOpen Doors, an international Christian organisation, which supports persecuted Christians worldwide, has published a report on the current situation of 5.207 Christian converts in Germany. The vast majority of them are denied asylum and many of them are threatened with deportation to conservative Muslim countries where conversion to another religion is considered a crime worthy of death.
Church in Sandhausen Vandalised
September 20, 2021, GermanyUnknown perpetrators have vandalized the church of the Holy Trinity and caused several damages: burning a sign, removing the Pascual Candle and damaging it, chairs and cushioins have burn holes, etc. Despite this event, the parish priest still wants to leave the church open for the people so that they can "recharge their batteries and strengthen their faith during this time". He also urged the people to protect the church "by visiting it and thus protect it from further damage". According to the police it seems that the perpetrators were not looking for money, "it was vandalism".
Painting Solen from Church in Zębocin was Later Found
September 20, 2021, PolandA 16th century painting worth 100 zloty was stolen from the St Stanislaus church in Zębocin. The theft was immediately reported to the police who began to search for it. Much to the churches relief, the "Mother of God with Child" painting was found at an auction in Warsaw on September 20th.
Several Windows Smashed at Catholic Church in Villmar-Aumenau
September 20, 2021, GermanyStarting on September 19th and then continuing for about a week, unknown villains were smashing the windows on the Catholic Church in Villmar-Aumenau. A cleaning person discovered the vandalism and promptly informed the parish who, in term, told the police. An investigation was started and the damage amounts to around 1,000 EUR.
Arson at Church in Mantua
September 19, 2021, ItalyOn September 19th, the statue of Madonna was scarred by arson in the Santa Caterina church in Mantua. The fire, which was started at the altar, burnt the tablecloth covering the alter and also damaged some sacred furnishings including the statue. Fortunately, the damage was not extensive, but the crime affected the religious community.
Surveillance Camera Caught Two Burglars inside St.Liborio's Church
September 19, 2021, ItalyImages from CCTV showed that a car was driving away from the church of San Liborio where religious objects and 5.000 Euros in cash, which was contained in a metal cupboard, were stolen. The two perpetrators, 37 and 46 years-old and with previous convictions, were identified after a quick investigation by the local police station
Offices of the Swiss Evangelical Alliance Vandalised by Radical LGBTQ+ Groups
September 18, 2021, SwitzerlandIn the run-up to the March for Life, three different pro-life Evangelical centres have been vandalized in two different cities, Zurich and Emmenbrücke (Lucerne). The perpetrators threw paint and vandalized the offices of the SEA. The attacks were claimed on an anarcho-autonomous pro-LGBTQ information platform. "We condemn this way of acting and reacting but we are trying to continue the dialogue in the public debate, without being intimidated," reacted Daniela Baumann, spokesperson for SEA, accompanied by Evangeliques.info.
Anti-Catholic Graffitis on the Walls of Santa Lucia Chapel
September 18, 2021, SpainOn the 18. September, it was reported that the chapel of Santa Lucia and the wall of the rectory of the Rianxeira parish of Asados were vandalised with graffiti and anti-Catholic slogans. The perpetrator or perpetrators of this aggression to the heritage used red paint to leave messages against the Church and the clergy printed on one of the side walls of the church and on the entrance to the rectory, like calling them a "catholic mafia".
Art Festival Against "Religious Censorship" celebrates "Blasphemy Day"
September 17, 2021, Italy"Ceci n'est pas un blasphème" is the title of the festival which claims to celebrate freedom of expression and attack "religious censorship". The festival took place between the 17th and 30th of September, the day on which "Blasphemy Day" is celebrated. The non-profit festival included exhibitions, talks, comedians, to promote anti-clerical art and raise funds to be donated to organizations that provide protection and legal assistance to people persecuted for having said or created blasphemous content. Interestingly, many artists have targeted Christian symbols to create blasphemous images, whereas the countries and cases with severe Blasphemy laws and punishments are Muslim.
Two Arson Attempts in a Church in Waldmünchen
September 17, 2021, GermanyAn unknown perpetrator seems to have tried twice to set the church in Waldmünchen on fire. The first time by placing a candle on the floor of the closed-off side altar with an advertising leaflet from church on it, shortly after the leaflet caught fire. On the next Saturday he tried it again by throwing a burning paper into the area of the fenced side altar. Fortunately the rest of the church was not damaged and the fire was contained. The police are investigating.
24-year-old Man Stabbed to Death While Handing Out Church Leaflets
September 17, 2021, United KingdomMohamed Issa Koroma has been stabbed to death, while he was handling out church leaflets. The attacker will be charge with murder and possession of a bladed weapon in public and will appear at Sheffield Crown Court on 22 September. When the police arrived, Mr. Koroma was seriously injured and still alive but shortly died after the attack. “Our investigation into this incident continues at pace and our officers remain at the scene as they conduct their enquiries" said the Detective Chief Inspector Paul Murphy, 31, of South Yorkshire Police. The motive is still unclear.
Fire Extinguisher Used to Damage Church in Louvie-Juzon
September 17, 2021, FranceOn the 17th of September, anonymous perpetrators vandalized the church of Louvie-Juzon in France by damaging the furniture and emptying the fire extinguisher over the furniture and floor of the Church. The major, who said being very disappointed, has lodged a formal complaint.
Two More Organizations Vandalized by Activists in Run-Up to March for Life
September 17, 2021, SwitzerlandIn the run-up to the March for Life, three different pro-life Evangelical centers were vandalized in two different cities, Zurich and Emmenbrücke (Lucerne). The perpetrators painted the offices of the Pro-Life organization in Lucerne with Graffiti between 15-17 September. Also, the organization Zukunft CH foundation was defaced with graffiti. The attacks were claimed on an anarcho-autonomous pro-LGBTQ information platform. "It is worrying that on certain socio-political issues it is obviously no longer possible to express oneself freely without being affected by hatred and vandalism," said the AES, Zukunft CH, and "Pro-Life" in a joint statement issued on September 21.
Church Window Broken by a Group of Young People
September 16, 2021, ItalyThe parish of Mortizzuolo in Mirandola was vandalized by a group of young people that was gathering next to the church. The group ended up breaking a window of the church. Police are investigating and tracking videocameras.
Statue of the Virgin Mary Toppled in Warsaw
September 16, 2021, PolandUnknown perpetrators have toppled a statue of the Virgin Mary, which was placed in the garden of the Franciscan Sisters of the Family of Mary convent in Anin, Warsaw. The statue was tied with a telephone cable, which indicates that the vandalism was intentional. According to Father Marek Doszko, pastor of the parish of Our Lady Queen of Poland, where the house is located, the statue fell on soft ground and leaves, so no extensive damage was caused. The profanation took place on the day of the commemoration of the founder of the congregation, St. Zygmunt Szczęsny-Feliński