All cases
Unlawfully Arrested Street Preacher Wins In Court
June 25, 2021, United KingdomDavid McConnell was wrongfully arrested for preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ and now won in court, he will receive a compensation of £4,500. McConnell claimed for wrongful arrest, false imprisonment and breach of human rights. According to the Christian Institute (CI), Mr McConnell was held for about six hours until a desk sergeant who listened to a recording of McConnell's speech released him without charge. The incident happened in December of 2019, in Huddersfield in West Yorkshire, where David McConnell was publicly preaching on the street to a crowd of 50 before the police arrived and arrested him for an alleged “hate-related public order offence” and “for preaching on gay rights and abortion”.
EU Parliament Passed Matić Report Threatening Freedom of Conscience and Parental Rights
June 24, 2021, BelgiumThe majority of the Parliament of the European Union voted in favour of the Matić Report on 24 June, which makes abortion a human right, denies the rights to contentious objection and demands a LGBTQ+ inclusive sex and relationship education. The report formulates the human right of conscientious objection as "denial of medical care". Critics are also concerned about the potential meaning of the adoption of the report for sexual and relationship education at schools, as it would frame abortion as a form of reproductive health for women and normalise LGBTQ+ relationships.These teachings will most likely collide with the Parental Rights of European Christians and the national competency in this policy field of member states.
Cemetery in Saint-Aubind du Cormier Damaged by Unknown Perpetrators
June 23, 2021, FranceUnknown perpetrators damaged the cemetery of the town of Saint-Aubin du Cormier, located east of Rennes. The municipality is now asking the public for information and is requesting any witnesses to come forward. The perpetrators broke several headstones and funeral plaques. It has been reported that the incident must have happened sometime between 23 and 24 June. The police are investigating.
Under Investigation: Pastor Accused of Intolerance against BLM Movement is Facing Trial
June 21, 2021, United KingdomIn Northern Ireland (NI) a pastor is facing prosecution over a video he, himself published. In the said video he is questioning some actions of the supporters of the Black Live Matter (BLM) Movement. The pastor is accused of having stated racist statements. A final decision is expected by the end of June.
Arson at Church in Muggiò: Second Attack in One Week
June 21, 2021, ItalyFor the second time in one week, an unknown person attacked the church of San Carlo in Muggiò. At the first attack, the person smeared dung onto the handles and at the second attack, he set fire to the main wooden door of the church. The incident was caught on cameras, which revealed that the incident happened at around 4.30 a.m. It furthermore reveals that one person is responsible for the small fire that was fortunately extinguished shortly after it started. The attack was reported to the police by Don Angelo Riva, a friend of the parish priest. It is unclear whether the one responsible for the fire is also accountable for the smearing. Police are investigating.
Two More Cemeteries Vandalized and Looted: Police Arrested Suspect
June 21, 2021, FranceIn total, 3 Cemeteries were targeted for vandalism and looting in June in La Manche. First, the cemetery of Genêts, where 18 graves were ransacked. Later on June 11th in Sartilly 5 iron crosses were torn off and on June 17th, 3 graves were degraded in the cemetery of Saint-Jean-Le-Thomas. The police of Sartilly found a suspect on 21. June and found the stolen crosses at his home.
Over 10.000 Euros of Damage after Theft at Church in Chemnitz
June 20, 2021, GermanyUnknown perpetrators entered the Church in Schloßberg in Chemnitz causing an estimated damage of 10.000 Euros. The incident was reported during the morning of June 20. The culprit(s) vandalised different rooms inside the church stealing laptops and money. The police estimates the damages caused to the main entrance door and the rest of the church amount up to 10.000 Euros, which does not include the value of the stolen objects. Police are investigating.
Statues of Our Lady in Szczecin Tagged with Satanic Symbols
June 20, 2021, PolandUnknown perpetrators desecrated the statues of the Virgin Mary and Our Lady of Fatima in Szczecin. The vandals spray painted an inverted cross and a pentagram onto the statues. They were located on a hill in front of the church. The parish asked the public for information on their Facebook account. Police are investigating.
Church in Målilla Heavely Vandalised
June 20, 2021, SwedenA church in Målilla, Hultsfred has been ransacked. The incident caused a destruction of the interior. The unknown perpetrators overturned the churches piano, the sacrilegious cross and the chairs. The incident was discovered on 29 June by the parish pastor Gerth Thorstensson. Apart from the broken furniture pastor Thorstensson also explained that the perpetrators had emptied a fire extinguisher on the instruments and electronics, thus destroying them as well. It was reported that the perpetrators also smashed mirrors and appliances in the churches kitchen and its bathroom, causing a great amount of damage. Police also discovered an attempt of arson as a pile of ashes was found in the children's playroom. Police are looking for the suspects.
Repeated Acts of Vandalism against Church in Colle
June 19, 2021, ItalyThe church of Santa Maria in Colle has again been attacked by vandals. The columns and the walls were tagged with graffiti, the perpetrators are also thought to have tampered with the gas pipe. The desecration was discovered on 19 June by a troop, who came to clean the church and cut the grass. Bottles and cigarettes were found at the scene. Mayor, Elzo Severin, has expressed his wish to sanction these vandals and also issued a criminal complaint. Police are investigating.
Theft of Church in Bells Santa Caterina Destroyed by Earthquake
June 19, 2021, ItalyUnknown perpetrators stole historic bells from the Church of Santa Caterina. Although the church had been destroyed in an earthquake in May 2012, its Concordia bells rested for nine years beside the churchyard. Police are investigating.
Suspect Who Set Church in Malestroit on Fire Apprehended
June 18, 2021, FranceFrench police arrested a suspect in a case of church arson. The individual is accused of setting the scaffolding on the north side of the Saint-Gilles church in Malestroit on fire with petrol cans. The incident happened around 11.30 pm on 18 June. Thanks to 27-year-old Eddy Chabrun's quick intervention the church was saved and no one harmed. The suspect is already known to the police.
Church in Konin Vandalised For the Fourth Time
June 17, 2021, PolandAn unknown perpetrator vandalised the church of Saint Maximilian M. Kolbe in Konin. CCTV Footage shows a man entering and vandalising the church, his identity and motives are yet to be discovered. The Diocese of Wloclawek reported the incident to the police on 16 June. The diocese also asked the public to share any information with the police who is currently investigating the case.
Vatican Criticised for Commenting on New Anti-Discrimination Bill in Italy
June 17, 2021, ItalyThe Vatican is being accused of having intervened in the lawmaking process of an anti-discrimination law, also known as 'Zan Bill', because of a written note they directed to the Italian ambassador of the Holy See, in which they point out their concern about the bill. In the formal diplomatic note, the Holy See raises the concern upon the bill passing the senate as drafted since it would not only violate the freedoms of the Catholic Church in Italy, as regulated in an agreement of 1929, but it would also force Catholic schools to implement and organise activities on a future national day against homophobia and transphobia. Critics, amongst which are some prominent homosexuals and feminist groups as well as the Catholic Church, point out that the problem is not whether we agree or disagree with those statements it is more about the law interfering and thus preventing religious believers from freely and publicly expressing themselves. The "Zan Bill" has been approved by the lower house in November of 2020 but has yet to pass the Senate committee.
Arson Attack against Orthodox Church in Narva-Jõesuu
June 17, 2021, EstoniaAn arsonist destroyed the Estonian Christian Orthodox Church in Narva-Jõesuu on June 17. The fire damaged the walls and completely destroyed the church's interior. In the course of the fire, the roof collapsed partially. Police have been informed, they suspect arson since the church had been set on fire in February 2020 already, causing damage to the 18th-century icons, its altar and the oak iconostasis. Estonias Firebrigade also suspects arson, since the fire spread so rapidly. The culprit has yet to be identified.
Update: 'Gentle Non-Coercive Prayer' To Be Included in Conversion Therapy
June 16, 2021, United KingdomFormer LGBT Government advisor Jayne Ozanne called for "gentle non-coercive prayer" to be included in the planned conversion therapy ban. Ozanne forwarded the inclusion after Right Rev David Walker, the Bishop of Manchester, mentioned that prayer "where there is a level of power imbalance, and a level of force" should be included in the ban. A Human Rights lawyer affirmed that banning "gentle non-coercive prayer" would violate Convention rights. The bill will be discussed in September, following possible legislation next year.
Hateful Tags found on Ljubljana Church
June 16, 2021, SloveniaThe St. Joseph's Church in Ljubljana, was targeted with graffiti on June 16th. The façade and two posters of the Zivim and Rahela's Vineyard Institute, were defaced with writing by an unknown author. The Zivim Institute wrote on Facebook, "Vulgarity and hatred poured on the posters of the Zivim Institute and Rahela's Vineyard, which offer compassionate support and accompaniment to those who are in distress due to an unplanned pregnancy or suffering the consequences of an abortion in the centre of Ljubljana...".
23-year-old Man Charged For Defacing Church in Lubliniec
June 15, 2021, PolandThe perpetrator who defaced the facade of the historic Saint Nicholas Church in Lubliniec in early January, was caught. 23-year-old Adam G. does neither admit to having committed the crime nor does he provide a logical explanation for how the bottle with black liquid turned out to be his. In the course of the interrogation, the suspect confessed other crimes, for which he will be charged. The District Prosecutor's Office in Częstochowa is charging Adam G. under Polish penal code Article 108 which consists of damaging a historical monument, which is punishable with a prison sentence of up to eight years. He is additionally being charged for insulting religious feelings, which could add another two years of imprisonment.
UK Government Prolongs Inconsistencies Says Bishop
June 15, 2021, United KingdomAs for Covid restrictions, the UK government announced a four-week extension to England's lockdown regulations. Although the new extension allows churches to stay open, it restricts worship and singing until 19 July. Right Reverend Dame Sarah Mullaly, the Bishop of London, is now pressing the Parliament to reconsider the decision. Retired Rev Nick Baines, Bishop of Leeds, confronting the House of Lords sees inconsistencies being prolonged instead of actual Covid measures, since singing inside of Pubs is allowed.
Italy: Church of San Giacomo Defaced
June 15, 2021, ItalyAfter the Church of San Giacomo in the Municipality of Ferrara was defaced with spray-painted tags in mid-June, the Catholic Knights Templar of Italy, in and the managers of the Apollo Cinema have decided to take action and start cleaning the facade of the Church. The historic Church is on the Via del Carbone.
Man Arrested for Torturing 6 Monks Out of Hatred Against the Church
June 14, 2021, AustriaVienna police arrested the main suspect, who is alleged to have robbed and tortured six monks in Vienna-Strebersdorf. The man bound and gagged all his victims and brutally beat them with an iron rod. Five of the victims were seriously injured, while one fought for his life for several months. The suspect, a man of Serbian descent but with a Croatian citizenship, was caught and arrested in Zagreb after a two-year investigation. The suspect admitted that he committed the crime, as a motive he said he hated the church and wanted to avenge the ones hurt by them. He is facing a prison sentence of up to 15 years.
Spanish Court Affirmed: Christian View on Homosexuality is Not 'Hate Speech'
June 14, 2021, SpainSpains highest court, National Audience, withdrew a 6,000 Euros fine that was earlier imposed on the Christian television channel Revelation TV. The cable broadcaster received the fine in September of 2017, after a complaint had been made claiming the programme is "attacking the dignity of LGBT people." High Court Judge Felisa Atienza Rodríguez stated in her ruling that "critiquing ideas or positions" of others is a constitutional right.
Church in Moselle Ransacked by Unknown Group
June 14, 2021, FranceUnknown perpetrators are said to have devastated the interior in the chapel of Our Lady of Deliverance in Moselle on 14 June. It has been reported that a crucifix and statues were toppled over and thrown to the ground as well as flowers and chairs. A resident observed that a van parked in front of the chapel for 15 minutes. A complaint has been lodged and the chapel cleaned.
Excrement Smeared on Church Handles
June 14, 2021, ItalyAn unknown person smeared dung onto the handles of the Church San Carlo in Muggiò on the week of the 14. June. Father Angelo Rivas talked about these incidents, after a week later, the same church was victim of an arson attack.
Gun Fired During Church Service in Dammarie-les-Lys
June 13, 2021, FranceDuring a church service in France, two young people aged 21 are said to have fired several shots. It has been reported that the two perpetrators used a double-barrelled 16-gauge shotgun and a machete. The incident happened 13 June around 8.30 a.m. during a quarrel with evangelical worshippers. Police apprehended the two men who fled the scene and sought refuge in a nearby grocery store. The exact circumstances of the shootings are yet to be determined. No casualty has been reported, police are investigating.
Court in UK Rules: Belief in Biological Sex Protected under Equality Act
June 11, 2021, United KingdomMaya Forstater, a tax consultant, tweeted that biology determines whether one is male or female. As result, she lost her job. An employment tribunal ruled the former tax consultant had not been treated unlawfully as 'gender critical' beliefs were not protected by law. Lawyer Mr Justice Chodhury took the case to court pointing at the Equality Act 2010. In a second Tribunal hearing, the judge ruled that Forstater's view is indeed protected by law.
Church Theft in Krakow Leaves Community in Shock
June 11, 2021, PolandUnknown perpetrators have stolen relics from the Saint Joseph's parish in Krakow. The incident happened between 10 and 11 June. The parish reported the incident and shared it on their social media, stating "the relics of St. Brother Albert were stolen from our Sanctuary! They were located in the altar of the Apostles of Mercy. Please share this news". The priests are asking the public for any information.
Church and Rectory Repeatedly Vandalised, Mayor Refuses to Report Case
June 11, 2021, ItalyA group of teenage boys is alleged to have been repeatedly attacking the parish priest's house, which also functions as the churche's rectory, next to the parish church of Santa Marta. Although the boys have been identified the local mayor refuses to report them. The group of boys keeps vandalising the parish and the parish priests house by throwing rubbish and cans onto the house and removing plasters from the church. The Mayor is planning on setting up signs forbidding the young boys to climb onto public property and vandalism.
Newly Proposed Legislation Would Criminalise Pro-Life Support Around Abortion Clinics
June 11, 2021, SpainA new legislation has been presented to Spain's lower house. The new law would create "buffer zones" around abortion facilities. Proposed on 21 May by the ruling Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) to the Congress of Deputies, the law aims to penalize anyone who “harasses or restricts the freedom of a woman who intends to exercise her right to abortion". The buffer zones would prevent any kind of pro-life campaigning or support in the area. The bill is to be voted upon.
Edinburgh Council Fined for Cancelling Christian Conference over Religious Beliefs of Guest Speaker
June 10, 2021, United KingdomThe city of Edinburgh Council has apologized after violating church rights and paid £25,000 in damages caused by their action. They cancelled a Christian three-day conference after a complaint regarding the religious beliefs held guest speaker Larry Stockstill. A court ruled, that they violated the European Convention on Human Rights, the Human Rights Act 1998 and the Equality Act 2010. The council acknowledged that it "failed to meet its equalities duties to Destiny Ministries in terms of the Equality Act 2010 and therefore acted unlawfully."
Christians Afraid of 'Disciplinary Measures' at Polands Universities
June 10, 2021, PolandPolands Government wants to protect Christian values at their Universities. Przemyslaw Czarnek the Minister of Education and Science wants to stop hostilities towards Christians at Universities, especially since the fear of "disciplinary measures because of alleged discrimination against non-Christians" is spreading amongst the Christian Community. The Polish Government wants to guarantee that freedom of speech, teaching and scientific research are maintained. The so-called academic freedom package is to be discussed this week.
Final Ruling Expected in Pro-Life Ads Censorship Case
June 9, 2021, SloveniaIn 2018 a state-owned bus company removed advertisements from the pro-life NGO Zavod ŽIV!M on the grounds of them being "intolerant". Although the NGO signed a contract with the company allowing them to display their ads for several months, the company took them down just after a little more than a week. On the ads the messages "We love Life!", "You are not alone", "Step out of Silence" and "I mourn my child", were accompanied by pictures of a happy family, a grieving mother and a woman holding a pregnancy test. In a first ruling the Slovenian equality body called "Advocate of the Principle of Equality" found the company to have acted discriminately towards the NGO. The company challenged the ruling, an outcome is expected in June.
Teenagers Between 11 and 15 Vandalized Two Churches in Bad Griesbach
June 9, 2021, GermanyFour offenders, ranging from 11 to 15 years old, seriously vandalized the churches of Maria Schutz on Kronberg and the church on Schlossberg. They damaged several candles, the organ, and some church figures; as well as emptying a fire extinguisher in the church. The property damage was around 50,000 euros.
Church Ransacked in France
June 8, 2021, FranceThe roman catholic church of Tasque in the Gers has been ransacked at the end of May after its recent reopening. The church finished restoration works a few days earlier. Tourists visiting the church noticed the damage in early June. Unknown perpetrators have desecrated the altar through inscriptions, they also damaged the chandeliers, as well as furniture and several statues. Locals informed the authorities, it is thought that the local "youths" is to blame for this.
Church Door in Tafalla Vandalised with Cement
June 7, 2021, SpainThe Church of Santa María de Tafalla in Spain has fallen victim to an act of vandalism. Unknown perpetrators have knocked down the fences attached to the parish and thrown a sack of cement over the door of the church. The attack is thought to have taken place sometime between Saturday afternoon and Sunday Morning. Alfredo Ondarra, head of the Tafalla Municipal Police, said that his team is looking for the culprit.
Cemetery Repeatedly Desecrated in France
June 7, 2021, FranceA cemetery in France has been repeatedly vandalised. Unknown perpetrators are said to have stolen different objects and flowers from the graves in Laneuveville-devant-Nancy. The thefts started to occur in May and have since become regular. A complaint has already been filed. The police are investigating.
18 Cemetery Iron Crosses Stolen and Vandalized
June 6, 2021, FranceBetween 6 and 9 June, the cemetery of Genêts was vandalized and looted. A total of 18 cast iron crosses were stolen, and their foot broken. 18 graves were ransacked and 17 cast iron crosses were stolen. The Crosses were broken, cut into pieces and sometimes abandoned on the spot. An investigation of gendarmerie is in progress.
Totem Dedicated to Our Lady in Sorso Destroyed
June 6, 2021, ItalyOn the 6th June it was reported that a Totem with a Marian depiction was vandalized during the night in Sorso‘s Capuchin Street. It belongs to an installation dedicated to Our Lady "Noli Me Tollere", near to the church of Santa Croce. The incident was investigated by law enforcement officials.
Church desecrated in Cork
June 5, 2021, Ireland“The parishioners are deeply disturbed by what happened”. Vandals graffitied a "deeply disturbing" message onto a church in Cork, Ireland. The currently unknown perpetrator was caught on camera while desecrating the Church of the Ascension around one o'clock in the morning. On the CCTV the culprit can be seen entering the premises of the church, vandalising it and also damaging the cars belonging to the priests and their houses. “The community were just coming alight again after the lockdown," Father Walsh stated. He additionally added that the parishioners although shocked are coming together to try and help undo the damage. The police have been informed and are currently investigating.
Fined Overturned for Christian Volunteer Who Helped Homeless During Pandemic
June 4, 2021, United Kingdom56-year-old Christian volunteer Jan Niedojadlo was fined £60 by Police officers in April 2020 for preaching the gospel and helping homeless people to get food during the Covid 19 lockdown. Despite proving that he was allowed to perform the volunteer service, a police officer gave 'him a ticket' on the ground of him 'being away from home without a valid reason under Covid regulations'. Mr Niedojadlo's case came to court after a group of MPs on the Joint Committee on Human Rights called for all covid fines issued during the pandemic - a total of 85,000 - to be reviewed. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has now ruled in favour of Mr Niedojadlo.
Church Door Set on Fire in Sogliano Cavour
June 3, 2021, ItalyThe side door of the Mother Church "San Lorenzo Martire" in Sogliano Cavour has been set on fire. It is currently unknown how many individuals were involved in the occurrence. The fire was noticed by a resident at around 5.40 a.m. who also alarmed the fire brigade and the local police. The Insurance has already covered the damage caused by the fire. The Police are now investigating. The parish priest is pressing charges.
15.000 Euros Stolen from Church in Guidonia Montecelio
June 3, 2021, ItalyUnknown perpetrators broke into the church of San Luigi Gonzaga and stole 15.000 Euros and a collection of Swarovski crystals. The theft took place in the afternoon of 3 June. The church is located in Guidonia Montecelio in Italy. The parish priest discovered the theft and reported it to the local police. It was discovered that the thieves broke into the rectory of the church located in the priests' flat. The investigators found a block of cement on the spot, which was used to break a French window to get access to the premises. The value of the stolen crystals has not yet been revealed. Charges have been filed by the priest.
Christian Medical Practitioner Facing 'Fitness to Practice' Hearing over Abortion Reversal Treatment
June 2, 2021, United KingdomExperienced medical consultant Dr Dermot Kearney has now been blocked from providing medical assistance in an abortion reversal treatment while an investigation takes place. Dr Kearney offered his emergency abortion rescue service to numerous woman during the pandemic, who regretted taking the first of the Mifepristone pills. By prescribing the natural hormone progesterone which inhabits the effects of Mifepristone, he helped several women to carry healthy babies. The former President of the Catholic Medical Association in the UK is forced to stop offering the treatment for up to 18 months. Dr Kearney, who is a cardiologist and emergency physician has been told to stop offering the treatment by the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS). They urged him to stop after the General Medical Council received a complaint about the treatment, which is not approved by health officials. The investigation against him is ongoing.
Church in Albig Vandalised
June 2, 2021, GermanyUnknown perpetrators have vandalized the evangelical Church in Albig. The incident happened during the night from 1 to 2 June. The perpetrators have broken the churches' door lock and some trees. Community members and the parish priest can not understand how someone could do this. The police are investigating.
Severe Act of Vandalism in Historic Church of Tasque
June 2, 2021, FranceThe old church in Tasque has been severely vandalised. The historical Church dates back to the 13th century and was attacked during the Ascension Weekend. The perpetrators broke the chandelier, several sculptures and vases. Police are investigating the case.
European Parliament to Vote on Establishing Abortion as a 'Human Right'
June 2, 2021, FranceThe European Parliament, the EU's law-making body, is to vote on a new report that seeks to manifest abortion as a human right and degrades conscientious objection as "denial of medical care". The report forwarded by Croatian politician Matić is to be voted on at the next plenary session due to take place from 7 to 10 June in Strasbourg. Pro-Life groups see a violation of the established principle of abortion lying in the competence of the member states and not the EU. The European Centre for Law and Justice fear that this could lead member states to put the new report into national legal practice.
Complaint against Ringing of Church Bells in Devon
June 1, 2021, United KingdomThe All Saints Church in Kenton, Devon, could have its chimes silenced. The reason is a complaint from a member of the public. Build in the 14th century the Church's clock currently chimes every quarter of an hour. One new resident in the area has now complained to silence the same. All Saints Church vicar Rev John Williams admitted to 'The Telegraph' that he is aware that the noise measured by Environmental Health is higher than the current permitted. He added: "While some residents don't mind hearing the clock at night and find it comforting, we are nonetheless required to oblige with the law". The church council is now looking for sponsors to buy a £2,000 mechanism to silence the clock chimes at night. Kenton parish council is now worried that by the time they managed to raise the money the local council could have already silenced the clock.
New Northern Irish Conversion Therapy Ban Could Criminalise Prayer
June 1, 2021, United KingdomLGBT+ activists are pushing for a nationwide ban of conversion therapies, which would criminalize prayer, preaching, pastoral support and even parenting which opposes the LGBT+ assumptions. Human rights lawyer Jason Coppel urges that this action "would criminalise the legitimate expression of religious beliefs". The Christian Institute "will not hesitate" to take legal action if Northern Ireland's executives introduce "a badly drafted CT ban" which criminalizes "ordinary everyday practices of the church".
Historical Church vandalised in Lützenkirchen
June 1, 2021, GermanyUnknown perpetrators defaced an over 300-year-old church in Leverkusen in Germany. The culprits are responsible for graffiti sprayed on the chapel's walls, signs scratched into the bricks, holes drilled into the copper downpipes and traces of fire found on the massive oak door at the chapel's side entrance. Additionally, the vandals have damaged a monument at the Anna Chapel. Karl Georg Emmels, former church council estimates the damage to be several thousand Euros. A reward of 500 Euros for information leading to the culprit has been offered and the police are investigating.
Vandalism and Attempted Robbery in a Church in Nicotea
June 1, 2021, ItalyThe little church of Santa Chiara in Nicotera has been vandalized by unknown persons. A hole was found in the wall of the sacristy although the intentions behind these attempts are unclear. As the neighbors explained, "there is nothing to steal here, nothing of particular value". The incident actually took place at the beginning of the summer but it was discovered much later given that the church remains closed most part of the year. The police are carrying on an investigation to track down the perpetrators.