All cases
Profanation of Symbols by Militant Feminists Protesting Against Abortion Law
October 31, 2020, PolandThe protestors against the new Abortion Law in Poland have until now vandalized and disrupted several religious places and monuments. They are also putting masks on Mary's face or an asterix above her head, which refer to the insult "Jebác PiS". The councillor of the PiS, Dariusz Matecki, denounced these incidents on his Twitter account on October 31st, also referring to the insults and violent acts against the church and the authorities.
Catholic Nun Physically Attacked on Public Transportation
October 31, 2020, AustriaIn Graz, a catholic nun was attacked in a bus by a 19-year-old man from Afghanistan on October 31st. The 76-year-old nun was on a bus, when she was slapped on her ear by the perpetrator, who tried to flee. The slap was so hard that the hearing aid of the woman fell out, fortunately she did not suffer any injuries. The police arrested the man with the help of the surveillance camera footage of the bus.
Monument for Unborn Children Vandalized in Polish Cemetery
October 31, 2020, PolandUnknown perpetratros vandalized a monument for unborn children at the cemetery of Brzezówka in Cieszyn, during the night of October 31st. Black paint was poured over the monument. The local authorities reported the case to the police from Cieszyn.
Church Tagged With Vulgar and Anti-Church Slogans
October 31, 2020, PolandOn the night of October 31st, the Church of Our Lady and St. Michael in Blachownia was tagged with spray-paint by unknown perpetrators. They left five vulgar slogans, anti-church and anti-government tags. On top of that, someone cut the padlocks from the cemetery, which remained closed. The acts were reported to the police, who is running an investigation.
Feminist Protesters Interrupt Church Service and Physically Attack Church Members
October 30, 2020, PolandOn October 30th the protests and acts of vandalism against the Church continue in Poland. In one incident protesters even acted violently. Two young girls entered the Church "Christ the Savior" in Gdańsk during Communion and disturbed it and were escorted away by a man. This caused a violent reaction and the young women tried to run back in to the church, being forced to stay outside, one of them hit a man on the head with her phone and shouted profanities. According to the witnesses, the other woman tried to kick a man and threatened him with a knife.
Multiple Statues Destroyed in Courtyard of Parish Church
October 30, 2020, PolandDuring the night of October 30th, unknown vandals entered the courtyard of the parish church of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin in Chrzastawa Wielka and destroyed the statues of Our Lady of Fatima and other Saints. The police was informed and the parish informed. The police arrested a 46-year-old perpetrator on the next day.
Posters With Insulting Slogans Hung On the Door of St. Joseph Church
October 30, 2020, PolandThe parish of Ciechanow reported on October 30th, that posters were hung on the door of the church of St. Joseph. Slogans saying "If the altar boys got pregnant, abortion would be a sacrament", "My sisters are not incubators", "You have blood on your hands", "Abortion without borders" and "Choice is not compulsion" were displayed together with the symbol of a lightning, which is the "Women's Strike" symbol. The same attacks took place in the cities of Plock, Gostynin and Dzierzenin.
New Figures Show Churches Targeted For Theft and Vandalism
October 30, 2020, United KingdomAccording to figures published by Countryside Alliance, a total of 212 crimes were reported against churches in Devon and Cornwall over the last year, reported by Cornwall Live on October 30th. The request of the Freedom of Information Act was made to the Police, which revealed the target of churches for lead thefts, but also vandalism, violence, assault and burglary. The government made a commitment to protect places of worship with a crime action plan 2016-2020, which should provide security measures at places of worship vulnerable to hate crimes.
Terrorist Attack On Church in Nice: Three Christians Killed
October 29, 2020, FranceThree Christians were murdered, two were practically beheaded and one stabbed to death inside the Notre Dame Basilica around 9 a.m in Nice on October 29th. The French police has arrested the attacker, who is a Tunisian man called A. Brahim. The victims were the 55-year-old caretaker, Vincent Loqués, a 60-year-old lady that was praying and a 44-year-old woman, mother of three small children. According to the police report, several other people were hurt. The elderly woman and the man were killed inside the Basilica, the younger woman was fatally stabbed, ran away and died in a bar in front of the Basilica.
Attack Against St.Anton Church in Vienna
October 29, 2020, AustriaIn Vienna, about 30 to 50 young people with a Turkish background entered the church St. Anton on the evening of October 28th. The group rioted and kicked against benches and the confessional while shouting Islamist slogans like "Allahu Akbar". A surveillance camera recorded the scene. Two weeks prior to this incident the church and its surroundings started to be molested by the group. It is belived that the incidnet is connected to the re-publishing of the caricatures of the prophet Mohammed in France. The police is investigating and surveilling the area.
Church Bench Set on Fire in Cologne
October 29, 2020, GermanyIn the Catholic parish Church in Cologne-Longerich, unknown perpetrators set fire to a bench by pouring the disinfectant over it and then placed a burning cushion on top of it. The arson took place in the afternoon of October 29th. Fortunately the flames didn't spread much, the sexton noticed the incident later. The police started an investigation on suspicion of attempted arson. Witnesses are asked to provide further information.
20 Tombstones Vandalized and Desecrated in Polish Cemetery
October 28, 2020, PolandAn act of vandalism at the parish cemetery in Luboszyce took place on the night of October 28th. Around 20 tombstones have been devastated by unknown perpetrators. Many crosses and gravestones have been overturned, some graves were opened and the small figures of angels or candles have been smashed. The police investigated the case and later arrested a 34-year-old man.
A Group of Young People Vandalized the Russian Church Garden
October 28, 2020, ItalyIt was reported on the 28th of October that a group of young people gathered at night in the garden of the Russian Church in Bari. Some of them vandalized it and left the place in a bad state. A citizen witnessed this gathering and reported the incident on Facebook to the mayor Antonio Decaro.
Wooden Church Almost Completely Burned Down
October 28, 2020, Czech RepublicIn the Kinsky Garden in Prague, the wooden Orthodox Church of St. Michael was almost completely burned down. According to the first information, a fire broke out in the lower part of the wooden structure. However, the fire spread throughout the whole building. The cause is not yet known, and the police is investigating the cause and origin of the fire. The small tower of the church collapsed; the firefighters extinguished the flames.
Convent of the Carmelite is Vandalized with Offensive and Vulgar Slogans
October 28, 2020, PolandIn Warsaw, the facade of the Carmelite convent was smeared by unknown vandals. Offensive and vulgar slogans were written on the outer walls, which the nuns renovated for years. The vandalism happened during the night of October 28th.
Church in Meriadec Repeatedly Vandalized
October 28, 2020, FranceOn October 28th, the church in Meriádec was vandalized again. Unknown vandals shattered the stained-glass windows of the church by throwing stones. The parish committee has decided to file a complaint, as this is not the first time that vandalism has happened. The cost of the repairs are being evaluated and the police is investigating.
Church Windows Vandalized in Lüdge, Germany
October 27, 2020, GermanyDuring the night of October 27th in Lüdge, unknown vandals damaged several windows of the parish Church St. Marien, situated on one of the main streets of the town. The caused damage is estimated to be 1.500 Euros and the police is asking for further information from witnesses.
Abortion Supporters Attack People Defending Church in Poznan
October 27, 2020, PolandOn the 27th of October 2020, during the violent demonstrations after the Constitutional Tribunal ruled on eugenic abortion in Poland, several people who were defending a church on Fredry Street in Poznań were attacked. Supporters of abortion had allegedly wanted to vandalize this church but upon finding people defending it, they attacked them with tear gas, wooden rods, and batons. The defenders claim nothing preceded the attack.
Ancient Relics Stolen From St. Wolfgang's Church
October 26, 2020, GermanyOn October 26th, thousand-year-old relics were stolen from the St. Wolfgang church in Regensburg. The non-material damage is estimated at several thousand Euros, as the relics were the last mortal remains of the Saint. The relics were forcefully taken out of a bulletproof glass and steel case from the grave of St. Wolfgang, which is located in the entrance area of the church. The police is investigating and asking for witnesses. After ongoing investigations, the police says the thieves were professionals and that it looks like a planned act.
Revealed Number of Crimes Against Churches and Christian Buildings, Cumbria is the Fourth Lowest Country with 47 Cases In One Year
October 26, 2020, United KingdomThe Countryside Alliance has examined the number of crimes committed against churches or religious buildings, and released the numbers for the last 12 years. In the UK nationwide, 6,000 crime cases have been reported. In Cumbria, which is the fourth lowest country in terms of such crimes, 47 cases have been reported in one year. Last year the Countryside Alliance's also reported 20,000 crimes against churches and religious buildings in the UK in the lapse of 2 years.
Tabernacle and Consecrated Hosts Stolen from Virgen del Mar Parish in Madrid
October 26, 2020, SpainThe tabernacle of the Chapel was stolen from the Virgen del Mar parish in Madrid on October 26th in the San Blas neighborhood. The perpetrators also destroyed another tabernacle and took the consecrated Hosts, as the parish published on their Facebook page. The parish priest, Enrique Abánades García, told journalists that the crime has been reported to the police, and he calls the community to grow in love of Christ's blessed sacrament.
Arson on Church Grounds Damages Windows
October 26, 2020, United KingdomOn the grounds of a church in Derry, during the night of October 26th, a pile of rubbish was set on fire by unknown vandals causing damage to several windows of the church. The police is investigating.
Pro-Abortion Protestors in Warsaw, Attack Church and Those Defending it
October 26, 2020, PolandOn October 26th, mobs of pro-abortion activists threw stones and bottles at the St. Alexander Church in Warsaw and those trying to defend it from the onslaught. At first, the police did nothing but then finally cordoned off the protestors from those defending the church. The protest was instigated by a Constitutional Tribunal ruling which stated that eugenic abortion was not in accordance with the constitution, while the far left, wanted "abortion on demand."
Suspected Arson in the St. Marien Church in Ahlen
October 25, 2020, GermanyIn the church St. Marien in Ahlen a fire to a pew had to be extinguished by the firemen on Sunday 25th of October. The fire department got the fire under control and ventilated the church, the police was notified. The police is looking for information and is investigation the case. The amount of damage done has still to be estimated. According to a witness, some children sprayed disinfectant on the bench and set it on fire.
Glass of Church Door Smashed During the Night
October 24, 2020, GermanyDuring the night of October 24th to 25th an eye-witness, woken up by the noise, saw several people gathered in front of the church entrance of Am Widey. On the next day, the police was called in and found that a pane of glass from the door had been smashed. The police is investigating and estimates the damage to be around 500 Euros.
Side Entrance of Chiesa Madre and la Villa Borsellino Desecrated by Vandals
October 24, 2020, ItalyDuring the weekend of October 24th to 25th, unknown vandals left the Chiesa Madre and la Villa Borsellino with trash, beer bottles and a damaged door. The Archpriest, Mons. Salvatore Salvia expressed his dissaproval and dennounced the act.
Christian Leaders Protest Against New Lockdown Regulations Closing Churches
October 23, 2020, United KingdomThe First Minister of Walse, Mark Drakeford announced a new lockdown from the 23rd of October to the 9th of November, which includes the closing of churches. Christian leaders have raised their voice against the regulations made by the Welsh Government. The Christian leaders argue that the regulations are severely interfering with the rights to freedom of thought, conscience, religion and worship, which are protected under Article 9 of the Human Rights Act.
St. Pantaleon Church in Cologne Threatened and Vandalized for Planing a Screening of a Pro-life Film
October 23, 2020, GermanyThe wall of the St. Pantaleon church in Cologne was vandalized with pink graffiti by unknown pro-choice activists stating threats and symbols. It is assumed that this is linked to the churchs' announced screening of the feature film "Unplanned", a pro-life film. The vandalism happened during the night of October 23rd, which was the evening when "Youth for Life" wanted to screen the film in the parish hall. The threatening graffiti reads:" Abortion opponents we will get you all". The event was cancelled because of the current COVID-19 situation.
Anti-Abortion Slogans On the Facade of St. Matthew's Church in Warsaw
October 23, 2020, PolandUnknown vandals tagged the Church of St. Matthew the Apostle and Evangelist in Warsaw with anti-abortion slogans saying: "My body ≠ your religion" and "women's hell" on the facade. The incident occurred during the weekend of October 23rd, when the law for abortion in Poland was amended.
Three Churches Targeted for Looting and Vandalism During the Weekend
October 23, 2020, GermanyUnknown perpetrators entered a church in Engelskirchen on the 23rd of October and stole several offering sticks and three money containers. In a church in Lindlar, the vandals forcefully opened another four offering sticks, although they had been empty. In the church St. Laurentius in Lindlar-Hohkeppel, during the weekend unknown perpetrators destroyed several memorial and altar candles, leaving the smashed part in the ground. The police is investigating all three incidents.
Vandals Broke Into the Parish Church St. John the Baptist and Stole Consecrated Hosts
October 23, 2020, CroatiaOn October 23rd in Zadar, vandals broke into the parish of St. John the Baptist and stole consecrated hosts. This kind of vandalism and theft is considered a serious desecration, as the parish announced on its Facebook page. Besides the ideational damage church property itself was also high in numbers. The parish fears that the consecrated hosts are used for satanic rituals. Unfortunately, there have been more thefts of this kind during October in the Zadar area.
Repeated Vandalism Against the Wall of a Monastery and Church in Krakow
October 22, 2020, PolandAfter 4 years the wall of a church in Krakow and the the wall of the Pauline monastery also in Krakow were sprayed with paint on October 22nd. The big inscription can still be read from the opposite side of the river Vistula and it contains a vulgar insult to "J.W." The wall of the Pauline Monastery was vandalized white paint that is meant to upset pedestrians. Four years ago, after the first incident occurred, ivy was plated on the walls to prevent any other acts of vandalism.
Recently Restored Wall of Cemetery in Bielsko-Biala Vandalized
October 22, 2020, PolandAn unknown perpetrator vandalized the recently restored fragments of the cemetery wall of the Catholic parish of St. Nicholas, in Bielsko-Biała. On the night of October 22nd, an inscription reading "This sh*t can only be washed away by the flood" in black spray-paint, was left on the wall. The police is investigating.
Statue of the Virgin Mary Decapitated in Germany
October 22, 2020, GermanyOn the 22nd of October, a police officer discovered that the statue of the Virgin Mary, of the Jesuits Church in Straubing, was decapitated. The head of the statue laid on the floor between the doors of the church and had a mask on. Inside the church, he found the remaining of the statue, which was toppled over. The police is investigating.
Wave of Attacks Against Churches in Poland by Feminist Group's After New Abortion Law Was Passed
October 22, 2020, PolandOn October 22nd, the polish Constitutional Tribunal decided that eugenic abortion is unconstitutional. This led to an outrage of the left-wing feminist organization "Women's Strike". among others, which started attacking churches across Poland and interrupting church services. The activists vandalized the facades of many religious buildings by tagging them with vulgar or insulting slogans. Among the attacked churches were the St. Magda Magdalena in Warsaw and the parish church St. Jakub in Warsaw, the St. Vincent de Paul church in Otwock and other Shrines and buildings. The police is investigating.
BCC Northern Ireland Launched Biased Program on "Gay Conversion Therapy"
October 22, 2020, United KingdomAs reported by Christian Concern on the 22nd of October, the BBC News Broadcast showed a biased TV Program on the issue of "Gay Conversion Therapy". On September 29th, BBC Northern Ireland featured only LGBT campaigners and gay-affirming psychologist and psychiatrists. The organization Core Issues Trust argued, that the program did not represent the real range of scientific opinions on the controversial topic. There were no interviews with people who had benefited from counseling interventions and left the LGBT lifestyle and also false reports were used without further investigations.
Students Seek to Oust Porter Over Views on Gender Ideology
October 22, 2020, United KingdomThe Union of Clare Students (UCS) of the Cambridge Clare University are trying to remove the city councilor Kevin Price, for refusing to vote on a motion that contained a statement affirming that trans-women are women, trans-men are men and non-binary individuals are also non-binary. Price resigned his role to vote as a matter of conscience on the 22nd of October. The UCS considers Price "Unfit" and demand not only a safe environment for trans-people, but also that they feel "celebrated".
Statue of Jesus on the Cross Set on Fire Outside St. Joseph Church
October 21, 2020, GermanyThe statue of Christ on the Cross already has been vandalized in the past with satanic symbols, during the time of October 21 and 23, it was set on fire. The 31-year-old arsonist of the statue at St. Joseph's Church in Velbert, was found guilty of other arson attacks in the city and was arrested by the police, where he admitted the crimes. In order to cause the massive damage, it looks like the man wrapped the legs of the statue in cloth and then set it on fire.
Man Arrested for Beheading Two Statues of the Virgin
October 21, 2020, FranceAt Pont d'Herault in Suméne and at Montaud, the statues of the Virgin Mary were beheaded by a man. The perpetrator, who destroyed the statue by throwing stones at them, was arrested by the police and has admitted the crimes on the 21st of October.
Man Imprisoned After Two Arson Attacks To Intimidate And Extort Religious Community
October 20, 2020, ItalyA man was arrested some days before the 20th October. At the end of August, the 47-year-old set fire to two showcases on the sides of the door of the Collegiate Sant'Ambrogio Church in Omegna. In September, he also attempted an arson attack on the entrance to a parish home, but luckily the flames did not spread. After investigations by the police and using CCTV cameras, the man was identified. The police also says that the man used the arson attacks to intimidate the religious community and demand money. The perpetrator was arrested and taken into custody.
20 Tombs Desecrated in Escalatens
October 20, 2020, FranceOn the 20th of October, the police was informed about the desecration of 20 Tombs in the cemetery of Escalatens. The families of the desecrated tombs were notified. The candles, symbols and flowers were scattered and the tombstones were turned over.
Desecration of St Clement Cemetery In Orange With Arabic Inscriptions and Vulgar Gestures
October 20, 2020, FranceOn October 20th the police, alarmed by a witness, arrested an individual, known to them, who was desecrating the Saint-Clement cemetery in Orange. Inscriptions in Arabic were found in various places in the chapel. Several grave stones were broken on the ground. A condom and a Koran were found on the altar and the crucifix.
Church of St. Michael the Archangel Was Heavily Desecrated and Looted
October 19, 2020, CroatiaDuring the night of October 19th, the parish Church of St. Michael the Archangel in Jelenje was devastated, desecrated and looted. The Pastor has cancelled all masses, because the damage must be repaired, before the church prepares for any further liturgical celebrations. On the photos of the incident it can be seen that the locks of the door, the tabernacle on the altar and safe box were broken open. The police is investigating.
Bill Threatening Freedom of Speech and Religion Passes First Reading in the UK
October 19, 2020, United KingdomA new Bill is being passed rapidly in the United Kingdom, which would require extensive discussion on its moral standards. The Covert Human Intelligence Bill was presented on September 2020, and has already passed the first reading in the House of Lords (19.10.2020). It's regulations for the authorization of criminal activity for public bodies, like the police, to "prevent disorder" presents a threat to freedoms of speech and religion. The line is already very thin between "hate crimes" and "hate incidents" and the new Bill could give space to a targeted surveillance and use of executive power against Christians.
New Crime Wave Against Churches and Religious Buildings in England with an Average of 13 Incidents per Day
October 18, 2020, United KingdomOn October 18th, the Daily Mail wrote an article about the new "crime wave" against churches and cemeteries in England. The crimes include robbery, vandalism, personal attacks and rape. According to the Metropolitan Police around 1,106 crimes happened in religious locations, including 250 cases of violence against individuals, 273 burglaries, 188 arsons and criminal damage and 371 thefts.
Man Tried To Tear A Cross Off The Roof Of A Church
October 18, 2020, United KingdomOn October 18th at night, a man was captured on video trying to rip off the Cross on the roof of the Chadwell Health Baptist Church in east London. The video footage then circulated on social media. He was also arrested by the police for suspicion of criminal damage. The cross was recovered, being now in police custody, it will be reinstalled soon. A witness told the Metro News, that the man looked angry and was muttering things about religion.
A Bust of Pius XI Torn Down on The Terrace of Pigazzano
October 18, 2020, ItalyOn October 18th, a Bust of Pius XI was found torn down to the ground and severely damaged on the Terrazza di Pigazzano. The terrace, located in front of the Santa Maria Assunta Church, is closed since 2015 due to restoration works. The terrace has repeatedly been vandalized in the past. The bust is placed at the stairs leading to the Santa Maria Assunta Church, which is also got damaged. A group of young people was identified by the police.
Man Attacks Crucifix and Brutally Beats Up Priest
October 18, 2020, ItalyOn the18th of October, a 46-year-old man with a criminal record vandalised the parish of San Giovanni Maria Vianney in Rome. He entered the church in the afternoon, while the parish priest was preparing for the celebrations. The man threw himself on the statue of Jesus crucified and started damaging it. As the priest tried to stop him, the perpetrator punched him in the face and pushed him to throw him to the ground, threatening him with death. With the help of a collaborator, he was taken outside, where he kicked the door of the church. As the police arrived he was also violent to the officers, the man was then arrested.
Vandalism of Painting with Knife in Cathedral of Freiburg
October 18, 2020, SwitzerlandA painting in the St. Nikolaus Cathedral in Freiburg was vandalized on October 18th. The painting with the title "Adoration of the Three Wise Kings" was cut through with a knife. The sacristan, Pierre Ferault, says it is the first time he witnesses such an act of vandalism. The damage is estimated to be between 5000 to 10000 Francs, as the painting is over 150 years old. The police was notified and started an investigation.
March for Life Interrupted by Counter-Demonstrators Insulting and Stereotyping Christians
October 17, 2020, AustriaOn October 17th, counter-demonstrators interrupted the March for Life in Vienna by blocking streets, which led to serval changes of the originally planned route. The counter-demonstrators also verbally and physically insulted the participants of the march with vulgar expressions and gestures. They also held up highly insulting banners like:"If Mary would have aborted, we would have been spared of you." Additionally, the counter-demonstrators held up flags against homophobia, stereotyping Christians as homophobic, despite the fact that the march was not about LGBTQ+ issues but the protection of the unborn life.