All cases
Podcast With Christian Journalist Birgit Kelle Deleted from Spotify
September 28, 2020, GermanyThe sequence number 61 of the podcast "indubio" was deleted by Spotify, where the journalist Birgit Kelle was invited to speak about her book "Noch Normal? Das lässt sich gendern!" (Still Normal? That can be gendered!), which criticizes the gender movement. Spotify did not give any precise reason for the deletion, it simply said "content policy violations". Birgit Kelle has accused the streaming service of censorship functioning under the umbrella of the theme of "cancel culture". The Podcast "Indubio" has never used hate speech or any form of insulting behavior. The makers of the podcast have also filed a protest to Spotify for the unfair deletion, which was forwarded to the technical support.
Break-in at Church in Marburg
September 27, 2020, GermanyOn September 27. in the morning, an unknown person gained access to a church in Marburg by force. The burglar was apparently disturbed and fled without looting. The police in Marburg is taking clues from witnesses.
Church Doors and Locks Damaged in Zeil
September 27, 2020, GermanyUnknown perpetrators caused damage of approximately 1,000€ to a church in Zeil by damaging the sacristy door, the door leading to the church tower, another side door and three locks on the offertory boxes. The incident occurred some time between September 27th and September 28th.
Urination and Communist Paroles Scrawled on Church Wall in Vienna
September 25, 2020, AustriaThe St. Johann Evangelist Church, situated on Keplerplatz in the 10th district of Vienna, has been soiled by what appears to be urination, Austrian newspaper Heute reports on September 25. The unknown perpetrators left a communist message, including the hammer-and-sickle-symbol, on the church wall. The message reads "130 years of May 1st, long live the red flag of the communist party!"
School Worker Lost Discrimination Case for Her Dismissal After Posting Christian Views on LGBT on Facebook
September 25, 2020, United KingdomOn January 7th 2019, the Farmor's School in Fairford dismissed Mrs Kristie Higgs for committing gross misconduct. The school directive received a complaint about the teacher's posts on her private Facebook disagreeing with LGBT+ agenda (On the 26th October 2018). Mrs. Higgs appealed against the dismissal on January 14th 2019 for discrimination against her religious beliefs. The court concluded on September 25th, that her dismissal was not a discriminating act against her beliefs, but about "gross misconduct" understood by the school directive. During the whole process, Kristie Higgs received commentaries like "Keep your religion out of it" and was called a ‘Pro-Nazi right-wing extremist’. The court ruled against her, even though the government has restricted the Relationships and sex education (RSE) guidelines, to protect religious freedom and although the court acknowledged that Mrs. Higgs behavior was not homophobic or transphobic. Higgs is appealing the court decision.
Newly Proposed Bill to Establish a "Regional Observatory on Christianophobia" in Lazio/Italy
September 25, 2020, ItalyFollowing the increase in acts of violence and vandalism in churches of Rome and the province, regional councillor of Lazio, Laura Corrotti from the Lega party, presented a bill in September to establish a "Regional Observatory on Christianophobia". The aim is to research issues concerning discrimination against the Christian religion and protection of religious freedom, and to document acts of persecution, discrimination, violence and religious intolerance against Christians, which are often labelled as simple acts of vandalism.
Fire at the Jeremia Church Suspected Arson
September 24, 2020, GermanyOn the 24th of September, the roof of the Jeremiah Church on Burbacher Weg was set on fire. More than 250 forced from the fire department were on site. "Reaching the fire is made more difficult by the roof construction," the fire department announced. Therefore, it used so-called extinguishing nails. The police are investigating.
Sacred Silver Objects Stolen from St. Clemens Church in Grevenbroich
September 24, 2020, GermanyDuring the night of September 24 to 25, unknown perpetrators broke into the sacristy, forced open a tabernacle and stole the 100 year-old silver objects which had been used for baptisms for decades. The community published pictures, hoping that the meaningful objects would be found. This had been the third break-in since June.
Pro-life Activists Forbidden to Stand in Front of Abortion Clinic in Utrecht
September 24, 2020, NetherlandsPro-life activists of “Schreeuw om Leven”, who offer help to women in front of an abortion clinic in Utrecht, were required to stay in a buffer zone at a distance from the clinic. The Veiligheidsregio (Security Region) Utrecht referred public health and traffic safety as the reasons for the change in regulations, which was communicated on September 24th. As a consequence, the pro-life activists were severely restricted in offering support to visitors of the clinic.
Church Window Damaged With Stones
September 24, 2020, GermanyBetween 24th and 25th September, unknown perpetrators threw stones at the Protestant Church in Oberotterbach. The damage is approximately 1150 Euros. According to witness, a group of children of primary school were seen at the scene of the crime. The police are asking for clues.
Former Lesbian Experiences Discrimination After Leaving LGBT-Lifestyle and Becoming Christian
September 24, 2020, GermanyIn a news article of an interview with a former lesbian, published on 24. September, Teresa Frei (changed name) talks about how in the more than 20 years of lesbian life she endured a lot of discrimination, violence and intolerance. But she says: "no discrimination as a lesbian living woman was as bad as the one which overtook me after I had discarded this way of life. " She recalls being repeatedly criticized and called old-fashioned and arch-conservative. She wrote a book called "Frauen Lieben" (Loving Women) under the false name of Teresa Frei, because she knows under her real name she would be subjected to bullying, and attacks. Teresa believes that her testimony is harmful to the LGBT Lobby agenda, because it doesn't go along with their narrative, but she refuses to accept the prohibition of expression or to have imposed opinions. According to her, there are lobbyists who search the internet for critical information to then publish inflammatory articles to create hatred and silence other people. She talks openly about her biography and wounds that led her to chose a lesbian lifestyle. Teresa also states that being homosexual is not genetically predisposed, and she has firsthand insight on the topic.
Priest Stabbed in Madrid
September 24, 2020, SpainOn the morning of 24 September, Javier Contreras Beorlegui, a priest from the diocese of Getafe was stabbed as he prepared to open the church San Josemaría de Alcorcón. He was stabbed in the upper body and received two cuts on the arm. The incident was witnessed and the police were called. The attacker was then taken to the psychiatric area of Alcorón Hospital and the priest to the hospital.
Pope John Paul II's Blood Relic Stolen from Spoleto Cathedral
September 23, 2020, ItalyOn 23 September, the sacristan discovered the theft of Pope John Paul II's relic, a gold and crystal casing with drops of his blood, which was kept and venerated in the Chapel of the Crucifix of the Cathedral Basilica of Spoleto. The Carabinieri Company of Spoleto began investigations and have identified a perpetrator. Archbishop Renato Boccardo expressed his dismay and called for those responible to return the precious relic.
Priest Threatened with Death and Church Damaged
September 23, 2020, ItalyOn September 23rd, a man broke into the church San Claudio dei Sacramentini, in the Piazza San Silvestro and threatened the parish priest with death with a metal pole. Then, he broke church furnishing and glass, threw the lectern on the floor, and damaged part of the altar. He was arrested by police officers on the spot.
Deportation of Convert Refugee Threatened with Death Penalty in Afghanistan
September 22, 2020, GermanyNaser R. is a refugee who converted to Christianity and threatened with death penalty in Afghanistan because of his conversion. He has been living in Hof since 2016 and visited St. Michael Church. He got baptized in the Church and since then, he became a member of the community. The young man is to be deported to Afghanistan, where he would face the death penalty. The Dean Günter Saalfrank and the honorary refugee commissioner of the Deanery of Hof wants to take action.
Church of Sant’Agata al Collegio Devastated for a Second Time
September 22, 2020, ItalySant'Agata Church was devastated for the second time on September 22nd. The tomb containing the saint's relics was ravaged, the tabernacle was broken, and consecrated hosts were stolen. Representations of the Mother of God were also destroyed. Two men have already been arrested, according to Italian media reports. The Ministry of the Interior promised funds to implement a video surveillance system and improve security measures.
Saint George Church in Lesbos is Desecrated For The Second Time
September 21, 2020, GreeceOn the week the 21, September, the Church of Saint George, in the vicinity of the town Moria in Lesbos, was vandalized for a second time. The Images and furniture have been destroyed by migrants who stayed and camped at the church after the fire broke out in Moria's Refugee Camp. When the group left, there was garbage inside and outside the church, apart from the items being broken.
Arson, Desecration and Profanation of Church in Pérols
September 20, 2020, FranceOn September 20th, a man desecrated the Church of Saint Sixtus II in Pérols. He vandalized equipment, setting fire to song and prayer sheets, a table, part of a pew and a veil. He also tried to set some fabric on fire, but it was fireproof. Then the man grabbed a cross from the altar and threw it to the organ. The man also spit several times on the ground and the priest's deck and urinated and defecated between benches. He was traced, thanks to the cameras in the church, and was arrested by the police because of attempted robbery in Auchan. A police officer recognized the man through a photo published by the priest of the parish.
Theft of Money and Sacred Objects from Parish Office in Martinshöhe
September 20, 2020, GermanyIn the night of 20 to 21 September, unknown perpetrators forcefully open the windows of the Heiliger Bruder Konrad parish house in Martinshöhe and ransacked the parish office. They also tried to break into the church and the sacristy, but they were not successful. Sacred objects and a four-figure sum of money were stolen; the overall property damage reaches five figures.
Vandalism of Church Twice in a Week
September 20, 2020, GermanyIn the past two weeks, vandals have raged in the city church twice. Shoe marks were found on the altar cloth, and this showing that someone walked on it. The Candles and sacrificial lights were smudged and poured out and wax was distributed in the pews. The parish priest has put signs on the doors, asking the population to keep an eye on the town church. Last year in summer the church was also vandalized several times. The pastor warned that, if there is another case, they will file a complaint.
Vandalism of Catholic Church before Holy Mass in Remembrance of Aborted Children
September 19, 2020, GermanyOn the night of 18th to 19th September, the historical church St. Marien am Behnitz and the outer walls of the playground were found vandalized with slogans, like "Abortion is a Human Right. The perpetrators were eventually against Pro-Life movements. The police put charges, although they did not charge any damage to property, because it was pasted wallpaper.
Statue of St. Anthony Demolished
September 18, 2020, ItalyThe bronze Statue of St. Anthony in Milano was demolished on the night of 17th to 18th September. The statue was in front of the sanctuary of St. Anthony of Padua for 88 years. The statue is significantly heavy and, therefore, there must have been three perpetrators involved in the demolition. Churchgoers from the neighborhood suspected that the perpetrators are homeless men who gather at the square and are frequently heavily drunk, but there is no evidence that it was them. The police are investigating.
Increased Number of Thefts, Vandalism and Desecrations Leads to Closure of More Churches
September 18, 2020, FranceOn the occasion of the Heritage Days which took place from 19 to 20 September in Paris, RCF radio in France points out that the increase in theft, vandalism and desecration of churches in France prompts more and more priests to close their churches outside of services. For several months the churches have been attacked through theft of liturgical utensils, relics, desecration and even arson. In 2019, there were more than 1052 incidents registered, including 996 acts of vandalism or graffiti and 56 threats against persons.
Amsterdam Mayor Accused Hillsong Church of Intolerance against Homosexuals
September 18, 2020, NetherlandsAmsterdam mayor Femke Halsema linked the activities of the Hillsong Church with an increasing violence against gays during a council meeting in September and associated them with the promotion of gay healing and conversion therapy. To take action against the church's alleged intolerance, she announced her intention to approach the landlord of the Hillsong Church building. Both Hillsong Church and Christian parties in the council expressed their surprise and disappointment at the unfounded claims.
Mayor "Doesn't Have Time" To Meet the OLRC, Regarding Matters of Religious Freedom in Madrid
September 18, 2020, SpainThe Mayor of Madrid was asked for a meeting by the Observatory of Religious Freedom, based in Spain, to talk about the matter of Religious Freedom and the increase of vandalism against churches in Madrid. The first request was in June, and until September the Mayor did not answer nor did any other consultant confirm a meeting. This was reported by OLRC on September 18th.
Arson to Statue of John the Baptist from the Barock Period
September 17, 2020, GermanyOn 17th September, members of the church found the figure of John the Baptist of the baptismal font from the barock period damaged by a burning candle. The perpetrator placed it on purpose. The police estimates a damage cost of 2000 euros. Police is asking for witnesses.
The Statue of the Virgin Mary Completely Vandalized
September 17, 2020, BelgiumWith probably an iron bar, the statue of the Virgin, at the Place des Quatre-Grands in Jemeppe, has been demolished.
Increase in Vandalism Against Churches in Northern Ireland
September 16, 2020, United KingdomIn the last three years, there have been more than 400 attacks recorded against churches. In the last five years it sums up to 600 attacks in Northern Ireland. Most of the attacks happened in Belfast. Most of the incidents are attacks with paint bombs and graffitis, but also various forms of vandalism, arson attacks and general damage to church property are recorded.
Unknown Perpetrators Rioted and Set Fire Inside Church
September 16, 2020, GermanyBetween the 16th and 29th of September, unknown perpetrators vandalized the St. Jürgen Chapel in Wolgast. The police was called, after unknown persons were rioting and setting fires inside the church. They broke a window, damaged the window sills and set fire to several places inside the Church, fortunately the flames did not spread. The caused damage is around 7,600 Euros. The police is investigating.
Priest Stabbed to Death Near His Parish in Italy
September 15, 2020, ItalyOn the 15th September in Como, Roberto Malgesini, a 51-year-old priest was found dead from knife wounds in the vicinity of his parish. He was known for his devotion to the migrants, homeless people, and those who are in difficult situations. The priest was stabbed several times in a street near the Church of St. Rocco, including one to the neck. The attacker, a 53-year-old man from Tunisia, turned himself in to the police. The man suffered from a mental illness and was known by Malgesini. Malgesini had taken care of him in the parish. On the same morning, the priest was going to bring breakfast for the homeless.
Christian Restaurant Owner Accused of Incitement for Displaying Bible Verses about Homosexuality
September 15, 2020, GermanyThe prosecuting attorney's office in Berlin instituted preliminary proceedings against Park Young-Ai, a 71 year-old Christian who owns a Korean restaurant in the Berlin district Schöneberg. She was accused of incitement for displaying a bible verse critical of homosexuality in the window of her restaurant "Ixthys". She was subject to a house search and has been called to a hearing.
Theft from Catholic Church of St Anna
September 11, 2020, GermanySeptember 11th, between 12 and 19:30 hrs, a display case was broken open in the provost church of St. Anna in Schwerin. Unknown perpetrators stole the relic of Saint Ansgar. The perpetrators also broke open two alms boxes in the church. The total damage to property amounts to about 1,400 euros, but the value of the stolen relic has not been quantified. Police opened an investigation.
Inverted Yellow Cross Sprayed on the Door of La Antigua Church in Valladolid
September 10, 2020, SpainA large inverted yellow cross was painted onto the main entrance door of La Antigua Church in Valladolid on September 10th. This is not the first time that the church was vandalized. The perpetrator remains unknown.
War Memorial and Church Vandalised in Les Vigneaux
September 10, 2020, FranceOn September 10, inhabitants of Les Vigneaux discovered that all of the names on the war memorial had been crossed out with paint. Genitals had been painted on the monument as well as on either side of the church door. Mayor Gilles Pierre lodged a complaint.
Damage in the Cemetery and Church of the Madonna del Perpetuo Soccorso
September 9, 2020, ItalyA group of young people climbed over the chapel and broke into the cemetery. The damaged the roof and started throwing the shards of tiles on the street. The police traced and identified the underage perpetrators.
After Facebook Post Pastor Threatened by LGBT Activists with Arson and Physical Assault
September 8, 2020, United KingdomSince the 8th of August, Pastor Josh Williamson and his wife experienced several threats and verbal abuse by the LGBT community, because of posting his belief about homosexuality on Facebook. Among them are the threats to burn his church, to perform sexual acts and protests in front of his church and physical assault. His image was also used on pornographic content and shared online, among other misleading information about him. In his conversation with the Police, Williamson was told to be careful not to break the law by insulting the LGBT community and being charged for hate speech. The threats towards him and his church were not investigated, neither the acts of defamation.
Vandalism in St. Emmeram Church in Spalt
September 8, 2020, GermanyOn September 8, vandals played with fire on the offertory box, set fire to a large wooden cross and broke a candle on the high altar in St. Emmeram Church in Spalt. The damage amounts to several hundred Euros. The police station in Roth initiated an investigation and asked for information of witnesses.
Statue of the Virgin Mary Decapitated in Borgo Sabotino
September 7, 2020, ItalyDuring the night of September 7th unknown perpetrators decapitated the statue of the Virgin Mary, called "Madonnina" by locals, which is situated in Borgo Sabotino in the province of Latina. This was not the first time the statue was vandalized the parish SS Cuore di Gesù states, expressing its deep sorrow over this tragic incident.
Discrimination Against Christian Academics in State-Led Educational Agency
September 7, 2020, SpainThe Observatory of Freedom of Religion (OFRC) in Spain, presented a research project in October 2019, to the National Agency for Evaluation and Prospective Studies (ANEP) under the Ministry of Science and Innovation on a Climate Change topic. The actors involved were the University of Alcalá, the University of Catalonia and researchers of three different universities, from which two have a Christian background. In June 2020 they received a statement that the experience of the members of the research, related to climate change, is doubted and they are afraid of a biased study, given the religious weight of the institutions involved. The OLRC took the case to the Ministry, but it was rejected.
Church Walls Vandalized With Graffiti In Ixelles
September 6, 2020, BelgiumGraffiti was found on the walls of Sainte-Croix Church which is situated close to Flagey Square in Ixelles. Tags include the phrases "God is gay", "Je suis a transwoman" ("I am a trans woman"), as well as an inverted cross and the number "666".
Figure of Christ Damaged on Roadside Cross in Katowicach
September 6, 2020, PolandVandals damaged the figure of Christ on a roadside cross, which is situated at the intersection between Szczecińska, Ściegiennego and Krzyżowa road in Katowicach. The damage was reported by Sw. Józefa Robotnika Parish in Józefowcu.
30-Centimeter-Long Dagger Found Stuck on Church Door
September 6, 2020, GermanyThe Pastor Markus Hasenpusch from the St. John Church in Malchin found a 30-centimeter-long dagger stuck on the door of the church on September 6th. In the door leaf was a 30-centimeter-long dagger with a 17-centimeter large blade. The knife was stuck at a height of 1.60 meters and one centimeter deep in the wood of the church door. The police estimated the damage at 50 euros and is investigating it for " injurious damage to property". The police are investigating and are looking for witnesses.
Sainte-Croix Church Tagged and Vandalized
September 6, 2020, BelgiumThe facade of the Sainte-Croix Church, near Place Flagey in Ixelles, was tagged with "God is gay", "I am a transwoman" or the number "666" with an inverted cross.
Theft from the Catholic Parish Church Maria Himmelfahrt in Blieskastel-Aßweiler
September 5, 2020, GermanyOn the 3rd of September, several sacred objects were stolen from the Catholic parish church Maria Himmelfahrt in Blieskastel-Aßweiler by an unknown perpetrator. The church was unlocked. The objects were a microphone, Bible, altar bells and gong. Police is looking for clues.
Break-in at a Church Office in Nordenham
September 5, 2020, GermanyIn the night between 5th and 6th September, there was a burglary from a church office in Nordenham. Perpetrators forced their way into the building and stole cash.
"Christians are Always Ridiculed": SRF-"Deville" Caused Displeasure
September 4, 2020, SwitzerlandChristians are defamed and ridiculed in the satirical program "Deville". The reopening of churches was called irrelevant and unnecessary by David Koch. He also affirmed, that the Covid-19 pandemic had shown that there was no God. Neither the show nor the satirist found the episode harmful and have not apologized
Man Arrested For Burglary And Degradation Of A Church
September 3, 2020, FranceOn September 3rd in Villeurbanne, the police arrested a 30-year-old homeless man with 62 criminal records who was suspected of committing burglary and degradation of a Christian Church. He was identified through the surveillance cameras and was lately recognized by a witness. He also admitted committing the crimes because of anger towards the religious beliefs.
Man Arrested for Threats and Breaking into Church in Villeurbanne
September 3, 2020, FranceOn September 3, a homeless man, who had 62 previous convictions, was arrested for burglary in the church building of a protestant community called Transfiguration Église Chrétienne in Villeurbanne. A few days earlier the perpetrator had already appeared the church and threatened people because of their religion. The threats concerned the very church he then broke into. He will be charged with burglary.
Vandals Desecrated Church in Xanthi
September 2, 2020, GreeceThe Chapel of St. Alexander was desecrated by unknown vandals in Xanthi, Greece, in the first week of September. The vandals scratched the faces of the Saints and Icons. The exact time of vandalism is unknown.
Series of Thefts in Churches and Diocesan Office
September 2, 2020, FranceIt is not the first time that the Grignan church has witnessed a theft or degradations of the crib. Two years ago, the trunk, contained between 200 and 300 euro, has been stolen. The church in Châtellerault has been target of thefts for years. On March 4, a 53-old man was filmed breaking the lock on the trunk with a pair of wire cutters and stole the contents of the offerings of the faithful from the church of Saint-Marie d'Ozon. On 2nd September, two men robbed a diocesan office in Vieux Lyon. On 30 August, the church of Plounéour-Ménez in Finistère was a victim of an attempted theft. A statue of Saint Thomas was pulled by a robe from the car of three unknown perpetuators.