All cases
Man disrupts homily at Pentecost mass in Nantes
May 20, 2018, FranceA man approached the ambo and took the microphone a few minutes into the homily during Pentecost mass and spoke in a foreign language. A few witnesses have reported that the intruder said "Allahu Akbar", the vicar, however, denies it.
Cemetery Vandalized in Indre-et-Loire
May 19, 2018, FranceBetween thirty and forty graves in the cemetery of La Riche were vandalized early in the evening of May 19th. Damage included smashed crucifixes. The mayor of La Riche called the act "pure vandalism," as no tags or other signs were left by the perpetrators. Families visiting the cemetery on the Pentecost weekend were distressed upon learning of the damage to their loved ones' graves. The city announced its intention to file a complaint, and urged affected families to do the same.
Statue of Our Lady of Lourdes Vandalised
May 18, 2018, FranceStatue of Our Lady of Lourdes situated in the Grotto in Sainte-Gemmes-d'Andigné was broken in half during the night of May 18th to 19th. An investigation was launched immediately and two 17-year-olds confessed to the act of throwing rocks at the statue until it was broken in two. On June 6th they will be heard in the court. Damages amounted to 1000 euros.
Arson at the Madonna dell'Aiuto Church
May 17, 2018, ItalyDuring the night of May 17th, unknown persons entered and set fire to the church of Madonna dell'Aiuto in Trecastagni.
Fire in a Lyon Chapel
May 16, 2018, FranceA fire broke out in la Chapelle Saint-Croix in the 6th arrondissement of Lyon in the afternoon of May 16th. It appeared that a fire set in the chapel's confessional started the blaze and three fire trucks were deployed to extinguish the fire.
Desecration and Theft in the Church of San Giacomo di Monselice
May 14, 2018, ItalyOn May 14th, witnesses discovered that the tabernacle had been desecrated and two ciboriums containing consecrated Hosts had been stolen from the church of San Giacomo de Monselice. This was the 3rd robbery in the Padua diocese in five months.
Saint André Church in Grenoble Looted
May 13, 2018, FranceFour boxes use to collect donations for the poor and for upkeep of the church were discovered looted in the Saint André church in Grenoble on May 13th. According to the parish priest, the perpetrators emptied the donation boxes and forced the drawers. Losses are estimated at around 600 euros.
Bulgarian Catholics and Protestants Unite to Oppose Proposed Religious Law: Updated
May 13, 2018, BulgariaCatholic and Protestant communities in Bulgaria have unified their efforts to prevent the adoption of two legislative proposals put before the parliamentary assembly in May 2018. The first, sponsored by the conservative GERB, the Bulgarian Socialist Party, and the ethnic Turkish Movement for Rights and Freedoms, would permit state subsidies only for major religious denominations. The second, tabled by the United Patriots, would require greater oversight of religious activities and financing.
Church Vandalized in Lombardy
May 11, 2018, ItalyResidents in Solbiate Olona discovered that young people had been repeatedly entering the Chiesa del Sacro Cuore and covering the floor with wax melted from votive candles. The church is loved by members of the community who take responsibility for keeping it clean.
Priest Assaulted during Mass
May 11, 2018, FranceOn May 11th, a man entered l’église de la Source à Saint Denis on the French island of Réunion during the celebration of the Mass, walked straight to the altar, and slapped Father Pascal Mussard. Many parishioners rushed to intervene. Police arrived soon after and handcuffed the man. After it was discovered that the perpetrator was "imbalanced" and had fled from a hospital hours earlier, the priest declined to file a complaint.
Google Halts Advertising on Irish Abortion Referendum
May 9, 2018, IrelandOn May 9th, Google announced that it would "pause" all advertising related to the upcoming Irish abortion referendum. The ban applies to all sites associated with the Google brand, including YouTube, and follows Facebook’s decision to ban any ads from advertisers outside of Ireland relating to the referendum. Opponents of the referendum, Pro-Life Campaign, Save the 8th, and the Iona Institute issued a joint statement condemning the tech giant’s decision as “shutting down a free and fair debate” and that it was "scandalous, and is an attempt to rig the referendum.”
Jihad Graffiti on Church in Sweden
May 7, 2018, Sweden"Jihad" was painted on the outside wall of the church Sankt Olov in Skellefteå by unknown vandals. A representative of Skellefteå's pastorate commented on News Today that "it is obviously regrettable that we can not have our properties in peace." The Swedish national television SVT initially published a photograph of the affected church. Later they chose to eliminate it, indicating that the image was "too sensitive" to show.
Stained Glass Window Broken in Cölbe Church
May 5, 2018, GermanySometime between April 29th and May 5th, unknown vandals threw stones at the Catholic church on Gartenstraße in Cölbe, breaking one of the large stained glass windows adorning the building. Damage was estimated to exceed 1,000 euros.
Robbery in the Sacré Chœur of Toulouse
May 5, 2018, FranceOn the night between May 5th and 6th, one or more individuals visited the Sacré Chœur Church in Toulouse. Various religious objects were stolen by the thieves, including the chalice and the parterre. An investigation was opened to the local police office.
Six Recent Cases of Vandalism in Bamberg Churches: Witnesses Sought
May 4, 2018, GermanyPolice are investigating at least six separate acts of vandalism in five churches in Bamberg in a short period. The property damage is estimated at more than 20,000 euros. On May 2nd, unknown people knocked the figure of Saint Joseph from its pedestal in the Convent of Heiliggrab, seriously damaging it. The next day at the convent, a large wooden crucifix was thrown to the ground. Also on May 3rd, two large figures of saints were overturned in St. Ottokirche.
Obscene Graffiti on Swiss Church
May 4, 2018, SwitzerlandUnknown people painted a series of graffiti from the Wetzikerstrasse street to the Protestant church of Bäretswil. Some obscene drawings were sprayed with black silver paint at the church, along with the number 187 - the code of the US police for homicide cases - and also the words "F#ck you" and the acronym "Acab" (All Cops Are Bastards). The police of the canton of Zurich wrote in a statement that the damage to property caused by the vandals was estimated at around 10,000 francs.
Notre-Dame-du-Bout-du-Pont Closed by Municipal Decision Following Degradations Caused by Fire
May 4, 2018, FranceFor fifteen days the church Notre-Dame-du-Bout-du-Pont in Villeneuve-sur-Lot was closed. The decision was due to an incident that happened in the begining of the month. A neighbour saw smoke coming from the church by chance and alerted the police. Security forces arrived immediately on the spot and managed to extinguish the fire themselves with the fire extingusher. They found a candle under the table that serves to deposit prayer books which might have caused the flame. Unfortunately, it burned everything around. "This is obviously not her place and she did not arrive there alone", commented Father Bouchet .The church was recently renewed with many wooden furniture installed which are easily inflamed and suffer deepen damages.
Aggression and Threats againt Members of Association with Christian Values
May 3, 2018, SpainPedro Mejías, delegate of HazteOír in Cádiz, an association of Christian values for the defense of the rights of the family and of life, was the victim of a violent attack on May 3rd at a bar in Cádiz before a public event.
Church Windows Destroyed in Gronau
April 29, 2018, GermanyOn April 29th, between 12 noon and 7 p.m., an unknown person intentionally destroyed four windows of the Evangelical Church on Bernhardstraße in Gronau.
Man Arrested for Threatening to Blow Up Cathedral
April 28, 2018, FranceA 38-year old man was arrested after he burst into the Cathédrale Saint-Vincent de Chalon-sur-Saône during the Mass on April 28th, and threatened to blow everything up with a grenade and gestured toward his satchel. He also grabbed a Mass book and shouted "it is the Koran that should be read!" Parishioners promptly called the police and Ahmed X was soon placed in custody. Highly intoxicated, he remained in jail for two days before appearing in court to face charges. Due to 27 previous convictions, including violent offenses, the court ruled that he would be held in jail until his trial at the end of May. He is considered a recidivist under French law and could face enhanced penalties if convicted in this case.
Vandal Broke Statue of Saint Anthony of Padua in Bellariva
April 28, 2018, ItalyOn the morning of April 28th the Franciscan friars in charge of the church of the Cuore Immacolato di Maria in Bellariva discovered that someone had broken the fingers of the statue of Saint Anthony of Padua while friars prayed in a chapel.
Destruction of Statue of the Virgin Mary in Loudun
April 27, 2018, FranceAt the church of Saint-Pierre in Loudun (Vienne) one or more individuals overturned a statue of the Virgin Mary placed on a pedestal. Pieces of the head of the Virgin were broken and the vase placed beside it was smashed on the ground. Leaflets to write prayer intentions were scattered on the ground. The priest lodged a complaint with the gendarmerie.
Arson Attempt in Kirchheim
April 26, 2018, GermanyPolice investigated a fire and an arson attempt at the St. Martinus parish church in Kirchheim on April 26th.
Church in Guadeloupe Vandalized
April 25, 2018, FranceOne or more individuals allegedly broke into L'Eglise Immaculée Conception in Abymes, a village in Guadeloupe in the French Caribbean and vandalized the interior. The vandalism occurred during the night between April 24th and 25th.
Church Vandalized in Protest against Gas Pipeline
April 25, 2018, ItalyOn April 25th unknown people attacked the church of Santa Lucia in Lecce. They threw eggs at the church and painted the windows and walls with black paint. Graffiti on the outer walls of the church included "No peace for Tap's accomplices." (“Nessuna pace per i complici di Tap"). The acronym "Tap" refers to the Trans Adriatic Pipeline.
Repeated Vandalism at Recklinghausen Parish
April 25, 2018, GermanyThe parish of St. Peter in Recklinghausen has been the victim of repeated acts of vandalism, including people frequently urinating in the church, donation boxes being broken, mulled wine being poured into the holy water, and candles being used by drug addicts to heat their drugs. The church is open to the public every day until 6:00 pm.
Thieves Break Offertory Box in Menden Church
April 25, 2018, GermanyOn April 25th, between 9:00 a.m. and at 3:30 p.m., unknown people used to a lever to pry open the money box for candle offerings in St. Maria Magdalena (Bösperde) church. The box was damaged and the money it contained was stolen.
Fire outside Church in Salzkotten
April 24, 2018, GermanyAt about 9:00 pm on April 24th, a passerby discovered a burning wastepaper bin at the side entrance of the Marienkirche. Together with another witness, they managed to put out the fire before serious damage occurred. The container was destroyed and matches were found nearby. At the end of March, visitors to the church had discovered and extinguished a prayer book burning inside the church.
Political Anti-Abortion Graffiti Painted on Two Catholic Churches
April 23, 2018, United KingdomCarrickmore Chapel in County Tyrone and St. Patrick's Cathedral in County Armagh, both in Northern Ireland, were targeted by vandals. The graffiti specifically mentioned Sinn Fein and its advocacy for repeal of the 8th amendment, ahead of the referendum on the issue in the Republic of Ireland. Police investigated reports of criminal damage to both churches.
Red Paint Poured on Caresana Church Door
April 23, 2018, ItalyThe door of the small church of San Giorgio in Caresana was stained during the night of April 23rd with blood red paint by unknown people.
More Abortion Clinic "Buffer Zones" Considered by Councils
April 23, 2018, United KingdomAfter the Ealing local council voted to ban prayer vigils and protests outside an abortion clinic by issuing a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) earlier in April, at least eight councils in the United Kingdom considered implementing abortion clinic "buffer zones."
Repeated Vandalism of Church and Convent in Rimini
April 22, 2018, ItalyThe convent and church of Sorelle Povere di S. Chiara (Poor Clares) in the Piazzetta of San Bernardino in Rimini has been the victim of repeated vandalism. Most recently, on April 22nd, the glass door of the church was smashed for the fourth time in a few months.
Devastation in Saxony's Oldest Town Church
April 22, 2018, GermanyAn unidentified person climbed the facade of the Kilianskirche in Bad Lausick, smashed a 4-meter stained glass window, and entered the church sometime between 10:30 pm and 12:30 am during the night of April 21st to 22nd. Once inside, the vandal severely damaged the carved late Gothic altar and pulpit with a sword. A chandelier was shattered onto the ground and a candlestick was damaged. Disastrous damage was avoided after altar candles, deliberately left burning in the wooden tower, went out before causing a fire.
Reward Offered for Information: Fourth Vandalism Attack on Church in Five Months
April 22, 2018, GermanyAn unknown person smashed the stained glass windows of St.-Nikolaus-Kirche in Veen between April 19th and 22nd. This is the fourth vandalism attack in less than half a year.
Significant Damage Caused to Two Churches in Chemnitz; Organist Threatened
April 21, 2018, GermanyA 24-year-old Pakistani man was arrested on April 21st after a police investigation of significant damage in the Markuskirche in Chemnitz. The asylum seeker allegedly entered the night before and broke candlesticks, destroyed various bronze objects and several candles, and damaged the altar and the pulpit cover. A window was also destroyed and there was damage both in the sanctuary and the basement of the church. Damage was estimated to exceed 10,000 euros. Two days later, on April 23rd, he was again arrested after throwing stones at the windows of the Petrikirche church, causing about 3,000 euros in damage.
Crosses and Graves Damaged in Steinbach Cemetery
April 21, 2018, GermanyUnknown vandals caused damage estimated at several thousand euros over the Easter weekend in a cemetery in Fernwald-Steinbach. At least twelve graves were targeted, with wooden crosses and planted flowers damaged. In some other cases, the perpetrators tore out the gravestones and threw them in an adjacent meadow and on top of other graves. A police investigation was initiated.
Church Bell Tower Tagged with Obscene Graffiti
April 20, 2018, FranceLocals discovered obscene graffiti on the bell tower of church of Saint-Vorles in Châtillon-sur-Seine.
Thefts and Damage Resulted in Restricted Visiting Times in Stonehouse Church
April 19, 2018, United KingdomUnknown vandals entered the kitchen of St Cyr's church in Stonehouse, breaking and damaging a serving hatch and stealing a fire extinguisher. As a result of a series of petty thefts, church managers made the decision to close the building when it is not being used for religious services or other social gatherings.
Church Ransacked in Pfäfers
April 19, 2018, SwitzerlandOn April 19th, an "emotionally disturbed" man set fire to fabrics and damaged liturgical objects, statues, and the organ in a St. Gallen church, causing more than ten thousand francs of damage.
Graffiti Threat on Vorarlberg Wall
April 19, 2018, AustriaDuring the 18th or 19th of April, unknown perpetrators vandalized a stone retaining wall in Rankweil with pink paint. Over ten meters, they sprayed the words "Deth (sic) to all Christians!" as well as a pentagram symbol. The retaining wall on Thomas-Lehrer-Weges leads to the Basilica of Rankweil, the pilgrimage church of Our Lady of the Visitation.
Statue of Christ the Redeemer in Fribourg Vandalized
April 17, 2018, SwitzerlandA few hours after it was installed on Boulevard de Pérolles on April 17th, replica of Rio de Janeiro's famed Christ the Redeemer statue was vandalized by a 24-year-old Syrian asylum seeker.
Window Damaged at Northern Ireland Church; Investigated as Hate Crime
April 17, 2018, United KingdomShortly after 10 o'clock on the night of April 17th, the First Presbyterian Church in Newry, Northern Ireland suffered a vandalism attack in which one of its stained glass windows was damaged. The window had been repaired just weeks before this incident after vandals had damaged it earlier in the year.
Pentecostal Church in Rousse Threatened by Municipality Councilors and Media
April 17, 2018, BulgariaThe municipality of Rousse will expel the Third Evangelical Pentecostal Church claiming that it illegally occupies a municipal building. The announcement was made by councilors from the right wing party, International Macedonian Revolutionary Organization. After an inspection launched by the local authorities, it was decided that the place where worship services are held three times a week, would be closed.
Christ Figure on Crucifix Destroyed
April 15, 2018, GermanyDuring the weekend of April 14th-15th, unknown persons severely damaged the Christ figure on the Rottmann-Wegekreuz am Reckelsberg.
Vandals Destroy Crossroads Crucifix
April 15, 2018, GermanyFor the fourth time in the last four years, someone destroyed the crucifix at the Kuckhof crossroads in Allerheiligen. In the most recent incident, the cross was demolished from its base and there was no trace of the figure of Jesus.
Tabernacle in Loire Church Vandalized
April 13, 2018, FranceThe tabernacle in the church of Saint-Jean-Saint-Maurice-sur-Loire, 15 kilometers from Roanne, was vandalized on April 13th. The intruders perhaps expected they would find ciboria and chalices by breaking the marble door of the tabernacle, but long ago liturgical objects of high value were moved to a more secure place. A complaint was lodged with the gendarmerie of Villerest.
Fire Set Behind Altar; Excrement Left in Confessional
April 12, 2018, ItalyAn intentionally-set fire burned a curtain and part of a chair behind the altar of the church of San Giuseppe in the town of Torre del Lago Puccini on April 12th. Feces was later discovered in the confessional.
Theft in Torás Church
April 11, 2018, SpainA band of thieves entered the church of Santa Quiteria during the night of April 11th, opened the tabernacle and stole a golden chalice containing consecrated Hosts, the most precious item for its religious value. They also destroyed donation boxes and took all the money.
Saint-Rémi-des-Monts church Victim of Burglary
April 11, 2018, FranceThe Basilica of Mézières, Saint-Rémi-des-Monts was the victim of several attempts of burglaries on the night of April 11 to 12. The door locks of the sacristy and the reception (where the postcards are sold) were broken, while the trunk of the candles was forced with hammers.
UK Council Bans Pro-Life Vigils outside Abortion Clinic
April 10, 2018, United KingdomA London local council voted unanimously on April 10th to ban pro-life vigils outside a local abortion center that have been taking place without incident for 23 years. The Ealing council voted to use a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to stop pro-life advocates from praying outside the Ealing Marie Stopes abortion clinic and offering help to women as they enter or exit the building. Pro-lifers must now stay 100 meters away from the abortion center. It will be the first "buffer zone" in the United Kingdom.