All cases
Arson Attack On Parish In Santiago de Cordoba
December 16, 2020, SpainOn December 16th, the main door of the parish at the Ronquillo Briceño street of the brotherhood Los Titulares de las Penas was set on fire. The entrance door, the facade and the pointed arch of the temple were caught by the flames - the fire department had to intervene and extinguish the flames. As a result charred remains were found in the choir of the parish and a dense cloud of black smoke was discovered inside the temple. The brotherhood has publicly condemned this act of vandalism against its canonical seat.
Christian CEO Bullied For His View On Same-Sex Marriage
December 16, 2020, United KingdomAn employment tribunal told on December 16th, that a CEO was exposed to bullying, hostility and harassment because of his christian view on same-sex marriage. Kenneth Ferguson files his former employer, the Robertson Trust for unlawful termination, discrimination and religious harassment. He claims that the Trust's chair, Shonaig Macpherson, became "incandescent with anger" after she found out that the Stirling Free church was hiring a Trust property. Mr Ferguson is an elder and treasurer of the Stirling Free church, which is opposing same-sex marriage and abortion.
BBC Equated Conversion Therapy And Group Prayer with Corrective Rape
December 16, 2020, United KingdomThe section of Family & Education on the BBC News website perpetuated misinformation about `conversion therapy‘ for same sex-attraction. The BBC News LGBT Correspondent, Ben Hunte, says, “While some violent practices which may be classed as conversion therapy, such as ‘corrective rape’, are already covered by existing criminal offences, many religious practices, such as ‘group prayer”, are not.”
Restoration Works on Church in Cordoba Completed After Arson Attack In December
December 16, 2020, SpainIn the early hours of December 16th, an arson attack took place on the main door of the St. James' Church in Córdoba, Spain. The fire damaged the door, facade and pointed arch of the Fernanden temple, forcing the fire fighters to intervene. The Fraternity of as Penas de Santiago publicly condemned this act of vandalism against its canonical seat, as well as the attacks that have recently been perpetrated against the Church and the Fraternities in Andalusia. Now the restoration work of the church's main door ist completed.
Man Arrested in Miechów for Disturbing Mass and Insulting the Priest
December 16, 2020, PolandDuring mass on May 16th, a man entered the the basilica of the Holy Sepulcher in Miechów, threatened to kill two priests with a knife, and demanded money. He had done a similar act three times before, but this time, the police caught and arrested him. He could face up to 12 years in prison.
Cambridge University's Proposed Free Speech Policy Allows the Disrespect of Views You Don't Agree With
December 15, 2020, United KingdomIn its plan to alter the existing statement on freedom of speech, the University of Cambridge said people must be "respectful" of "differing opinions" and "diverse identities". However, more than 100 scholars and senior staff quickly objected, saying the “authoritarian” proposals could threaten academic freedom. Their amendment to change the phrase ‘respectful` to ‘tolerate’ was voted on by members of the University’s governing body and won “by a landslide”.
Church in Bruckmühl Vandalised with Graffiti and Set on Fire
December 15, 2020, GermanyOn December 15th, unknown perpetrators vandalised the parish Heufeld in Bruckmühl. The Vandals set a fire and tagged the church with spray paint. The estimated property damage is several thousands Euros. The police is investigating and looking for witnesses.
Perpetrators Who Stole From Church, Have Now Been Sentenced
December 15, 2020, PolandFour main suspects in a case of robbery from the St. Joseph Church in Puławy have been sentenced to one year in prison. Although the perpetrators were only judged now the theft itself dates back to December 2020. They were found guilty of stealing goods of particular cultural significance. They additionally have to pay a fine of 1,500 PLN which is equivalent to 332,37 Euros.
Parish Church in Villinger Targeted by Vandals
December 15, 2020, GermanyDuring the month of December, the St. Brother Klaus church in Villinger was targeted by various acts of vandalism. This included heaps of excrement left there, cigarette butts found in the holy water basin, and empty alcohol bottles in the courtyard. The community of St. Brother Klaus has had to contend with it so far but they were forced to turn to the wider community to combat it.
Graffiti Spray Painted On Church In Mere
December 10, 2020, United KingdomOn the 10th of December at night, the door of St. Michael Church in Mere has been vandalized by a graffiti. White spray paint was used. The police are calling for witness and clues.
Desecration and Theft In Stephanus Church In Hamm
December 10, 2020, GermanyOn December 12th, the catholic St. Stephen's church in Hamm was target of a second burglary within a few days. Unknown perpetrators broke open a safe in the adjoining room and removed the tabernacle from its original place. Removing the tabernacle is a highly disrespectful act of desecration and hurt the feelings of pastor Christoph Gerdemann and those of many parishioners deeply. The perpetrators had targeted the safe on New Year's Eve, but were unable to open it. Pastor Gerdemann assumes they came back with better tools. The loot was only a small amount of money from the collection of the mass the day before.
Police Concerned Over Letters Sent to Seven Priests Saying "Allah Akbar"
December 9, 2020, FranceAn investigation was initiated after seven priest of Vaucluse received personal letters with the words "Allah Akbar". It was announced on December 9th by the gendermerie, which speaks of a case "taken very seriously". Handwritten letters were personally addressed and sent to the parish where the seven African priests live.
Shadow Minister Resigns After Stating That Registrars Should Have the Right of Conscientious Objection Regarding Gay Marriage
December 7, 2020, United KingdomOn December 7th, the UK shadow minister for faiths, Janet Daby, has resigned from her position. This was due to her statement, regarding the right of registrars to refuse same-sex marriages without being terminated. Janet Daby said that registrars who had a religious objection to same-sex marriage should not be forced to conduct them, as well as someone who has objections to abortions is not forced to carry them out. She sincerely apologized for her misjudged comments, and decided to resign as Shadow Faith Minister.
Nativity Scene in Spain Severely Vandalized
December 7, 2020, SpainOn December 7th, the nativity scene that is placed every year in the Eguzki square in Berriozar became the target of vandalism. Almost all figures were split in half and destroyed by unknown perpetrators. The figures are made out of wood and were freshly painted this year, which means that the budget for the new restoration is very small.
Update: Four Christian Preachers Sue Police After Brutal Arrest and Won the Appeal
December 7, 2020, United KingdomOn December 7th, four christian preachers, known as 'the Bristol Four', are accusing the Avon and Somerset Police for their brutal arrest (assault, false imprisonment and infringement of their Human Rights). Mike Overd, Don Karns, Mike Stockwell and AJ Clarke have made considerable claims against the police. The case raises important concerns about the right to freedom of speech, and the freedom of Christian preachers in the UK to express their religious beliefs and have the right to gather in public.
Vandals Devastated Church in Otwock and Filmed it
December 7, 2020, PolandOn December 7th, six Vandals aged 18 to 20 placed offensive, vulgar inscriptions on the facade of the church, the building of the town hall and the Józef Piłsudski monument in Otwock. The perpetrators recorded their actions on video and photos. They face up to five years in prison.
Suspected Arson At Historic Derbyshire Church
December 5, 2020, United KingdomOn December 12th the ancient church in a village in Derbyshire was on fire. The Fire and Rescue Service of Derbyshire stated that by the time they reached the church, the fire had already caused significant structural damage. A 16-year-old Teenager has been arrested on suspicion of arson. Police are investigating.
Priest Assaulted During Mass in Colmar
December 5, 2020, FranceOn December 5th, in the church of Saint-Paul in Colmar a priest was physically attacked by a man who sat next to the altar. The perpetrator, unknown to the parishioners refused to respond to the priest's request to leave the choir. He threatened and then beat the priest. The police arrived and the man was hospitalized involuntarily at the psychiatric center of Rouffach. The case is being investigated.
Church Vandalism in Migliarino
December 4, 2020, ItalyOn December 4th, unknown perpetrators vandalised the church San Vitale in Migliarino. The parish priest of Fiscaglia found overturned benches, broken windows and a destroyed statue as he entered the church. The police was informed and is investigating.
"Online Attack" on Church Service
December 3, 2020, GermanyThe Berlin church district Tempelhof-Schöneberg has become the target of right-wing extremist "online attacks". These kind of attacks via the Internet are known as zoom bombings. During the online broadcasting of the service on December 3rd, unconstitutional signs and threats were shown and anti-Semitic statements were made. The attackers additionally made an attempt to include their own films and material. All incidents were reported to the State Security Department, which is investigating.
New Bill In Scotland: Saying 'Men Can't Become Women' Could Be Considered A Hate Crime
December 1, 2020, United KingdomOn December 1st, Scotland's Justice Secretary has affirmed that regarding to SNP's hate crime bill, one could be prosecuted for stating that men cannot be woman. The Hate Crime and Public Order Bill (Scotland) was intended to criminalize expressions and attitudes perceived as "abusive" and aimed at "inciting hatred" against particular groups. However, in return it restricts freedom of speech and lacks it's sufficient protection.
Vandals Destroyed A Stained Glass Window In St Nicolas' Church
November 30, 2020, United KingdomOn November 11th, a stone was thrown through the millennium stained glass window of St Nicolas' Church in Shoreham, while a dozen people were working inside the building. No one was injured, but the rock also damaged a pew. Reverent James Grant, Rector at St Nicolas' Church stated that the event had been distressing for members of the church community. “One fails to understand what draw you can have to destroying something like that without a consideration to the pain that causes to other people.” The police is investigating.
Council of State in France Rejects the 30-Person Limit For Religious Celebrations
November 29, 2020, FranceOn November 29th, the Council of State in Francerejects the 30-person limit for religious celebrations. The government's restriction was found to be "disproportionate". In the next three days a new system must be implemented that is more in line with the right to freedom of religion and worship.
Graffiti in a Staircase in Vienna Calls Out To Murder Christians and Glorifies Islamist Terror Attack
November 28, 2020, AustriaOn November 28th, unknown perpetrators tagged a staircase of a Viennese municipal building with threats. The words "Death to Christians", "the house will soon belong to us and than the whole world" and glorifications of the Islamist terror attack in Vienna were smeared on the walls. Moreover, the graffitis said: May "Allah" have "mercy" on the 20-year-old assassin who murdered four people on November 2nd. The police was informed and a complaint was filed. The LVT (State Office for the Protection of the Constitution and Fight against Terrorism) has started investigations.
Church Defenders Attacked by Pro-Abortion Demonstrators
November 28, 2020, PolandOn the 28 of November 2020, during the demonstration of pro-abortion groups in Cracow, a direct attack was made on a group of members of the Self- Defense of the Faithful organization of Lesser Poland. They had decided to protect the local churches from pro-abortion demonstrators who may want to stick posters on the churches, which was attempted, or otherwise harm the churches. Around 14:00, those defending the churches were violently attacked with pepper spray and other objects.
Paint Attack On Pro Femina in Munich
November 26, 2020, GermanyOn November 26th the Pro Femina consulting center in Munich was the target of a paint attack. After the growing political pressure on Pro Femina in the last few weeks, the office building was smeared with pink paint. On the opposite side of the street, posters were hung up with the slogans: "Decriminalize abortion", "My body, my choice" or "Kill fetuses". The police have been informed and a criminal complaint has been filed.
Search Warrant for Publicly Displaying Prints of Bible Verses Found Unlawful by Court
November 25, 2020, GermanyYoung-Ai Park was publicly displaying prints of Bible verses on the walls of her restaurant in Berlin. She was accused of "hate speech" and subjected to a police search and a fine. On November 25th a court in Berlin has upheld the restaurants owner's right to freedom of religion and speech and found the search warrant issued by the district court unlawful.
'Burn the Clergy' Hashtag Tolerated By Twitter Spain
November 25, 2020, SpainOn November 24th, Pope Francis beatified 127 Catholics who were killed in hatred of the faith in Spain in the 20th century. At the same time the hashtag demanding Catholic priests to be burned alive became a trend on Twitter. Tweets with the hashtag #FuegoAlClero, which means "Burn the Clergy" were permitted by Twitter. Some of those tweets included pictures of priests with their heads in flames and others labeled priests as "pedophiles" and "thieves". Although Twitter's current user policy states that the promotion of violence on the basis of religious affiliation is not allowed, these pictures of priests in flames were not removed until the 25th of November.
Pastor in Germany Sentenced For Hate Speech
November 25, 2020, GermanyOn November 25th, the Bremen District Court sentenced the protestant Pastor Olaf Latzel for hate speech. He had made several strongly derogatory statements about homosexuality based on his understanding of the Bible, for which he repeatedly apologised. The pastor has been sentenced to a fine of 8.100 Euro. According to the court, he had incited hatred against homosexuals and intersexuals. Olaf Latzel announced he will not accept the sentence. His lawyer demands an acquittal.
Vandals Smeared a Cross Near the Church in Valseca
November 25, 2020, SpainOn November 11th, the diocese of Segovia reported an act of vandalism against its heritage. Unknown perpetrators smeared the pedestal of a cross next to the door of the parish in Valseca. This is the third act of vandalism against the ecclesiastical patrimony in the last few days.
Desecration of Consecrated Hosts in a Church in Palermo
November 25, 2020, ItalyOn November 25th, a desecration of consecrated hosts took place in a parish in St. Bagheria. The parish priest found the tabernacle broken open and consecrated hosts spread on the ground. The investigations of the Forces of Order are still in progress, in search of those who desecrated the Tabernacle and the hosts, above all to find out more about the motivation and possible bias behind this act. There is a fear that the consecrated hosts, the flesh of Christ for Catholics, is used for Satanic rituals during black masses. This already happened in the past in Sicily.
Defecation Into The Baptismal Font Of St. George's Church
November 24, 2020, GermanyAn unknown perpetrator defecated into the baptismal font of the St. George's church in Saerbeck on January 24th. In doing so, the perpetrator had himself photographed by two others who accompanied him, according to the church's surveillance video. After a complaint by the parish, the police is investigating for disturbance of religious peace. The parish is especially shocked, because of the targeted attack, which was not only a disregard of religious feelings.
False Accusations Against De Ligonnès' Prayer Group
November 23, 2020, FranceIn mid-November, two of the five sons of a 60-year-old man accused a traditionalist prayer group, called 'Eglise de Philadelphine', of abusing their father by exploiting his savings. The prayer group has been targeted by anti-cult groups because of unconfirmed rumors. However, a court in Metz dismissed the charge of abuse of weakness.
More Than 25% of Students in the UK 'Self-Censor' Their Opinions
November 21, 2020, United KingdomAccording to a new survey more than a quarter of students in the UK, 'self-censor' their opinions. They are afraid that their views will collide with the values promoted by the university. 40 percent do not express their opinion because they fear it could ruin their careers. Another sign of a free speech crisis is that 27 percent of students have stated they actively 'hidden' their opinions and further 40 percent restrained their views on ethical or religious affairs. The survey - conducted by Survation on behalf of ADF International, a faith-based legal advocacy organization - discovered that 36 percent, which is more than a third of students have legal opinions which would be considered as unacceptable by their student union. Free speech campaigners linked the dynamics on some campuses to 'Moist re-education campus', which are dominated by 'woke 'orthodoxy' and only the most liberal and Left-wing views are tolerated.
St. Jozafat's Church Exhibition in Poland Destroyed
November 21, 2020, PolandOn November 21st, unknown perpetrators destroyed the "Wyszyński and Wojtyla grammar of life" exhibition displayed on the fence of the St. Jozafat's church in Rejowiec. The exhibition showed photographs and quotations regarding certain values and concepts which form "the grammar of life", the basis of individuals and entire communities. The incident was reported to the police who is investigating.
Church Vandalism Caused Thousands Of Pounds Worth Of Damage
November 21, 2020, United KingdomBetween September 1st and September 20th the primary incident happened at the St Giles' Church in Alderton. Followed by an incident on October 28th at Holy Cross in Sherston. The St Mary's Church in Luckington was twice victim of an assault. First between October 29th and November 6th, and secondly between November 18th and 21st. The leaded windows have been severely damaged and caused a financial damage of several thousand Pounds. .
Attack with Fireworks on Markus Church in Breda
November 19, 2020, NetherlandsOn November 19th an extension of the Protestant Markus Church in Breda was damaged by fireworks. The blast had the force of a hand grenade. It destroyed the facade, blew off doors and broke a number of windows. During the explosion people were inside the church but fortunately in a room on the other side of the building, and no one was injured. Due to the destruction of the outer walls of the extension, a potential risk of collapse was caused. The police is investigating.
Stolen Metal Statute of the virgin and the Child Jesus Solen and Untraceable
November 18, 2020, FranceAlthough the metal statute of the virgin and the child Jesus have been stolen in November during the wave of serial thefts, they remained untraceable. They were installed on a stone base in Craz, a village in the commune of Injoux-Genissiat.
Sacred Objects Stolen from Church in Kuckum
November 17, 2020, GermanyOn November 17th unknown perpetrators broke into the church in Kuckum. It was the second time the church was broken into and various liturgical objects were stolen. A local community offered 1000 Euros as a reward for the replacement of the objects, including the stolen monstrance.
Paint Attack on Pope Monument in Poland
November 17, 2020, PolandUnknown perpetrators vandalized a monument of John Paul II. The figure of the Polish Pope was smeared with red lightning paint, on September 11th. The sign has recently become a symbol of the women's strike, a social rebellion group against the tightening of the abortion ban.
Vandals Destroyed Figures of Fatima Children
November 16, 2020, PolandUnknown perpetrators devastated three figures of praying Fatima Children on November 16th in Mogilno. The vandals used paving stones to smash the figure. One head and two arms were broken off the statues. The caused damage is estimated to be 1.000 PLN. According to the press officer of the District Police Headquater, the police is investigating in this case for offending religious feelings, which is punishable by up to two years imprisonment.
Vandals Smeared Facade of St. Jan Kanty Church in Warsaw
November 15, 2020, PolandOn November 15th the St. Jan Kanty church in Warsaw was smeared with accusations and the lightning symbol. The symbol is known as the sing of the women's strike. The parish was target by activists connected to the women's strike group before. After attempts of breaking into the church during holy mass, the parishioners took action themselves and hired a security guard.
Vandalism Outside San Ambroggio Church
November 15, 2020, ItalyOn November 15th, a bench and a granite fountain were damaged right in front of church Sant'Ambrogio in Buddusò. This act of vandalism, right in front of the church, led to an outrage across the entire town.
Repeated Acts of Vandalism and Theft in Church of Villamarina
November 15, 2020, ItalyPriest Don Mirco Bianchi of the Church in Villamarina wrote on his Facebook page on November 14th, that his church had been destroyed and several things were stolen. He did not post photos or report to the police. It looks like the priest has had several problems with vandalism and threats in the past, due to his moral teachings and posts on Facebook. Some people consider the posts of the Father as a provocation.
Large Christmas Wreath Stolen at St. Catherine's Church
November 14, 2020, United KingdomOn November 14th, a hand-made Christmas Wreath at St. Catherine's Church Bearwood was stolen. The Wreath was placed at the grave of a couple, in commemoration of the upcoming Christmas time. It is a very heavy and large object, so it must have been stolen by more than one person. The police was notified by the relatives, who were heartbroken.
Vandals Tagged Parrish Building with Insulting Graffiti in Ruoti
November 13, 2020, ItalyOn November 13th unknown perpetrators vandalized the church of Ruoti. The walls of the local section of the Democratic Party and the Parrish Building were marked with Swastikas, Celtic crosses and offensive writings. In particular, near the rectory, the phrases "Infamous Priest", "No to pedophilia" and a cross was smeared on two doors and a wall.The incident was reported to the police, who is investigating.
St. Christ the King Church in Gothenburg Devastated by Vandals
November 13, 2020, SwedenThe Church of St. Christ the King in Gothenburg was vandalized and devastated on November 13th. The unknown perpetrators destroyed the altar and threw the candlesticks, vestments and tablecloth on the ground. The pastor, Tobias Unnerstal, believes that the act was intentionally symbolic, trying to show an "eternal Good Friday". They also scattered the songbooks and used the fire extinguisher for the candles inside the chapel. In the same church, the crucifix was already stolen a week before. The police has been informed and they started an investigation.
Arson Inside Church in Wolfach
November 13, 2020, GermanyOn the 13th of November, unknown perpetrators started a fire on the altar of the Catholic Church in Wolfach. Investigations show that they might have used matches and a candle from the church. The incident was discovered by a couple who went to visit the church and extinguished the fire and informed the police. The caused damage is estimated to be around 600 Euros.
Vandals Desecrated Chapel with Spray Paint
November 12, 2020, ItalyIn Castrovillari, unknown vandals vandalized the chapel of the Madonna dell'Idria during the days before the 12th of November. The vandals smeared the altar with spray paint and the paintings above the altar, they also tagged the walls and some statues. The community was shocked at the sight of the images that circulated on the internet.
Vandals Smeared the Wall of Parish Cemetery
November 12, 2020, PolandAn unknown vandal smeared the outside wall of the parish cemetery in Legionowo with an insult to the PiS party and the symbol of the "Women's Strike" organization,the incident occurred on November 12th. It is unknown if the case was reported to the police.