All cases

Vandalism on Church Bell Tower in Bordighera

June 12, 2020, Italy

On June 12th the bell tower of the small church of Sant'Ampelio in Bordighera, was attacked by vandals who, using red graffiti, wrote the letters D and R. Mayor Vittorio Ingenito was infuriated and stated that this shameful act of vandalism saddened the whole community, as it struck one of the places they all hold most dear and he will "leave no stone unturned" to catch the perpetrators and hold them accountable.

Graves Vandalized in Eure

June 11, 2020, France

Maintenance workers in a small municipal cemetery in the town of Lieurey discovered that dozen ancient graves had been vandalized. Several of the gravestones had been smashed, and on others, just the crosses were destroyed. According to the police in charge of the investigation, the incident dates back to the end of May or the beginning of June.

Theft and Desecration of the Eucharist in Molfetta

June 11, 2020, Italy

The parish priest of San Gennaro in Molfetta, Don Sergio Vitulano, reported that on the morning of June 12th he had noticed the number of consecrated hosts was significantly reduced compared to those placed in the ciborium during the Mass of the previous day. He also reported finding a consecrated host on the ground. The security camera footage revealed that a recognizable woman, observed in the area in the previous days, had entered the church and had taken numerous consecrated Hosts from the tabernacle by hurriedly putting them in her pocket and leaving the church.

Draft Law on Homophobia and Transphobia Could Criminalize Biblical Teaching

June 10, 2020, Italy

The Italian Bishops are speaking against a new legislation proposed against "homotransphobia" by Zan-Scalfarotto, as it could criminalize the Church's teaching on homosexuality and censor the preaching against other sexual pathologies. The Bishops argue that there are already laws that protect every human being from discrimination and violence. The law could lead to "criminalization of opinion".

Theft at the Cathedral St. Sebastian in Magdeburg

June 8, 2020, Germany

Around 3:00 a.m. on June 8, 2020, Sister Adelgitt heard banging on the sidewalk in front of St. Sebastian's Cathedral in downtown Magdeburg. Early the next morning it was clear what she had heard. Unknown thieves had stolen two bronze wings from the 'Angel Gate' which stands in front of the 'Gate of Paradise' at the west entrance of the cathedral. Since this is not the first time that parts of the gate were stolen, the remaining sections of the gate have now been secured by welding them together. A few days later, police received a tip from a witness who had found sawn-up bronze pieces near a garden property in the Fermersleber Elbweg between the two Salbker See lakes. They were later identified as the stolen parts. Narcotics were found on an adjacent property.

St. Johannes in Troisdorf Girls Discover Church Fire - Now The Police Investigates

June 8, 2020, Germany

Although there is no yet concrete evidence of arson, the police are investigating the fire in the church of St. Johannes. Two girls noticed smoke billowing out of the church and alerted the fire department. Apparently, too many candles had been lit on the metal stand in the vestibule.

Report Shows Increase in Violence Against Christian Believers in Spain

June 8, 2020, Spain

The Observatory of Religious Freedom (OLRC) based in Spain, reported a decrease in the attacks towards fundamental rights and an increase in violence against Catholic believers and places of worship (mostly Christian), on June 8th. According to Maria Garcia, President of the OLRC, 80% of the attacks have been directed against Christians. The report also shows political parties like "Podemos", the left party and the PSOE party as clear opposers of religious freedom involved in acts against Christians. The most affected cities are Madrid, Andalucia and Cataluña.

Window Church in Burscheid Smashed For the Second Time

June 6, 2020, Germany

On 6th June, the windows of St. Laurentius Church in Burscheid were smashed again. They were already repaired one week after the first attack. There were four fist-sized holes found on the window, the metal frames were bent, and the stones were found inside the church by the opposite wall. The church remained closed, due to another act of vandalism in New Year's Eve, when a drunk man tried to set fire to the nativity scene.

Church Vandalized with Graffiti in Morlaix

June 5, 2020, France

The group Protège ton Église (Protect your Church) reported vandalism of the exterior walls of the église Saint-Martin in Morlaix during the week of June 5th.

Catholic Church Chapel Vandalized in Dijon

June 5, 2020, France

On the night of the 4th to 5th of June, a Catholic Chapel was vandalized with graffiti by unknown vandals in Dijon. One of the inscriptions says "Death to the Pigs". The same Chapel had already been victim of graffiti and anarchist symbols in February 2019.

Statue of Christ Decapitated and Vandalized

June 5, 2020, Spain

In the early morning hours of June 4, unknown individuals assaulted the monument dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus in La Roda de Andalucía and broke the face and hands of the image to pieces.

Catholic Seminary Defaced During "Black Lives Matter Vienna" Rally

June 5, 2020, Austria

A "Black Lives Matter Vienna" protest on June 5th led to anti-church demonstrations and vandalism at a seminary near the US embassy in Vienna-Alsergrund, according to the seminary director. The outer wall was extensively smeared with graffiti and defaced, and he reported the resulting financial damage to the police.

Saint-Joseph Parish Church Vandalized

June 4, 2020, France

At the end of the first week of June, broken glass was discovered in a corridor of the parish church of Schœneck caused by the throwing of a large stone of about one kilo against a church window. The projectile had been thrown from outside the church and loosened the metal frame of the masonry. In front of the entrance to the crypt, the impact of a projectile against a window pane caused a crack that spanned its entire length. Another window was broken in the sacristy. Additionally, the large metal entrance gate at the side of the grotto of the Virgin was damaged, and two crossbars were twisted and torn off.

Fire Set in Bockhorst Church

June 4, 2020, Germany

Unknown perpetrators set fire to an altar cloth and an organ book in the Maria von der immerwährenden Hilfe (Our Lady of Perpetual Help) church in Bockhorst at around 5:00 p.m. on May 29th. The fire was extinguished promptly by the person who discovered the fire. Property damage of several thousand euros was incurred.

Large Altar Bible Stolen from Church

June 4, 2020, Germany

Unknown people stole a large altar bible with a golden cover from the Protestant church on Rüdesheimer Langstraße in Rüdesheim sometime between June 3rd and 4th.

Vandalism and Theft at the Church of Heuilley-Cotton

June 3, 2020, France

Between June 3rd and 4th, one or more people broke into the Saint-Loup church of Heuilley-Cotton to steal the "begging angel" (l'ange quêteur) donation box. It was found outside the church completely broken and emptied of its contents.

Statue of the Virgin Mary Destroyed in Cameri

June 3, 2020, Italy

On the night of the 3rd to 4th of June, the Statue of the Virgin Mary of the Library of Cameri was destroyed by unknown vandals. The Statue rested on the courtyard of the library, in a niche. The perpetrator took it out and threw it out into the street, breaking it into pieces.

Hildburghäuser Church Set on Fire

May 31, 2020, Germany

A child set fire to 47 sites in the cycle path and pilgrim of St. Wigbert church in Häselrieth. Twenty-five emergency personnel of the fire brigade quickly extinguished the fire.

Politician Insulted With References to Christianity

May 30, 2020, Poland

During the night of the 30th May, posters appeared at bus stops in Warsaw insulting the minister of Health, Łukasz Szumowski, his family, and work. On the posters the minister is portrayed wearing the traditional costume of the Order of Knights of Malta and it says, "The Gospel according to Lukasz Szum". On the posters, there were also charges and slogans against the Minister of Law and Justice about false Covid-19 Statistics and regulations.

Devastation and Theft of Crosses in Cemetery in Poland

May 29, 2020, Poland

On the 29th of May, the community cemetery of Wieliczka was devastated by a 28-year-old man. He was found on the next morning driving his bike drunk. The police noticed that his bag contained several metal crosses. The crosses were stolen from the cemetery, where he torn off the objects from the gravestones. He was charged with 8 years of prison.

Church Falsely Accused of Spreading COVID-19 Virus

May 28, 2020, Germany

After many COVID-19 cases have been detected among the worshipers of the Bremerhavan Pentecostal church, the crisis management team warned of discrimination against believers. However, it was made clear that the infections have been through family and social contacts. The church defended itself and stated having a coherent hygienic procedure. The mayor complained, that the accusation was a discrimination act against believers.

Statue of the Virgin Mary Decapitated and Thrown to the Ground

May 28, 2020, Italy

On the 28th May, an unknown vandal or vandals decapitated the Statue of the Madonna in the town of Rosta, Turin. The statue was found thrown on the ground and beheaded. The Mayor himself condemned this act of vandalism.

Four Graves, Including that of a Priest, Vandalized in Village Cemetery

May 27, 2020, France

Four graves in the village cemetery of Saint-Pierre-de-Rivière were damaged during the night between May 26th and 27th by unknown vandals. Among those graves was that of Emile Genès, who had returned his native village after a long priestly life in the Paris region.

St. Martin Church Vandalized

May 26, 2020, Germany

Rioters vandalized and damaged the church and broken into the parish hall several times. The parish of St.Martin in Obsentrautstadt has invested around 20,000 euros in safety technology such as alarm systems and fire alarm to protect the church and prevent further damage.

Christians Against the New Biotechnology Law

May 26, 2020, Norway

On the 26th of May, a new Biotechnology law was passed to allow an early ultrasound on the foetus, which can show the physical or mental disadvantages of the baby. Also, the donation of eggs has been made legal and the artificial insemination of single women is now allowed at the expense of the state. The Christian Democratic Party was against this law because the early knowledge about the disability of a foetus could lead to discrimination of the child by being aborted. In Norway, abortion is legal up to the week 12 of pregnancy.

Vandalism of Church Sanctuary for Second Time

May 25, 2020, Italy

In Cassino, probably during the night of the 23rd May, the sanctuary of Our Lady of the Ascension in San Michele was vandalized for the second time. One of the stone benches had been uprooted and broken in several parts. The community wants to install a video surveillance system.

LGBT Activist Organization Accused Christian Pro-Life Moment of Hate Speech

May 25, 2020, Italy

The Pro-Life organisation has been accused of Hate Speech for collecting signatures against the new Homo and Transphobic law. The fear is that Christian institutions, organisations, or Christians themselves, particularly those who are against abortion or homosexual marriage, could be sanctioned up to four years of imprisonment. This could, therefore, lead to restriction of freedom of expression and speech.

Saint-Arthémy Church Vandalized in Coteaux-du-Blanzacais

May 24, 2020, France

The Saint-Arthémy de Blanzac church in the town of Coteaux-du-Blanzacais was the target of acts of vandalism over the weekend of May 23rd and 24th. 

Repeated Vandalism of The Figure of Jesus

May 24, 2020, Spain

The figure of Jesus in Andujar was vandalized several times. This already happened in 2013, 2017, and in 2019, where it was completely destroyed. In May 2020, it was finally restored by two artists.

Alsace: Two Vandalized Churches in Munster

May 23, 2020, France

The Catholic and Protestant churches, an ambulance company, the railway station, two banks and a sports complex were vandalized on the night of 22nd to 23rd May in Munster in le Haut-Rhin. Tags such as "Anarchie vaincera" (Anarchy will win) and the number "666" spray-painted in color were found. These damaging acts shocked and dismayed the inhabitants of the peaceful little town nestled in the heart of the Hautes-Vosges mountains. The gendarmerie launched an appeal for witnesses to find the perpetrators.

Church Lights and Room Vandalized

May 22, 2020, United Kingdom

On 22nd May, lightning technicians had to visit the Trinity Church in Yarm Road, Stockton, because the lights were not working. Vandals had smashed the church lights, raided it, and put fire to the room, where the tools were stored.

Gironde: 55 Vandalized Graves in a Cemetery in Gujan-Mestras

May 21, 2020, France

Fifty-five graves in the church cemetery of Gujan-Mestras were damaged by vandals during the evening of May 21st. Crosses and crucifixes were broken, as well as plaques and flower pots. Police opened an investigation.

Calvary Destroyed in Assé-le-Béranger

May 20, 2020, France

A witness reported to the Observatoire de la Christianophobie on May 20 that the calvary erected in front of the Assé-le-Béranger town hall of Assé-le-Béranger had been broken by a sledgehammer. Some inhabitants of the small village of 450 people interviewed by the witness expressed shock over this act of vandalism which is estimated to have occurred in the previous two weeks.

Vandalism at St. Peter and Paul Church

May 20, 2020, Germany

On 20th May in the evening, an unknown perpetrator devastated the St. Peter and Paul Church in Mühlburg, Karlsruhe. The unknown perpetrator spilled wax over the Figure of Mary, the wall, and the floor of the church. He also torn flowers from the wall and spread them all over the floor. It also looked like he tried to set fire to a wooden rack. The estimated damage is around a thousand euro. Witnesses are asked to report clues to the police.

Installation of CCTV After Repeated Vandalism At Church

May 20, 2020, United Kingdom

After repeated vandalism at St. Mary Magdalene Church in New Milton, the Church will install CCTV Cameras along with the reparation of their windows. In the past, a thanksgiving memorial service was interrupted by teenagers banging on the windows and a stone was thrown through a car's rear window when the teenagers were confronted.

Desecration and Theft in Saint-Jean-des-Cordeliers Church

May 19, 2020, France

On May 19th, desecration and theft were committed in the church of Saint-Jean-des-Cordeliers in Bergerac, Dordogne. The tabernacle and the ciborium were forced and the consecrated hosts inside were stolen. Other valuable objects were left there, so it indicates that this was an act of vandalism. The parish priest filled a complaint.

Robbery With Violence In the Church Notre-Dame des Pins

May 16, 2020, France

A forty-year-old man violently broke into the church of Notre-Dame des Pins in Cannes to steal donations. He also beat up a volunteer.

Saint Boniface Statue Vandalized with Anti-Christian Graffiti

May 16, 2020, United Kingdom

Residents of Crediton (Devon) have expressed their disgust after the statue of St. Boniface was targeted by vandals. The graffiti, scrawled across the base of the statue, reads: "God is dead. Pagan justice."

Repeated Arson at Church An Maria Waldrast in Krefeld

May 16, 2020, Germany

On May 16th, unknown perpetrators set fire to the memorial altar in the church An Maria Waldrast in Krefeld. Previous arson attempts had been reported to the police in February and March 2020. The police are investigating and suspects an intentional arson. A volunteer at the church discovered the fire and was able to extinguish it with another witness. There was no damage and no one was injured.

Church on Lesbos Island is Trashed And Used as Toilet

May 15, 2020, Greece

On the 15th of May, a Facebook User and local from Moria posted images of Saint Catherine Church on Lesbos, which is being used as a bathroom. He reported that the smell inside was terrible, and that the metropolitan of Mytilene is aware of the situation but did not act or deal with it. Volunteers have offered to restore the Church.

Vandalisation and Damage to The Church at Montpezat-de-Quercy

May 15, 2020, France

On the night of Friday 15th to Saturday 16th, several persons entered the small Church of Pilou in Montpezat-de-Quercy. A bar of one of the windows of the sacristy was also loosened so that someone could get in. The candles and other pieces of plastic were burned. The perpetrators also used the cassocks and priestly clothing and put them on the crosses. The police were informed.

Theft in the Cathedral of Wiener Neustadt

May 15, 2020, Austria

On the first day that the nationwide COVID-19 lockdown was lifted, unknown perpetrators gained access to the Cathedral of Wiener Neustadt on May 15th. They stole a statue known as the "Prager Jesulein," a Jesus statue with a golden crown from 1750, from the Trinity Altar. They then went on to the Mariazeller Altar on the opposite side and stole two crowns from a statue of Mary and Jesus. Both statues were placed inside of glass showcases. The theft did not cause much monetary loss, as the crowns were cheap replicas, but rather a cultural loss. This was not the first theft the church had to endure.

Hate Crime Against St. Mary Catholic Church Church

May 15, 2020, United Kingdom

On the night of Friday 15th to Saturday, St. Mary Catholic Church in Ahoghill was attacked with paint thrown in front of the church and across the door. The police is treating the incident as a hate crime.

Graffiti on Gazzadina Church and the School of Vigo Meano

May 15, 2020, Italy

On the night between 15th and 16th May, unknown perpetrators smeared a series of writings in the buildings of Vigo Meano and Gazzadina. The Parish Church of Gazzadina and the School of Vigo Meano were targeted. The wall facing west, and the wall of the sacristy were smeared with spray paint. The police started an investigation using the security cameras.

Smashed Display Window and Graffiti on St. Martini Church

May 15, 2020, Germany

On the weekend of 15th and 16th May, unknown perpetrators smeared the showcase of St. Martini parish. They used black paint and left anarchist symbols on it. The police are looking for witnesses to this case and two other vandalism cases occurred on the same weekend. The Martini parish was led by the pastor Olaf Latzel, who was prosecuted in October 2019 for his comments on homosexuality and marriage. The Church had been vandalized several times before.

Thisnes Church Vandalized

May 13, 2020, Belgium

On the 13th May, the church of Thisnes in Hannut has been victim of several acts of vandalism. Consequently, the church will be equipped with video surveillance systems.

Two Brutal Thefts within 48 Hours in Two Churches in Freising

May 12, 2020, Germany

Twice within 48 hours in mid-May, unknown perpetrators committed burglaries in Freising churches. They gained access to the buildings in an extremely brutal manner and caused great damage - but the value of the loot is low, in one case nothing was stolen. In order to gain access to various rooms, the perpetrator(s) also destroyed several window panes, among other things. According to initial estimates, the resulting property damage amounts to around 5,000 euros, disproportionally outweighing the cost of the stolen objects.

Covid-19 Regulations Did Not Allow Church Services Compared to Other Services

May 11, 2020, France

The Christian Democratic Party has filed an appeal with the Council of State to obtain permission to hold services before the end of May. Jean Frédéric Poisson requested the infringement of the fundamental freedom of worship. Small businesses, such as hairdressing salons, were given permission to operate, while religious services were not. He also asked for the re-establishment of worship services in the low-risk departments.

Destruction of the Summit Crucifix of Pic Saint-Loup near Montpellier

May 10, 2020, France

Between the evening of May 9th and and the morning of May 10th, unidentified vandals cut down the emblematic summit crucifix of Pic Saint-Loup at its base. The iron cross overlooking Montpellier, which weighs 900 kg and is nearly ten meters high, was reportedly detached with a blowtorch or drills and left hanging over the 658 meters from the top of the peak. Inscriptions in red paint reading "Larcins des sorcières hérétiques" (crimes of heretical witches", "Le Pic Laïque" (the secular peak), and "Witch Power" (in English) were left on the pedestal. Police are investigating.

Theft Of a Relic at Saint-Antoine in Gers

May 10, 2020, France

Since Sunday 10th May, the Gendarmes has been investigating the theft of the Relic of Anthony the Great from the church of Saint-Anthony in Gers. The Relic is from the 15th century and is a silver-plated copper reliquary that represents the arm of Saint Anthony, which also contains the ossicles of a finger of the Saint.

The Brotherhoods of Cordoba Denounced Unfair Treatment by The Police in a Mass

May 10, 2020, Spain

After a Mass was held on Sunday 10th May in the Brotherhood of the Virgen de la Cabeza. The police reported five parishioners who assisted the Mass. The Association of Brotherhoods of Córdoba have expressed their support to the Brotherhood and the organizer of the mass. The Brotherhood denounced an unfair treatment, given that the Mass was legally allowed and the requisites were met.

Parish Priest Fined for Celebrating Mass with Thirty People inside Church

May 10, 2020, Spain

On May 10th, municipal police fined the rector of Lloret for saying Mass with about thirty people inside the church. The priest, Martirià Brugada, however, defended his actions and, in fact, finished the Mass with the parishioners outside the church and the windows open.

Theft in the Coptic Orthodox Church St. Athanasius and St. Moritz in Münster-Sarmsheim

May 10, 2020, Germany

Unknown perpetrators broke into the Coptic Orthodox Church of St. Athanasius and St. Moriz. According to police reports on May 14th, the incident occurred on May 10th at about 1:30 pm. The police located marks on the front and back doors, where the perpetrators had tried to enter the church. Finally they smashed a roof window and climbed into the church. They ransacked all the rooms, damaged various objects and stole two incense burners.

Man Destroyed Windows of Church And Damaged Wall

May 10, 2020, Poland

On the 10th of May at night , the 38-year-old destroyed the windows of stained-glass and damaged the church wall in Sanok. He also destroyed two cars parked between the church and the rectory. He was captured by the witnesses and was held until the police arrived. The man was taken into custody.

Vandalism in Schelklingen

May 10, 2020, Germany

Two 16- and one 18-year-old allegedly went on the rampage in Schelklingen over the weekend. They are accused of causing several damages, including 1000 euro damage. Police are looking for witnesses.

Vandalism of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church and Priest Insulted During Mass

May 9, 2020, Poland

On May 9th and May 15th, a man profaned the church of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Dabrowa Tarnowska and insulted the priest. He intentionally interrupted the services as well as went to the rectory and insulted one of the priests. The clergy felt earlier unprotected by the police and thought of putting private vigilance. This time the police reacted effectively and following investigation, they arrested the 42 year-old perpetrator. The court will keep him in custody for three months.

The Sainte-Jeanne-d'Arc de Menton Chapel Vandalized

May 8, 2020, France

On Friday 8th May, Dorian Aussel discovered an obscene drawing painted on the freshly painted wall by the front door of the Chapel Sainte-Jeanne-d'Arc in Menton. The perpetrators are unknown, but still Dorian Aussel, who is in charge of the Chapel, filed a complaint.

The Roof of a Chapel in Urville-Nacqueville Damaged

May 7, 2020, France

On 7th May, it was noted that the lower part of the stone roof of the Chapel Nacqueville-Haut has been damaged. The chapel was on ongoing reparations. It has also been discovered that the door was forced and someone attempted to break in. Around one square meter of the roof was removed. Three months ago in the same town, the cemetery had been also damaged.

Several Desecrated Churches on The Island of Lesbos

May 7, 2020, Greece

Several cases of extreme desecration and vandalization of Greek orthodox Churches have been reported in the last months between March and September 2020, mostly in Moria and the vicinity. These churches include the Church of the Virgin Mary of Tsiradou, The Church of Saint Raphael, The Church of Saint Catherine and the Church of Saint George. The Government of Hungary has given 30 000 Euros to restore the churches on the island of Lesbos.

Cornerstone Adoption and Fostering Service Seeks Judicial Review after Ofsted Downgrade

May 7, 2020, United Kingdom

The High Court in Leeds held a judicial review of the watchdog Ofsted’s actions against Cornerstone Adoption and Fostering Service in North East England on the 6th and 7th of May. The Christian fostering agency took the government regulator to court for downgrading Cornerstone’s fostering service from “Good” to “Requires Improvement.” 

Police Arrested Man after Church Window Smashed With Bias

May 7, 2020, United Kingdom

On 7th May in Glasgow, a 53-year-old man smashed the window of a church. The police captured and arrested the man for vandalism attack labelled as "motivated by prejudice".

Desecration and Suspected Theft in Saint-Antoine Chapel in Bourg-en-Bresse

May 6, 2020, France

In the night of May 6 to 7 during the confinement, unknown perpetrators broke into the Saint-Antoine chapel in Bourg-en-Bresse. The parish priest found consecrated hosts scattered across the floor on the following morning. It was suspected that at least one chalice had been stolen as well.

Desecrated Tombs in the Eastern Cemetery, Crosses Torn Off And Thrown To The Ground

May 6, 2020, France

On 6. May, the eastern cemetery was found desecrated. Twenty-one wooden crosses were torn down and thrown to the ground. The cemetery was closed due to the Pandemic, which gave the opportunity for the perpetrators to vandalize it. The mayor condemned the desecration and announced that Nice would file a complaint to the police.

Abortion Images Banned After Pro-Life Campaign in Town Square

May 6, 2020, United Kingdom

On 6th May, a judge ruled that the display of abortion images was a visual equivalent of "shouting into a person's face", and was, therefore, right to ban it. The pro-life organizer Mr. Hacking was given a community protection notice forbidding him the display of large photos of a fetus. The reasons were that people felt distressed and emotionally, mentally or even physically harmed through the images of the aborted fetus. Mr. Hacking said, that the real victim isn't the viewer who is negatively impacted by the visualization, but rather the unborn child.

Salzburg Catholic Organization Targeted with "Pro Choice" Vandalism

May 5, 2020, Austria

The cars belonging to the Catholic initiative, HOME Mission Base Salzburg, were sprayed with "Pro Choice" and the windows were smashed by unknown vandals.

Wooden Cross in Church Courtyard Set on Fire

May 5, 2020, Germany

Unknown persons set fire to a three-meter-high wooden cross in the inner courtyard of the parish hall of the Catholic parish Edith Stein in Ludwigshafen during the night from May 4th to 5th. The main pillar was scorched by the fire. The police estimate the damage at 200 euros.

Three Meter Cross is Set on Fire in a Parish House in Ludwigshafen

May 5, 2020, Germany

Between Monday 4th May and Tuesday 5th May, unknown individuals set fire to a wooden cross in the courtyard of the parish house of the Catholic parish of Edith-Stein in Ludwigshafen. The cross was three meters high, which was completely burnt and caused damage of around 200 Euro. The police started the investigations.

Mayor Decided to Close the Church and Forbids Entry

May 5, 2020, France

On Sunday 5th April,in the church of Saint-Martin in Menetou Ratel an anti-Catholic incident occurred. A family who wished to enter the church for meditation and prayer was forbidden the entry, as the mayor decided to close the church until further notice .

Graffiti About Burning the Church on The Parish of Santa María Magdalena

May 5, 2020, Spain

On 5ht May, the façade of the church of St. Mary Magdalene was painted with some graffitis: ''The only Church that illuminates is the one that burns" and an anarchist symbol.'' The priest Fr. Lozano found this painting on the wall next morning and posted a video to share his reflection on what happened and the readings that we can extract from them.

Cemetery Devastated Several Times in Martinique

May 5, 2020, France

The days before 5th May, the Riviere-Salée cemetery was repeatedly devastated by unknown vandals. Several vaults were damaged, the locks were forced, the doors were displaced, and the flowers were overturned. There were also bottles and garbage on the ground. The fence surrounding the cemetery was gaping. Therefore, there is a high probability that the perpetrators came during the night. The police are investigating.

The Olárizu Cross Painted with Graffiti in Vitoria

May 3, 2020, Spain

On the 3rd of May, the Cross of Olarizu was sighted with Graffitis of the symbol of the left political party, the words "feminism", "socialism" and "independence". The Cross had also been severely damaged in 2018, the perpetrators said it belonged to the past.

Theft of All Equipment for Online Church Service in Wermelskirchen

May 3, 2020, Germany

Unknown perpetrators stole all of the technical equipment of the Protestant Free Church in Dabringhausen on May 4th, which was vital in times of COVID-19 in order to be able to provide Sunday service online to the church community. The police presumed that the perpetrator must have had a car to transport all of the equipment and probably let him- or herself lock in, in the church on the evening before because no indication for a break-in was found. It is difficult for the church to quickly organize and finance new equipment, so that the online-service is not stopped for too long and also the re-opening of the church for small groups is halted due to police investigations at the church venue.

Arson with Gasoline at Village Church Caused Serious Damage

May 3, 2020, France

In the village Marais-la-Chapelle, during the night of 2nd to 3rd May, an arson attack took place in the entrance of the Church. The firefighters were called by a resident. There were traces of fuel detected in the findings. The oak door was destroyed and the flower pots melted, the interior of the church was blackened by the smoke, and the electrical structure was damaged.

Statue of Our Lady of Lourdes Destroyed

May 3, 2020, France

On the 3rd of May, in Munster, some vandals destroyed the statue of Our Lady of Lourdes. A cross has already been vandalised in this town in 2018.

Evangelicals Harassed and workers Discriminated Against

May 3, 2020, Spain

The Federation of Evangelical Entities of Spain (FEREDE) has denounced a ‘fierce media harassment’ on faithful as well as pastors in the churches in Torrejón de Ardoz. It has also denounced all forms of discrimination that the workers have been facing for their confession. The data provided by Health on the coronavirus had also denied that the COVID-19 cases are linked to evangelical churches in Torrejón.

Burglary at the Secours Catholique in Vallée-du-Tir

May 2, 2020, France

In New Caledonia, the Headquarters of the Charity of catholic organization Secours Catholique, was raided during the weekend of 2. and 3. May. The thieves broke down the doors, smashed the walls and ceiling. They stole computers, food and clothing. The attack destroyed 10 years of the association's work. The organization's headquarters were also ransacked for the first time in September 2019.

Chapel of Calvary Burned Down in Hautmont

May 2, 2020, France

The Chapel of Calvary was burned down during the night of 1st and 2nd May by unknown perpetrators. The same chapel was already vandalized in August 2016.

Smashed Windows of the Church in Frankenau

May 2, 2020, Germany

In Frankenau, unknown perpetrators smashed the windows of the Church. The windows were discovered on 2nd May by the women who worked in the herb garden. This was the first case of vandalism in this church. The police is looking for the perpetrators and asking for clues. They suspect that the damage was made by a slingshot and a thick stone.

Crimes Against Churches in Austria

May 2, 2020, Austria

The recent attack in December to Church St. Andrä in Graz brought questions about the hostility towards churches in Austria. The Minister of the Interior, Karl Nehammer, affirmed that between 2015 to 2019, 4657 crimes have been committed against religious buildings in Austria. In Styria alone, there have been 608 cases of attacks against churches.

Vandalism and Theft of Sacred Historical Objects

May 1, 2020, Italy

Between end of April and the beginning of May, unknown perpetrators entered the small Church of San Francesco d'Assisi in Martirano. They ripped off two sacred objects from the walls and escaped. The sacred objects were of green stone and carved by an unknown sculptor. They weigh around 30 to 40 kilograms each, and dated back to the period between the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The carabinieri started investigating the crime. The perpetrators may have placed the stolen objects on the black market. To date, in the area of Martirano, this is the first theft against a sacred building.

Statue of the Virgin Mary Decapitated

April 30, 2020, France

On the 30. April in Bonnieux, a statue of the Virgin Mary was destroyed. Its head was taken off and placed on a metal bar on the fence of the sanctuary.

Priest Threatened With a Knife by an Afghan Man Staying at The Monastery

April 28, 2020, France

In Strasbourg, on 28. April, a 19-year-old homeless man, who had been welcomed in a monastery during the lockdown, threatened a priest with a knife. The home of the man had been closed due to the pandemic, and he was allowed to stay at the monastery of the Monastic Fraternities of Jerusalem. When the priest asked him to be more hygienic, the alcoholized man threatened the priest with a knife. The witnesses called the police, and he was arrested and taken into custody

Vandalism and Graffiti on Church and Chapel

April 28, 2020, Germany

On 28th April, the area around the Chapel of our Lady and the Church of the Holy Spirit were devastated by vandals in Landstuhl. The wooden fence was trampled down and the flowers were torn out. The inscription "187" was left there. The outer wall of the church was smeared. The police investigations are ongoing, but so far, there are no references to the incidents.

The Parliament of Andalucía Wants to Prohibit the communion in The Masses

April 27, 2020, Spain

In the end of April, the Parliament of Andalusia presented a proposal to the Government of Spain to resume the Holy Masses during the Pandemic. However, the proposal calls for the prevention of giving of communion and the Holy Water stoups. On the other side, the Catholic Church has already been developing strategies to resume the Holy Masses and distribute communion safely, which is the true meaning of the Mass.

Suspected Arson in Parrish Church of Wadgassen

April 27, 2020, Germany

A suspected arson has been prevented when a churchgoer immediately alerted the fire department. Pastor Peter Leick assumes that the fire was arson.

Closure of Churches During COVID Lockdown but not Museums and Shops

April 27, 2020, Italy

the Government imposed a Stop for Holy Masses, but allows shops and museums to prevail. Bishops and believers all around Italy showed disagreement and expressed their hurt feelings.

Afghan Asylum Seeker Arrested after Threatening to "Slit Christians' Throats"

April 26, 2020, Belgium

A Muslim migrant from Afghanistan was arrested on April 26th after he made serious threats against the employees of the asylum center in Helchteren. The 24-year-old man also said he wanted to 'slit Christians' throats' and would blow himself up to kill as many Christians as possible. The police had responded to the center earlier in the week when the man refused to wash his hands in compliance with the coronavirus regulations, claiming that there was alcohol in the soap and therefore he would not use it during Ramadan. That incident escalated when the man began coughing and spitting at people around him.

Arson at Historical All Saints Church

April 25, 2020, United Kingdom

On Saturday 25th April, unknown perpetrators set fire to the historic Leicester city center All Saints Church, which was hosting a virtual Van Gogh exhibition. The motives remain unclear whether this was an act of vandalism or an attempt to steal a painting of the artist. The fire alarm raised in the morning. A large wooden door at a side entrance was badly damaged.

Theft and Vandalism Leading to Closure of Church During the Week

April 25, 2020, Germany

Due to recent theft and vandalism, the Church of the Redeemer congregation in Mannheim's Seckenheim district will remain closed on weekdays.

Break-In, Theft of Nativity Scene, and Vandalism in Church

April 24, 2020, United Kingdom

On the night of Friday 24th April, thieves broke into St. Andrew's Church in Congresbury and stole two characters from its Christmas nativity display, Jesus and Mary and damaged wooden crosses. In addition, they snatched one of the three Kings, an ox, and the manager of baby Jesus. They also stole donations and several smaller figures from another nativity set. The thieves were captured on a neighbour's camera, and the incident was reported to the police.

Village Church Vandalized in Northern France

April 23, 2020, France

The village church of Saint-Remy in Marly-Gomont was found vandalized on April 23rd despite a coronavirus lockdown confining people to their homes.

Decapitation of Marian Statue in Sumène

April 23, 2020, France

Unknown perpetrators decapitated a Marian Statue in Sumène on June 23rd. The attack was allegedly made with a stone that was found next to the statue along with the cut off head. The mayor of the city, Ghislain Pallier, already filled a complaint.

Three Armed Policemen Burst Into a Parisian church to Stop a Mass

April 22, 2020, France

Bishop Aupetit strongly denounced the incident, recalling that the law prohibits "police officers from entering a church with weapons".

Several Acts of Thefts and Vandalism of Churches across Austria

April 20, 2020, Austria

Several acts of thefts and vandalism of churches have occurred across Austria

Armed Policemen Burst Into a Parisian Church And Stop a Mass

April 19, 2020, France

On Sunday 19th April, three armed policemen burst into the church and ordered the priest to stop the mass.The parish priest of Saint-Andre-de-l'Europe was celebrating a Holy Mass with an Online broadcast for his parishioners in confinement. Inside the Church there were seven people, all involved in the celebration. The parish priests recall that the police is not allowed to enter a church with weapons, according to the law. The police can only intervene in a sanctuary at the request of the parish priest or in case of an emergency. One of the parishioners was also a policeman, who talked to the officers. It seems that a neighbour had alerted the police.

The Police Ordered the Closure of the Church and the end to Perpetual Adoration

April 19, 2020, Spain

On the 19th April, the police ordered the closure of the Church and the end of worship in the parish of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Sabadell. There were only one or two people present during each adoration, which did not go against the Covid-19 regulations. The bishops started doing arrangements for a reopening of the church.

Desecration of a Church in Mümling-Grümbach

April 18, 2020, Germany

On 18th April, "Echo Online" reported that the protestant church in Mümling-Grumbach closed its doors after the discovery of a desecration and vandalism.

The Government Prohibits the Procession of the Santa Faz to Bless the City.

April 17, 2020, Spain

The Subdelegation of the Government prohibited on the 17th April the Procession of the Santa Faz relic to bless the city, which would have taken place on the 23rd April. The reason was that the act was not covered by the regulations on the state of alarm for the Covid-19 pandemic. The mayor and priests proposed alternatives for celebrating the procession without danger of contagion. However, the Council has not approved it. In other historical pandemics, the celebration had taken place.

Vandalism on Parish House And Urination on the Church of Omegna

April 17, 2020, Italy

On the 17th April, an 22-year-old vandal smeared the walls of the parish house in Omegna. On April 18th, the parishioners found urine in the confessional of the parish church, where a man was seen entering by witnesses. The police started investigating both cases, and identified the man through the surveillance cameras. He was responsible for both acts.

Arson In St. James Church in Southhampton

April 16, 2020, United Kingdom

Arson attack took place in the St. James’ Church in Southhampton. The fire is believed to have started in a toilet area inside the church between 9pm and 8am between the 15th and the 16th of April. After smoke was seen out of a window at around 10.37 o’clock, the firefighters came and put the fire down. The foyer was also full of smoke.