All cases

Arson in Gottsunda Church

February 25, 2020, Sweden

On the 25th February, the facade of the Gottsunda Church in Uppsala was set on fire. The fire is suspected to have been provoked. The police patrol discovered the fire, because the flames were several meters high and they called the rescue services. The church was made of wooden, so it took several damages to the facade and the inside. The fire looks like it was intended and the police is investigating a suspicious car which was captured by the cameras. No suspects have been arrested.

Collegiate Church Vandalized in Aveyron

February 25, 2020, France

On February 25th, an unknown person broke a door handle, attempted to force a display case, overturned statues, and broke the hands of the statue of Our Lady of Lourdes in the collegiate church of Notre-Dame de Villefranche-de-Rouergue in Aveyron.

Statue of the Virgin Mary Decapitated

February 24, 2020, France

In Limerzel, the statue of Notre-Dame de la Salette, dated from 1953, was found beheaded.

Degradation of St. John Bosco Church

February 23, 2020, France

Unknown vandals damaged the church of St. John Bosco on 23 February. Father Sébastien Petitjean, the parish preist,  and Daniel Latta, president of the factory council, visited the site. "We believe that these acts were committed during the night of Tuesday to Wednesday, or even the night before. The damage was done with violence because the stained glass is thick, armed with a metal structure," said the president. Gabriel Muller asked the technical services workers to intervene immediately. "Repairs are underway to restore the church to its original function. We have asked the municipal police and the gendarmerie to investigate. The installed cameras will probably talk. » The investigation is still ongoing.

Cartoon Mocked the Church and the Pope

February 23, 2020, Spain

A blasphemous cartoon of the Pope and the Church was published by the Newspaper "El Diario", showing the Pope with a huge bag of money, paying the media.

Satanic Signs At Christ The Redeemer Church

February 23, 2020, Poland

An unknown person profaned the church of Christ The Redeemer in Konskie by writing: "You have god 666" (this number is a symbol of Satan in the bible) on the church walls. The inscription has been removed and a penitential service has been held in the church.

Surveillance System Installed in Church due to Vandalism

February 23, 2020, United Kingdom

Due to repeated vandalism, drug-dealing, and abuse of volunteers in the Holy Trinity Church in Exmouth, a surveillance system with seven cameras will be installed as a "necessary security measure."

Saint Louis Cathedral and Statue of Pierre Belain Vandalized with Tags

February 23, 2020, France

On the night between Sunday, February 24, 2020, to Monday, February 24, 2020, the Saint-Louis Cathedral and the statue of Pierre Belain d'Esnambuc were covered with tags

Charente-Maritime: the Church of Port-d'Envaux desecrated, vandalized, and looted

February 22, 2020, France

Parishioners discovered vandalism, desecration, and theft in the Saint-Saturnin-de-Séchaud church in Port d'Envaux on February 22nd. They found the door of the sacristy broken, the door of the tabernacle forced open, consecrated hosts stolen, and the altar of the Virgin Mary damaged. All objects of value were stolen from the sacristy.

Saint Nicolás Cross Set On Fire

February 22, 2020, Spain

On February 22th , the Saint Nicolás cross from the 17th century in Avilés was set on fire. Young people poured flammable liquid and then stayed to watch the fire, which was stopped by some neighbours. The police was able to identify the perpetrators.

Catholic Church in Vallendar Vandalised

February 21, 2020, Germany

Between noon 21th and the morning of 22th February, the door of the sacristy and a the glass pane of a display case in the church were covered in black paint. The police are investigating.

Thieves Violently Broke the Offertory Box in St.Magarethen

February 21, 2020, Austria

On 21 February, unknown perpetrators used physical force in order to break the door to the sacristy in a church in St. Margarethen near Wolfsberg. Afterwards they tried to break open the sacrificial offerings box of the candle sacrifice. Their attempt was unsuccessful but caused property damage of currently unknown amount. Probably the same perpetrators tried to break open two offering boxes in a church in the district of Völkermarkt in Wolfsberg. Investigations are being conducted in this regard.

St Vincent de Paul Church in Paris Tagged with Red Paint

February 21, 2020, France

The Church of St Vincent de Paul in Paris was vandalized with red tags on February 21st. The images were documented on the "Protégé ton Eglise" Facebook page.

Four Young Women Vandalized Church; Set Fire to the Altar

February 20, 2020, Spain

National Police reviewed the security cameras of the church of San Pedro de La Felguera to try to locate the four young women who caused at least 600 euros in damage inside the church on February 20th. Video recordings revealed that the young women entered the church, used and stole two of the microphones, sat on the altar, burned candles and set fire to books and the altar cloth.

Attempted Burglary In Protestant Church

February 20, 2020, Germany

Between February 20th 12:00 pm and February 24th 09:00 pm, unknown perpetrators tried to break in the Protestant Church in Bahnhofstraße in Wehretal-Reichensachsen without success. The damage amounts to 200 euros and the police is still investigating.

Santa Croce Church Set on Fire

February 20, 2020, Italy

In the church of Santa Croce in Abbadia San Salvatore a fire took place in the chapel of the Sacred Heart (left wing of the building), which was put out by the caretaker of the religious building. The confused woman, who has a history with drug addiction, slammed a crucifix to the ground, turned the pews upside down before starting the fire. She was caught and taken to the hospital for necessary treatment.

Saint Gregory Palamas Holy Metropolitan Church Vandalized in Thessaloniki

February 19, 2020, Greece

Two young men were arrested and charged with vandalism at the Church of St. Gregory Palamas in Thessaloniki. The 24 and 22-year-olds splattered paint and scattered flyers at the busts in the Metropolitan Courtyard. The young men, members of the Thessaloniki Freedom Initiative, claim they acted in protest against “obscurantism and nationalism.”

Pilgrimage Church of Agios Stefanos in Trikala Targeted by Vandals

February 19, 2020, Greece

Unknown vandals wrote slogans with indelible spray on the walls outside the church and on the doors. The graffiti includes an anarchy symbol and the words “No Gods.” The church is a place of pilgrimage because it was where Saint Ephraim of Nea Makri was baptized.

Shots fired at stained-glass windows in the church of Herlies

February 19, 2020, France

On Sunday 16th February, one or more individuals entered the church and, with a pistol or a pellet gun, deliberately shot at the central stained-glass window in the choir of the church, which depicts Jesus Christ, with a pistol or a pellet gun. Three other stained-glass windows were also hit by shotgun pellets.

Broken Church Windows In Dorchester

February 19, 2020, United Kingdom

On February 19th and February 21st an unknown person broke the rear windows of The Storehouse Church in Dorchester by throwing stones at them. The police are investigating and searching for witnesses.

Thieves Violently Broke the Offertory Box in St.Kanzian

February 19, 2020, Austria

In the night of February 19th 2020 to February 20th, unknown perpetrators violently broke open the outer door to the sacristy of the parish church in St. Kanzian. They tore the offertory box violently from the wall anchorage and tried to break it open, but this was not successful. Afterwards they left the church without any stolen goods.

An Evangelical Church Tagged by Anarchists

February 18, 2020, France

Over the Weekend of February 15th, an evangelical church in Toulouse was tagged by anarchists, as reported on the Facebook page of the National Union of Evangelical Christians.

Soldier's grave at Northwich church Vandalized

February 18, 2020, United Kingdom

On February 18th, an unknown person placed traffic cones on a soldier´s grave inside the churchyard of Saint Helen church in Northwick. The traffic cones have been removed from the grave.

The Church Of Mortagne-Au-Perche Desecrated

February 17, 2020, France

On February 17th, the tabernacle in the church of Notre-Dame de Mortagne-au-Perche has been found fractured and the ciborium has been emptied and broken. Since then, the church is closed to the public.

Evangelical Pastor Accused Of Spreading The Coronavirus

February 17, 2020, France

From February 17th to February 21th 2020, evangelical French Christians gathered to pray and fast in the church of La Porte Ouverte in Mulhouse. This gathering was wrongly accused in the French media of being the beginning of contamination and dissemination of the coronavirus, leading to the stigmatization of evangelicals and threats. The pastor of the Evangelical church apologized for not being more informed, but there was no lockdown in place, as this happened at the beginning of the pandemic.

Christian Converts Must Prove Continued Faith or Face Deportation

February 16, 2020, Germany

"Kurosh," an Iranian convert to Christianity who received asylum in Germany four years ago, faced a 25,000 euro fine or a prison sentence if he did not respond to a lengthy series of questions about his faith from the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF). He was also required to provide a certificate from the pastor at his church to demonstrate his commitment to his faith. He reports that he provided all the information requested, but remains in fear that this will happen again. This is the BAMF "Revocation and Withdrawal Procedure."

Saint-Dié Cathedral soiled with Excrement

February 16, 2020, France

On February 16th, spilled candles, arson attack, and smeared excrement were found by the sacristan in the Saint-Dié cathedral in the Vosges. The parish priest filled a complaint to the police. The city has assigned police officers to monitor the Cathedral.

Iranian Christian Convert Faces Deportation

February 16, 2020, United Kingdom

Reza Karkah, an Iranian Christian, faces the prospect of imprisonment, torture and separation from his wife and child after the UK Home Office rejected his application for asylum on the basis that he was ‘fabricating’ his Christian faith.

Daily Damage in Cathedral Prompts Abbot of Saint-Dié to File Complaint

February 16, 2020, France

The abbot of Saint-Dié lodged a complaint following a series of degradations in his cathedral since the end of January. Incidents included candles being knocked over, fires being started, and excrement deposited in several places in the building. The mayor of the town responded by assigning two police officers to surveil the building.

Vandalism of Isle of Man Church

February 15, 2020, United Kingdom

Between the afternoon of February 15th and the morning of the 16th, an unknown person or group broke into and vandalized the Christ Church in Laxey. The incident disrupted the Sunday morning services. Police are investigating and searching for witnesses.

Paint Bomb Thrown at Catholic Church in Larne

February 15, 2020, United Kingdom

During the night between the 15th and 16th of February, an unknown perpetrator threw a paint bomb at St. MacNissi's Parish Church in Larne. The police treated the incident as a sectarian hate crime as they investigated and searched for witnesses.

"Carnival" Replaced by "Fancy-Dress Party" in Netherlands Public School

February 14, 2020, Netherlands

A primary school in Zevenaar renamed its traditional Carnival celebration as a "fancy dress party" on the initiative of the parents' association. They claimed that Carnival, originally a Catholic festival, would not suit the public nature of the primary school.

Anti-Christian Tags In the Church of Buxerolles

February 14, 2020, France

In Buxerolles, an anticlerical message was tagged on the parish church Saint-Jacques des Hauts-de-Poitiers. The tag reads "The only church that illuminates is the one that burns." Residents informed the police.

Burglary from Church Discovered during Funeral

February 13, 2020, France

The people who opened the Église Saint-Symphorien in Valvignères on February 13th for a funeral discovered signs of a burglary. Evidence of a break-in were found at one of the access doors, and several objects were missing: two chalices, two patens, a monstrance, two ciboriums, two cruets, two holy water fonts, and a baccarat crystal chandelier of significant size and weight. It appeared that the intruders also tried break into the sacristy and forced the door of the tabernacle with a crowbar. It was unclear from reports whether consecrated hosts were stolen.

Violent Burglary in Saint-Charbel Monastery

February 13, 2020, Belgium

Three masked individuals armed with a crowbar burst into the Saint-Charbel Monastery in Ophain-Bois-Seigneur-Isaac between 2:30 and 3:30 a.m. on February 13th. The intruders detained a monk and forced him to open various doors, including those of a parish office and furniture containing offerings. The identity of the perpetrators and extent of the loss have not been determined. The monastery, run by the Lebanese Maronite Order, is home to refugees hosted by the monks.

Graffiti On Church Facade In Forst

February 13, 2020, Germany

After repeated vandalism of the church St. Nikolai in Forst, the church has become a target of crime again. In the night of February 13th 2020, unknown perpetrators sprayed several graffitis on the church walls. The parish priest immediately filed a complaint and the police are investigating again.

29-Year-Old Man Confessed to Damaging Roadside Shrines

February 12, 2020, Poland

A 29-year-old man who confessed to damaging roadside shrines in Jacinki, Kościernica and Szczeglino between February 12th and 13th faces up to two years in prison. "He confessed to committing these acts. He couldn't explain why he destroyed the shrines," the press officer of the Koszalin police said, noting that statues of the Virgin Mary were destroyed and crosses were broken.

The Removal of the Benedictine Monks from the Valley of the Fallen

February 11, 2020, Spain

A new law, promoted by José Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, intends to start the exhumations of the victims of the Civil War. The regulations also included a "re-signification" of the Valley of the Fallen, turning it into a civil cemetery. This will lead to the extinguish and the expel of the Order of Benedictine Monks, who run the Valley since 1957. In September, the law has been passed; the Basilica and the Cross will remain on the Valley, but the Benedictine Monks will be expelled.

Repeated Damage and Vandalism in the Cathedral of Saint-Dié-des-Vosges

February 9, 2020, France

After two weeks of finding broken candles, altar cloths on the ground, urine sprayed here and there and feces left daily in the cathedral of Saint-Dié-des-Vosges, the priest reported the incidents to the police and has considered closing the building to visitors during the day.

Broken Window in Church of St. Maxamilian Kolbe

February 9, 2020, Poland

In the early hours between the 8th and 9th of February, the church of St Maximilian Kolbe, in the town of Konin, Poland was vandalized by unknown perpetrators. Konin police spokesman Sebastian Wiśniewski confirmed that it appears that a glass window was broken intentionally and damage is estimated at 5000 zlotys (1170 Euros).

Calls for Calm after Young Men Draped North African Flags from Church Roof

February 9, 2020, France

A priest filed a complaint against a group of individuals who hung the flags of Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco from the roof of the Saint-Jean-Baptiste church in Albi during the afternoon of February 9th. The perpetrators had already removed the flags and fled the scene when the police arrived. While there was minimal damage, the priest said, "I consider this to be a serious fact, an act of distrust. It is an act of disrespect for the place of worship and for Christians. Some people were shocked."

Three Crosses and Candles Have Been Stolen From the Church

February 9, 2020, France

The parish team of the Saint-Martin Churhc in Bayel noticed the disappearance of several crosses placed on the small altar, the baptismal font and on the harmonium. A crystal cross was completely damaged and placed on the floor behind the altar. Ten devotional candles and five small red nightlights have been stolen. Father Sébastien Alabi Kossi, who is in charge of the Barsuraubois parishes (Bar-sur-Aube, Ville-sur-Terre and Ville-sous-la-Ferté), has decided to file a complaint to the police.

Theft in the Trinity Church in Ranna

February 8, 2020, Italy

In only one month, two theft incidents had occurred in the Trinity Church of Contrada Ranna. The thieves have forced a back door to take away six brass candelabra. This was the second attempt to steal what they could not have stolen in the first theft.

Arson in Oetwil am See Church

February 7, 2020, Switzerland

On February 7th, shortly before 5 a.m., heavy smoke came from the Kirche am Chilenrain in Oetwil am See. According to the Zurich cantonal police, the fire caused property damage of several hundred thousand francs. A 41-year-old was arrested on suspicion of setting the fire.

Nice: Offensive Graffiti on Church Cemetery Wall

February 7, 2020, France

On February 7, graffiti reading GOD GAY in rainbow colors was discovered on on the wall of the Saint-Barthélemy cemetery which adjoins the church of the same name ( Bon-Pasteur parish) in Nice.

All Scheduled UK Venues Cancel Franklin Graham Tour Events

February 6, 2020, United Kingdom

On January 24th, the ACC Liverpool Group announced that it would no longer hold the previously-scheduled Graham Tour Event due to objections from LGBT activists over Graham's past statements about homosexuality. Graham responded by saying “I’m not coming to the UK to speak against anybody, I’m coming to speak for everybody. The Gospel is inclusive. I'm not coming out of hate, I'm coming out of love.” As of February 11th, the other venues that cancelled events were: International Convention Centre Wales in Newport, Glasgow SEC, Sheffield Arena, Arena Birmingham, and Stadium Milton Keynes.

Two Holy-Water Fozns Destroyed in Rieti

February 6, 2020, Italy

On 6 February in the parish church of San Giovanni Bosco in Rieti was vandalised by unknowns. The two historical marble stacked Holy-Water stoups were intended to be destroyed. One of them was left in parts on the ground, and the marks on the floor show that the vandals tried to move the other without success. The reason for the damage remains unknown. It is not the first time, that this parish has experienced vandalism.

Overturned Headstones in Yvorne Cemetery

February 5, 2020, Switzerland

On 5 February, it has been reported that the cemetery of Yvorne was desecrated. Some headstone were overturned in the left part of the cemetery, where the oldest graves were. The police was informed.

The Caravan of The Show ``Nicolazic" In Sainte-Anne-d'Auray Burnt Down

February 4, 2020, France

On Tuesday, February 4, a fire destroyed a caravan installed on the Road to Pont er Groah in Sainte-Anne-d'Auray. Located at the top of the steps, the Théâtre de Verdure hosts the show "1625, the mystery of Saint Anne", a story of a Saint. The caravan was also used as a control room and a reception area for the sound and light teams. An investigation by the police has been opened to determine the origin of the fire.

Satanic Symbol Painted on Church Wall in Innsbruck

February 4, 2020, Austria

On the night between 3 and 4 February, the wall of the church Petrus Canisius in Innsbruck was smeared with graffiti by an unknown person, showing a symbol of the "Church of Satan". The police is asking the public for useful information to identify the perpetrator.

A Church Defaced With Anti-Clerical Tags

February 3, 2020, France

On Monday February 3rd, the church of Saint-François de Paule in Toulouse, was defaced with anarchist and anti-clerical tags. The vandals smeared the façade of the church with graffiti that contained slogans such as "The only church that illuminates is the one that burns" and "ACAB." The police opened an investigation.

Christian Pharmacist Faces Court Case for Refusing to Sell the Morning-After Pill

February 3, 2020, Germany

The now retired German pharmacist, Andreas Kersten, faced court proceedings for refusing to stock or sell the morning after pill. His beliefs and conscience were the reason to not sell a drug that can prevent the implantation of an embryo in the uterus, which would cause the death of an unborn child. He was reported to the Berlin Pharmacists’ Chamber, which took the matter to the Professional Court at the Administrative Court of Berlin. The German court ruled on this issue and upheld the right to act in accordance with his conscience and therefore withdraw from selling the products. The Pharmacists' Chamber appealed against the decision. There are no further developments. (03.02.2020)

Graffiti on San Dominico Church in Bari

February 3, 2020, Italy

In Bari, vandals defaced the church of San Domenico with Grafitti, found on the 3 February. Among the graffities, the priests found vulgar phrases and symbols and blasphemies.

"We Will Burn the Churches" Sprayed on Trento Church

February 2, 2020, Italy

At least a dozen young people gathered around the back of the church of San Pietro in Trento late on February 1st, yelling and threatening to use spray paint against the church. After much commotion, the inscription "We will burn the churches" was painted on the wall of the church, along with other graffiti on a nearby building. Police will examine images from the security camera that was installed last year to identify the perpetrators.

Rare Relic of Saint John Henry Newman Stolen from Chapel in Birmingham

February 2, 2020, United Kingdom

The relic of British Cardinal John Henry Newman (1801-1890), canonised only last October, was stolen from his chapel in Birmingham. “Sadly, the only piece of bone thought to have been St John Henry’s was stolen from its casket in the Newman Shrine,” read a notice in the Oratory’s February newsletter. The Fathers have appealed for anyone who had seen any suspicious activity to come forward.

Belgium More than 200 Churches and Chapels Attacked Per Year

February 1, 2020, Belgium

On the 30th of January 2020, La Libre reported that more than 275 churches and chapels in Belgium have been vandalized, according to the latest figures in 2017. There have been assumptions that the acts of vandalism can be higher compared to the neighbourhood country, France.

Every Year, More Than 200 Churches and Chapels Vandalized

January 31, 2020, Belgium

On December 21, a nativity scene in Saive was set on fire. On December 28, Watermael's Christmas crib was ablaze on the Eugène Keym square. This incident has been identified by the police as a ‘criminal act’.

Desecration Of Old Chapel And Third Millenium Cross In Poland

January 31, 2020, Poland

A 40-year-old man first profaned a 136-year-old chapel in the forest of Beskid Maly and then vandalized a Third Millennium Cross on the hill of Trzy Lipki. He was arrested on the following day.

Two Fires In A Row In The Church Of Nikolai

January 31, 2020, Germany

On January 31th, after there was a fire in the church the day before, a vacationer from Nord Rhein-Westfalen noticed again a fire in the Nikolaikirche in Plön, which damaged the bookcase and parts of the building. Both times two children at the age 10 to 11 years were seen fleeing from the church at the time of the outbreaks. The damage amounts to 5000 euros and it is suspected that the children started the two fires with placing candles at the bookcase, but the police is still investigating and looking for witnesses.

Smeared Paint on Church Door in Schneeberg

January 30, 2020, Germany

On the night of 29th to 30th January, an unknown person graffitied the entrance door of the church with white paint. The graffiti consisted of unclear letters and numbers. The caused damage is estimated at about several hundred euro and the police started the investigation.

Desecration of Tabernacle and Theft in Carrión de los Céspedes

January 29, 2020, Spain

Just two days after the desecration and theft from the chapel of the Clinical Hospital of Valencia, a group of thieves attacked the parish of Carrión de los Céspedes in Seville, stealing several religious objects and the gold crowns of the two figures of the Virgin of the Rosary and the Child Jesus that were prepared for a procession on February 1st for the 400th anniversary of the Brotherhood of the Rosary of Carrión.

Freedom of Conscience Research Paper for Wedding Registrars Rejected

January 29, 2020, Ireland

On Wednesday 29 January, the Finance Committee of Ireland decided to vote against commissioning a research paper on the civil, human and employment rights of registrars who cannot perform same-sex marriages in good conscience. The research was proposed by Jim Allister, who is shocked by the lack of interest in the matter of freedom of conscience for Christians, which is a human right.

Vandalism and Boycott from Airline Towards Chocolate Läderach for Christian Values

January 29, 2020, Switzerland

After ten years of cooperation, Swiss Airlines terminated their cooperation in November 2019 with the chocolate manufacturer Läderach. The reason was their concerns about Läderach belonging to a Christian community. To elaborate, Jürg and Johannes Läderach are members of the board of Christianity for Today (Cft) in Kaltbrunn, Canton St. Gallen. Cft is a supporting organization of the "March for Life", which fights against abortion.The manufacturer was accused of fighting against abortion and homosexuals. After Swiss boycott of Läderach and great financial loss, they had to dismiss numerous employees, some of whom had been with the company for ten years. The manufacturer has repeatedly subject of massive criticism and vandal attacks on seven of their branches.

Church Window Smashed in Ulzburg

January 28, 2020, Germany

On 28 January at night, an unknown person threw a stone against a window of the Kreuzkirche in Ulzburg and smashed it. The janitor who found the damage reported that the stone was specifically thrown against the image of Christ. The police was notified and they are investigation.

Employment Tribunal Judge Investigated after Sarah Kuteh Trial

January 27, 2020, United Kingdom

Judge Brian Doyle, the President of the Employment Tribunals in England and Wales, has re-opened an investigation into Employment Judge Martin Kurrein’s conduct during the high-profile trial of Sarah Kuteh in 2017, following a Christian Legal Centre (CLC) complaint.

Judge Investigated For Anti-Christian Bias in Trial Agains Christian Nurse

January 27, 2020, United Kingdom

On the 27th January, the investigation of the judge Martin Kurrein for anti-christian bias has been re-opened. The judge approved the dismissal of the nurse Sara Kuteh for talking about her faith to her patients. The trial of Mrs.Kuteh took place in 2017, where the judge was accused of having a hostile treatment to Mrs. Kuteh and her representative and dramatically reduced the time of procedure.

Mission Saint-Luc Vandalized with Tags

January 27, 2020, France

The building of the Mission Saint-Luc in Brest was vandalized on the 26th of January. The degrading inscriptions were spray painted on the facade. These tags happened after two meetings at the church about the topic of bioethics .

Consecrated Hosts Stolen from Chapel Moments Before Mass

January 26, 2020, Spain

On January 26th, moments before the celebration of the evening Mass, unknown perpetrators removed the monstrance holding the consecrated host, a pyx (a small round container holding a consecrated host), and a ciborium with fifty consecrated hosts inside from the tabernacle of the Chapel of the Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia. The monstrance was later found in the chapel's confessional and dozens of consecrated hosts were discovered scattered on the street.

Police ‘Transphobia’ Investigation Breached The Right to Freedom of Expression

January 25, 2020, United Kingdom

On the 25th January, a discussion started after Harry Miller, an ex-policeman, was called by the Humberside Police to check about some complaints about his posts on Twitter. In one Tweet he questioned if transgender women would be real women. The police officer had to "check the thinking", although he had committed no crime. After being reported as a "hate incident", Miller sued the police for breaching free speech. The court declared the intervention of the police "unlawful" in February.

Sacred Objects Stolen From Holy Cross Church in Lana

January 24, 2020, Italy

On Friday 24 January, thieves raided the Holy Cross Church in Lana taking several sacred objects from the sacristy. The parish estimates the damage to be several thousand Euros.

Insulting Graffiti on Saint Birgitta's and Blessed Hemming's Church and Synagogue in Turku

January 24, 2020, Finland

On the night of 23 to 24 the St. Brigitta's and Blessed Hemming's Church was spray-painted with slogans stating: "Stop hiding the pedophiles" and "Liars" in black and red paint. This is the second time this year that the church has been attacked with graffiti. The incident was reported to the police. The next week, the Jewish synagogue in Turku was also vandalised with red paint bombs. The 27th of January is the day of remembrance for the victims of the Holocaust.

Chapel Destroyed with Fire Extinguisher

January 22, 2020, Germany

On January 22nd, an unknown perpetrator destroyed the prayer room of the Christuskirche in Lüdenscheid using a fire extinguisher. He entered the chapel between 4:00 and 6:00 in the afternoon, when it was open to the general public, and sprayed the contents of the fire extinguisher all over the floor, walls, and furniture. The damage is estimated at approximately 500 euros. The local police are looking for witnesses to this incident, described as a "special case of senseless destructive rage."

Wales: Parents Lose Right to Withdraw Children from Sex Ed

January 21, 2020, United Kingdom

Following plans first proposed in a government consultation last year, parents of children attending Welsh schools will no longer have a legal right to withdraw their children from compulsory relationships and sex education (RSE), as well as and religious education (RE) classes.

Degradations of the Church of Notre Dame in Le Quesnoy

January 21, 2020, France

Three people were arrested, after they vandalized the Church Notre Dame de l'Assomption in Le Quesnoy on the 21st of January. The vandals destroyed chairs, turned over crosses and damaged the statue of Christ on the Cross, among other things.

"Parental Pin" Policy Prompts Legal Action and Debate in Spain

January 20, 2020, Spain

A new policy aimed at affirming parental authority in Spanish schools in Murcia has made national headlines in the country. The so-called 'Parental Pin' would oblige schools in the autonomous region of Murcia to seek the permission of parents for student participation in extra-curricular activities, including lessons and workshops on LGBT issues given by external speakers.

Painting Stolen from La Chappelle-Haute-Grue Church

January 20, 2020, France

In December 2019, a painting was stolen from La Chappelle-Haute-Grue Church. The mayor of Val-de-Vie, Jean-Paul Saint-Martin, and by Claude Adam de Boever, deputy mayor of La Chapelle-Haute-Grue filed a complaint. The investigation is ongoing.

Thirty-Four Security video Installed in Saint-Martin d’Abbat

January 20, 2020, France

At the end of 2020, thirty-four cameras have been installed in the municipality of Saint-Martin d’Abbat. The cameras have been installed in sixteen main sites to prevent material damages. The sites include the church, the stadium, the city entrances, the garbage sites, and the town center. These cameras would protect the buildings from vandalism or any other type of violence and damages

Antifascist Grafitti on Le Mans Church

January 19, 2020, France

Civic group Protège ton église documented graffiti reading "FACHOS NOT WELCOME" sprayed on the church Saint Benoît au Mans during the weekend of January 19th.

Eight Churches and Two Schools Hit By Vandalism in Bordeaux over Weekend

January 19, 2020, France

Eight churches and two Catholic educational establishments were vandalized with graffiti in Bordeaux and Talence during the night between January 18th to 19th. The churches affected were: Notre-Dame, Saint-Eloi, Sainte-Croix, Sainte Eulalie, Saint-Seurin, Sacré-Coeur, and Saint-Paul in Bordeaux, the church of Notre-Dame de Talence and on the Catholic educational establishments of Albert le Grand and Saint-Genès in Bordeaux. The offensive tags, referring to pedophilia in the Church and to the bioethics bill, all had the same signature.

Bus Filled with Catholic Pilgrims Attacked by Masked Protesters

January 19, 2020, France

A bus filled with Catholics bound for Pontmain was prevented from leaving the diocesan house in Caen by approximately twenty masked people in black holding a banner and shooting paintball pellets at the windshield. A spokesman for the diocese explained that the protestors likely confused the pilgrimage bus for one bound for Paris for a Manif pour Tous demonstration. This was the second time in a few months that a pilgrimage bus was attacked after being mistaken for a Manif pour Tous bus.

Statue of Virgin Mary and Roadside Crucifix Destroyed in Southern Poland

January 17, 2020, Poland

Between January 16th and 18th, unidentified perpetrators destroyed a statue of the Virgin Mary in a church in Ściegny and then in Wojanów, a roadside crucifix and figures of angels standing around the cross were destroyed beyond repair.

Theft of Brass Stations of the Cross in Gelsenkirchen

January 17, 2020, Germany

Unknown Perpetrators stole a brass relief of the stations of the cross that is part of a 14 piece series, from the church of St. Joseph Scholven.

French Satirist and Radio Station Apologized to LGBT Community, Not Christians

January 15, 2020, France

After a strong backlash against the France Inter radio station for airing of a song "Jésus est pédé" (an offensive pejorative for male homosexual), performed and written by Frédéric Fromet, both the singer and the station apologized to the LGBT community, despite the majority of complaints coming from Christian listeners.

Defense Lawyer Wants "Devout" Catholics Excluded from Euthanasia Trial

January 14, 2020, Belgium

Defense counsel for one of the three doctors on trial for unlawfully poisoning an autistic woman via euthanasia has admitted to searching the social media profiles of potential jurors to exclude "devout" Catholics. Walter Van Steenbrugge said he would be a "bad lawyer" if he did not exclude people who were "extremely Catholic," for example if they expressed a Marian devotion or had previously expressed the opinion that euthanasia is murder.

Man Arrested for Vandalism of Launaguet Church

January 14, 2020, France

A 25-year-old man was arrested on January 14th for his participation in the vandalism of a Catholic church in Launaguet. According to reports, the Saint-Barthélemy church (Toulouse diocese) had been vandalized with Quaranic inscriptions in previous months.

Unknown Individuals Repeatedly Urinate in Church Holy Water

January 14, 2020, Switzerland

Just before Christmas, the Catholic Church Guthirt in Aarburg was forced to withdraw access to holy water in its basins following repeated acts of urination into the water. The deacon, Markus Stohldreier, expressed shock and disappointment at repeated attacks against the parish community."In my 36 years as a theologian, I have never experienced anything comparable." He added, "The perpetrators must have urinated in holy water in broad daylight," because the church is closed at night to prevent vandalism.

12-Year-Old Boy Attacked at Paris School for Wearing Cross

January 14, 2020, France

On January 14th, at the collège Marx-Dormoy, in the 18th arrondissement of Paris, a 12-year-old boy of Serbian origin was brutally attacked for not removing a chain necklace on which a cross hung under his clothes. The website Svi Sribi u Parizu (All Serbs in Paris) reported that the alleged attackers were five other 11-year-old pupils. When he refused to remove it, the alleged attackers surrounded him. One of the boys pushed him to the ground, and all of them started kicking him. The boy was beaten all over his body, resulting in serious injuries to his face and genitals. The attack ended when other pupils screamed for help.

Insulting Graffiti on the Walls of the Church San Isidro

January 14, 2020, Spain

On the 14th January, unknown perpetrators vandalised the walls of San Isidro church with insulting graffiti. They described the priests as ("Maricones" a degrading slang word for male homosexuals). The parish priest reported the case and the the police opened an investigation.

Statue of Christ Severely Damaged in Vernole

January 14, 2020, Italy

In Vernole on 14 January, criminals seriously damaged the statue of the dead Christ in the Church of the Visitation. The statue is now missing both feet, is detached from the base and was thrown into a corner of the crypt where it was located. The police started investigating.

Hand-Painted Church Window Broken in Gronau

January 13, 2020, Germany

In Gronau on the night of 13 to 14 January, a hand-painted window on a church building was smashed by unknown perpetrators. The resulting damage to property is around 600 Euros.

Catholic Speaker Cancelled at Irish Schools

January 12, 2020, Ireland

Four talks by US Catholic speaker Jason Evert were cancelled due to pressure by campus LGBT groups and media reports referring to the well-known chastity speaker as "homophobic and anti-contraceptive." Presentations at two Dublin colleges, a Catholic conference called ‘Ignite 2020,’ and a talk at hotel were cancelled. According to reports, the University College Dublin LGBT Society called on the university authorities to stop Mr Evert from speaking, saying in a statement that his proposed visit to the university was “putting the safety of UCD’s LGBTQ+ community at risk” and his words could have “lasting and damaging effects on the mental wellbeing of LGHBTQ+ students.”

Man Disrupted Three Church Services; Shouted Threats and "Allahu Akbar"

January 12, 2020, Germany

On the morning of January 12, a 33-year-old man from Rhauderfehn with Ivorian nationality disrupted services in three churches in Rhauderfehn and Ostrhauderfehn by shouting and threatening the worshippers.

Priest Suggested Using CCTV Cameras after Vandalism in Church of Abbeyleix

January 12, 2020, Ireland

On the morning of January 12th, between 9am and 9:30am, a new ornate candelabrum was smashed to pieces and then discarded in the nearby cemetery of the Church of the Most Holy Rosary in Abbeyleix, County Laois. A male suspect was charged and faced an appearance before the District Court. The parish priest called for improvement of security systems and suggested the installation of CCTV cameras.

Vandalism of Church in Viersen-Süchteln Two Weekends in a Row

January 12, 2020, Germany

During the Weekend of 12 January, unknown perpetrators broke the glass on one of the two showcases in the Evangelical church in Viersen. They also pasted two stickers on the edge. The weekend before the metal gate in the garden of the church had been unhinged.

Man Arrested for Setting Fire at Bayonne Church

January 11, 2020, France

A man suspected of committing the January 11th arson attack on the Saint-Esprit church in Bayonne was arrested the following day. Investigators were able to quickly determine that the fire had been deliberately set and video surveillance images made it possible to identify the suspect who was seen in the images leaving the church a few minutes before the first smoke was visible. The fire, which left no one injured, was brought under control by the firefighters but the suffered extreme smoke damage. 

Crèche Vandalized Near Rouen

January 11, 2020, France

The religious crèche of the Saint-André church in Mont-Saint-Aignan, near Rouen, was vandalized on January 11, with the decorations overturned and the figures broken. The statue of the baby Jesus was decapitated. After expressing his sadness to the parish and to the parish priest, Monsignor Dominique Lebrun, Archbishop of Rouen, deplored the incident as an "offense against the Christian faith."

Baby Jesus Stolen from Crèche in Lüneburg

January 11, 2020, Germany

The Lüneburg police opened an investigation into the theft of the Jesus figure from the church on Friedenstrasse between January 10th and 11th.

Church in Milltown Co Kildare Ransacked and Tabernacle Stolen

January 11, 2020, Ireland

On January 11th, it was discovered that unknown perpetrators had broken into St Brigid's Church in Milltown, county Kildare, and stole the tabernacle, containing the ciborium with Communion hosts, as well as the sacristy safe and a candle shrine. The tabernacle was later found by the police in a nearby field.

Nativity Scene Vandalised in Saint-Hilaire Church in Faye-l’Abbesse

January 11, 2020, France

On 11 January, the Saint-Hilaire Chruch in Faye-l'Abbesse was found without the baby Jesus statue from the nativity scene. The pieces of the Jesus statue were found again at the back of the church. The body, arms and head were scattered. This adds up to recurring vandalism observed by the gendarmes. There have been looting, the cutting of the organ's power supply wire, the disappearance of the sheep from the nativity scene and the burning of music sheets and the curtains of a confess ional altar and coverings and many more.

Extensive Damage to Church in Jühnsdorf

January 11, 2020, Germany

On the 11th January, unknown persons broke into the church of Jühnsdorf and stole a large metal cross, smashed a window, and damaged the organ. The church had been recently restored by the parish community.