All cases
Thieves Stole Around 500 Euros From Offertory Boxes From Churches
August 25, 2020, GermanyOn the 25th August, it was reported that in the past month in Grafenwöhr, three churches were ravaged by thieves, who stole the offerings. The empty boxes were found by the respective sacristan. The total amount of money stolen was around 500 Euro. The churches were the Friedenskirche, where the perpetrators used a tool with magnets to fish the coins. The cemetery Church and the old parish Church were also robbed. The sticks were damaged and plucked up. In top of the stolen cash, the churches suffered damage in amount of 450 euros. The police is investigating and asking the parishes to be attentive.
Dubious Acts of Vandalism in Church in Mur-de-Sologne
August 24, 2020, FranceUnknown perpetrators tore two paintings, broke a few vases as well as two statues made from plaster, moved a statue of the Virgin Mary and destroyed its pedestal. They re-arranged chairs in a semi-circle in front of the altar and lit candles, creating the impression of a production of some sort. Investigators suspected vandalism rather than Satanic or anti-religious motives. The village filed a complaint.
Opening Hours of Parisian Church Limited Due to Repeated Incidents of Thefts
August 24, 2020, FranceL’Immaculée-Conception parish in the 12th district of Paris announced on August 24th that for the rest of August, they would limit the opening times of their church to a few short periods of time per day. The reason were repeated thefts, concerning some Way of the Cross stations, collection boxes and the sacristy. Therefore, the church felt compelled to open only when they could provide sufficient supervision. Regular opening times will be resumed in September.
Church Guest Book Scrawled with Anti-Christian Messages and then Torn Apart in Buzet-sur-Baïse
August 23, 2020, FranceAn unknown perpetrator wrote aggressive anti-Christian messages into a guestbook called "Book of Life", which the church Sainte-Croix in Buzet-sur-Baïse provided for tourists passing through to share their experiences and well-wishes. Two weeks after the incident, on August 23, the perpetrator returned to rip out all the pages of the book and leave some more insults, referring to the church inter alia as a "synagogue of Satan".
Fire and Explosions in Reformed Church in Villmergen
August 22, 2020, GermanyThe Reformed Church in Villmergen was set on fire and caused extensive property damage. The explosions collapsed a ceiling and the entire house was completely sooty. The cantonal police are at the beginning of the investigation and would consider the incident as arson.
Islamist Attacker Targeted President of The Synagogue, LGBT Association, and Church in Graz
August 22, 2020, AustriaOn August 22nd, a 31-year-old man from Syria with Islamist motivations violently attacked the president of the Jewish community in Graz, Elie Rosen, with the leg of a chair. Following his capture, he also admitted vandalism attacks on the synagogue, the facilities of LGBT association RosaLila PantherInnen, and a brothel. He is responsible for smearing several walls in Graz with pro-Palestinian paroles and symbols and spraying symbols on a church. The Austrian media reported that the motives were anti-Semitism, homophobia, and rejection of Austrian society, but did not mention that his anti-Christian motives.
Sant' Agata al Collegio Church in Caltanissetta Devastated
August 22, 2020, ItalyUnknown perpetrators broke into Sant'Agata al Colegio Church, one of the oldest churches in Caltanissetta/Silicy, and destroyed candelabra and other furnishings on the night of 22nd of August. It was suspected that they gained access through the adjoining music high school and Scarabelli library. The police started investigations.
Twelve Church Windows Broken In Rotenburg, Damage of 20.000 Euros
August 22, 2020, GermanyTwo young men, aged 17 and 18, smashed 12 elaborately crafted stained glass windows and violently bent the window frames in the church of Rotenburg during the night of 21 to 22 August 21. Damages amount to approximately 20.000 Euros. The aim was deliberate destruction, although the exact motives remained unclear.
Arson in the Church of San Gaspare del Bufalo in Albano Laziale
August 21, 2020, ItalyOn August 21st the door of the church of San Gaspare del Bufalo in Albano Laziale was first drenched with gasoline and then purposefully set on fire. The church is a dearly held place of worship for many pilgrims, who come to the church every year, as well as for the locals. The priest of the parish and one candidate for the major's office of the city see a clear indication of bias, as the damage was intended to be devastating. They both do not perceive this attack, as a form of vandalism but of brutal arson and destruction. It is also speculated that the crime was instigated by satanist groups but the police is currently investigating in all directions.
Cross vandalized in Saint-Aubin-d'Aubigné
August 21, 2020, FranceOn August 21st, a local resident provided photos of a broken wayside cross. It was then repaired by the town council. The cross had already been knocked off its pedestal once in 2019.
Vandals Damaged Cemetery, Presbytery and Atrium of San Vicente Church
August 20, 2020, SpainIn San Vicente de O Grove, a group of hooligans caused damage to the church atrium, the parish cemetery, and the rectory, which were currently undergoing a rehabilitation to make a youth camp and to receive visitors. The perpetrators had alcoholic drinks in the cemetery.
Stained-Glass Windows of Chruch Vandalized in Grisy-les-Plâtres
August 20, 2020, FranceUnkown perpetrators vandalized the stained-glass windows in the Church of St. Caprais, a monument in Grisy-les-Platres. The exact date of the incident is still unclear- There were six holes, an apple and the broken glass were found on the floor of the building. The Mayor filed a complaint, as for him this was an act of disrespect and aggression to a public good and a local heritage. There will be a fence to protect the glass and restorations will be made.
Arson at the Church of Saint-Pierre in Macon
August 20, 2020, FranceIn the morning of August 20th, a fire was set in the church of Saint-Pierre in Macon Downtown. The fire targeted the artificial flowers decorating the side chapels of the building. Witnesses alerted the fire department and tried to controlled the flames by using a tablecloth. Another fire was brought under control on Tuesday, when the church was closed. The parishioners suspect it was started by a group of young people who were seen running away.
Statue of Our Lady of Lourdes and The Staue of Bernadette in Santa Rita Parish Vandalized
August 20, 2020, ItalyOn the Morning of 20th August, it was reported that the Statue of Our Lady of Lourdes, which was in a niche in Via Massarenti in Bologna, was vandalized. The police started investigations to identify the responsible vandals. The Statue was in the parish of Santa Rita. Another statue of Bernadette was also damaged. The parish priest said this was not the first time that this happens.
Saint-Auban Church Vandalized And Soiled With Urine, Excrements And Alcohol
August 19, 2020, FranceOn the night of 19th to 20th August, one or more perpetrators broke into the Church of Saint-Auban in Château-Arnoux-Saint-Auban. The individuals lighted a dozen candles that were encased in plastic and let them burn on the tablecloth, which covered the altar in the center of the building. There were also cigarette buds, excrement, urine and alcohol found in front of the door of the church.
Graffiti Found Several Times in the Saint Agatha Chapel
August 19, 2020, FranceIn the Saint-Agathe Chapel in Saint-Desiré, an inscription referring to a children programme in television was written for several days on the wall. The last time it was painted on the 19th August in red. The municipality decided to file a complaint with the police.
Repeated Vandalism for Seven Consecutive Days in Lutheran Evangelical Church
August 18, 2020, SwedenFor seven consecutive days until the 18th August, the Lutheran Evangelical Church in Malmö suffered vandalism. During this time, the statue of Jesus inside the building was destroyed and around thirty windows were smashed with stones. The services were suspended to clean the church and a security company was hired to patrol during the night. The reasons for these attacks are still uncertain, police is investigating.
The Statue of the Madonna Vandalized
August 18, 2020, ItalyA few days before the 18th August, the parish priest Don Franco Nannipieri discovered the act of vandalism in the oratory of the church. The Statue of the Madonna had a plastic basket stuck on her head. They suspect that the vandals were a group of children. The mayor showed his solidarity with the victims and wrote on Facebook about the importance of teaching respect to children.
Muslim Family Beat up Daughter and Shave her Head for Intending to Marry a Christian
August 17, 2020, FranceA 17 year-old girl of Bosnian origin faced pressure from her Muslim family, living in France since 2017, upon announcing her intention of getting married to her 20 year-old Christian boyfriend from Serbia. The two decided to run away together, but returned to her family home in Besançon four days later, on August 17, in the company of the boyfriend's parents, to resolve the issue. The situation escalated: The girl's parents and aunt and uncle beat her up severely and shaved her head. As a result, they are liable to prosecution and face expulsion from France.
Vandalism in San Rocco Church in Mede
August 16, 2020, ItalyThe church of San Rocco in Mede was vandalized on the weekend, while preparations were underway for the celebration of the saint on Sunday evening. There was dirt on the small churchyard, such as bottles and cigarette butts. The vandals managed to get inside because the doors were open to allow for the preparations. They broke some candles and wrote vulgar phrases. Mayor said that it was not the first time such an episode happens.
Theft of Sacred Objects in Church of Saint-Malo-de-Beignon
August 16, 2020, FranceOn August 16th, the theft of a chalice and a ciborium was discovered in the church of Saint-Malo-de-Beignon. According to the verger of Saint-Malo-de-Beignon parish, Eugène Duval, hosts were found under the stairs. The doors showed no signs of a forceful entry, so the thefts likely took place in broad daylight, before the doors were closed at night.The act was suspected to have taken place between August 9th and August 15th. Police began an investigation.
Church Vandalised in Saint-Paul-sur-Save on Ascension Day
August 15, 2020, FranceThe church in Saint-Paul-sur-Save was vandalised on Ascension Day, August 15th. A crucifix was moved and the tabernacle, fortunately empty, was opened; the side doors of the sacristy were broken down and wardrobes were searched. Police began an investigation.
Hermitage in Alicnate Heavily Damaged, Desecrated and Robbed
August 15, 2020, SpainOn 15. August, the Christ Most Holy hermitage in Alicante was robbed and damaged by vandals. According to the parish administrator, the perpetrators stole several religious objects including a ceramic chalice, paten, metal crowns, statues of Christ and the Virgin Mary, and a sword from the Virgin Statue. They smashed through the altar of Saint Joseph and significantly damaged the building. The vandals also looted the drawers of furniture and threw devotional and liturgical books on the floor. The police is still investigating, but even if detained, the police said the vandals would not have received prison charges.
Wayside Cross Stolen and Destroyed in Arcambal
August 15, 2020, FranceIn Arcambal, in mid-August, a stone cross was stolen. The cross was part of the small heritage of the village and was located in the commune of Arcambal, in the Lot, at the corner of the castle wall, at the crossroads of the route du Tréboulou and the route de Cahors. It was torn off the wall and stolen. A complaint was filled.
Church Staff in Cheshire Physically Assaulted
August 15, 2020, United KingdomDuring an attack in August, one member of staff at a church in Cheshire was bitten and forcefully and inappropriately touched in his private area by an unknown perpetrator. According to a report by the Countryside Alliance the assault was one of 66 crimes to take place in churches in Cheshire. After several complaints, that too little has been done to raise awareness about crimes at churches, an investigation started.
Vandalised Church in St Paul sur Save
August 15, 2020, FranceOn August 15th, the Church in St Paul sur Save was target of vandalism. Unknown perpetrators broke open the doors of the sacristy and cabinets were opened and searched. A complaint has been filed by the municipality who owns the building. The police are investigating.
Vandalism in Murchante Against The Church and The Mayor
August 14, 2020, SpainOn the night from 13th to 14th August, vandals painted the streets and the door of the Church in Murchante with a threat warning against the mayor. The church and the police were insulted. Some writings said, "God is a black female" or "Worship Satan", and called police "parasites". Also, four containers were burned and had to be put out by the firefighters.
Church of Our Lady of Czestochowa Destroyed
August 14, 2020, ItalyOn August 14th, A 54 year-old man entered the Church of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Rome on the morning, while a lady and the elderly parish priest were cleaning. He then started to destroy objects violently, and could not be stopped by the witnesses until the police intervened. The attack targeted the altar, the painting of Our Lady of Czestochowa, the stoups, crosses and candlesticks.
A Group of Drunk Teenagers Destroyed And Desecrated A Statue of Jesus on The Cross
August 14, 2020, ItalyOn the night of Friday 14th August, a group of drunk young teenagers or even children destroyed the Statue of Jesus on the Cross, recorded it on video, and posted it later on social media. The Statue was on the road between Vindicatico and Monte Pizzo, in Lizzano. On the Video, one hears laughter and curses, while one young man hits the statue with a bat, the statue was also broken into pieces and smashed on the ground. The Carabinieri investigated and tracked down the perpetrators, who were between 19 and 16 years old. They were then denounced. One of the perpetrators wrote a letter of apology. The statue had been recently restored and people reacted badly to the scene.
Damage And Vandalism Against The Metropolitan Church Of Agios Minas
August 13, 2020, GreeceOn Sunday 9th August, an Algerian threw stones and damaged the stained-glass windows of the Cathedral of Agios Minas in Heraklion. He also damaged a showcase of a library in the Archdiocese of Crete. On 11th August, he returned to the Cathedral armed with a hammer and began to break down a door. The police was able to identify and arrest the man through a video footage. There are various cases of vandalism and theft to churches in Greece..
A Cross Vandalized in Rivière-Salée
August 11, 2020, FranceThe Statue of Christ on the cross has been vandalized before 11th August. The photos of the statue, which lays inside the traffic circle next to the bridge leading to the Trois-Ilets road, were circulating on social media. The statue was repainted in black and an inscription saying "Faith Kills" was also written on it.
Chapel of Santo Stefano Desecrated by Vandals
August 11, 2020, ItalyA small chapel in the hamlet of Montesardo in Alessandria was vandalized by unknown people. They used spray paint to write vulgar and blasphemous phrases and images such as "Fck church, Fck God" and an anarchist symbol. A Mass of Reparation was held.
Eglise Saint-Pierre Vandalized and Desecrated
August 11, 2020, FranceDuring the night of 10-11 August, unknown perpetrators broke into the church of Saint-Pierre de Montendre. The large central crucifix was discovered smashed on the ground. Father Bergson Julien was shocked: "I went to open the church at 8.45 this Tuesday morning and found the large cross with Christ in terracotta on the floor, broken vases on the altar, and the tabernacle had disappeared". The tabernacle was later found, but the ciborium and lunula with consecrated hosts it contained were missing.
Church of Saint-Michel Vandalized in France
August 11, 2020, FranceOn the 11th August in the afternoon, the Church of Saint Michel was desecrated in Verdun-Sur-Garonne. The church was opened during the day. The perpetrators broke the candles and scattered them and crushed them all over the church, the pews were moved and the chairs were upside down. Also, the sheets of paper were scattered. They had inscribed "T" and "X" with tape on the tablecloth of the altar, which suggest that the perpetrators did not finish their profanation. This incident was followed by other similar ones in other churches the next weeks.
Man Broke Into Church And Destroyed Hymnal
August 11, 2020, GermanyOn the 11th of August in Lößnitz, a man broke into the Johanniskirche and destroyed a hymnal. The 37-year-old man first tried to break open the entrance door of the church, then he smashed a window pane and entered the interior of the church. He damaged the hymn and songs book. The employees of the cemetery interrupted the perpetrator and the witnesses called the police. The damage made is estimated to be around 500 euro.The man was arrested and released on Wednesday.
Repetitive Degradation of the Church of Saint Joseph de Audierne
August 10, 2020, FranceOn the 10th of August during the night, the Church of Saint Joseph de Audierne was degraded. It is written on the board message on the door that the church will be remain closed due to repetitive vandalism.
Increasing Attacks on German Street Preacher
August 10, 2020, GermanyStreet preacher Henning Heinrich Westrup reported that attacks against him increased in July. He calls on people to repent and follow Jesus Christ in the pedestrian zones in Bielefeld, Dortmund and Gütersloh, among others. He reported that attacks against him by people who reject his message have increased. He said he experienced insults, vulgarities, and threats -- along with an assault in July.
Saint-Pierre Church Desecrated
August 10, 2020, FranceOn the evening of 10th August, the side door of the Saint-Pierre Church in Charente-Maritime was forced open. The central cross was broken and thrown to the ground, the tabernacle was torn off, and the ciborium was emptied of the hosts. There have been many church profanations in the city of Charente-Maritime.
Man Broke Door of the Cistern of San Jose Church With a Butane Cylinder
August 9, 2020, SpainIn the morning of August 9th, a man went to the door of the cistern of the Church San Jose in Granada and threw a butane cylinder against it. He repeated this act several times until he broke it. At first, it was thought he could be mentally ill, but then the police has declared him as guilty.
Cross of St.Joseph Vandalized For a Second Time
August 9, 2020, GermanyDuring the time of 9th August to 11th, the 100-year-old Cross of St. Joseph was smeared and defaced for a second time after a week with the same satanic symbol. The cross had been defaced with an astrological symbol linked to satanism and feminism. The first act was reported on 5th August. The Statue was also lately burned. The suspect for the arson was caught by the police.
Satanic Motivated Profanation of 63 tombs in Lannemezan
August 9, 2020, FranceDuring the night of August 9th, 63 tombs were vandalized and desecrated in the Lannemezan cemetery in the Hautes-Pyrénées region. Broken crosses and upside down plaques were discovered by family members. The police was alerted by the neighbors who heard the loud noise. A week later, the two young perpetrators were arrested and sentenced to 18 and 12 months in prison. According to their testimony the vandalism was driven by satanic motivations.
Wayside Cross Vandalized in Magneville
August 9, 2020, FranceA wayside cross in Magneville/Manche was knocked down, leaving both the cross and the figure of Christ broken into pieces. An observer informed the Observatoire de la Christianophobie on August 9th.
Insulting Slogan Written on Doorsteps of Church in Cousances-les-Forges
August 9, 2020, FranceDuring a walk in Cousances-les-Forges, a visitor noticed an inscription written on the doorsteps of the church with a marker, saying "I am the God of Fuck". He contacted the Observatoire de la Christianophobie on July 31 and provided them with a picture on August 9.
Vandals Defaced Church of Santo Stefano di Macurano
August 9, 2020, ItalyOn the 9th of August, the medieval Church of Santo Stefano di Macurano, in the countryside of Alessano, was defaced with paint inscriptions on the walls. The phrases were vulgar and blasphemous made with red and black paint insulting the Church and God. The perpetrators were identified through witnesses and security cameras as an Italian man and a German woman.
Many Religious Objects Stolen from Saint-Georges Church of Chavanges
August 8, 2020, FranceOn the 8th August, the parish priest of the Church Saint-Georges of Chavanges found that two chalices, five ciboria, and a paten were stolen from the Church. On Monday, they filed a complaint to the gendarmerie in Brienne-le-Château. The objects did not have financial value. Therefore, the bias must have been to vandalize the place of worship. Also, the key to the tabernacle was stolen, so other items may also be missing. The Church usually remains closed at night. Hence, the perpetrators must have broken in.
Two Churches Vandalized On The Same Night
August 8, 2020, FranceDuring the night of Saturday 8th to Sunday 9th August, two churches were vandalized in Etsaut and Urdos. It was an act of pure vandalism. The priest of the church of Etsaut thinks it was a group of perpetrators. The mayor filed a complaint to the police since the door was broken open, and the door of the sacristy was damaged too. The cupboards of the sacristy were open, and a small amount of money was stolen. There were no witnesses. The church of Urdos witnessed a similar scenery. The sacristy was forced open, but this time nothing was stolen.
The Interior Of the Onze Lieve Vrouw van Banneux Chapel Demolished
August 8, 2020, BelgiumOn 8th August in the morning, the chapel Onze Lieve Vrouw van Banneux in Bree was vandalized. The interior was almost entirely demolished. Numerous statues were smashed, candle wax was dripped all over, and all the candles were destroyed, the walls and the ceiling were smeared. In 2016, 2014 and 2003 the Chapel was also vandalized. The local residents had heard the sound of destruction and broken glass, and reported the suspect to the police. It was a man from abroad without papers.
Act of Vandalism To The Statue Of St. Joseph
August 8, 2020, ItalyOn Saturday 8th August, a vandal struck the Statue of St. Joseph in the Madonna della Pace Church in Pantelleria-Tracino. The hand of the saint was damaged. The statue will need a restoration.
A Church Vandalized with Graffiti in Marseille
August 7, 2020, FranceOn the 7th August, graffiti were found on the facade of the former church of the Mission de France in rue du Tapis-Vert in Marseille. The Graffiti were probably made at different times.
Three Statues of The Church of Saint-André Destroyed
August 7, 2020, FranceDuring the last weeks before the 7th August, there were three acts of vandalism in St. Andrew Church in the historic center of Niort. It is suspected that the vandals came during the nights from Thursday to Friday and destroyed several statues of the church. The Statue of the infant Jesus, carried in the arms of St. Anthony was left in a thousand pieces. Some pieces were thrown in a trash can near the monument. The Church remained closed for safety, and the parish filed a complaint to the police.