All cases

Christian Conservative Institution in Slovenia Vandalised

February 2, 2021, Slovenia

Vandals graffitied the facade of the Christian conservative institution Zavod Iskreni in Slovenia on the night of 2 February. The perpetrators broke the windows and smeared the entrance door of the institute with swastikas and wrote the word "corruption" on it. Minister of Defence Matej Tonin condemns this vandalism as a "systematic attack on Christian values". The police are investigating.

Parish Office in Bochum devastated by Vandals

February 2, 2021, Germany

In February, the parish office behind the church of St. Mary was devastated in Bochum-Langendreer. The Catholic community has been target from vandals repeatedly during 2021.

Church Window Damaged in Schweinheim

February 1, 2021, Germany

On February 1st, unknown perpetrators damaged a church window in Schweinheim. Several thousands of Euros of damage are expected. Police is investigating.

Burglary Leaves Church Unable To Play Music At Funerals

January 31, 2021, United Kingdom

On January 31st, a break-in at the St Thomas's Church in Dudley in the Black Country has left the church unable to play music at funerals. There were no historical items taken from the church, but a computer tablet was stolen that implied that the church would no be able to amplify voices or play recorded music at funerals. The police is investigating.

Suspect Arrested After Investigation for Vandalism in Church

January 31, 2021, United Kingdom

January 31st , a church in the Derry County was vandalised and the police started an investigation. Sectarian slogans and initials of loyalist paramilitary organisations were written on the walls of St Mary's Church in Limavady. According to details provided by the police they were looking for a man during the week of February 7th, when they finally arrested him on that date.

Hate Crime Against St Mary's Church In Limavady

January 30, 2021, United Kingdom

On January 31st, the St Mary's Church in Limavady was target of a hate crime. Vandals sprayed the acronyms "UVP" and "UFF" onto the church walls on Irish Green Street and moreover damaged a statue. The Ulster Freedom Fighter (UFF) is known to be a cover name for the Ulster Defence Association (UDA), an umbrella group of various loyalist groups. The UFF is suspected to have killed more than 250 people.

Graffiti and Damage On A Newly Restored Church In Arcisate

January 30, 2021, Italy

On January 30th, after finishing restoration works of several months, the restorers of the San Vittore Martire Church in Arcisate discovered a graffiti on the side wall of the church. Additionally, the vandals urinated on the church wall and in the corners. The work was halted for two days over the weekend, but it is likely that these acts took place the night before the weekend because the plaster was still fresh. Measures must now be taken to restore it.

Baby Jesus Stolen from Nativity in Riedlingen

January 28, 2021, Germany

The wooden Baby Jesus figure was stolen from the nativity scene at the St. Georg church in Riedlingen on September 28th. It was not know who stole the figure which is of great value to the church.

Church in Bellevue Defaced with Anti-Christian Tags

January 28, 2021, France

A Bellevue church was tagged with Anti-Chritian slogans, as discovered by the police on the 28th of January. The walls and doors of the Bellevue parish were covered with inscriptions.

Attempted Arson On Saint-Paul Church In Montpellier

January 25, 2021, France

On January 25th, unknown perpetrators attempted to set fire to the Saint-Paul Church located in the district of Mosson. The priest discovered thick smoke coming out of the worship room, which emerged from a wooden table. Ash was found on the table coming from a pile of papers, which indicates that the table was deliberately set on fire. Another indication for a case of arson is an obscene graffiti on a figure of Jesus Christ which was found on the walls of the building. Fire fighters were able to put out the fire but still damage was caused.

Major Theft From Church Collection Boxes in Cork

January 25, 2021, Ireland

On January 25th, a priest became suspicious, as he found cheques from other parishes in his collection box. Therefore he viewed church CCTV footage and saw a man using a hooked piece of wire to remove envelopes containing cash from a collection box. The police arrested a man for questioning about a series of thefts from churches in east Cork, which involved thousands of Euros in cash being stolen out of collection boxes.

Repeated Graffiti Attack On Church In Sabiñánigo

January 24, 2021, Spain

On January 24th, the church of Castillo Guarga, in the municipal park of Sabiñánigo was yet again a target of an act of vandalism. The 12th century romanesque window of the church was covered with graffiti. The graffiti has to be removed by a specific cleaning company with special cleaning products due to the porous wall. The police is searching for the unknown perpetrators.

Historic Church in Stockholm Attacked with Three Molotov Cocktails

January 24, 2021, Sweden

An 800-year-old church located in Stockholm has been attacked twice within one week. It has been reported by Swedish media that on 12 January, three Molotov cocktails were thrown into the Spånga church. The church located just outside of Tensta and flanked by Rinkeby might have been targeted by Muslims, who form the majority of the population in that area. Four days before said incident two explosives were hurled into the Church, one smashed through the church windows, while another one was thrown at the church gate. The church's pastor recalls, “the alarm was triggered when a window was smashed and flammable liquid thrown at the front gate and one of the windows. However, the fire was quickly put out by the police, who used a powder extinguisher”.

San Martino Church In Italy Vandalized

January 22, 2021, Italy

In the evening of January 22nd, two young perpetrators broke into the church of San Martino in Rezzato. The vandals completely destroyed the entrance door and pews. The police were informed and a charge was filed.

Severe Vandalism and Arson Of A Church In Germany

January 22, 2021, Germany

The interior of the Protestant Christ church in Radolfzell was heavily vandalized on January 22nd. The organ bench, the conductor's platform and a wrought-iron door were thrown from the gallery into the church hall. Parts of the sacristy and the kitchen in the parish hall were also destroyed. In addition, there was a fire set in the area of the lighting system, which the fire fighters were able to extinguish. The church had been cleared out due to renovation works and the front door had been left open so that people could say goodbye to the church in it's old form, the pastor explained. The 63-year-old perpetrator was arrested on the spot. The police started investigations for suspected arson and vandalism.

Perpetrators Severely Damaged A 300 Years Old Fresco At The St. Nicholas Cathedral in Ljubljana

January 22, 2021, Slovenia

Unknown perpetrators damaged a 300 years old fresco at the Cathedral of St. Nicholas in Ljubljana. The damage caused by balloons filled with colours amounts to several thousand euros. The incident happened on the evening of January 22nd. The police are investigating, should the vandals be caught they could face up to eight years in prison. The spokesman of the Episcopal Conference, Dr Tadej Jakopič, explains that the fresco was painted in the second half of the 18th century by Julius Quaglio and restored by Janez Wolf in 1872.

100 Years Old Polish Chapel Destroyed By Vandals

January 21, 2021, Poland

On January 21st, vandals destroyed an over 100-year-old chapel in Otwock. The statue of the Virgin Mary was torn off and stolen. Thanks to the efforts of some residents the chapel was renovated and a new statue bought. Because the owners of the chapel are unknown, the police did not take up any investigations.

Arson Attack On Church in Spånga

January 20, 2021, Sweden

On January the 20th, unknown perpetrators threw three Molotov cocktails at the church in Spånga. Windows were smashed, the entrance was damaged but no person was harmed during the attack. Pastor Jerker Alsterlund said, "We have no threat against us but it is a strong symbolic act." The police have cordoned off the area and are investigating for arson. Four days later on January 24th a second arson took place. A window was broken and a small fire with some smoke development was detected by a security company. The incident is currently classified as arson and the police is investigating whether there is a connection between the two attacks.

Sacred Items Stolen from Parish in El Chorrillo Neighborhood

January 20, 2021, Spain

Anonymous intruders broke into the San Juan de Ávila parish in the neighbourhood of El Chorrillo, on January 20th. They stole the tabernacle and in their haste to leave, dropped a number of ecclesiastical items belonging to the tabernacle in the surrounding area. A complaint was filed with the police. The newspaper reports the faithful were very affected and tried to recover all the parts that had been dropped around the church.

Cross Removed from Public Space in Spanish City Aguilar

January 19, 2021, Spain

The historic cross of the Discalced Carmelite Order was removed by the city of Aguilar de la Frontera on January 19th. The decision to cut down the cross of the Fallen was backed by the Act on Historical Remembrance. The act is concerned with removing symbols of the Franco regime. The leftist mayor Carmen Flores explained that the local Andalusian legislation regulates the public display of elements that glorify Francism and that the opinion of the church is irrelevant. The Spanish Association of Christian Lawyers contested the city council's decision to remove the cross to the administrative court.

ÖCV (Austrian Catholic Cartel Association) Resistance Memorial Smeared by Vandals

January 19, 2021, Austria

In the morning hours of January 19th, the ÖCV (Austrian Catholic Cartel Association) house was vandalized. A group of left-wing extremists entered the ÖCV house and smeared several signs in the entrance area with black paint. The plaque at the memorial for the victims and resistance fighters from the rank of the ÖCV was demolished with red paint and elsewhere anarchist symbols were left behind.

Vandals Destroyed A Church In Kaźmierz

January 18, 2021, Poland

On January 18th, the church of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Kaźmierz was vandalized. Unknown perpetrators destroyed three stained glass windows in the church and smashed three windows in the sacristy. Priests and parishioners are very upset.

Twenty-Five Graves Vandalized in Saint-Jean d'Assé

January 18, 2021, France

On 18th January 2021, twenty-five graves in the cemetery of Saint-Jean-d’Assé have been desecrated and vandalized. Crosses and crucifies were broken and other objects were damaged. The unknown perpetrators created two fake graves using broken and vandalized objects that have been stolen from other graves. The mayor, Emmanuel Clément filled a complaint to the police and asked for witnesses.

Threats to Sacristan and Vandalism at Catholic Peter and Paul Church

January 15, 2021, Germany

On January 15th, the sacristan of the Peter and Paul Church in Lahr identified an unknown perpetrator, who had been damaging objects and behaving in a very undignified manner. The priest reported that the holy water vessels were torn from the anchoring, the disinfection bottle was on the floor, and the man defecated inside the church. The sacristan then prohibited the man to return, which led to him becoming abusive and threatening to kill the sacristan and blow up the church. Charges were filed and after a police investigation, the man got arrested.

Thirty- Three Graves Vandalized at the Guédéniau cemetery

January 15, 2021, France

On the 15 of January, around thirty graves in the Guédéniau cemetery in Baugé-en-Ajou were vandalized. The prefect condemned the acts and an investigation was opened by the gendarmerie as to who did it. The prefect said: "I give my full support to the mayor, the residents, and the injured families."

A Man Opposed To Euthanasia Is Ordered To Die Of Hunger And Thirst

January 13, 2021, United Kingdom

On November 6th, a middle aged man identified as RS fell into a coma after a heart attack left him with a severe and permanent brain damage. The man's wife and children supported the decision to turn off his life support system so he could die while receiving palliative care. The University Hospital Plymouth in the UK successfully applied for a permission to do so at the court. The patient's mother and sister argued that as a practicing Catholic, the man would refuse to be taken off life support because of his faith. They also claimed in an appeal to an English court, that the man's condition had improved and presented video footage take with a cell phone, showing the patient blinking and crying while they were in the room. The appeal was rejected by the English court and the European Court of Human Rights.

Suspended Pro-Life Midwifery Student in Nottingham University Received Apology

January 13, 2021, United Kingdom

Julia Rynkiewicz, a final year midwifery student, was victim to a 4-month long suspension and "fitness to practice" investigation due to her support and involvement with the “Nottingham Students for Life” society, where she served as president. After four months, on the 13. January, the investigation was dismissed by the Committee. As Julia realized she was unfairly targeted for her beliefs, she lodged a complaint with the support of ADF International UK. After the case was settled, Julia received an apology from the university.

Statue of Virgin Mary Decapitated in Leinefelde

January 11, 2021, Germany

An unknown vandal cut off the head of the figure of the Virgin Mary outside the Church of St. Maria Magdalena in Leinefelde on January 14th. The parish priest found smashed beer bottles nearby the Stations of the Cross and also reported the incident to the police, who investigated it. The property damage was not quite known yet but would be fixed "as soon as possible."

Chaplain Banned From Prison Work For Revealing Islamic Extremism At The HM Prison in Brixton

January 9, 2021, United Kingdom

Christian prison chaplain Paul Song was suspended from work after he has made the incident when a group of Islamic extremists stormed a chapel gathering and hijacked his bible meeting public. After his Sunday Mail interview about the incident he was banned indefinitely from working in London jails. After being punished for whistleblowing and exposing the influence of Muslim gangs at HM Prison Brixton, he is taking legal actions. At the High Court hearing on January 12th the Lawyers will seek a judicial review of the decision.

Suspected Arson at Holy Spirit Church in Vienna

January 9, 2021, Austria

The Holy Spirit Church in Vienna has to be completely renovated due to heavy sooting after a fire on January 9th. According to the Archdiocese of Vienna, the "fire event", reported to the police, could have been an arson attack. A box of cushions was burning, which caused a lot of soot. "We suspect that the cushions were set on fire. There are no candles near the scene of the fire and people usually don not smoke in a church." Michael Prüller, spokesman for the Archdiocese of Vienna stated. The church will remain closed indefinitely.

Former Spanish Deputy Encourages Violence and Vandalism to Churches

January 9, 2021, Spain

Marga Ferré, Izquierda Unida's former deputy in the Madrid Assembly for two terms, has encouraged young girls to enter churches without clothes and has applauded the demolition of statues. In a chat with six other communist women, this journalist made statements that glorify vandalism against Christian sites, considering it "amusing".

Lutheran Church in Leipzig Attacked with Stones and Paint by Left Extremists

January 6, 2021, Germany

The St. Lukas Church in Leipzig was vandalized with paint and stones by left extremists. The portal image was damaged with paint bags and windows were smashed with stones. On January 6th, the left extremist platformed indymedia, which is monitored by the Office for the Protection of the Constitution, claimed to be the originator of the attack in an online letter. It stated: "Assembly for Moria - Smash Christian-White Europe. We attacked a Lutheran church in Leipzig to start our Monday campaign for Moria. We attacked with stones and paint". The case and the validity of the letter will be further investigated.

Christmas Tree in Vienna Trenched with Gasoline "because it doesn't belong in a Muslim district"

January 1, 2021, Austria

On New Year's Eve, around 20-30 adolescents had gathered in Vienna, attacking shops, apartment balconies and other facilities on a public square with explosive pyrotechnical supplies. They also poured a diesel-gasoline mixture over a Christmas tree. Several trash cans flew against windows damaging the surrounding shop windows. "A Christmas tree has no place in a Muslim district, said one of the rioters," a member of the emergency services stated. The rioting mob also attacked the police officers by throwing firecrackers at them and shouting "Allahu Akbar"slogans. Four people were arrested immediately and the local government initiated a new security strategy for the area.

Angel Statues Stolen from Church in Polla

January 1, 2021, Italy

Statues of Angels were stolen from the Church of the Blessed Virgin of the Rosary in Polla but fortunately have been discovered again and returned. The angels together with an altar from the 18th century were stolen in January 2021. As the angels date back to 1700 they carry a high historical value. The police Unit for the Protection of Cultural Heritage of Naples discovered the stolen angels in a private house in the Neapolitan area. It is planned to hand them over during a ceremony on 21 June, to celebrate both, the church's reopening as well as the recovery of the stolen angels.

Graves In Fontainebleau Desecrated With Swastikas

December 28, 2020, France

In the night of December 28th, about sixty graves in the municipal cemetery of Fontainebleau were desecrated with swastikas. "67 old or recent stelae were vandalised with swastikas in pink, white and silver," said Fontainebleau's LR mayor Frédéric Valletoux. The Jewish cemetery, which is next to the town's main cemetery, was not desecrated, according to the Fontainebleau prosecutor's office, which has launched an investigation into "damage to graves". On Twitter, Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin said he was "disgusted by the desecration of the cemetery" and stressed that "everything will be done to find the perpetrators of this desecration".

Troublemakers Break Into A Church Proclaiming 'Allah' on the Altar

December 27, 2020, Spain

On December 27, unknown perpetrators who broke into a church in Murcia, Spain, climbed onto the altar and were arrested proclaiming 'Allah'. "We tried to get them to leave, but there was no way, and then the police were called. And the police had two patrols here within five minutes," said Silvestre del Amor, a parish priest and witness to what happened. Members of the National Police asked the subjects to show identification, but they had no documents with them. The perpetrators were taken to the police station and charged with a crime against religious feelings.

Burglar arrested In Grantham After an Attack on St Wulfram's Church

December 25, 2020, United Kingdom

A man robbed St Wulfram's Church in Grantham on Christmas morning, 25 December, after smashing a historic stained glass window. Lee Gray, who is now under arrest, destroyed items inside the church and then stole cash and the safe which contained valuable books and confidential documents. Among the stolen items was an original manuscript of a book about St Wulfram, the church's patron saint. The broken stained glass window caused £6,500 worth of damage and the church had to spend a further £5,000 replacing the locks. The total cost of the damage and stolen items was £15,229.

In Perpignan: A Convert Couple Deported and will be Sentenced to Death in Iran

December 24, 2020, France

Ata Fathimaharloei, his wife, Somayeh Hajifoghaha, and their two children converted to Christianity from Islam and sought asylum in France. The Christian refugee family in Pyrenees-Orientales are threatened with deportation and death sentence in their home country.

Nativity Scene Destroyed With Petrol Bomb on Christmas Eve

December 24, 2020, United Kingdom

A nativity scene in Raglan, Monmouthshire was destroyed with a petrol bomb on Christmas Eve. The perpetrators are unknown and a reward of £2,500 has been offered to anyone who can trace the culprit. The nativity scene had been installed in a bus shelter to bring joy to families over Christmas. The petrol bomb set the statues of a shepherd, Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus on fire, all were completely destroyed.

Protestant Mayor Charged for not Willing to Bless Homosexual Couples

December 24, 2020, France

Franck Meyer, evangelical mayor of a small town in Normandy, Sotteville-sous-le-Val, has now been accused by two LGBT associations. The evangelical mayor, president of the Protestant Committee for Human Dignity (CPDH), declared that he would not bless a marriage "between two men or two women" out of fidelity to his religious convictions. He called for a "conscience clause", as exists in the case of infant baptism or for doctors who oppose abortion, but which does not apply to elected representatives. For the lawyer of the two LGBT associations, Franck Meyer's remarks constitute "discrimination committed by a person with public authority in the course of his functions". Meyer vehemently contradicted this in a press release on 17 December: "I therefore formally deny the accusations of discrimination made against me and consider that they amount to a defamatory denunciation. "

Arson Attack On Parish In Santiago de Cordoba

December 16, 2020, Spain

On December 16th, the main door of the parish at the Ronquillo Briceño street of the brotherhood Los Titulares de las Penas was set on fire. The entrance door, the facade and the pointed arch of the temple were caught by the flames - the fire department had to intervene and extinguish the flames. As a result charred remains were found in the choir of the parish and a dense cloud of black smoke was discovered inside the temple. The brotherhood has publicly condemned this act of vandalism against its canonical seat.

Christian CEO Bullied For His View On Same-Sex Marriage

December 16, 2020, United Kingdom

An employment tribunal told on December 16th, that a CEO was exposed to bullying, hostility and harassment because of his christian view on same-sex marriage. Kenneth Ferguson files his former employer, the Robertson Trust for unlawful termination, discrimination and religious harassment. He claims that the Trust's chair, Shonaig Macpherson, became "incandescent with anger" after she found out that the Stirling Free church was hiring a Trust property. Mr Ferguson is an elder and treasurer of the Stirling Free church, which is opposing same-sex marriage and abortion.

BBC Equated Conversion Therapy And Group Prayer with Corrective Rape

December 16, 2020, United Kingdom

The section of Family & Education on the BBC News website perpetuated misinformation about `conversion therapy‘ for same sex-attraction. The BBC News LGBT Correspondent, Ben Hunte, says, “While some violent practices which may be classed as conversion therapy, such as ‘corrective rape’, are already covered by existing criminal offences, many religious practices, such as ‘group prayer”, are not.”

Restoration Works on Church in Cordoba Completed After Arson Attack In December

December 16, 2020, Spain

In the early hours of December 16th, an arson attack took place on the main door of the St. James' Church in Córdoba, Spain. The fire damaged the door, facade and pointed arch of the Fernanden temple, forcing the fire fighters to intervene. The Fraternity of as Penas de Santiago publicly condemned this act of vandalism against its canonical seat, as well as the attacks that have recently been perpetrated against the Church and the Fraternities in Andalusia. Now the restoration work of the church's main door ist completed.

Man Arrested in Miechów for Disturbing Mass and Insulting the Priest

December 16, 2020, Poland

During mass on May 16th, a man entered the the basilica of the Holy Sepulcher in Miechów, threatened to kill two priests with a knife, and demanded money. He had done a similar act three times before, but this time, the police caught and arrested him. He could face up to 12 years in prison.

Cambridge University's Proposed Free Speech Policy Allows the Disrespect of Views You Don't Agree With

December 15, 2020, United Kingdom

In its plan to alter the existing statement on freedom of speech, the University of Cambridge said people must be "respectful" of "differing opinions" and "diverse identities". However, more than 100 scholars and senior staff quickly objected, saying the “authoritarian” proposals could threaten academic freedom. Their amendment to change the phrase ‘respectful` to ‘tolerate’ was voted on by members of the University’s governing body and won “by a landslide”.

Church in Bruckmühl Vandalised with Graffiti and Set on Fire

December 15, 2020, Germany

On December 15th, unknown perpetrators vandalised the parish Heufeld in Bruckmühl. The Vandals set a fire and tagged the church with spray paint. The estimated property damage is several thousands Euros. The police is investigating and looking for witnesses.

Perpetrators Who Stole From Church, Have Now Been Sentenced

December 15, 2020, Poland

Four main suspects in a case of robbery from the St. Joseph Church in Puławy have been sentenced to one year in prison. Although the perpetrators were only judged now the theft itself dates back to December 2020. They were found guilty of stealing goods of particular cultural significance. They additionally have to pay a fine of 1,500 PLN which is equivalent to 332,37 Euros.

Parish Church in Villinger Targeted by Vandals

December 15, 2020, Germany

During the month of December, the St. Brother Klaus church in Villinger was targeted by various acts of vandalism. This included heaps of excrement left there, cigarette butts found in the holy water basin, and empty alcohol bottles in the courtyard. The community of St. Brother Klaus has had to contend with it so far but they were forced to turn to the wider community to combat it.

Graffiti Spray Painted On Church In Mere

December 10, 2020, United Kingdom

On the 10th of December at night, the door of St. Michael Church in Mere has been vandalized by a graffiti. White spray paint was used. The police are calling for witness and clues.

Desecration and Theft In Stephanus Church In Hamm

December 10, 2020, Germany

On December 12th, the catholic St. Stephen's church in Hamm was target of a second burglary within a few days. Unknown perpetrators broke open a safe in the adjoining room and removed the tabernacle from its original place. Removing the tabernacle is a highly disrespectful act of desecration and hurt the feelings of pastor Christoph Gerdemann and those of many parishioners deeply. The perpetrators had targeted the safe on New Year's Eve, but were unable to open it. Pastor Gerdemann assumes they came back with better tools. The loot was only a small amount of money from the collection of the mass the day before.

Police Concerned Over Letters Sent to Seven Priests Saying "Allah Akbar"

December 9, 2020, France

An investigation was initiated after seven priest of Vaucluse received personal letters with the words "Allah Akbar". It was announced on December 9th by the gendermerie, which speaks of a case "taken very seriously". Handwritten letters were personally addressed and sent to the parish where the seven African priests live.

Shadow Minister Resigns After Stating That Registrars Should Have the Right of Conscientious Objection Regarding Gay Marriage

December 7, 2020, United Kingdom

On December 7th, the UK shadow minister for faiths, Janet Daby, has resigned from her position. This was due to her statement, regarding the right of registrars to refuse same-sex marriages without being terminated. Janet Daby said that registrars who had a religious objection to same-sex marriage should not be forced to conduct them, as well as someone who has objections to abortions is not forced to carry them out. She sincerely apologized for her misjudged comments, and decided to resign as Shadow Faith Minister.

Nativity Scene in Spain Severely Vandalized

December 7, 2020, Spain

On December 7th, the nativity scene that is placed every year in the Eguzki square in Berriozar became the target of vandalism. Almost all figures were split in half and destroyed by unknown perpetrators. The figures are made out of wood and were freshly painted this year, which means that the budget for the new restoration is very small.

Update: Four Christian Preachers Sue Police After Brutal Arrest and Won the Appeal

December 7, 2020, United Kingdom

On December 7th, four christian preachers, known as 'the Bristol Four', are accusing the Avon and Somerset Police for their brutal arrest (assault, false imprisonment and infringement of their Human Rights). Mike Overd, Don Karns, Mike Stockwell and AJ Clarke have made considerable claims against the police. The case raises important concerns about the right to freedom of speech, and the freedom of Christian preachers in the UK to express their religious beliefs and have the right to gather in public.

Vandals Devastated Church in Otwock and Filmed it

December 7, 2020, Poland

On December 7th, six Vandals aged 18 to 20 placed offensive, vulgar inscriptions on the facade of the church, the building of the town hall and the Józef Piłsudski monument in Otwock. The perpetrators recorded their actions on video and photos. They face up to five years in prison.

Suspected Arson At Historic Derbyshire Church

December 5, 2020, United Kingdom

On December 12th the ancient church in a village in Derbyshire was on fire. The Fire and Rescue Service of Derbyshire stated that by the time they reached the church, the fire had already caused significant structural damage. A 16-year-old Teenager has been arrested on suspicion of arson. Police are investigating.

Priest Assaulted During Mass in Colmar

December 5, 2020, France

On December 5th, in the church of Saint-Paul in Colmar a priest was physically attacked by a man who sat next to the altar. The perpetrator, unknown to the parishioners refused to respond to the priest's request to leave the choir. He threatened and then beat the priest. The police arrived and the man was hospitalized involuntarily at the psychiatric center of Rouffach. The case is being investigated.

Church Vandalism in Migliarino

December 4, 2020, Italy

On December 4th, unknown perpetrators vandalised the church San Vitale in Migliarino. The parish priest of Fiscaglia found overturned benches, broken windows and a destroyed statue as he entered the church. The police was informed and is investigating.

"Online Attack" on Church Service

December 3, 2020, Germany

The Berlin church district Tempelhof-Schöneberg has become the target of right-wing extremist "online attacks". These kind of attacks via the Internet are known as zoom bombings. During the online broadcasting of the service on December 3rd, unconstitutional signs and threats were shown and anti-Semitic statements were made. The attackers additionally made an attempt to include their own films and material. All incidents were reported to the State Security Department, which is investigating.

New Bill In Scotland: Saying 'Men Can't Become Women' Could Be Considered A Hate Crime

December 1, 2020, United Kingdom

On December 1st, Scotland's Justice Secretary has affirmed that regarding to SNP's hate crime bill, one could be prosecuted for stating that men cannot be woman. The Hate Crime and Public Order Bill (Scotland) was intended to criminalize expressions and attitudes perceived as "abusive" and aimed at "inciting hatred" against particular groups. However, in return it restricts freedom of speech and lacks it's sufficient protection.

Vandals Destroyed A Stained Glass Window In St Nicolas' Church

November 30, 2020, United Kingdom

On November 11th, a stone was thrown through the millennium stained glass window of St Nicolas' Church in Shoreham, while a dozen people were working inside the building. No one was injured, but the rock also damaged a pew. Reverent James Grant, Rector at St Nicolas' Church stated that the event had been distressing for members of the church community. “One fails to understand what draw you can have to destroying something like that without a consideration to the pain that causes to other people.” The police is investigating.

Council of State in France Rejects the 30-Person Limit For Religious Celebrations

November 29, 2020, France

On November 29th, the Council of State in Francerejects the 30-person limit for religious celebrations. The government's restriction was found to be "disproportionate". In the next three days a new system must be implemented that is more in line with the right to freedom of religion and worship.

Graffiti in a Staircase in Vienna Calls Out To Murder Christians and Glorifies Islamist Terror Attack

November 28, 2020, Austria

On November 28th, unknown perpetrators tagged a staircase of a Viennese municipal building with threats. The words "Death to Christians", "the house will soon belong to us and than the whole world" and glorifications of the Islamist terror attack in Vienna were smeared on the walls. Moreover, the graffitis said: May "Allah" have "mercy" on the 20-year-old assassin who murdered four people on November 2nd. The police was informed and a complaint was filed. The LVT (State Office for the Protection of the Constitution and Fight against Terrorism) has started investigations.

Church Defenders Attacked by Pro-Abortion Demonstrators

November 28, 2020, Poland

On the 28 of November 2020, during the demonstration of pro-abortion groups in Cracow, a direct attack was made on a group of members of the Self- Defense of the Faithful organization of Lesser Poland. They had decided to protect the local churches from pro-abortion demonstrators who may want to stick posters on the churches, which was attempted, or otherwise harm the churches. Around 14:00, those defending the churches were violently attacked with pepper spray and other objects.

Paint Attack On Pro Femina in Munich

November 26, 2020, Germany

On November 26th the Pro Femina consulting center in Munich was the target of a paint attack. After the growing political pressure on Pro Femina in the last few weeks, the office building was smeared with pink paint. On the opposite side of the street, posters were hung up with the slogans: "Decriminalize abortion", "My body, my choice" or "Kill fetuses". The police have been informed and a criminal complaint has been filed.

Search Warrant for Publicly Displaying Prints of Bible Verses Found Unlawful by Court

November 25, 2020, Germany

Young-Ai Park was publicly displaying prints of Bible verses on the walls of her restaurant in Berlin. She was accused of "hate speech" and subjected to a police search and a fine. On November 25th a court in Berlin has upheld the restaurants owner's right to freedom of religion and speech and found the search warrant issued by the district court unlawful.

'Burn the Clergy' Hashtag Tolerated By Twitter Spain

November 25, 2020, Spain

On November 24th, Pope Francis beatified 127 Catholics who were killed in hatred of the faith in Spain in the 20th century. At the same time the hashtag demanding Catholic priests to be burned alive became a trend on Twitter. Tweets with the hashtag #FuegoAlClero, which means "Burn the Clergy" were permitted by Twitter. Some of those tweets included pictures of priests with their heads in flames and others labeled priests as "pedophiles" and "thieves". Although Twitter's current user policy states that the promotion of violence on the basis of religious affiliation is not allowed, these pictures of priests in flames were not removed until the 25th of November.

Pastor in Germany Sentenced For Hate Speech

November 25, 2020, Germany

On November 25th, the Bremen District Court sentenced the protestant Pastor Olaf Latzel for hate speech. He had made several strongly derogatory statements about homosexuality based on his understanding of the Bible, for which he repeatedly apologised. The pastor has been sentenced to a fine of 8.100 Euro. According to the court, he had incited hatred against homosexuals and intersexuals. Olaf Latzel announced he will not accept the sentence. His lawyer demands an acquittal.

Vandals Smeared a Cross Near the Church in Valseca

November 25, 2020, Spain

On November 11th, the diocese of Segovia reported an act of vandalism against its heritage. Unknown perpetrators smeared the pedestal of a cross next to the door of the parish in Valseca. This is the third act of vandalism against the ecclesiastical patrimony in the last few days.

Desecration of Consecrated Hosts in a Church in Palermo

November 25, 2020, Italy

On November 25th, a desecration of consecrated hosts took place in a parish in St. Bagheria. The parish priest found the tabernacle broken open and consecrated hosts spread on the ground. The investigations of the Forces of Order are still in progress, in search of those who desecrated the Tabernacle and the hosts, above all to find out more about the motivation and possible bias behind this act. There is a fear that the consecrated hosts, the flesh of Christ for Catholics, is used for Satanic rituals during black masses. This already happened in the past in Sicily.

Defecation Into The Baptismal Font Of St. George's Church

November 24, 2020, Germany

An unknown perpetrator defecated into the baptismal font of the St. George's church in Saerbeck on January 24th. In doing so, the perpetrator had himself photographed by two others who accompanied him, according to the church's surveillance video. After a complaint by the parish, the police is investigating for disturbance of religious peace. The parish is especially shocked, because of the targeted attack, which was not only a disregard of religious feelings.

False Accusations Against De Ligonnès' Prayer Group

November 23, 2020, France

In mid-November, two of the five sons of a 60-year-old man accused a traditionalist prayer group, called 'Eglise de Philadelphine', of abusing their father by exploiting his savings. The prayer group has been targeted by anti-cult groups because of unconfirmed rumors. However, a court in Metz dismissed the charge of abuse of weakness.

More Than 25% of Students in the UK 'Self-Censor' Their Opinions

November 21, 2020, United Kingdom

According to a new survey more than a quarter of students in the UK, 'self-censor' their opinions. They are afraid that their views will collide with the values promoted by the university. 40 percent do not express their opinion because they fear it could ruin their careers. Another sign of a free speech crisis is that 27 percent of students have stated they actively 'hidden' their opinions and further 40 percent restrained their views on ethical or religious affairs. The survey - conducted by Survation on behalf of ADF International, a faith-based legal advocacy organization - discovered that 36 percent, which is more than a third of students have legal opinions which would be considered as unacceptable by their student union. Free speech campaigners linked the dynamics on some campuses to 'Moist re-education campus', which are dominated by 'woke 'orthodoxy' and only the most liberal and Left-wing views are tolerated.

St. Jozafat's Church Exhibition in Poland Destroyed

November 21, 2020, Poland

On November 21st, unknown perpetrators destroyed the "Wyszyński and Wojtyla grammar of life" exhibition displayed on the fence of the St. Jozafat's church in Rejowiec. The exhibition showed photographs and quotations regarding certain values and concepts which form "the grammar of life", the basis of individuals and entire communities. The incident was reported to the police who is investigating.

Church Vandalism Caused Thousands Of Pounds Worth Of Damage

November 21, 2020, United Kingdom

Between September 1st and September 20th the primary incident happened at the St Giles' Church in Alderton. Followed by an incident on October 28th at Holy Cross in Sherston. The St Mary's Church in Luckington was twice victim of an assault. First between October 29th and November 6th, and secondly between November 18th and 21st. The leaded windows have been severely damaged and caused a financial damage of several thousand Pounds. .

Attack with Fireworks on Markus Church in Breda

November 19, 2020, Netherlands

On November 19th an extension of the Protestant Markus Church in Breda was damaged by fireworks. The blast had the force of a hand grenade. It destroyed the facade, blew off doors and broke a number of windows. During the explosion people were inside the church but fortunately in a room on the other side of the building, and no one was injured. Due to the destruction of the outer walls of the extension, a potential risk of collapse was caused. The police is investigating.

Stolen Metal Statute of the virgin and the Child Jesus Solen and Untraceable

November 18, 2020, France

Although the metal statute of the virgin and the child Jesus have been stolen in November during the wave of serial thefts, they remained untraceable. They were installed on a stone base in Craz, a village in the commune of Injoux-Genissiat.

Sacred Objects Stolen from Church in Kuckum

November 17, 2020, Germany

On November 17th unknown perpetrators broke into the church in Kuckum. It was the second time the church was broken into and various liturgical objects were stolen. A local community offered 1000 Euros as a reward for the replacement of the objects, including the stolen monstrance.

Paint Attack on Pope Monument in Poland

November 17, 2020, Poland

Unknown perpetrators vandalized a monument of John Paul II. The figure of the Polish Pope was smeared with red lightning paint, on September 11th. The sign has recently become a symbol of the women's strike, a social rebellion group against the tightening of the abortion ban.

Vandals Destroyed Figures of Fatima Children

November 16, 2020, Poland

Unknown perpetrators devastated three figures of praying Fatima Children on November 16th in Mogilno. The vandals used paving stones to smash the figure. One head and two arms were broken off the statues. The caused damage is estimated to be 1.000 PLN. According to the press officer of the District Police Headquater, the police is investigating in this case for offending religious feelings, which is punishable by up to two years imprisonment.

Vandals Smeared Facade of St. Jan Kanty Church in Warsaw

November 15, 2020, Poland

On November 15th the St. Jan Kanty church in Warsaw was smeared with accusations and the lightning symbol. The symbol is known as the sing of the women's strike. The parish was target by activists connected to the women's strike group before. After attempts of breaking into the church during holy mass, the parishioners took action themselves and hired a security guard.

Vandalism Outside San Ambroggio Church

November 15, 2020, Italy

On November 15th, a bench and a granite fountain were damaged right in front of church Sant'Ambrogio in Buddusò. This act of vandalism, right in front of the church, led to an outrage across the entire town.

Repeated Acts of Vandalism and Theft in Church of Villamarina

November 15, 2020, Italy

Priest Don Mirco Bianchi of the Church in Villamarina wrote on his Facebook page on November 14th, that his church had been destroyed and several things were stolen. He did not post photos or report to the police. It looks like the priest has had several problems with vandalism and threats in the past, due to his moral teachings and posts on Facebook. Some people consider the posts of the Father as a provocation.

Large Christmas Wreath Stolen at St. Catherine's Church

November 14, 2020, United Kingdom

On November 14th, a hand-made Christmas Wreath at St. Catherine's Church Bearwood was stolen. The Wreath was placed at the grave of a couple, in commemoration of the upcoming Christmas time. It is a very heavy and large object, so it must have been stolen by more than one person. The police was notified by the relatives, who were heartbroken.

Vandals Tagged Parrish Building with Insulting Graffiti in Ruoti

November 13, 2020, Italy

On November 13th unknown perpetrators vandalized the church of Ruoti. The walls of the local section of the Democratic Party and the Parrish Building were marked with Swastikas, Celtic crosses and offensive writings. In particular, near the rectory, the phrases "Infamous Priest", "No to pedophilia" and a cross was smeared on two doors and a wall.The incident was reported to the police, who is investigating.

St. Christ the King Church in Gothenburg Devastated by Vandals

November 13, 2020, Sweden

The Church of St. Christ the King in Gothenburg was vandalized and devastated on November 13th. The unknown perpetrators destroyed the altar and threw the candlesticks, vestments and tablecloth on the ground. The pastor, Tobias Unnerstal, believes that the act was intentionally symbolic, trying to show an "eternal Good Friday". They also scattered the songbooks and used the fire extinguisher for the candles inside the chapel. In the same church, the crucifix was already stolen a week before. The police has been informed and they started an investigation.

Arson Inside Church in Wolfach

November 13, 2020, Germany

On the 13th of November, unknown perpetrators started a fire on the altar of the Catholic Church in Wolfach. Investigations show that they might have used matches and a candle from the church. The incident was discovered by a couple who went to visit the church and extinguished the fire and informed the police. The caused damage is estimated to be around 600 Euros.

Vandals Desecrated Chapel with Spray Paint

November 12, 2020, Italy

In Castrovillari, unknown vandals vandalized the chapel of the Madonna dell'Idria during the days before the 12th of November. The vandals smeared the altar with spray paint and the paintings above the altar, they also tagged the walls and some statues. The community was shocked at the sight of the images that circulated on the internet.

Vandals Smeared the Wall of Parish Cemetery

November 12, 2020, Poland

An unknown vandal smeared the outside wall of the parish cemetery in Legionowo with an insult to the PiS party and the symbol of the "Women's Strike" organization,the incident occurred on November 12th. It is unknown if the case was reported to the police.

Three Chapels in Ghent Cemetery Vandalized

November 11, 2020, Belgium

On November 13th unknown perpetrators vandalized three chapels at the cementery in Vroonstalledries in Wondelgem.The police was informed by the secretary of the Church Council, who is calling for the installation of cameras to deter vandals.

A Convert from Islam To Christianity threatened by Islamists

November 11, 2020, Italy

Islamists have threatened Magdi Cristiano Allam, a former Muslim who converted to Christianity, by death. Allam wrote on social media: "Yesterday I received a new death sentence: 'I would like to slit your throat ugly shit, Murted’’, which means apostate. He asked the Minister of Interior for protection from the Islamists who live in Italy.

Smashed Window And Attempted Theft in Liebfrauenkirche

November 11, 2020, Germany

On November 11th, two men smashed a church window to break into the Liebfrauenkirche in Krefeld. Now two prison sentences have been handed down - a third defendant gets off lightly. They were each sentenced to seven-month prison terms by the local court. The verdict is not final yet.

New Norwegian Hate Speech Law Can Prosecute People for Remarks about LGBTQ made in Private Sphere

November 10, 2020, Norway

On the 10th of November, the Parliament of Norway has extended the hate-speech law to transgender and bisexual people, or generally "sexual orientation". People that are found guilty of hate speech could face up to one year in jail for private remarks and up to three years for public comments. This law could be conflicting with the freedom of speech for Christians, who preach the teachings of the bible.

Christian Councillor Removed for Refusing Funds For Pride Event Was Vindicated

November 10, 2020, United Kingdom

Mary Douglas, a Christian councillor at Wiltshire, was forced to step down from her role in November 2019, as she expressed her disapproval of the use of public funds to promote the "gay pride" event, as she did not agree with this "ideology and worldview". Accused of homophobia, she had to leave her role, but after an investigation the Wiltshire Council reversed the decision. The council admitted that her removal was an infringement of her "right to freedom of expression".

9-Year-Old Tried to Set Fire to Church Repetitive Times

November 9, 2020, Austria

A nine-year-old boy is suspected to have initiated arson attacks in the parish Church in Schwaz on November 5th, 6th and 9th. The objects to be set on fire included a prayer book, notes and boxes. The nine-year-old boy was seen by the police by attempting to light a power cable in the church.

Illegal Banner Hung on Cross of Mount Giewont

November 8, 2020, Poland

A gigantic banner from the "Women's Strike" movement was hung on a cross at the top of Mount Giewont in Zakopane. The photos taken with a drone were posted on the Facebook site of the Women's Strike organization on the 8th of November. The pictures show the several-meter-long cross covered by the banner stating: "domestic violence is not a tradition". The perpetrators had to climb the historic structure, which is forbidden.

Major Theft of Sacred Objects and Altarpiece in Rüsselsheim

November 8, 2020, Germany

During the time of November 8th and 12th, unknown thieves broke-in into the St. Christopherus church in Rüsselsheim and caused a damage of around 15.000 Euros. The perpetrators stole the 60 kg handmade tabernacle, made of gold-plated brass. Around a hundred sacred hosts were inside the tabernacle. The thieves took another bowl with hosts and stole several hundred euros from the offerings. The police report did not mention the theft of the consecrated hosts, which are most valuable to the believers, but is investigating the incident.

Swastika and SS Rune Branded on Door of Church in Rackwitz

November 8, 2020, Germany

Unknown perpetrators branded a Swastika and SS Rune symbol into the wooden door of the protestant church in the district of Podelwitz. The incident happened on November 8th. The police is investigating. The caused damaged is estimated to be some hundred Euros.

Church Tagged With Women's Strike Symbol

November 7, 2020, Poland

On November 7th, vandals sprayed the "Women's Strike" symbols on the facade of the parish Church of St. Peter and St. Paul in the small town of Krępa Kościelna. The prosecutor's office in Leipzig investigated the damage caused to the historic monument and the offence of religious feelings. The police already identified the perpetrators.