All cases

Vandalism and theft in Syrian Orthodox church

November 23, 2023, Sweden

In the night of November 23, the Syrian Orthodox church in Tensta was burgled and vandalised. The police found break marks on a door and broken windows and that some objects had been stolen. On December 8, a suspect was arrested.

Bronze Crucifix Stolen from Church Altar

November 23, 2023, Italy

During a church service in the church of San Giorgio in Atzara a small bronze crucifix was stolen from the central altar. The object is small but is said to be of great affective value to the community.

Graves Vandalized and Crosses Destroyed in German Cemetery

November 23, 2023, Germany

On November 23, the cemetery of Phillipsburg was found devastated. Unknown perpetrators vandalised grave decorations during the night. They tore out crosses, flower vases and figures. A wooden cross was found smashed on the ground.

Man Desecrates Altar by Having Intercourse and Filming Act

November 22, 2023, Germany

On November 22, a legal procedure was started against a man from Rosenheim who had sexual intercourse with his wife near the altar of a church in Schechen and filmed the act. "In order to respect the religious feelings of the faithful, such a desecration must be remedied by a penitential ceremony in accordance with the liturgical rules," explained a spokesperson for the responsible archdiocese of Munich and Freising.

Keyboard Stolen from Church in Gögginen

November 21, 2023, Germany

An electric piano has dissapeared from the Protestant Johannis Church in Gǒggingen. The police concluded that the piano must have been stolen between November 10 and November 21. The estimated value of the electric piano is around 5,000 euros. The police are still investigating the situation.

Church in Ichtershausen Vandalized and Robebed

November 20, 2023, Germany

A church in Klostergasse in Ichtershausen, Germany, was forcibly broken into and damaged. Several doors were broken open, rooms were searched and approximately 10,000 euros worth of property damage was caused. Multiple instruments were stolen as well. The crime occurred between November 17 at 3 PM and November 20 at 10:20 AM. The police are still investigating the incident.

Spain: Catholics and Christians Are the most targeted Religion, According to Latest Report

November 20, 2023, Spain

The Observatory for Religious Freedom and Freedom of Conscience (OLRC) in Spain collects, verifies and publishes attacks on religious freedom in the country. The 2023 report shows that attacks have increased in 2022 compared to 2021 by 6.67%, from a total of 195 to 208 cases. Their Annual Report shows that attacks on places of worship have increased by 40% and that 3 out of every 4 attacks have been against Catholics. The OLRC also documented 4 specific cases of violence against believers, all of them being against Catholics.

London City Missionaries attacked

November 20, 2023, United Kingdom

London City Mission leader Graham Miller and his wife were attacked on the streets of south-west London, where they regularly evangelise, after Mr Miller challenged some children for abusing a cafe manager near the railway station.

Ballymoney Church Subject of Arson Attack

November 19, 2023, Ireland

The door to Our Lady and St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Ballymoney was set on fire on the night of November 19. Police were notified shortly after 9:45 pm that the side door of the church was on fire. Officers attended to the fire and were able to extinguish it before significant damage was caused. The police are investigating the incident as a deliberate arson attack.

Basilica in Rouen Vandalised and Robbed

November 15, 2023, France

The Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur in Rouen was broken into on November 15. The parish priest, Father Geoffroy de la Tousche, said that a statue was broken, sacred vases were stolen, and the altar was severely damaged. This is not the first case of vandalism in Rouen, as gargoyles had been damaged last year. The priest said that the damage will cost tens of thousands of euros. The police are investigating but the perpetrator has not been found.