All cases
Saint-Laurent Church Vandalised on Holy Thursday
April 2, 2026, FranceOn Holy Thursday, April 2, 2026, the Saint-Laurent Church in Rosny-sous-Bois was broken into and severely damaged. The main doors were smashed, lamps torn down, and the sacristy door and frame attacked with axes.
Suspected Arson at Church Cemetery in Dorset
April 1, 2026, United KingdomA fire that broke out in the early hours at St George’s Church cemetery in Dorchester is believed to have been started deliberately.
Series of Fires and Vandalism Reported in Hildesheim Churches
March 30, 2026, GermanyA fire in the parish garden of St. Godehard Church in Hildesheim has raised concerns after church authorities reported further serious acts of vandalism affecting local churches. Among the incidents disclosed was the discovery of urine in a baptismal font, a particularly disturbing act of desecration.
Beheaded Statue of Mary in Klein-Winternheim
March 29, 2026, GermanyUnknown perpetrators beheaded a statue of Mary in a Marian grotto located in Klein-Winternheim. The offenders also damaged devotional objects and stole rosaries and other small religious items.
Supreme Court Acquits MP for Bible Verse Tweet, Convicts Over Church Pamphlet
March 26, 2026, FinlandFinland’s Supreme Court has unanimously acquitted parliamentarian Päivi Räsänen of “hate speech” charges related to a 2019 social media post in which she cited a Bible verse to express her views on marriage and sexual ethics. At the same time, in a narrow 3–2 decision, the Court convicted Räsänen and Lutheran Bishop Juhana Pohjola over the publication of a church pamphlet originally written in 2004.
Vandalism in Garbenteich Church: Bible Damaged with Fire
March 22, 2026, GermanyA Protestant church in Garbenteich was vandalised, with fire damage affecting the altar Bible and altar area.
Catholic Priest Faces Criminal Investigation Over Statements on Church Teaching on Sexuality
March 20, 2026, IcelandMonsignor Jakob Rolland is facing a potential criminal trial after explaining Catholic teaching on homosexuality in a radio interview and stating that the Church offers spiritual guidance to persons with same-sex attraction who seek it. Following the interview, LGBTIQ advocacy groups launched a campaign calling for legal action, leading to a police examination of the Catholic priest under Iceland’s 2023 ban on “conversion practices”.
Arson and vandalism in Absam Parish Church
March 15, 2026, AustriaAbsam Parish Church was the target of a serious act of vandalism, two minors entered the church and desecrated the interior.
Multiple churches in Belfort targeted with vandalism and break-ins
March 15, 2026, FranceDuring the night of 14 to 15 March, Sainte-Croix Church in Chèvremont was vandalised, with doors forced open, consecrated hosts found on the ground, and sacred objects stolen. Authorities and the parish have filed complaints.
Attempted arson in Trzebinia Parish
March 15, 2026, PolandAn attempted arson was reported at the Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Trzebinia. A man set fire to kneelers in the vestibule and tried to ignite the main door but failed to enter.