All cases

Arson and Break-in: Repeated targeting of churches in Sierck-les-Bains

July 13, 2025, France

On the night of 13 July, the room adjoining the church in Sierck-les-Bains was vandalised. The white plastic door was completely destroyed. A week earlier, two teenagers had been arrested for setting fire to a chapel in the same municipality.

Church desecrated by excrement

July 13, 2025, France

The Arudy church was desecrated overnight on 13 July, with a large amount of faeces left inside and outside the building. The parish priest intends to file a complaint. He also found urine on the sacristy door and the tablecloth that usually covers the altar thrown over the stools.

Vandalism in Münster church leads to restricted opening hours

July 10, 2025, Germany

As reported on 10 July, St. Bonifatius Church in Münster will remain closed outside of services due to a series of troubling acts of vandalism. According to the local pastor, Dr Heike Köhler, the building has repeatedly been defiled with faeces and littered with broken beer bottles. There have also been incidents of arson. Most recently, photographs of baptism candidates were deliberately set on fire.

Incitement to burn churches and priests

July 9, 2025, Italy

On the morning of 9 July, graffiti inciting violence against churches and priests was discovered on a house next to the Basilica of San Domenico in Perugia. The slogan read: "Churches should be burned down, but with the priests inside; otherwise it's not enough". An anarchist and transgender symbol was placed next to the quote.

Vandalism in Velen church

July 8, 2025, Germany

Repeated acts of vandalism at St. Andrew's Church in Velen, in the Borken district. The church has been left in a state of disarray, with overturned candles and firecrackers set off next to the high altar. The most recent example: The icon of 'Our Lady of Perpetual Help' was sprayed with wax, and the damage is estimated to be in the mid-three-digit range.

Arson at the pilgrimage chapel in Friedberg

July 8, 2025, Germany

Unknown individuals deliberately set multiple small fires inside the Maria Alber chapel in Friedberg-West. On the evening of 8 July, several pieces of partially burned paper, including church leaflets, newspapers and torn pages from the chapel's prayer book, were found under pews and near the candle stands. Parish officials have reported growing unease among community members, as this is not the first arson attack in recent weeks.

Hostilities erupt outside church in Langenau

July 7, 2025, Germany

Violence by pro-Palestine demonstrators against the congregation of St Martin's Protestant Church in Langenau, in the Alb-Donau district, has escalated. During an unannounced gathering outside the church, two protesters reportedly became physically violent and verbally abusive. Due to the repeated demonstrations becoming increasingly violent, many parishioners have stopped attending services out of fear.

Altar of church in Lido vandalised

July 6, 2025, Italy

Unknown individuals entered the church of Tarquinia Lido, Maria Santissima Stella del mare, and overturned and damaged all the objects on the altar. According to reports, the vandals entered through a window at the back of the church and then targeted the side chapel where the consecrated hosts are kept.

Arson attack in Garmisch-Partenkirchen: Helpers Stop Arsonist

July 6, 2025, Germany

On the afternoon of Saturday, June 29, 2025, a 28-year-old man allegedly set fire to several altars in the Catholic parish church of St. Martin in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. According to police, the man intentionally ignited altar cloths using a lighter and caused damage estimated in the high four-figure range. Two church visitors extinguished the flames before the fire department arrived and overpowered the suspect, who has been temporarily placed in a psychiatric clinic by court order.

Salsasio church closes to public due to repeated vandalism

July 3, 2025, Italy

Following repeated acts of vandalism and harassment of the faithful, the parish of Salsasio has decided to close the church on Via Novara to the public, keeping it open only for religious services. Parish leaders denounced the incidents as showing “contempt for a sacred place and for Christianity,” and expressed serious concern for the safety of the church and its sacred objects.

Arsonists Ignite Five Fires in Lavesum’s Antonius Church

July 2, 2025, Germany

On Friday, July 2, 2025, unknown individuals set multiple fires inside the Antonius Church in Lavesum, causing significant damage. Among the destroyed items was the canopy (baldachin) above the altar, and church officials suspect arson.

Sacristan struck down with cross

June 30, 2025, Germany

On June 30, a man attacked the sacristan of the Catholic St. Nikolaus parish in Rodgau, using a crucifix as a weapon. The attacker, who is born in Syria and holds Lebanese and German citizenship, initially confronted the church worker after being approached about loud music coming from his parked car. He kicked the sacristy door, punched the sacristan, and then tore a 1.6-meter crucifix from the wall, striking the victim so forcefully that it broke. According to reports, he then tried to use the broken pieces of the figure of Jesus as a stabbing weapon and shouted to a passerby, “Help me kill him.”

Crucifix set alight and 40 headstones smashed

June 29, 2025, United Kingdom

A large wooden crucifix was set on fire and around 40 headstones were smashed in a serious act of vandalism at St Conval’s Cemetery in Barrhead, East Renfrewshire, Scotland, in the early hours of Sunday, June 29, 2025. The Catholic community has expressed deep sorrow over the attack, which Bishop John Keenan described as “destructive violence.” A 39-year-old man has since been arrested and charged in connection with the incident.

Salerno Church doors smeared with excrements

June 28, 2025, Italy

On the morning of June 28, 2025, vandals defaced the Church of Sant’Anna al Porto in Salerno by smearing feces on both the main entrance and sacristy doors. This marked the second consecutive day of such an attack, discovered by Monsignor Claudio Raimondi and several parishioners.

Police investigate Arson at Northampton Church

June 27, 2025, United Kingdom

On the evening of June 27, 2025, a fire broke out at St Mary’s Church on Towcester Road in Northampton. Emergency services were called to the scene, and police are treating the incident as arson.

Vandal attacks parish staff when caught

June 27, 2025, Germany

On June 27, a 26-year-old man vandalised the floor of a church in Traunreut with a felt-tip pen and punched a church representative in the face when confronted. The suspect fled the scene but was later temporarily arrested by local police

Church in Peine target of arson

June 25, 2025, Germany

On the morning of 25 June, a Catholic parish church in Peine, Germany, was targeted in an attempted arson attack. The fire, likely started using accelerants, caused minor damage to the entrance door but was quickly extinguished by a church employee before it could spread.

Church in Orne desecrated

June 24, 2025, France

The tabernacle of the church in Mortagne-au-Perche (Orne) was desecrated on Tuesday, 24 June 2025. The religious building has been temporaily closed and will reopen on Saturday, 28 June for a Mass of Reparation.

British Catholic Hospices Face Closure Following Assisted Suicide Vote

June 20, 2025, United Kingdom

British Catholic hospices and care homes for the elderly face potential closure after the controversial Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill was approved at Third Reading in the House of Commons on 20 June, passing by a narrow majority of just 23 votes. This bill, if enacted, would compel Catholic palliative care institutions that refuse to participate in assisted suicide on the basis of Christian teachings to either comply or face closure, raising deep concerns over the protection of institutional conscientious objection.

Arson Attack on Evangelical Street Preacher’s Trailer in Gütersloh

June 20, 2025, Germany

In the pre-dawn hours of June 20, 2025, unknown assailants set fire to a vehicle trailer belonging to street preacher Henning Heinrich Westrup in Gütersloh, North Rhine‑Westphalia. The trailer, emblazoned with the message “Jesus saves”, suffered extensive damage to its protective tarpaulin and exterior in what authorities are investigating as a deliberate act of arson.

Liturgical Gospel Book Ripped Apart in St. Ulrich bei Steyr Church

June 19, 2025, Austria

Between Monday 17 and Wednesday 19 June 2025, an unknown individual severely damaged a liturgical gospel at St Ulrich's parish church in Steyr, Austria. Parish staff found the Gospel, which had been left open on the side altar, completely vandalised — every single one of its 300 pages had been torn down the middle.

Church in Lingen Suffered Heavy Vandalism

June 18, 2025, Germany

On the afternoon of Saturday, June 18, 2025, unidentified individuals broke into the Romanesque-Gothic St. Alexander Church in Lingen-Schepsdorf, leaving a trail of destruction. Several religious statues were vandalised—one completely destroyed, others defaced with melted wax—deeply shocking the local community, especially as this is not an isolated incident.

Profanation of Church in Provins during Festival

June 14, 2025, France

During the medieval festival Médiévales, held on 14–15 June 2025, the Collégiale Saint-Quiriace in Provins was desecrated. This Gothic collegiate church, which is a historic landmark in the Diocese of Meaux, was open to both pilgrims and festival exhibitors. However, several stalls displayed occult and neo-pagan items, including books on Satanism, inside the sacred space. Witnesses also reported seeing a shirtless man dressed as a satyr, wearing horns, parading through the nave, alongside erotic imagery placed among the church’s pillars. The local bishop denounced this violation of the church's spiritual dignity.

Arson Attack at Market Drayton’s St Mary’s Church

June 9, 2025, United Kingdom

St Mary’s Church in Market Drayton, Shropshire, was the target of a deliberate arson attack. Firefighters from Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service were alerted on the morning of 9 June, arriving to find the large oak rear door of the church engulfed in flames. The fire was threatening to spread to nearby curtains and wooden roof timbers. Thanks to their swift emergency response, firefighters contained the fire before it could cause more extensive damage.

Vandals Cause Extensive Damage to Great Yarmouth Minster Windows

June 9, 2025, United Kingdom

According to a BBC article, published on June 9th, the historic Great Yarmouth Minster, the largest parish church in England, was targeted by vandals who hurled stones at its leaded windows, shattering dozens of diamond-shaped panes and severely damaging one large stained-glass window. The attack occurred in broad daylight, while church wardens were still cleaning up earlier damage. During the cleanup, another stone was thrown through a window, prompting staff to run outside and spot two teenage boys fleeing the scene.

Vandalism St. Anna Basilica in Altötting: Pentecost Service Relocated

June 8, 2025, Germany

On the night before Pentecost Sunday, June 8,  2025, a 19-year-old man vandalised the pilgrimage church of St. Anna in Altötting, damaging and soiling numerous sacred objects. Police estimate the resulting property damage to be in the mid-five-figure range. The violent incident disrupted morning Pentecost services.

Church in Sindelfingen Vandalised

June 7, 2025, Germany

A church situated on Liebenzeller Straße in Sindelfingen, Baden-Württemberg, was targeted in a spree of vandalism. The damage was discovered later that day, with police confirming that unknown individuals had overturned liturgical furnishings, breaking off several candle holders, removing floral arrangements, plant pots, shelving, and other church fixtures, and relocating them to the building’s entrance vestibule.

Germany: Anti-Christian Hate Crimes rise by 22%

June 6, 2025, Germany

The German Ministry of the Interior and the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) recorded 337 politically motivated anti-Christian hate crimes for 2024, an increase of 21.66% from 277 crimes in 2023. This represents a continuation of the negative trend observed in the previous year, during which anti-Christian hate crimes increased by 100%.

Desecration of Crucifix in Rudy Raciborskie Forest

June 5, 2025, Poland

A wooden roadside crucifix in Rudy Raciborskie, Poland, was deliberately vandalised in a shocking incident. The perpetrators sawed off the arms of the figure of Jesus, turned it upside down and draped rubbish over the desecrated image. Locals say this was timed to coincide with a significant celebration at the nearby sanctuary marking the 25th anniversary of the coronation of Our Lady of Pokorna. Residents described the incident as a deeply symbolic and intentional assault on their place of prayer.

Spanish Evangelicals banned from using funeral chapels

May 31, 2025, Spain

In May 2025, the Federation of Evangelical Religious Entities of Spain (FEREDE) filed a formal complaint with the Spanish ombudsman, denouncing discrimination against the evangelical community in Spain, including a ban on using funeral chapels.

Vandals Assault Parishioner And Destroy Church Window During Choir Practice

May 30, 2025, United Kingdom

On 30 May, 2025, a choir member was physically assaulted and a historic stained-glass window was broken during an evening rehearsal at St. Mary the Virgin Church in West Derby, Liverpool. This attack deeply shook both the choir members and the wider parish and raises concerns about personal safety in this sacred space.

Chapel and cemetery in Levens damaged by fires

May 26, 2025, France

The commune of Levens in the Alpes-Maritimes region of southeastern France experienced a series of deliberate fires targeting sacred sites. The Chapelle des Pénitents Noirs and the adjacent cemetery were both affected, with fires being started on the altar cloths in the chapel and in plastic flower pots in front of several graves. These acts of vandalism have left the local community in shock and mourning, particularly as some of the incidents occurred during visits to the cemetery on Mother's Day.

Catholic cemetery and chapel vandalised

May 21, 2025, Netherlands

The chapel and cemetery in Doorwerth were severely damaged. A statue of Mary was decapitated, a wooden cross bearing a figure of Jesus was smashed, and debris was scattered everywhere. This shocking act has left the faith community in disbelief.

Churches in Zweibrücken Repeatedly Targeted

May 19, 2025, Germany

In Zweibrücken, both Protestant and Catholic churches have been repeatedly vandalised, prompting concern among church leaders. Dean Peter Butz and Pastor Wolfgang Emanuel have reported ongoing damage to church buildings, including graffiti, smashed windows and cases of desecration.

Man assaulted in Berlin after revealing Christian faith

May 19, 2025, Germany

A 24-year-old man was attacked in Wedding, Berlin, after revealing that he was Christian. On the night of 19 May, he was approached by several individuals who asked him about his religious beliefs. After answering that he was Christian, he was physically assaulted and sustained serious injuries. The authorities are investigating the attack as an anti-Christian hate crime.

Church repeatedly vandalised

May 18, 2025, Germany

In recent weeks, the Catholic Church of St Michael in Ebersbach, has been repeatedly targeted by unknown vandals who have committed acts of arson and desecration. Between 1 and 18 May, intruders started small fires in various locations within the church, including the altar and pews, sometimes using matches and paper. Some of these fires were later extinguished with holy water. The most recent incident, which occurred on Sunday, 18 May, caused several hundred euros' worth of property damage, leaving burnt marks on the carpet near the ambo and signs of tampering throughout the sacred space.

Double arson attacks at Sweden's church

May 15, 2025, Sweden

In May 2025, the historic wooden church in Älvsbyn, Sweden, fell victim to two suspected arson attacks within a short period of time. The first incident occurred on 11 May, when the remains of a small fire were discovered on the church's porch. The second attack took place shortly before 3 am on 15 May, when a fire was started at the entrance to the church. The police are investigating the attacks as arson.

Repeated vandalism in Essen - Muslim youths start campaign to protect church

May 15, 2025, Germany

The church in Essen-Altendorf is increasingly being plagued by vandalism. The Kreuzeskirche, a historic Protestant church located in the city center, has recently been subjected to vandalism. Unknown perpetrators defaced the church's exterior by spray-painting a skull image on its walls adding to the problem of repeatedly broken windows.

Attempted arson at the Church of Sant'Agnese

May 12, 2025, Italy

Early on 12 May 2025, an attempted arson attack was carried out on the small church of Sant’Agnese in Città Sant’Angelo, Abruzzo. The wooden entrance door was set alight using a flammable liquid, but the quick action of local residents and firefighters prevented further damage. This incident followed an act of vandalism just four days earlier, when the glass of a votive shrine in the Crocifisso area was shattered.

Second arson attack on St Mary's Chapel in one year

May 12, 2025, Germany

On the evening of 12 May, St Mary's Chapel at St Margaret's Parish Church in Kahl am Main was targeted with arson for the second time this year. A church pew with seat cushions caught fire in a side wing of the building, causing toxic smoke to spread throughout the entire church. Although the flames had largely extinguished themselves by the time firefighters arrived, extensive smoke damage had been caused. The police are now searching for the arsonist.

Priest attacked by youths who threatened to set fire to his church

May 10, 2025, France

On the evening of 10 May, a group of young people approached the priest of the parish of Montfavet in Avignon and asked to enter the church, saying that they wanted to convert to Christianity. When they went in, they insulted the priest, shouted "Allah Akbar" and declared that they wanted to burn the building down, and then fled.

Repeat Vandalism Hits Church One Year On

May 10, 2025, Italy

The Church of Sant’Angelo Magno in Ascoli Piceno, Italy, was targeted by vandals for the second consecutive year. The perpetrators forced their way into the church and caused significant damage. Local residents, alerted by the noise, contacted the parish priest and the police. The swift response of the authorities caused the vandals to flee through the rear of the church.

Church attacked with stones after recent destruction of crib

May 9, 2025, Italy

The small countryside church of Madonna di Valverde in Dorgali, Sardinia, was vandalised when unknown individuals broke the door lock and threw stones inside. Although the altar and sacred objects were left untouched, this incident has shocked the local community, especially as it follows a series of similar occurrences in recent months. Just a month earlier, a marble nativity scene on the Carmel Hill was destroyed by hammer blows, a gesture against a religious symbol that shocked the local community.

Desecration of the chapel in the former dormitory

May 1, 2025, Poland

Someone broke into the interior of the chapel in historic dormitory in the old town of Mielec. Inside they destroyed and stole valuable liturgical objects and the monstrance. The altar cross was broken into pieces and left outside the chapel. A large amount of candle oil was spilled on the floor, which could point to an attempt at arson. The Curia of the Diocese of Tarnów, considering this scandalous event as an act of profanation, decided to close the chapel temporarily. All services were moved to another parish.

two-metre-high wooden cross cut down

May 1, 2025, France

In Curancy, Burgundy, on the night of 30 April, a two-metre-high wooden Christian cross was deliberately cut down and stolen from the woods. The vandals used a saw to cut it down and made off with it. Shocked by the incident, the mayor filed a police report, describing the act as 'a direct attack on a symbol of faith'.

Vandals leave trail of destruction in church

April 30, 2025, Italy

Vandals broke into the historic church of Pia Opera Pastore in Alcamo, Sicily, causing extensive damage to sacred art, objects and furnishings. Paintings were defaced, religious objects destroyed and the church left in disarray - an attack condemned by local officials as a serious offence against the community and its cultural and religious heritage.

Church in Alsace severely vandalised: €10,000 in damage

April 24, 2025, France

On the night of 24 April, the collegiate church of Saint-Martin in Colmar was vandalised by an intruder who climbed through scaffolding, damaged sacred objects and left the church in disarray. Despite spending almost three hours inside and causing over €10,000 in damage, the perpetrator - who was caught on CCTV and reportedly under the influence of drugs - stole nothing. The incident shocked the local community and raised serious concerns about the protection of religious and cultural heritage.

Church closes after attacks on parish staff

April 23, 2025, Austria

The parish of Breitenfeld has had to severely restrict access to its church following repeated violent attacks against parish workers and acts of vandalism. An unknown man attacked a parish secretary, pushing her to the ground and kicking her several times. A few days later, a 74-year-old sexton was similarly attacked, suffering injuries so severe that he had to be hospitalised for several days. Vandalism to the church building was also confirmed. As a result, the church is now only open for mass, and there is a police presence.

Church and graveyard defaced with blasphemous graffiti

April 18, 2025, United Kingdom

On Good Friday, 18 April, St James' Church in Leyland, Lancashire, was vandalised with lewd images and anti-Christian messages. The graffiti included sexually graphic content, explicit blasphemy, and defaced both the church building and at least 40 gravestones in the churchyard with offensive statements such as "God is a lie".

Third attack on chapel in recent months

April 13, 2025, Italy

A votive shrine in Lonato del Garda has suffered its third act of vandalism in 3 months. In the latest incident, a wooden crucifix was torn from the wall and thrown away. Previously, a statue of the Madonna had been destroyed and a crucifix depicting Christ had been stolen.

Bible set alight on wooden altar

April 10, 2025, Germany

A Bible was set alight with a match in the Protestant church in Groß-Gerau. It was on the wooden altar, but did not burn down completely.

Protestant schools in France excluded from Erasmus+

April 10, 2025, France

In a written question to the European Commission, Dutch MEP Bert-Jan Ruissen raised concerns over France’s exclusion of private schools—including Protestant and Montessori institutions—from the EU’s Erasmus+ student mobility programme. He questioned how this policy aligns with the programme’s stated commitment to inclusivity for both public and private educational institutions. In its response on 10 April, the European Commission reaffirmed that Erasmus+ is designed to be inclusive. However, it ultimately placed responsibility on national authorities, stating that France is within its rights to define eligibility criteria for participation.

Vandals damage several churches in Odenwald region

April 8, 2025, Germany

In the Odenwald region, several churches were attacked by vandals. At a church in Schweinberg, the stucco decoration on the high altar was broken off and thrown to the ground. Vandals also left cigarette butts and damaged collection boxes.

Religious statue damaged

April 8, 2025, Germany

In Salzgitter-Bad, unknown vandals caused damage to a local church. A statue of Mary, part of a group of holy figures, was removed and the wall damaged.

500-year-old altar damaged

April 7, 2025, Germany

On 7 April, a vandal broke into the historic Abbey Church in Öhringen and seriously damaged the church's 500-year-old wooden high altar. The unknown offender broke off and destroyed the sword from a figure of the Apostle Paul and stole a valuable altar cloth.

Fire in church: Police suspect arson

April 6, 2025, Germany

Unknown persons have apparently attempted to set fire to the grounds of a church on Harffer Strasse in Neuss-Erfttal. According to initial findings, a wooden flowerpot was set alight inside the church building.

Christian woman convicted for holding sign "here to talk if you want"

April 4, 2025, United Kingdom

A 63-year-old Christian woman, Livia Tossici-Bolt, has been convicted for breaching a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) by holding a sign that read "here to talk, if you want" near an abortion clinic in Bournemouth. This case raises significant concerns about the impact of such orders on religious freedom and the right to free expression.​

Thousands in Damages Every Month

April 4, 2025, Germany

Churches in Cologne's city centre, including the iconic Cologne Cathedral, are regularly targeted by vandals, causing thousands of euros in damage each month. Dr Dominik Meiering, the leading priest for Cologne's inner city, expressed concern about the repeated desecration, theft and graffiti, describing it as a serious burden on the Church and a threat to its public mission.

Vandals destroy shrine and cut off arms of Jesus statue

April 3, 2025, Poland

Unknown perpetrators desecrated a religious site on the roadside between the villages of Podlesie and Sławno, destroying a statue of the Mary, tearing the body of a Jesus figure from the cross and breaking off its arms and damaging a painting of the Passion. The incident caused outrage among the locals.

Church crosses destroyed in Paternò

April 2, 2025, Italy

On 2 April 2025, vandals destroyed two large crosses outside the Chiesa Madre in Paternò, Sicily. The attack follows other recent incidents in the same town, including an attempted theft of a sacred painting and verbal abuse during a Christian procession, raising serious concerns about growing hostility towards the local Christian community.

Repeated urine, faeces and riots in Mainz churches

April 1, 2025, Germany

In recent weeks, several churches in Mainz have suffered serious acts of vandalism, including the desecration of holy water with urine and the destruction of confessional doors. These incidents have deeply distressed local clergy and parishioners, and have led to discussions about possible church closures to prevent further offences.

Church walls defaced with Swastika

April 1, 2025, Germany

Between 30 March and 1 April, unknown persons sprayed graffiti on the walls of St Martin's Church in Hermeskeil. The graffiti included a swastika on the outside of the church.

Man smashes church windows and attacks priest

March 31, 2025, Greece

​In Volos, Greece, a man vandalised a local church by smashing its windows before attacking a hieromonk, striking him multiple times. The incident has deeply unsettled the local clergy and parishioners. ​

Desecration of crosses at the sanctuary

March 30, 2025, Spain

On the night of 29-30 March, vandals destroyed two crosses near the Sanctuary of St Michael in Aralar, in the Spanish Archdiocese of Pamplona and Tudela. This is the second attack on the site in recent months.

Vandalism in church

March 26, 2025, Germany

Unknown individuals entered the church on Wieslocher Straße and caused significant damage. Among other things, a plate of holy water was smashed, a microphone and its stand were knocked over, and the glass panel on the confessional door was broken. The intruders also removed a pipe from the organ and placed it on the altar. The unknown individuals then fled the church undetected.

Man Damages Statue and Sets Fire to Church in Spilt

March 22, 2025, Croatia

On 22 March 2025, in the church of St. Dominic in Split, a man damaged a statue and then started a fire on the candle stand with a gas lighter which caught fire when it was left on a candle, and the flame spread to the plastic candle holders on the stand. He is also suspected of stealing a metal gas bottle from a cupboard in the church.

Retired pastor faces trial for public worship service near abortion clinic

March 21, 2025, United Kingdom

Clive Johnston, a retired pastor in Northern Ireland is facing trial for holding an open-air Christian service near an abortion clinic, raising serious concerns about the impact of so-called ‘buffer zone’ laws on religious freedom and freedom of expression.

Serious episodes of vandalism: Easter candle soiled with excrement

March 20, 2025, Germany

Several churches in the Kraichgau region have recently suffered damage. Kürnbach has been the victim of vandalism twice - someone relieved himself and damaged candles and the altar bible. In Zaisenhausen, six windows were smashed with stones. In Bretten-Büchig the organ was covered with a sticky liquid.

Court dismisses case against Christian preacher prosecuted for criticising Islam

March 14, 2025, United Kingdom

On 12 March, a British court found Christian street preacher Karandeep Mamman not guilty of "causing religious harassment, alarm or distress" after he publicly criticised the Koran during a street sermon in January 2023. Listeners also reacted aggressively to him, threatening to beat him up and ''cut his throat'' and only letting him go after police arrived.

Wayside cross damaged

March 13, 2025, Germany

Unknown offenders have desecrated a cross on a footpath and cycle path near Haar, east of Munich. The left arm of the crucified Jesus was torn off and half a foot was chopped off.

Serious episode of desecration

March 12, 2025, Italy

Unknown assailants broke into the Church of St Paul the Apostle in Borgo Nuovo during the night, ransacked the parish and stole the chalice and the pyx containing the consecrated hosts.

Teenagers commit crimes in church

March 10, 2025, Germany

In Quedlinburg, a trio of teenagers threw stones at a man at St. Benedict's Church. The church door was damaged. The man also observed one of the teenagers drawing a swastika in the guest book.

Church in Brittany vandalised twice in two weeks

March 10, 2025, France

Vandalism and burglaries have been reported in Treffiagat-Léchiagat, France. The church of Notre-Dame des Flots has been attacked twice since the beginning of March. The damage to the religious building was shocking to the faithful: smashed candles, torn liturgical books, overturned pews, broken vases and more.

Acid attack on Christian café: 15 attacks since July 2024

March 10, 2025, Germany

The Café "Stay" of an evangelical free church in Leipzig has been attacked with butyric acid. The perpetrators probably poured acid into the coffee shop through the keyhole of the entrance door. The owners had to call the fire brigade. The perpetrators are suspected to be left-wing extremists. This is the 15th attack on the Christian café since July 2024.

Altar cloth set on fire

March 8, 2025, Italy

Unknown persons set fire to the cloth covering the main altar of the church of San Francesco, the sanctuary of San Nicola Greco. The cause of the crime is still unknown, although there has been a lot of vandalism in the city in recent weeks.

Church closed outside service due to repeated vandalism

March 3, 2025, Italy

The Parish of the Santissimi Petro e Giacomo Apostoli has decided to close the Church of San Giacomo, in Via Roma, except during liturgical celebrations due to increasing vandalism. The church has repeatedly had flower pots, offerings and stations of the cross stolen, as well as the figure of Jesus from the nativity scene and excrement behind the altar.

Vandals target Baptist Church

March 3, 2025, Ireland

A Limavady Baptist the church in Northern Ireland has been targeted by vandals who destroyed a sign advertising a children's Sunday School. It was deliberately destroyed—torn up and rendered useless.

Pait attack on Mühlhausen church

March 2, 2025, Germany

Vandals sprayed pink paint on the front door, display case and adjacent wall of the Evangelical Free Church in Mühlhausen. The perpetrator then fled the scene.

Desecration: Gave crosses turned upside down

March 2, 2025, Germany

Unknown perpetrators dug up seven grave crosses at the Erzhütten cemetery in Germany over the weekend and put them back in the ground upside down. According to police, at least two crosses and one grave were damaged.

Baptist church vandalised with Antifa

February 28, 2025, Hungary

On 28 February, the Baptist congregation in Székesfehérvár, Hungary, discovered that the facade of their church building had been vandalised with the slogan "God is dead". The graffiti also contained antifa symbols.

Riot in church in Neheim

February 28, 2025, Germany

An unknown offender has vandalised the Catholic church of St John the Baptist in Neheim. The man destroyed a cross, broke off the head and arms of a figure of Jesus, knocked over candlesticks and tore and smeared tablecloths on the high altar. He also spilled liquids and scattered books on the floor.

Christian Midwife Student Suspended over Expressing Conscientious Objections

February 28, 2025, United Kingdom

Sara Spencer, a Christian midwifery student in Scotland, has been suspended from her National Health Service placement for comments she made on a private Facebook forum explaining her conscientious objection to performing abortions. Despite being cleared of any wrongdoing, Spencer's professors at Edinburgh Napier University have continued to warn her against expressing "inappropriate" pro-life views.

Vandalism of Chapel in Olbia

February 26, 2025, Italy

On 26 February, the parish priest of Sant'Ignazio da Laconi found the small church of San Vittore in Olbia vandalised. Unknown perpetrators had broken rosaries, altar candlesticks and several other sacred objects. The police are now investigating the incident.

Suspected Arson Attack on Church in Saumur

February 26, 2025, France

On 26 February, a fire destroyed the 17th century door of the church of Notre-Dame-des-Ardilliers in Saumur (Maine-et-Loire, France). Around thirty firefighters and a dozen vehicles were mobilised to bring the fire under control. Although the cause of the fire is still under investigation, the authorities suspect arson and have launched an investigation.

Christian prayer leader first charged under Scotland's buffer zone law

February 24, 2025, United Kingdom

Rose Docherty, a 74-year-old Christian and leader of the pro-life prayer group "40 Days for Life", has become the first person to be arrested under Scotland's new abortion 'buffer zone' law for holding a silent vigil near a Glasgow hospital. The law, which criminalises any attempt to 'influence' abortion decisions within 200 metres of a facility, raises fundamental rights concerns. Pro-life groups plan to hold upcoming prayer vigils only outside the buffer zones, but politicians are already pushing for further extensions of the zones.

Nottinghamshire village church severely vandalised

February 23, 2025, United Kingdom

The church of St Mary and St Martin in Blyth was severely vandalised, with a stained glass window smashed, an effigy of a knight damaged, a knife plunged into the bell tower door and religious objects desecrated.

Roadside cross vandalised in Lublin

February 22, 2025, Poland

A 48-year-old man has been arrested for vandalising a roadside cross in Jakubowice Konińskie (near Lublin). The suspect broke the cross and threw it under an oncoming vehicle, just before destroying the candles placed near the monument. The man has now been charged with destruction of public property and insulting religious feelings.

Catholic priest violently beaten in Auxerre

February 22, 2025, France

On 22 February, a Catholic priest was attacked by two people outside the church of Saint-Eusèbe. The assailants insulted the priest, knocked him to the ground and punched him several times in the face. The priest, who had bruising and oedema on his face, was taken to hospital in a state of shock. Police are searching for the suspects.

Santa Faz cross in Alicante vandalised again

February 20, 2025, Spain

Two years ago, on carnival night, the cross of the Holy Face, located in a public square near Alicante City Hall, was vandalised by unknown persons. The incident happened again on the same night, 20 February, and the cross was severely damaged. The Town Hall has now promised to install additional security measures to protect this public Christian symbol.

Cross broken: Church in West Keal vandalised

February 17, 2025, United Kingdom

Sometime between 14 and 17 February, the Episcopal Church of St Helen in West Keal was robbed and vandalised by unknown offenders. The criminals broke a cross, burned signs, stole a tapestry and caused other damage. The crime has been reported to Lincolnshire Police, who are investigating.

Arson attack on church in Nenzing

February 13, 2025, Austria

On the evening of 13 February, unknown perpetrators set fire to a pew in the parish church of St. Mauritius in Nenzing. The Nenzing volunteer fire brigade extinguished the fire and ventilated the church, preventing further damage. The police are now investigating and are asking for witnesses.

Vandalism and arson attack on church in Aichach

February 13, 2025, Germany

On 13 February, unknown persons vandalised the Catholic church in Gallenbach, a district of Aichach, Bavaria, and set fire to several objects. Although the flames did not spread to the rest of the church, the damage amounted to several thousand euros. The church will remain closed for the next few days as police investigate the attack.

UK Court Backs Christian Teacher After Unfair Dismissal For Sharing Christian Views

February 12, 2025, United Kingdom

On February 12, 2025, the UK Court of Appeal ruled in favor of Christian teacher Kristie Higgs, who was fired in 2019 for sharing her concerns about sex education policies and expressed her Christian beliefs about this topic on her private Facebook page. The court confirmed that traditional Christian beliefs on social issues are protected under the Equality Act. The decision marks a major victory for freedom of speech and religion in the UK.

"Your mere presence is causing people harassment"

February 10, 2025, United Kingdom

Christian charity volunteer Isabel Vaughan-Spruce has again been targeted by police for standing silently in a buffer zone. This time, police officers told her that her 'mere presence' was causing 'harassment' and therefore prohibited behaviour in the area. Buffer zone laws in the UK continue to allow serious attacks on basic human rights.

Nice Church Attacker Sentenced to Life Without Parole

February 10, 2025, France

Brahim Aouissaoui, the terrorist who murdered three Christians in Nice’s Notre Dame Basilica in 2020, has been sentenced to life imprisonment without parole. The court confirmed his jihadist ideology and premeditated intent to kill 'infidels'.

Two churches in Wurzen attacked with arson

February 9, 2025, Germany

On 9 February, two churches in Wurzen were set on fire by unknown perpetrators. Fortunately, in both cases police officers were able to extinguish the fires before any major damage was done. However, the total damage at both locations is estimated at around 2,000 euros. The police are now investigating the attacks.

Two churches in Hamburg attacked

February 8, 2025, Germany

On the night of 7-8 February, unknown perpetrators attacked two churches in Hamburg, causing serious damage at both locations. Stones and pyrotechnics were used to vandalise the religious buildings. Police are now investigating whether the incidents are connected.

Arson and vandalism on Marigliano church

February 7, 2025, Italy

A 40-year-old man was arrested after a serious attack on a church in Marigliano on 7 February. The man set fire to the church door and destroyed several statues and furnishings in the churchyard. After a rapid investigation, police were able to identify and arrest the suspect.

Arson and vandalism at parish premises in Genoa

February 7, 2025, Italy

On 7 February, the police and fire brigade were called to the parish centre next to the church of Santa Maria dei Servi in Genoa. The authorities found a piece of wooden furniture set on fire and several blasphemous phrases and swastikas written on the walls. The police are now investigating the attack.

Church organ vandalised twice in two months

February 6, 2025, Germany

After a first episode of vandalism of the organ of the Holy Cross Catholic Church in Bretten-Büchig in December 2024, a similar attack took place earlier this month. In both cases, an unknown perpetrator poured a large amount of liquid over the organ, causing around €6000 worth of damage. The church remained closed for several days after the incident.