All cases
Church of Knittelsheim Burgled and Desecrated, Consecrated Hosts Scattered Across Altar
May 14, 2026, GermanyA burglary at the Catholic Church of St. George in Knittelsheim left the building severely damaged, with sacred objects stolen and consecrated hosts scattered during the break-in. Authorities have confirmed extensive vandalism and ongoing investigation.
Arson attack at Church in Tinure
May 14, 2026, IrelandOn 14 May 2026, an arson attack targeted the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Tinure, County Louth, where papers were deliberately set alight inside the building, causing a fire that spread under a pew and filled the church with smoke before being discovered.
Satanic Graffiti Defaces Barbara Chapel in Penzberg
May 14, 2026, GermanyThe Barbara Chapel on the Berghalde in Penzberg has been vandalised with satanic-themed graffiti, including pentagrams and the number “666” painted in black and red.
Attempted Arson in Delmenhorst Church Involving Burning of Bibles and Hymn Books
May 13, 2026, GermanyOn 13 May 2026, an attempted arson took place at the Church of St. Christophorus in Delmenhorst, Lower Saxony,, where unknown individuals set fire to religious texts inside the building. The incident involved the burning of Bibles, hymnals and Bible passages placed on a table, causing smoke and a fire hazard inside the church.
Vandalism of statue during Rosary service at Sacred Heart Church
May 12, 2026, ItalyA man disrupted a Rosary service at the Sacred Heart Church in Bologna, entered shouting, and later returned to destroy a statue of St Anthony of Padua. Police are investigating the incident.
Deliberate Arson Devastates Protestant Parish Hall in Gladbeck
May 12, 2026, GermanyPolice have confirmed that a fire which broke out at the parish hall of the Protestant Petrusgemeinde in Gladbeck-Brauck was deliberately set.
Church Bells Deliberately Damaged Leading to Severe Safety Risk
May 9, 2026, GermanyAn act of vandalism at the Church of the Resurrection in Bad Oeynhausen, Germany, left church bells deliberately damaged and live power lines cut, creating a potentially life-threatening situation.
Religious Painting Damaged and Crown Element Stolen Inside St. Gudula Church
May 9, 2026, GermanyA targeted act of thefts inside St. Gudula Church in Rhede saw a sacred painting damaged and a crown depiction removed and stolen.
Pastor Convicted Under "Buffer Zone" Law for Open-Air Sermon Near Hospital
May 7, 2026, IrelandRetired pastor Clive Johnston was convicted on 7 May 2026 at Coleraine Magistrates’ Court under the Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) Act 2023 for conducting an open-air Sunday service within a "buffer zone" outside Causeway Hospital in Coleraine. The sermon did not refer to abortion or contain explicit pro-life messaging, but the court ruled that, given the location and surrounding circumstances, the conduct constituted a criminal offence.
Shotgun Attack Damages Historic Church Bell Tower in Chania
May 7, 2026, GreeceA church in Agia Marina, Chania, Greece, was damaged after an unknown individual fired a shotgun at its bell tower, cutting the bell rope and disabling the bell.