All cases

Repeated acts of vandalism damage church grounds in Weil am Rhein

July 24, 2026, Germany

The grounds and parish hall of the Catholic Church of Sts. Peter and Paul in Weil am Rhein have been repeatedly targeted in acts of vandalism. The damage affected the whole church property, including seats torn from their mounting and candle wax spilled inside the church, and reports state that the constant repair and cleaning up of the church grounds is a considerable burden on the parish community, who have appealed to local residents for assistance.

Suspected Catapult Attacks Target Church in Sheerness

July 24, 2026, United Kingdom

A church congregation on the Isle of Sheppey has been forced to move Sunday services to a local café after repeated suspected catapult attacks threatened the church's safety. As a result of safety concerns due to incidents starting in February 2026, the church has made plans to replace the damaged glass windows with a "bullet proof" alternative, and has had to board up windows to protect its congregants. The church minister believes such acts of vandalism are not isolated to Sheerness, but point to a wider problem in the UK.

Desecration of Stone Crosses at Évreux Cemetery

July 24, 2026, France

On 24 July 2026, crosses belonging to several military gravestones were desecrated at Saint-Louis Cemetery in Évreux, prompting the opening of a police investigation.

Excrements Left Inside Church Forces Parish to Restrict Opening Hours

July 23, 2026, France

A parish church in Plan-de-la-Tour has been forced to reduce its opening hours following repeated acts of anti-social behaviour and degradation in and around the building. The incidents, which include animal defecation and littering, affected the church's ability to remain open to visitors and worshippers.

Church in Stoke-on-Trent damaged in suspected arson attack

July 23, 2026, United Kingdom

On 23 July 2026, police launched a suspected arson investigation into a large fire which severely damaged the former St Bernadette's church in Stoke-on-Trent. Fire investigators concluded that the blaze had been started deliberately, and police opened an investigation to identify those responsible.

Dog faeces placed in front of a church altar

July 22, 2026, Germany

Dog faeces were deliberately placed in front of the altar of St Giles Catholic Church in Wörth am Rhein after unknown perpetrators gained access to the church. In addition to causing minor damage inside the church, the act desecrated the sanctuary and caused distress to the parish.

Woman stabbed by knife attacker during Mass at an Irish Church

July 21, 2026, Ireland

On 21 July 2026, a woman was the victim of a vicious knife attack during prayer before Mass at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Tramore. While investigations are still ongoing, the reports state the assailant is known to police as having mental health issues. As the community deals with the shock of the incident, the Diocese has asked the people to pray for the victim's recovery.

Student in Hamm arrested for planning ISIS-inspired arson attack on Christian church

July 21, 2026, Germany

Reports published in July 2026 revealed that a 16-year-old from Hamm had been arrested in April on suspicion of planning an arson attack on an independent Christian church on behalf of the so-called Islamic State. According to the prosecution, the teenager had scouted the church as a target but was arrested before he could carry out the attack. The reported targeting of a Christian place of worship indicates a planned religiously motivated terrorist attack.

Fire set outside church of Saint-Éloi prompts police investigation

July 20, 2026, France

On 20 July 2026, a fire was reported at the Saint-Éloi Protestant Church in Rouen after a mattress placed against the building was set alight. Passers-by extinguished the flames before firefighters arrived, preventing the fire from spreading to the historic church. Police have opened an investigation into the incident as a suspected arson attempt directed at the church.

Anarchist threat discovered in Catholic Church

July 20, 2026, France

A threatening inscription was discovered in the Sancta Maria in Albis Church in Breil-sur-Roya which read "The only church that illuminates is the one that burns." The phrase, which is commonly used in anarchist circles, has been denounced by the town hall as an attack and a threat on a place of worship.