All cases
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.
Suspected Arson at Parish Hall in Tergnier While Children Inside Building
May 6, 2026, FranceA fire broke out at the “Père Jean-Marie Hamel” parish hall in Tergnier, Aisne, on 6 May 2026 while around thirty children were inside attending a religious retreat. The incident is being treated as suspected arson, and two men were taken into police custody as witnesses reported their presence at the scene shortly before the fire.
Nun Assaulted and Cross Torn Off in Religious Hate Incident in Bielsk Podlaski
May 5, 2026, PolandA nun was violently attacked at a bus stop in Bielsk Podlaski when a man approached her, insulted her, and forcibly tore a cross from her neck before throwing it to the ground. The suspect fled but was later arrested by police and is under investigation.
Statue of Mary Beheaded Close to Lyon
May 3, 2026, FranceA statue of Mary holding the infant Jesus was decapitated in Poleymieux-au-Mont-d’Or, close to Lyon. The heads of both figures were destroyed and found at the base of the monument.
Satanic Graffiti Found at Kalwaria Zebrzydowska Sanctuary
May 2, 2026, PolandSeveral chapels in Kalwaria Zebrzydowska were vandalised with physical damage and satanic inscriptions discovered on multiple religious structures.
Church Appeals Public Order Notice Restricting Street Outreach in Colchester
May 1, 2026, United KingdomBread of Life Community Church in Colchester, Essex, is appealing against a Community Protection Notice (CPN) restricting its street outreach. The notice is believed to be an unprecedented use of public-order legislation against an entire church, rather than individual street preachers, and raises concerns as it addresses not only the manner of preaching but also the content of religious messaging.
Eppingen Church Suffered Arson Attack and Extensive Vandalism Targeting Sacred Objects
May 1, 2026, GermanyA Catholic church in Eppingen, Germany, was severely vandalised in an incident involving fire-setting, widespread damage to church property, and destruction of sacred religious objects, including the Easter candle and altar. A suspect, reported to be a teenager, has been arrested and police investigations are ongoing.
Lib Dems Admit Religious Discrimination Against Former Candidate
April 29, 2026, United KingdomThe Liberal Democrat party has admitted religious discrimination against journalist David Campanale following a four-year legal dispute over his deselection as a parliamentary candidate. Campanale had been removed after expressing Christian views on issues such as abortion and assisted suicide. The case has raised serious concerns about the treatment of individuals holding religious convictions within political parties and the potential impact on participation in public life.
Statue of Mary Desecrated with Red Paint in Zhovkva
April 28, 2026, UkraineIn Zhovkva, Lviv region, a statue of the Mary has been desecrated in the city’s central square with red liquid poured over the statue. A man has been identified and arrested.
Crucifix destroyed in Santarcangelo church vandalism
April 28, 2026, ItalyThe stone crucifix outside the Church of San Martino dei Mulini in Santarcangelo di Romagna was destroyed overnight in what authorities describe as a deliberate act of sacrilege. The incident is part of a series of attacks on religious symbols in the area.
Man storms altar area and devastates St. Antonius Church in Düsseldorf
April 28, 2026, GermanyA man entered St. Antonius Church in Düsseldorf, forced his way into the altar area and damaged liturgical objects before being detained by police shortly afterwards.
Charges Dropped Against Christian Woman for Holding Sign in "Buffer Zone" Case
April 27, 2026, United KingdomOn 27 April, Glasgow Sheriff Court dismissed criminal charges against a Christian woman, Rose Docherty, who had been arrested for peacefully offering consensual conversation within a designated “buffer zone”, finding that the prosecution had failed to disclose an offence. However, the case may be reopened if prosecutors present further evidence. Docherty was the first person charged under Scotland’s 2024 “buffer zone” law after standing near a Glasgow hospital with a sign reading: “Coercion is a crime, here to talk, only if you want.”
Valenciennes church vandalised with destruction of religious statues and objects
April 26, 2026, FranceThe Saint-Géry church in Valenciennes was targeted in an act of vandalism, with several religious objects and artworks damaged, including a station of the cross and a statue titled Le Silence. The incident follows a previous episode at the same church, and a man was arrested in connection with the latest case.
Tabernacle desecrated and consecrated hosts stolen in Saint-Louis
April 25, 2026, FranceThe Church of Saint John Paul II in Saint-Louis was burglarised and desecrated, with the tabernacle broken into and the consecrated hosts stolen, prompting strong condemnation from local authorities.
Series of Repeated Vandalism Hits Another Church in Freising
April 24, 2026, GermanyThe Lutheran Ascension Church in Freising was targeted in a serious act of vandalism involving damage to the altar and church interior. The incident followed earlier attacks on two other churches in the city, contributing to growing concern about a pattern of repeated targeting of places of worship.
Serbian Orthodox Cathedral in Zagreb Targeted in Nighttime Vandalism Attack
April 23, 2026, CroatiaThe Serbian Orthodox Cathedral of the Transfiguration in Zagreb was targeted in a nighttime attack in which unidentified individuals threw objects at the building, shattering stained-glass windows and damaging church property. The incident occurred on a day of prayer and remembrance for the victims of the Holocaust, highlighting the severity of the attack.
Statues of Mary and Joseph Smashed in Vandalism Attack
April 21, 2026, FranceNotre-Dame Church in Surgères, France, was targeted in an act of vandalism in which two religious statues were broken and the church organ damaged.
Man charged with assault of priest during Mass at Ennis Cathedral
April 20, 2026, IrelandA man assaulted a Catholic priest during Mass at St Peter and St Paul Cathedral in Ennis, causing facial injuries and damaging personal property. The incident involved physical violence and disruption of worship in front of members of the congregation. The suspect has been charged and appeared before court.
Church façade severely defaced with satanic inscriptions in Trzebinia
April 19, 2026, PolandSatanic graffiti extensively defaced the façade of the Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Trzebinia, Lesser Poland Voivodeship. Large inscriptions and symbols covering a significant portion of the exterior wall sparked outrage among residents and prompted a police investigation.
Series of Attacks on sacred statues across Frosinone Province
April 18, 2026, ItalyA series of vandalism incidents targeting sacred statues has been reported in the province of Frosinone, Italy, with multiple cases occurring within a few days. On 18 April 2026, statues in Ceccano and Pofi were found decapitated inside public votive niches. Authorities confirm that at least six similar episodes have recently been recorded across the province.
Cemetery near Rennes vandalised in grave desecration involving Christian symbols
April 18, 2026, FranceAround thirty graves were vandalised in the cemetery of Saint-Jacques-de-la-Lande, near Rennes, between 18 and 20 April 2026. The damage included broken Christian crosses, shattered funerary objects and a statue of the Virgin Mary torn from its base.
Arson attack targets Catrezzato church
April 17, 2026, ItalyA 50-year-old man has been identified and reported to authorities after entering the parish church of Saints Peter and Paul in Castrezzato and setting fire to decorative fabrics on two side altars.
Repeated vandalism against Cathedral Bitonto
April 17, 2026, ItalyActs of vandalism have been reported in Piazza Cattedrale, where the Cathedral façade and a historic obelisk were damaged during an incident involving repeated impacts with a motorcycle helmet involving minors.
Pastor’s Home in Cottbus Targeted in Political Vandalism Attack
April 17, 2026, GermanyThe residence of a local lutheran pastor in Cottbus was deliberately targeted in a vandalism attack with a suspected right-extremist background. Perpetrators allegedly broke into the residential building, rioted in the staircase, kicked an apartment door and left stickers with right-wing symbols and inscriptions on the mailbox of the pastor, who is known for his political left-wing activism.
Cemeteries in Mayenne and Brittany vandalised in series of thefts of religious statues
April 16, 2026, FranceSince early April 2026, multiple cemeteries across Mayenne, Ille-et-Vilaine and Morbihan have been targeted in a series of thefts and acts of vandalism in which bronze statuettes of the Virgin Mary were removed from graves.
Suspected Arson at Arnsberg’s Church of Our Lady Amid Rising Vandalism Incidents
April 14, 2026, GermanyPolice in Arnsberg are investigating a suspected case of arson after burn marks were discovered inside the Church of Our Lady (Liebfrauenkirche). Emergency services were alerted on Tuesday evening when smoke was noticed inside the building. The incident comes amid a growing number of vandalism and damage cases reported at the same church.
Cross of Aneto summit deliberately cut down and removed in act of vandalism
April 14, 2026, SpainThe historic cross that stood at the 3,404-metre summit of Aneto has been cut down and thrown from the mountain in a deliberate act of vandalism. Spain’s Guardia Civil has opened an investigation, with early indications pointing to the use of a power tool to sever the structure at its base.
Consecrated Hosts Stolen from Church in Dampierre-les-Bois
April 13, 2026, FranceA burglary accompanied by extensive damage targeted the church of Dampierre-les-Bois during the night of 13–14 April 2026. Among the items stolen was a ciborium containing consecrated hosts. The parish priest described the act as “More than a simple theft, it’s desecration!”, expressing deep shock at what he characterised as an attack on the sacred.
Sculpture of Christ vandalised in Seine-et-Marne
April 12, 2026, FranceA sculpture of Christ located in front of the church of Saint-Pathus was vandalised between the evening of 12 April and the morning of 13 April. The damage was described as deliberate, and French gendarmerie have opened an investigation to identify the perpetrator.
Vandalism at Luther Church in Pirmasens: Multiple Windows Destroyed
April 12, 2026, GermanyBetween 12 and 15 April 2026, several windows of the Luther Church in Pirmasens were destroyed in an act of vandalism. Multiple church windows were damaged and several glass panels were destroyed.
Man Violently Assaults Christian Woman After Asking Her Religion
April 11, 2026, SpainA 19-year-old man was arrested in Barcelona after allegedly assaulting a woman while also insulting her as “Christian whore”. The attack took place in the early hours near La Rambla after the suspect asked the victim about her religion.
Statue of Padre Pio Decapitated Inside San Benedetto Abbey in Frosinone
April 10, 2026, ItalyA statue of Padre Pio was found decapitated inside the Abbey Church of San Benedetto in Frosinone. Police confirmed the damage after responding to a report and have launched an investigation to identify those responsible.
Villigen Church and Cemetery Grounds Face Repeated Vandalism and Property Damage
April 9, 2026, SwitzerlandAuthorities in Villigen report an increase in vandalism and disrespectful behaviour on church and cemetery grounds in Rein. The municipality has called on the public to act responsibly and report any further incidents.
German Christian YouTubers Under Investigation Over Video on Islamist-Related Antisemitism
April 8, 2026, GermanyTwo Christian YouTubers in Hamburg are under investigation following the publication of a video criticising Islamist-related antisemitism in the context of Hamas’ 7 October attack on Israel. The case concerns a video titled “Islam is no peace”, in which the YouTubers commented on anti-Semitic slogans during pro-Palestinian demonstrations and stated that “Anti-Semitism is officially allowed again in Germany”. The investigation has raised concerns about the application of Germany’s blasphemy laws and possible unequal treatment in cases involving criticism of religion.
Act of Vandalism and Theft at Eppelborn Church
April 7, 2026, GermanyOn 7 April 2026, St. Sebastian Parish Church in Eppelborn was targeted in an act of vandalism and theft involving religious objects, including parts of a reliquary cross and altar decorations. An attempted theft from a donation box was also reported.
Mutilated Christ Statue Found in Soria Cemetery in Suspected Ritual Case
April 7, 2026, SpainA mutilated statue of Christ was discovered on a grave in the cemetery of Soria, with missing limbs and red-painted hair. The discovery has raised suspicions of a possible ritual-related act.
Man arrested after axe attack allegedly stated “All Christians must die”
April 7, 2026, SpainA man of Maghrebi origin was arrested in Montefrío, Granada, after attacking several neighbours with an axe. During the subsequent arrest, he allegedly stated “All Christians must die” and “I have felt the call of Allah”. The Civil Guard has stepped up its presence in the town to prevent further disturbances as investigations whether the attack was religiously motivated are ongoing. The victims suffered head and hand injuries.
Consecrated Hosts Stolen and Scattered in Church of Sant’Anna in Palizzi
April 6, 2026, ItalyConsecrated hosts were removed from the tabernacle and scattered inside the Church of Sant’Anna in Palizzi on April 6. The parish priest reported the incident to authorities, and a Mass of reparation was announced.
Chapel Destroyed by Fire in Vechta: Police Suspect Arson
April 6, 2026, GermanyA small chapel in the Telbrake district of Vechta was destroyed by fire on Easter Monday. Police have launched an investigation on suspicion of arson.
Man enters church in Arpajon shouting “Allah akbar” and shoves worshipper
April 4, 2026, FranceA man entered Saint-Clément Church in Arpajon, France, during Easter weekend, shouting “Allah akbar” before knocking over objects and physically pushing a worshipper. The incident involved disruption of worship and physical aggression inside a place of worship. The suspect was arrested by police at the scene.
Man Interrupts Easter Vigil Mass Shouting Blasphemies at Sanctuary in Rome
April 4, 2026, ItalyOn 4 April 2026, an individual entered a church in Rome during the Easter Vigil Mass and shouted a blasphemous statement before fleeing. The disruption occurred during one of the most significant celebrations in the Christian calendar and caused distress among worshippers.
Easter Desecration Sainte-Anne-d’Auray Church Claimed by Antifa Collective
April 4, 2026, FranceDuring the night of 4–5 April 2026, the Sanctuary of Sainte-Anne-d’Auray in Brittany was targeted with posters and hostile slogans in an action claimed by the Gwened Antifa Crew. The incident was carried out during Easter celebrations.
Explosion Targets Nijkerk Christian Pro-Israel Center Ahead of Easter
April 3, 2026, NetherlandsOn 03 April 2026, an explosive device was detonated outside the Israel Centre operated by Christians for Israel in Nijkerk, the Netherlands.The attack occurred on the eve of Easter, a timing the Christian organisation described as particularly significant and disturbing.
Two Ukrainian Orthodox Churches Attacked on Good Friday
April 3, 2026, UkraineOn Good Friday, April 3, 2026, Russian forces attacked two Ukrainian Orthodox churches: the Cathedral of the Intercession of St. Nicholas in Druzhkivka and the Greek-Sophia Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Kherson.
Oviedo Easter Procession Disturbed With Insults
April 3, 2026, SpainOn 3 April 2026, two men were arrested in Oviedo after disrupting a Holy Week procession and engaging in aggressive behaviour toward police. The incident involved verbal hostility indicating radical religious motives toward the event and escalated into physical violence.
Police guard church in Wierzenica amid reported arson threats near Poznań
April 3, 2026, PolandReports of arson threats against a historic wooden church in Wierzenica near Poznań have led to heightened security measures, with police officers deployed to guard the building continuously for nearly two weeks.
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.
Vandalism Causes Burn Damage at St. Georg Church in Freising
April 2, 2026, GermanyA church in Freising was targeted on Maundy Thursday by an act of vandalism involving candles, scattered materials, and burn damage to a confessional. The incident followed a similar case reported earlier in the year at another church in the city.
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.
Anti-religious graffiti discovered at school premises in Vienna-Liesing
March 31, 2026, AustriaAnti-religious and derogatory graffiti was discovered around the entrance of the St. Ursula schools in Vienna-Liesing, Austria. The inscriptions included slogans targeting religious belief and referencing Christian prayer. The case constitutes vandalism involving ideological messaging in a visible public setting.