All cases
Desecration of Stone Crosses at Évreux Cemetery
July 24, 2026, FranceOn 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, FranceA 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 KingdomOn 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, GermanyDog 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, IrelandOn 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, GermanyReports 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, FranceOn 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, FranceA 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.
11 crucifixes taken from church
July 20, 2026, ItalyAccording to reports from 20 July 2026, Italian police have arrested a man and woman who broke down the door and smashed a window before removing 11 crucifixes from the building among other devotional items from the parish.
Statue of Mary removed from local shrine
July 19, 2026, PolandOn the night of 18 to 19 July 2026, unknown perpetrators vandalised a roadside shrine attached to the historic Józef Oak tree near Brzyno by smashing the glass and stealing the statue of the Virgin Mary. The attack damaged a place of Christian piety that had long been an important symbol of religious devotion for the local community.