All cases
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.
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.
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.”
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.
Repeated vandalism and arson: Pastor Speaks of Being Victimised
March 12, 2026, United KingdomSalvation Chapel International, a pentecostal church in Laindon, has suffered repeated and escalating acts of vandalism, including a fire, destruction of toilets and church property, and graffiti.
Christian Church Targeted in Cyberattack Showing Degrading Images of Pastors
March 4, 2026, United KingdomA Baptist church in the UK was targeted in a cyberattack in which hackers hijacked its online identity, used it to promote gambling, and posted degrading images of pastors. The hackers used a similar domain name and imagery from the church’s website to confuse users
Suspected Arson targets West London Church
February 23, 2026, United KingdomA major fire severely damaged the former King’s Hall Methodist Church in Southall, West London. Police and fire investigators are treating the blaze as suspected arson.
Arson at Historic Former Scottish Church
February 14, 2026, United KingdomA deliberately set fire tore through the former St John’s Church in Camelon, leading to road closures and an overnight firefighting operation.
Repeated Vandalism at Hastings Church
February 13, 2026, United KingdomPolice investigated repeated deliberate damage to lighting bollards in the grounds of St John the Evangelist Church in Hollington.
Man Smashes Religious Artefacts in Glasgow
February 10, 2026, United KingdomA man armed with tools entered St Alphonsus RC Church in Glasgow and smashed its gift shop, destroying religious artefacts and causing an estimated £1,500 in damage. A church spokesperson warned that this act of violence amounted to desecration and was more severe than previous incidents.
Freshers’ Fair Ban on Church Successfully Challenged
January 24, 2026, United KingdomA Christian church, Grace Church Greenwich, was denied the chance to book a stall at Goldsmiths University’s Freshers’ Fair because the booking contractor, Native, stated it could no longer “facilitate bookings for religious groups at these events.” Grace Church challenged the policy as discriminatory, and the company subsequently suspended the ban, allowing bookings from the church and similar groups.
UK Police Ban Christian March Over Fear of Muslim Community Reaction
January 23, 2026, United KingdomThe Metropolitan Police blocked a UK Independence Party “Walk With Jesus” march scheduled for 31 January in Whitechapel, east London, citing fears it would provoke a hostile reaction from the local Muslim community and lead to “serious violence and disorder.”
Buncton’s 11th‑Century Church Attacked
January 18, 2026, United KingdomAll Saints Church in Buncton, West Sussex, suffered extensive damage after almost all of its windows were smashed and fixtures vandalised between 13 and 18 January.
Historic Statue of Our Lady Smashed Outside Church in Middlesbrough
December 30, 2025, United KingdomOn 30 December 2025, a statue of Our Lady outside a church in Middlesbrough was repeatedly pushed to the ground and smashed, causing extensive damage. The destruction of a long-standing Marian statue caused shock among parishioners and local residents.
Statue of Baby Jesus Smashed on Christmas Eve
December 24, 2025, United KingdomOn Christmas Eve vandals smashed a statue of the Infant Jesus and relics in the Lady Chapel desecrated at St. Patrick’s Church in Edinburgh. There was blood left in multiple areas of the sanctuary, and the figure was thrown into a bin during a confrontation between two distressed visitors.
Court Hears Case of Glasgow Grandmother Arrested Again For Sign Offering Conversation
December 19, 2025, United Kingdom75-year-old grandmother and Christian prayer group leader Rose Docherty has been arrested a second time and criminally charged for holding a sign reading “Coercion is a crime, here to talk, only if you want” within 200 metres of an abortion facility in Glasgow.
UPDATE: Woman criminally charged for silent prayer
December 17, 2025, United KingdomBritish charitable volunteer Isabel Vaughan-Spruce has been criminally charged in Birmingham under the UK’s new national abortion “buffer zone” law for silently praying near an abortion facility, with her trial scheduled for 29 January 2026. This is the first known prosecution under the Public Order Act 2023, highlighting tensions between public-order regulations and freedom of conscience.
Leicestershire Church Stained Glass Panels Smashed in Vandalism
December 13, 2025, United KingdomHistoric St Mary’s Church in Coleorton, Leicestershire suffered costly damage when unknown perpetrators smashed two of its stained glass panels in what police and clergy described as “mindless vandalism”.
Dismissal of Teacher Sparks Debate on Religious Expression in UK Schools
December 9, 2025, United KingdomA UK primary school teacher was suspended in March 2024 and later dismissed after telling a Muslim student that “Britain is still a Christian state,” citing the King as head of the Church of England and describing Islam as a minority religion. The teacher, who had also allegedly suggested the student could attend a nearby Islamic school if they preferred a religious setting, faced both police and safeguarding investigations. Although he was initially banned from working with children, he successfully appealed the decision and is now pursuing legal action against.
Arson Attack at Laindon Church
November 27, 2025, United KingdomAuthorities investigated a deliberate fire at a Laindon church previously subjected to repeated racist vandalism.
Two Attempted Arson Attacks at St Giles Church
November 27, 2025, United KingdomThe Anglican and Methodist Church of St Giles was twice targeted by arson when rubbish was set on fire at its entrances—causing damage to the church door and prompting police appeals for information.
Street Preacher Plans Court Case Over Repeated Arrests
November 24, 2025, United KingdomShaun O’Sullivan, a UK Christian preacher, arrested 16 times and acquitted each time, now plans to challenge the repeated prosecutions in court as he believes he is being targeted for proclaiming the gospel.
UK street preacher Dia Moodley remains under investigation after November arrest in Bristol
November 22, 2025, United KingdomChristian street preacher Dia Moodley remains under investigation following his arrest on 22 November 2025 in Bristol, in connection with his public preaching on topics including Christianity, other religions, and gender ideology. He was detained for around eight hours on suspicion of a religiously aggravated public order offence and later released under investigation, with no charging decision yet made.
Neo-Fascist Graffiti on Church Condemned as “National and Religious Blasphemy”
November 15, 2025, United KingdomSwastika and Russian “Z” symbols were graffitied on Our Lady of Lourdes church in Swansea, prompting police investigation and condemnation from civic and religious leaders.
Nazi swastika graffiti defaces Swansea Church
November 15, 2025, United KingdomA Nazi swastika, along with the words “Keep out” and a “Z” symbol linked to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, was daubed on the walls of Our Lady of Lourdes church in Townhill, Swansea.
Offensive Graffiti Sprayed on Wales Church
November 5, 2025, United KingdomSt Mary’s Church in Cardigan was targeted in an attack involving graffiti and forced entry, prompting a police investigation.
Pastor Receives Police Warning Over Bible Verse in the United Kingdom
November 4, 2025, United KingdomBishop Mick received a warning from a police officer that the words on the back of his motorhome could get him into trouble if someone filed a complaint
Churchyard Cemetery Vandalized
October 30, 2025, United KingdomMore than two dozen gravestones at a Christian churchyard in Stalybridge were defaced, prompting a police investigation and local dismay.
Methodist Church Vandalised Twice, Christian Youth Services Relocated
October 13, 2025, United KingdomThe interior of the Methodist church in Birkenhead was vandalised during two break-ins, resulting in extensive damage to church property. Fire extinguishers were maliciously discharged, and various items were intentionally destroyed, prompting a police investigation and the temporary relocation of youth activities.
Church in Bromyard Cuts Hours After Vandalism and Disorder
October 10, 2025, United KingdomIncidents of vandalism and disruptive behavior forced St Peter’s Church in Bromyard to close early.
Vandalism Reported at Preston Wynne Church
September 27, 2025, United KingdomPolice investigated vandalism at a rural Herefordshire church after furniture was displaced and fire extinguishers were emptied.
Vandalism at Burneside’s St Oswald’s Church
September 26, 2025, United KingdomVandalism at St Oswald’s Church in Burneside, Kendal left facilities damaged, hymn books scattered, and a lychgate broken.
Rocks Thrown at Bridgwater Baptist Church During Service
August 31, 2025, United KingdomDuring Sunday Worship at the Bridgwater Baptist Church, rocks thrown through church window. One person got hit by the falling glass and the congregation reported feeling unsafe.
Wooden Memorial Cross Stolen from Graveyard
August 14, 2025, United KingdomA wooden memorial cross engraved was stolen from a church graveyard in Broadhempston, causing deep distress to his family and prompting a police appeal.
Arson Destroyed Historic St Mungo’s Church in Cumbernauld
August 2, 2025, United KingdomA massive fire tore through St Mungo’s Church in Cumbernauld, prompting a large-scale emergency response. Police confirmed it to be arson.
Historic Romford Church Damaged by Apple-Throwing
July 11, 2025, United KingdomIn the early hours of July 11, two boys threw apples at Church House, part of St Edward’s Church in Romford, shattering multiple windows.
Wycombe Church Issues Appeal for CCTV Amid Safety Concerns for Clergy and Congregants
July 9, 2025, United KingdomAfter a surge in anti-social behavior—including knife crime and drug activity—All Saints Church in High Wycombe is making a renewed appeal to install CCTV cameras. Reverend Anthony Searle described the situation as a “serious and ongoing threat” to public safety, especially for clergy and congregants.
Vandals Wreck Church Hall
July 7, 2025, United KingdomA Church Hall in Northern Ireland was left in ruins after a nighttime break-in. Windows were smashed, religious texts thrown out, and food smeared across the interior—prompting community outrage and a police investigation.
Crucifix set alight and 40 headstones smashed
June 29, 2025, United KingdomA 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.
Police investigate Arson at Northampton Church
June 27, 2025, United KingdomOn 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.
British Catholic Hospices Face Closure Following Assisted Suicide Vote
June 20, 2025, United KingdomBritish 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 at Market Drayton’s St Mary’s Church
June 9, 2025, United KingdomSt 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 KingdomAccording 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.
Religious Statue Stolen from Church in Ashby de la Launde
June 2, 2025, United KingdomA church in Ashby de la Launde was targeted in a theft involving religious objects, including a statue of St Francis of Assisi. The incident has prompted concerns within the local community and led to increased security measures.
Rushmoor Council Withdraws Proposed Ban on Christians Street Preachers
May 31, 2025, United KingdomIn March 2025, Rushmoor Borough Council applied for a court order that would have significantly restricted public expressions of Christian faith—including prayer, singing, and the distribution of religious literature. Following public backlash and engagement with local churches and legal representatives, the Council withdrew the proposed injunction.
Vandals Assault Parishioner And Destroy Church Window During Choir Practice
May 30, 2025, United KingdomOn 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.
Animal Carcasses Dumped Outside New Forest Churches
April 29, 2025, United KingdomA 47‑year‑old Southampton man pleaded guilty for leaving decapitated animal remains outside multiple Christian churches in a series of acts which have been classified religiously aggravated intentional harassment, alarm, or distress.
Historic Chapel in Port Talbot Severely Damaged in Suspected Arson
April 24, 2025, United KingdomA historic Calvinistic Methodist Chapel in Port Talbot was severely damaged by a fire suspected to be arson.
Church and graveyard defaced with blasphemous graffiti
April 18, 2025, United KingdomOn 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".
Christian woman convicted for holding sign "here to talk if you want"
April 4, 2025, United KingdomA 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.