All cases
Netherlands: Christian Pharmacist Faces Complaint over Conscientious Objection
October 21, 2026, NetherlandsChristian pharmacist Florus Krijgsman faces a complaint before the Dutch health inspectorate over his refusal to dispense certain medicines on grounds of conscience. Although he arranged referrals to another local pharmacy, his policy has prompted parliamentary criticism and calls to restrict conscientious objection concerning contraception and hormone treatments for gender “transition”.
Arson Attack at Church in Ploubalay
October 19, 2026, FranceOn 19 October, two separate fires were deliberately set inside Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul Church in Ploubalay. A parishioner who tried to extinguish the flames was taken to hospital for smoke inhalation. The church has been closed until further notice, and the gendarmerie opened an investigation into the case.
Man Disrupts Worship By Releasing Insects in Cathedral
October 14, 2026, GermanyA 72-year-old man deliberately released dozens of Mediterranean field crickets inside Trier Cathedral, near the Chapel of the Holy Robe. The man reportedly entered the Cathedral with the intent to release the insects, and once he had done so, left quickly. The insects' caused a disturbance in the chapel and and caused it to be temporarily closed following the incident. The man was later apprehended by police who initiated criminal proceedings against him under suspicion of disturbing religious worship.
UK Christian Teacher Dismissed after Responding to Pupils, Stating that She Is Pro-Life
October 10, 2026, United KingdomA Christian teacher at Biddick Academy in Sunderland has brought a religious discrimination claim after being dismissed following classroom conversations in which she expressed her pro-life beliefs. Anita Meston says she answered pupils’ questions before redirecting the class to the subject without imposing her views.
Attempted Arson in Notre-Dame Cathedral in Die under Investigation
October 8, 2026, FranceOn 8 October 2026, a 19-year-old man was arrested after allegedly attempting to start a fire inside Notre-Dame Cathedral in Die. The suspect was placed in police custody on suspicion of attempted damage by fire after he was caught with matches and at least one candle in the middle of the Cathedral.
Church Services Disrupted with Teenagers shouting Islamic Slogans
October 6, 2026, AustriaOn the evening of 6 October, several teenagers disrupted a church service at an undisclosed Catholic parish in Vienna by shouting "Allahu Akbar" from the church entrance before fleeing. The parish priest expressed concern over the incident, and expressed that the report keep his name and the name of the parish private for safety reasons.
Holy Water Font Smeared with Excrement at Düsseldorf Church
October 6, 2026, GermanyAt the Catholic Church of Our Lady in Flingen-Düsseldorf, the holy water font was reportedly smeared with excrement amid repeated incidents of disorder and vandalism in the church entrance area. In response, the parish has decided to close the church outside of religious services, restricting access to the community.
Adolescents Film Profanation Inside Saint-Hilaire Church
October 4, 2026, FranceNine adolescents reportedly filmed themselves inside the Church of Saint-Hilaire in Soullans, singing and dancing to a rap song containing references to glorifying a terrorist attack which took place in 2015. The video further showed disrespectful and disorderly behaviour around the altar of the church, as well as some minor damage including overturned objects and burn marks on benches. The incident has prompted judicial investigation for an alleged glorification of terrorism inside a Christian place of worship.
Update: Prosecutor Appeals Grech’s Acquittal over Christian Testimony
October 2, 2026, MaltaMalta’s Attorney General is challenging Matthew Grech’s acquittal on charges of “advertising conversion practices” after he shared his Christian testimony during an online interview. According to Christian Concern, the appeal was before the court on 2 October 2026, prolonging proceedings against Grech despite a ruling that the broadcast constituted legitimate discussion and personal testimony, which should not be criminalised.
Virgin Mary Statue Desecrated in Attack in Porto-Vecchio
October 1, 2026, FranceDuring the night of 30 September to 1 October, a statue of the Virgin Mary at a public street in Porto-Vecchio, Corsica, was deliberately pulled from its pedestal and destroyed while perpetrators filmed the incident. The statue, known as 'A Vergine Maria', is a place of devotion for local residents. The Catholic Church of Corsica has expressed support for the parish community and called on the faithful to pray for the conversion of those responsible.