All cases
Vandalism of statue during Rosary service at Sacred Heart Church
May 12, 2026, ItalyA man disrupted a Rosary service at the Sacred Heart Church in Bologna, entered shouting, and later returned to destroy a statue of St Anthony of Padua. Police are investigating the incident.
Deliberate Arson Devastates Protestant Parish Hall in Gladbeck
May 12, 2026, GermanyPolice have confirmed that a fire which broke out at the parish hall of the Protestant Petrusgemeinde in Gladbeck-Brauck was deliberately set.
Church Bells Deliberately Damaged Leading to Severe Safety Risk
May 9, 2026, GermanyAn act of vandalism at the Church of the Resurrection in Bad Oeynhausen, Germany, left church bells deliberately damaged and live power lines cut, creating a potentially life-threatening situation.
Religious Painting Damaged and Crown Element Stolen Inside St. Gudula Church
May 9, 2026, GermanyA targeted act of thefts inside St. Gudula Church in Rhede saw a sacred painting damaged and a crown depiction removed and stolen.
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.
Shotgun Attack Damages Historic Church Bell Tower in Chania
May 7, 2026, GreeceA church in Agia Marina, Chania, Greece, was damaged after an unknown individual fired a shotgun at its bell tower, cutting the bell rope and disabling the bell.
Basilica of San Siro in Genoa Defaced with Anticlerical and Anarchist Graffiti
May 7, 2026, ItalyThe Basilica of San Siro in Genoa’s historic centre was vandalised with anticlerical and anti-institutional graffiti, including slogans against priests and calls to burn churches.
Two Churches Targeted in Vandalism Involving Burned Pages, Insults and Fire Risk
May 7, 2026, FranceChurches in Druye and Ballan-Miré were vandalised after intruders scattered religious documents, burned pages from a worshippers’ register, and placed lit candles throughout the building, creating a serious fire hazard. Minors are suspected to be responsible for acts.
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.
Arson Investigation Launched After Fires Inside Disused Church in Warrington
May 5, 2026, United KingdomPolice in Cheshire have launched an arson investigation after two fires were discovered inside the disused Church of the Resurrection in Fearnhead, Warrington, on 5 May 2026.