All cases
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. Parishioners reacted with shock at the destruction of objects central to worship.
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.