All cases

Scottish Teacher Takes Legal Action After Dismissal For Expressing Pro-Life Beliefs

July 30, 2026, United Kingdom

A Catholic teacher in Scotland has brought an employment tribunal claim after being dismissed for expressing her pro-life beliefs in response to pupils' questions during a classroom discussion. She alleges that her dismissal discriminated against her because of her Catholic beliefs and violated her freedom to express them in the workplace.

Update: Perpetrator of Medjugorje Vandalism Identified

July 28, 2026, Bosnia and Herzegovina

On the night of 27 to 28 July 2026, a scandalous desecration occurred on Apparition Hill in Medjugorje. Among the offences, the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary was tagged with a blasphemous inscription, the altar of St James' church was set on fire, and a banner with aggressive messaging to the Medjugorje seers was hung up. Police have identified a Polish national who had been a pilgrim at Medjugorje back in 2017, but since then his life had taken a difficult turn "personally and spiritually". The local Catholic community have responded urging for prayers and forgiveness for the suspect, rather than judgement.

Under Investigation: Large fire destroys part of historic Leicester Anglican Church

July 28, 2026, United Kingdom

On 28 July, a fire broke out at St Andrew's Church, burning through part of the building and severely damaging a large section of the roof. Emergency services responded with eight fire engines to extinguish the flames of the church, which has served the local community for over 150 years. The reports state the cause of the fire is under investigation.

Man throws stones at image of St Joseph and damages church property

July 28, 2026, Italy

San Giuseppe Church and its parish oratory in the Matteotti district of Saronno were damaged in a vandalism attack in which stones were thrown at the church façade, damaging the image of St Joseph and the lighting of the Oratory. The incident not only affected the Christian community, but local organisations reached out in support in light of the "deeply saddening episode."

Third Church Targeted This Week: Tabernacle Desecrated and Excrement Left Inside Saint-Symphonien

July 27, 2026, France

On the night of 26 to 27 July 2026, the church of Saint-Symphorien in Chambray-lès-Tours was left desecrated and vandalised, the third church in the Indre-et-Loire region to be targeted this week. Unknown perpetrators entered the church, opened the tabernacle and threw consecrated hosts from the ciborium on the floor along and left excrement inside the church, the Diocese of Tours stated.

Tabernacles desecrated and painting slashed at Saint-Pierre Church in Nevers

July 25, 2026, France

On 25 July 2026, Saint-Pierre Church in Nevers was found to be vandalised with intruders having damaged the tabernacles and slashed the paintings inside the historic church. The perpetrators not only caused extensive damage to the furnishings of the house of worship, but committed a serious act of desecration which deeply affected the Christian community. The reports also describe the increasing frequency of acts of vandalism affecting churches in France.

Repeated acts of vandalism damage church grounds in Weil am Rhein

July 24, 2026, Germany

The grounds and parish hall of the Catholic Church of Sts. Peter and Paul in Weil am Rhein have been repeatedly targeted in acts of vandalism. The damage affected the whole church property, including seats torn from their mounting and candle wax spilled inside the church, and reports state that the constant repair and cleaning up of the church grounds is a considerable burden on the parish community, who have appealed to local residents for assistance.

Suspected Catapult Attacks Target Church in Sheerness

July 24, 2026, United Kingdom

A church congregation on the Isle of Sheppey has been forced to move Sunday services to a local café after repeated suspected catapult attacks threatened the church's safety. As a result of safety concerns due to incidents starting in February 2026, the church has made plans to replace the damaged glass windows with a "bullet proof" alternative, and has had to board up windows to protect its congregants. The church minister believes such acts of vandalism are not isolated to Sheerness, but point to a wider problem in the UK.

Excrements Left Inside Church Forces Parish to Restrict Opening Hours

July 23, 2026, France

A 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.

Dog faeces placed in front of a church altar

July 22, 2026, Germany

Dog 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, Ireland

On 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, Germany

Reports 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, France

On 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, France

A 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.

Statue of the Mary removed from local shrine

July 19, 2026, Poland

On 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.

Church in Abenheim vandalised and holy water font desecrated

July 19, 2026, Germany

On 19 July 2026, St Boniface Catholic Church in Abenheim was found to be vandalised by unknown perpetrators who urinated in the holy water font and damaged church furnishings. The vandalism resulted in the temporary closure of the church. According to parish representatives, the incident points to a wider problem of church vandalism in the area and increasing challenges to keep churches open.

Religious Statues Deliberately Damaged At Church in Deutschlandsberg

July 16, 2026, Austria

At the Parish Church of St Oswald in Deutschlandsberg, historic religious statues were found deliberately destroyed by unknown vandals. The vandalism caused extensive damage to religious heritage dating back around 200 years and deeply affected the local Christian community. The attack follows previous acts of vandalism targeting the church, including the insult "Shitty Church" carved into an interior wall of the church.

Man charged with insulting religious group after church vandalism in Poland

July 16, 2026, Poland

As reported on July 16, a 37-year-old man has been charged with insulting a group of people on religious grounds in connection with a series of offences that included vandalising a church and a parish cemetery in north-eastern Poland. According to police, the church was defaced with vulgar anti-Christian graffiti, while nearby memorials were also targeted.

Vandalism Forces Church in Bad Dürrheim to Close

July 16, 2026, Germany

On 16 July 2026, a man vandalised St. Johann Catholic Church in Bad Dürrheim, causing approximately €15,000 in damage, and leaving the building temporarily unusable for worship. As a result, the church had to be closed and scheduled services had to be relocated and a parish celebration was cancelled.

Bust of Pope John XXIII vandalised in Venetico

July 15, 2026, Italy

According to reports from 15 July 2026, a bust of Pope John XXIII in Venetico was deliberately vandalised and defaced by unknown perpetrators. The attack damaged the public monument dedicated to the Catholic saint and prompted condemnation from local authorities.

Vandals set fire to liturgical book at a church in Kelheim

July 15, 2026, Germany

On 15 July 2026, unknown perpetrators vandalised the Holy Cross Church in Kelheim by damaging the interior and setting a liturgical book on fire. The burned lectionary was rendered unusable, causing damage to an object used during Catholic worship. Reports indicate that this incident is part of a series of attacks against Christian places of worship seen in Germany in the past months.

French court orders removal of restored calvary cross from public land

July 15, 2026, France

According to reports from 16 July, the Rennes Administrative Court has ordered the municipality of Saint-Divy in Brittany to remove a restored replica of the historic centuries-old Kerdalaès Calvary cross from public land, ruling that its installation violated the French secularism laws of 1905. Its removal affects a site of longstanding significance for the local Christian community, and raises concerns about the reconstruction of religious symbols.

Repeated Sacrilegious Thefts Prompt Concern of Bishop

July 14, 2026, Italy

During the night of 13 to 14 July 2026, a sacrilegious theft occurred at the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Porto Sant'Elpidio, when a tabernacle was stolen which contained the ciborium of consecrated hosts. The theft of the Eucharist constitutes a profanation that affected the local Christian community and marked the second incident of this kind in the Archdiocese of Fermo in two weeks.

Suspected Arson damages parish building at Munkshöjden Church

July 14, 2026, Finland

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack at the parish building of Munkshöjden Church in Helsinki which occurred on 14 July 2026. Firefighters took hours to extinguish the extensive fire, preventing it from spreading to the church building itself, however the parish hall sustained extensive damage.

Eggs thrown at church destroy windows

July 14, 2026, Germany

Between 10 and 14 July 2026, unknown perpetrators damaged two leaded-glass windows of a church in the main street of Neuenkirchen. According to reports, the perpetrators threw eggs at the church building, destroying six glass windows in the process.

Man arrested after a spate of vandalism forces Cornwall churches to close

July 13, 2026, United Kingdom

Reported on 13 July, a man has been charged in connection with alleged vandalism at various churches in Mevagissey, including damage to St Peter's Church between 8 to 9 July that forced it to suspend its long-standing open-door policy. The incidents affected places of Christian worship and have restricted public access to more than one church in the area, impacting the local Christian community and pointing to a broader problem of offences committed in places of worship in the United Kingdom.

Repeated vandalism at St Ruper Parish Church disrupts religious practice

July 13, 2026, Germany

St Rupert Parish Church in Amerang has been targeted in repeated acts of vandalism in which all votive candles were damaged and the holy water was contaminated with candle wax. The incident disrupted religious practices at the church and prompted a police investigation, affecting the local Christian community.

Cross Stolen From Church in Vejle

July 13, 2026, Denmark

An iron cross and other items were stolen from St. Nikolai Church in Vejle. Thanks to witnesses, police identified and arrested the suspect.

Rheine-Hauenhorst Church the target of repeated acts of vandalism

July 13, 2026, Germany

Reported on 13 July 2026, St Mariä Heimsuchung Church in Rheine-Hauenhorst was targeted by vandals, marking another incident affecting the parish within a short period of time. The repeated damage to the church prompted the parish to temporarily close the building while repairs were carried out.

Assault on Christian asylum seeker after wearing a cross in Regensburg accommodation

July 13, 2026, Germany

According to a police report that became publicly available in July 2026, a Christian asylum seeker was assaulted at an asylum accommodation in Regensburg after being confronted about wearing a cross necklace. The report describes an attack that occurred in April 2024 and states that the dispute was only secondarily religious in nature, an assessment that has drawn criticism given that the confrontation reportedly began because the victim was wearing a Christian cross.

Attempted Intrusion and Arson at the Notre-Dame Church of Le Relecq-Kerhuon

July 10, 2026, France

On the night of 9 to 10 July 2026, the Notre-Dame Church in Relecq-Kerhuon was the target of a fire and attempted break-in throughout the night. The fire was extinguished before it could spread to the whole church building, but the incident nonetheless affected the Christian place of worship and is being investigated by the police.

Crucifix vandalised in Stolberg-Zweifall

July 10, 2026, Germany

As reported on 10 July, a wayside cross at the "Kartoffelbaum" site in Stolberg-Zweifall has been deliberately damaged, with parts of the wooden corpus having been cut off. As the vandalism targeted a religious monument in the area that serves as a place of prayer and remembrance for pilgrims, the incident has caused deep distress for the local community.

Church banner destroyed in Hohenwarthe

July 8, 2026, Germany

As reported on 8 July, a banner at a lutheran church of Möser in Hohenwarthe has been cut up and destroyed in an act of vandalism. According to reports, the church congregation suspects the vandalism was politically motivated and is horrified by the incident.

Desecration of Armenian cemetery in Istanbul

July 8, 2026, Turkey

On the night of 7 to 8 July 2026, an individual entered the Surp Karabet Christian Cemetery in Istanbul by climbing over the perimeter wall. The perpetrator vandalised six graves and a memorial just days before the reconsecration of the Armenian Surp Karapet Church. The reports describe the Christian community as deeply wounded by the incident, and their concerns over the safety of Christian communities in Turkey have been heightened.

Church vandalised and attempted desecration in Ca' Cappellino

July 7, 2026, Italy

Reported on 7 July, unknown perpetrators vandalised the church in Ca' Cappellino, Porto Viro, causing extensive damage to liturgical furnishings and attempting to force open the tabernacle. Nothing was stolen, but the vandalism left the church damaged. The attack caused shock among the parish community and is under police investigation.

Attempted Arson damages chapel in southern Germany

July 7, 2026, Germany

It was reported on 7 July 2026 that an unknown perpetrator deliberately set fire to seat cushions in a chapel in Wolfegg-Molpertshaus, Baden-Württemberg, causing approximately €1000 in damage. Fortunately, the fire did not spread to the rest of the church building, and the incident is being investigated as an attempted arson.

Woman arrested for repeated acts of vandalism targeting a church and cemetery

July 7, 2026, France

On 7 July 2026, a woman in Écommoy was arrested for the second time in connection with a series of vandalism incidents, including damage to Christian religious objects inside a church and desecration of approximately 30 graves in a cemetery. The repeated targeting of Christian places of worship has caused concern in the local community.

Church of Sts Peter and Paul Vandalised and Tabernacle desecrated

July 6, 2026, France

On the night of 5 to 6 July, unknown perpetrators entered Saint-Pierre-Saint-Paul Church in the Wazemmes district of Lille and committed vandalism and sacrilegious theft. According to reports, the tabernacle, containing consecrated hosts, was stolen along with the sacred contents. Further, a cross and several religious objects were damaged and the interior of the church was also found to be vandalised. This act was lamented by the diocese as an offence against the sacred, the faithful and priests of the community.

Military school accused of discriminating against applicants from Catholic schools

July 6, 2026, France

Parents and education associations have raised the issue of discrimination against applicants from independent Catholic schools at the Prytanée National Militaire de La Flèche in France, after a Parcoursup admissions notice listed attendance at a non-contract school as an exclusion criterion. The allegations prompted legal action by affected families and an administrative investigation ordered by the Ministry of the Armed Forces, which instructed the school to remove what it described as the "erroneous" admission criterion.

Suspected arson at St. John the Baptist Church prompt surveillance

July 5, 2026, Germany

Repeated suspected arson incidents at St. John the Baptist Church in Ichenhausen, Germany, have prompted the installation of a surveillance camera in an effort to identify or deter the perpetrator. According to the parish priest, several small fires were deliberately started inside the church over a period of weeks, causing minor fire damage.

Police Intervention Against Christian Praying and Holing Bible at Brandenburg Gate

July 3, 2026, Germany

A video recorded at Berlin's Brandenburg Gate raises concerns about interference with the right to freely manifest one's religion after police officers told a Christian he could not pray at the site because it was "not a place for praying" and "not a church". Although the Christian was quietly reading from his Bible and praying without using amplification or engaging passers-by, officers treated his conduct as a demonstration because he was publicly holding a Bible. The incident raises questions about the understanding of religious freedom among law enforcement officers and the protection of peaceful religious expression in public spaces.

Saint-Pancrace Chapel targeted in act of vandalism and attempted arson

July 3, 2026, France

On 3 July, Saint-Pancrace Chapel in La Palme was targeted in an attempted arson attack accompanied by acts of vandalism. Although the fire did not spread to the historic chapel, the incident caused damage to the place of worship.

Consecrated hosts and sacred vessels stolen from Sacri Cuori Church in Fermo

July 1, 2026, Italy

A profanation was discovered at the Church of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary in Fermo. Sacred vessels were stolen, the tabernacle was profaned, and consecrated hosts were removed together with the pyx in which they were kept. The incident affected the local Catholic community and prompted the archbishop to call for acts of reparation and a Mass of reparation.

Catholic religion teacher in Belgium receives threats after conversion from Islam

June 30, 2026, Belgium

In June 2026, Ahmed Yetrib, a Catholic religion teacher in the Charleroi region and convert from Islam to the Catholic faith, reported receiving threats on social media because of his online content sharing the reasons for his conversion. The report concerns alleged harassment which has caused concern for his personal safety, further highlighting the difficulties experienced by individuals converting from Islam to Christianity.

Vandalism and Attempted Arson inside St. Marien Church in Freudenberg

June 29, 2026, Germany

On 29 June 2026, unknown perpetrators set fire to a wooden bench inside St. Marien Church in Freudenberg and and vandalised the church entrance. Police have launched an investigation into the circumstances of the incident.

Tabernacle destroyed and consecrated hosts discarded at Sacré-Cœur Church in Geneva

June 29, 2026, Switzerland

On 29 June 2026, the tabernacle of Sacré-Cœur Church in Geneva was stolen and destroyed in an act of sacrilegious theft and desecration. The tabernacle contained consecrated hosts and liturgical vessels, the former of which were later found discarded in a nearby construction dumpster. The incident prompted the celebration of a Mass of reparation for the affected Catholic community.

Attempted Arson at the Church of Saint-Jean de Castelsarrasin

June 29, 2026, France

On the evening of 29 June, there was an arson attempt targeting the church of Saint-Jean de Castelsarrasin. The fire was discovered by a volunteer in a trash can inside the building. Thankfully, no material damage was caused. Police opened an investigation into the incident.

Suspected Arson at Former Convent in Downpatrick

June 28, 2026, United Kingdom

On Sunday, 28 June, the listed Convent of Mercy adjacent to St. Patrick's Church in Downpatrick is believed to have been deliberately set on fire and was completely destroyed. The loss of the convent has been difficult for the local community after the destruction of a historical landmark.

Artists Burn Crosses During Polish Music Festival

June 28, 2026, Poland

On 27–28 June 2026, two wooden crosses were deliberately set on fire during a performance at a metal music festival in Chwałków. While organisers described the act as an artistic performance, it deeply shocked the local Christian community, which regarded it as a desecration of one of Christianity's central religious symbols. Christian representatives further expressed concern that insults against Christians and the desecration of Christian symbols have become increasingly commonplace and that Christian symbols are being singled out in artistic performances in ways that symbols of other religions generally are not.

Transfeminists attempt occupation of Compassionist Convent in Rome

June 27, 2026, Italy

Police prevented a group of transfeminists from attempting to occupy the area of Sant'Ignazio di Antiochia Parish which houses the Compassionist nuns.

Parish priest faces aggression during break-in at his presbytery in Levie

June 27, 2026, France

On 27 June 2026, Fr Pierre Pio reported that three young men forced entry into the presbytery in Levie while he was present inside. The incident involved damage to the building and a direct confrontation with the priest, who described the event as an aggression. The case follows previous acts of vandalism affecting parish property and raised concerns about local safety of both clergy and the faithful.

Marseille Appeal Court Upholds Removal Order of Village Cross in Quasquara

June 26, 2026, France

On 26 June 2026, the Administrative Court of Appeal of Marseille upheld a ruling requiring the removal of a cross erected by the municipality of Quasquara in 2022. The court found that the cross, installed on municipal land, violated French secularism laws of 1905 governing the display of religious symbols on public property. The decision concerns a Christian monument that local authorities and residents had defended as part of the village's heritage and identity.

Altar Cloth Burned Inside Val d'Oust Church

June 24, 2026, France

In early June 2026, unknown individuals entered a church in Le Roc-Saint-André, Val d'Oust, deliberately burning part of the altar cloth and several candles. The parish reported the incident to the authorities, and an investigation was opened.

Candles and Missal Set on Fire at Church in La Chapelle-Caro

June 24, 2026, France

During the fourth week of June 2026, unknown perpetrators entered a church in La Chapelle-Caro, where they deliberately burned candles, broke others and set a missal on fire. The incident occurred only weeks after a similar act of vandalism at another church in the same municipality.

Young man arrested after destroying property in Friesoythe Church

June 22, 2026, Germany

In what has been described as a destructive rage, a 25-year-old man damaged several objects in the St.-Marien-Kirche in Friesoythe the evening of June 22. He caused significant property damage, including damage to the church organ and religious art depicting the way of the cross.

Assault on Speakers' Corner in Hyde Park leaves preacher injured

June 21, 2026, United Kingdom

A Christian preacher has been assaulted in Hyde Park's famous Speaker's Corner over the weekend. The incident is the latest in a series of aggravations in the same location over the past few years targeting Christian preachers.

Desecration of cemetery and Catholic church near Rouen

June 20, 2026, France

In the municipality east of Rouen, Saint-Léger du Bourg-Denis, the Catholic church and cemetery were found desecrated on Saturday, June 20. This event is not the first in the region of Rouen, and follows a series of thefts, vandalism, and desecrations of Catholic churches in the area.

Public Cross in Villeneuve-Loubet taken down and stolen

June 19, 2026, France

In June, unknown perpetrators removed and stole a large cross erected on a hill overlooking Villeneuve-Loubet in southern France. The cross had been installed the previous month with the permission of the landowner. Members of the group responsible for its installation denounced the incident as theft and reported it to the authorities.

Consecrated Hosts Stolen From Mugron Church

June 17, 2026, France

The Church of Saint-Laurent in Mugron was the victim of severe burglary including the desecration of consecrated hosts. This event is part of a broader pattern targeting Catholic churches in the Landes region of France.

Consecrated Hosts Stolen from Rome Hospital Chapel

June 16, 2026, Italy

A tabernacle containing consecrated Hosts was stolen from the chapel of Aurelia Hospital in Rome, in what the Diocese of Rome described as a sacrilegious act against the Eucharist. The thieves also took offerings from the chapel, prompting the Diocese to announce a Mass of reparation.

Christ Figures Stolen from Roadside Crosses in Wrocław

June 16, 2026, Poland

Police are investigating the theft of at least two Christ figures from roadside crosses in Wrocław.

Attempted arson inside the Church of San Fereolo in Lodi

June 16, 2026, Italy

The church of Saints Bassiano and Fereolo in Lodi fell victim to attempted arson. This occurrence follows a pattern of similar acts of vandalism and arson in Lodi over the past year.

Cowdenbeath Baptist Church Hit for the Eighth Time, Suffers Extensive Damage

June 15, 2026, United Kingdom

On 14 June 2026, Cowdenbeath Baptist Church was again targeted by vandals, who smashed windows, damaged the church's toilet facilities, and threw projectiles through the building. Church members described the repeated attacks as "soul destroying" and said the church had been vandalised up to eight times.

Church in Hanau Targeted Again with Airsoft or Slingshot Projectiles

June 15, 2026, Germany

Several windows of the Holy Spirit Church in Hanau were damaged in a second attack within a month, with police suspecting the use of an airsoft gun or slingshot.

Josefikapelle Defaced with Political and Sexist Graffiti in Nabburg

June 14, 2026, Germany

During the week preceding 12 June 2026, unknown perpetrators vandalised the Josefikapelle by spray-painting sexist and politically motivated graffiti on its exterior wall. Police opened an investigation and appealed for witnesses.

Attempted arson at Baptist Church in Tallinn

June 13, 2026, Estonia

Police have apprehended three men suspected of attempted arson at a Baptist Church building in Tallinn. Whilst exact motivations remain unknown, the police are investigation whether the incident was motivated by religious reasons.

Christian coat of arms at former convent burned in an act of vandalism

June 13, 2026, Spain

On 13 June 2026, the coat of arms of the Cofradía del Santísimo Cristo de la Esperanza y el Trabajo y Nuestra Señora de la Misericordia was found burned on the iron gate of the former Convent of Las Claras in Alcalá de Henares. The damage was limited to the coat of arms, yet the incident prompted a police complaint and caused unease among members of the Confraternity and local residents.

Church tagged with anti-Christian graffiti

June 12, 2026, Poland

On 12 June 2026, a vulgar inscription offensive to the Church was discovered painted in red on the façade of the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Police opened an investigation to identify the perpetrator.

Evangelical Bookshop Defaced with Anti-Israel Graffiti

June 12, 2026, Netherlands

In early June 2026, the evangelical book and gift shop Het Olijfblad in Den Burg was defaced with anti-Israel slogans and symbols. Police opened an investigation into the incident.

European Court of Human Rights Upholds Right to Door-to-Door Religious Outreach

June 9, 2026, Bulgaria

On 9 June 2026, the European Court of Human Rights ruled that Bulgaria violated the right to freedom of religion by upholding a municipal ban on door-to-door religious outreach in the city of Shumen. The Court found that the measure amounted to a disproportionate restriction on religious freedom because it broadly prohibited religious evangelisation at residents’ homes without sufficient justification. The judgment reaffirms that peaceful missionary activity is protected under Article 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

Arson Incident at St. Peter’s Church in Lommel Following Repeated Vandalism

June 8, 2026, Belgium

Unknown perpetrators deliberately set fire to the fabric upholstery of a church bench inside St. Peter’s Church (Sint-Pietersbandenkerk) in Lommel, Belgium, on 8 June 2026. Church officials stated that the incident was the latest in a number of recent vandalism and fire-related incidents affecting the church.

Young Man Arrested After Desecrating Church and Damaging Sacred Property

June 8, 2026, Poland

A young man was arrested after entering the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Łubów, where he committed acts of desecration and damaged religious objects near the altar and confessional.

Elderly parishioner assaulted and robbed inside Cathedral in Saint-Étienne

June 8, 2026, France

On 9 June, a 78-year-old parishioner was violently assaulted inside Saint-Charles Cathedral in Saint-Étienne while reading notices in the entrance hall. The assailant forcibly stole her necklace before fleeing the scene. The attack left the victim severely shocked, prompting a police investigation and strong reactions from the diocese which condemned the assault on the elderly worshipper inside the church.

Suspected arson at new Syrian Orthodox church under construction in Leimen

June 7, 2026, Germany

Police in Leimen, Germany, are investigating suspected arson after a fire was deliberately set inside the shell of a new Syrian Orthodox church. The blaze, which produced flames several metres high, was extinguished before it could cause major damage to the building.

Catholic Prayer Disrupted in Poissy Amid Shouting of Anti-Christian and Islamist Slogans

June 6, 2026, France

A Catholic prayer gathering at the Church of Saint-Louis de Beauregard in Poissy was disrupted by individuals shouting slogans, including “Allahu Akbar” and direct insults against Christians, prompting concern among the parishioners.

Series of Thefts targeting Religious Painting and Statue

June 5, 2026, Italy

An altar canvas depicting the Virgin Mary was stolen from the Church of Santa Lucia in Minervino di Lecce, Italy. Authorities and local reports indicate the theft may be linked to a recent similar incident in a nearby town involving the theft of a religious statue. The local community described the act as an "offence to our devotion".

Attempted Arson Inside St. Michael’s City Church in Jena

June 5, 2026, Germany

A 45-year-old man attempted to set fire to the altar and baptismal font inside St. Michael’s City Church in Jena, Germany, using lamp oil. The fire was quickly extinguished by those present, preventing major destruction, while police continue to investigate the incident as attempted arson.

Saint-Martin Church near Toulouse: Song Books Set on Fire

June 5, 2026, France

A church in Roques-sur-Garonne, near Toulouse, was targeted in an arson attack after an individual deliberately setting song books sheets on fire in front of the altar inside the Church of Saint-Martin.

Sacrilegious Theft Targets Relics of Saint Serenus in Biandrate Church

June 5, 2026, Italy

Unknown perpetrators broke into the crypt of the parish church in Biandrate, smashed the glass of the shrine containing the relics of Saint Serenus, and stole a golden crucifix, rings and other devotional objects. For the local Catholic community, the damage to the shrine and the disturbance of the saint's relics constituted a particularly grave act of desecration.

Sacrilegious theft of consecrated hosts and sacred objects

June 4, 2026, Italy

A devastating break-in at the Madonna della Colonna church in Tre Ponti, saw vandals enter through a forced rear door, ransack rooms, damage a historic altar painting, and break open the tabernacle, stealing consecrated hosts and multiple sacred objects. The parish priest expressed shock about the devastation of the church.

Grave crosses stolen and desecrated in series of cemetery attacks

June 4, 2026, Germany

Several Christian grave crosses were stolen from burial sites in a series of incidents at cemeteries in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany.

ISIS-related online threats ahead of Pope Leo XIV's visit to Spain

June 2, 2026, Spain

As reported on 2 June, a media outlet of the so-called Islamic State posted an online threat which appeared to be targeting Pope Leo XIV in anticipation of his visit to Spain and the start of the World Cup. Following the circulation of the image, local groups urged the government to take effective counterterrorism measures.

Sixteenth-Century Church Damaged in Attack on Historic Frescoes

June 1, 2026, Italy

A sixteenth-century church near Galatina was vandalised after intruders forced entry and damaged protected frescoes. The attack caused harm to valuable religious artwork safeguarded under Italian heritage protection laws, prompting a criminal investigation.

Two Churches in Mittweida Vandalised: Organ Damaged and Water Flooding Caused

June 1, 2026, Germany

Two churches in Mittweida were targeted in a series of vandalism incidents that caused water damage, defaced church property and impaired the functioning of the church organs. Police have launched an investigation and are seeking witnesses.

Leipzig café run by free church closes after 26 left-wing attacks

May 31, 2026, Germany

A Christian-run café in Leipzig has announced its closure after reporting 26 attacks over two and a half years, including vandalism, graffiti and a butyric acid incident. The operators attribute the incidents to left-wing extremist perpetrators and cite repeated damage and financial losses as the reason for closing.

Arson Attack and Theft at Sanctuary of St Michael the Archangel

May 30, 2026, Italy

An arson attack targeted the Sanctuary of St Michael the Archangel after intruders allegedly set fire to the church's main wooden entrance to gain access. Once inside, they vandalised the sanctuary and stole the crown and sword from the statue of St Michael.

Arson Attack at Marbach Church After Bench Set on Fire

May 28, 2026, Germany

An arson attack targeted the Church of the Holy Family in Marbach after unknown individuals allegedly set fire to the upholstery of a church bench.

Priest Held Captive During Robbery at Church and Parish House in Portugal

May 27, 2026, Portugal

A priest was held captive for around 90 minutes after three assailants broke into a church and parish house in Cantanhede, Portugal. The attackers threatened the priest, demanded money and valuables, and stole a laptop before fleeing.

Rome church vandalised: damaged Marian image and altar smeared

May 27, 2026, Italy

Four intruders desecrated the parish of San Paolo della Croce in Rome’s Corviale district, spilling holy oil, smearing the altar cloth with marker pen, leaving faeces inside the church bathroom and damaging a sacred image of the Madonna before fleeing when confronted by an assistant priest.

ECtHR Condemns Türkiye for Removing Greek Orthodox Priests from Minority Foundations

May 26, 2026, France

The European Court of Human Rights ruled that Türkiye violated the rights of two Greek Orthodox priests who had been removed from the governing boards of minority foundations in Istanbul solely because they were members of the clergy. The Court found that the authorities lacked a legal basis for excluding the priests from the management of institutions belonging to the Greek Orthodox community, violating their freedom of association interpreted in light of freedom of religion. The judgment represents an important affirmation of the right of religious minorities to govern their own institutions without undue state interference.

Two Catholic fraternity students seriously injured in attack in Innsbruck

May 25, 2026, Austria

Two members of the Catholic student fraternity Rudolfina Wien were assaulted, robbed and seriously injured during an attack in Innsbruck in which the perpetrators allegedly shouted “Antifa”. The Austrian Cartell Association (ÖCV) condemned the incident as part of a broader pattern of hostility and violence targeting Catholic and conservative student associations.

Church Ransacked Near Agen in Pentecost Vandalism

May 25, 2026, France

The Church of Saint-Pierre-ès-Liens in Pont-du-Casse, near Agen, was left ransacked after statues, religious objects and furniture were damaged or thrown to the ground during a Pentecost Day vandalism. Authorities later identified four minors linked to the vandalism, while local officials and the Diocese moved quickly to organise repairs and a Mass of reparation.

Vandalism at Drogheda church after recent arson attack at Tinure church

May 25, 2026, Ireland

Mass-goers at St Augustine’s Church in Drogheda were shocked after discovering smashed planters and uprooted trees outside the church entrance, days after a deliberate fire inside Tinure church in County Louth.

Vandals deface church in Legnano with obscene graffiti and blasphemies

May 23, 2026, Italy

The historic Church of San Bernardino in Legnano was vandalised overnight with obscene graffiti and blasphemies prompting condemnation from local Catholic and civic leaders who described the attack as a serious assault on a place deeply tied to the city’s religious and cultural identity.

Suspected arson damages St. Johannes Church in Munich

May 23, 2026, Germany

Authorities in Munich are investigating a suspected deliberate arson attack after a fire broke out inside the Lutheran Church of St. Johannes in the Haidhausen district.

Desecration and attempted arson at chapel in Krosno

May 22, 2026, Poland

A 45-year-old man was detained after allegedly desecrating the image of Our Lady of Perpetual Help and attempting to set fire to a chapel in the Polanka district of Krosno. The attack damaged the Marian icon, including the eyes of the Virgin Mary and the face of Jesus, while additional destruction was reported inside the chapel.

Court Drops Conviction Under Northern Ireland Abortion "Buffer Zone" Law

May 21, 2026, Ireland

Claire Brennan, the first person convicted under Northern Ireland’s abortion “safe access zone” legislation for praying and speaking with and offering support to a woman, has had her conviction quashed after the prosecution case collapsed in court.

Crucifix and Sacred Statues Destroyed in Vandal Raid at Sant’Angelo Magno Church

May 19, 2026, Italy

The historic Church of Sant’Angelo Magno in Ascoli Piceno has suffered severe vandalism after intruders broke in during the night of 19–20 May. A crucifix, sacred statues, and a 17th-century organ were destroyed.

Repeated Desecration of Serbian Orthodox Church of St. George in Tuzla

May 19, 2026, Bosnia and Herzegovina

The Serbian Orthodox Church of the Holy Great Martyr George in Tuzla has been vandalised once again, with forced entry and objects inside the church scattered.

Church in Òdena Bricked Up After Vandalism and Burnt Bible Page

May 19, 2026, Spain

A group of youths broke into the Church of the Verge de la Pau in Òdena, vandalising the interior, damaging the altar, burning a page of the Bible and stealing sound equipment and metal objects. Following the attack, authorities decided to brick up the church.