All cases

Christian Parents Take Sweden to European Court of Human Rights Over Child Removal

October 15, 2025, Sweden

A Christian couple in Sweden has taken their case to the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) after their two eldest daughters were removed by social services and kept apart from the family for nearly three years. The parents argue that their regular church attendance and faith-based parenting decisions led authorities to label them as “religious extremists,” raising serious concerns about religious discrimination and state interference with family life.

Religious Statues Beheaded in Biguglia

October 14, 2025, France

In mid-October 2025, three sacred statues were deliberately destroyed in Biguglia, Haute-Corse, prompting a strong reaction from the local community.

Methodist Church Vandalised Twice, Christian Youth Services Relocated

October 13, 2025, United Kingdom

The 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.

Man Desecrates St. Peter’s Basilica by Urinating on Altar

October 10, 2025, Italy

A man entered St. Peter’s Basilica and urinated on the altar of Confession in front of hundreds of tourists and worshippers, marking the third act of desecration at the site in two years. According to some news reports, the incident happened during the celebration of mass.

Jesuit Church in Straubing Vandalised

October 10, 2025, Germany

Unknown individuals forcibly entered the Jesuit Church in Straubing, Germany, overturned pews and damaged interior grilles.

Church in Bromyard Cuts Hours After Vandalism and Disorder

October 10, 2025, United Kingdom

Incidents of vandalism and disruptive behavior forced St Peter’s Church in Bromyard to close early.

Arson Attack on Evangelical Church in Frenkendorf

October 9, 2025, Switzerland

A 36-year-old Swiss man was arrested after allegedly setting fire to the Evangelical Reformed Church of St. Margaretha in Frenkendorf, Switzerland, damaging pews and interior structures.

Church in Aldingen Defiled After Failed Burglary Attempt

October 5, 2025, Germany

After breaking into a Protestant church in Aldingen, Germany, unknown individuals urinated in the sanctuary and caused property damage when no valuables were found.

Viennese Church Evacuated During Mass after Bomb Scare

October 4, 2025, Austria

Two fake explosive devices triggered the evacuation of Vienna’s Karlskirche during a Catholic mass being held before the annual March for Life, raising concerns of targeted intimidation.

Man Arrested After Spitting on Christ Image in Fuengirola Church

October 2, 2025, Spain

A 31-year-old man was arrested for spitting on a crucifix and attempting to damage the altar inside the Church of San José in Fuengirola, Spain, in an incident investigated as a hate crime and offense against religious sentiment.

Church in Neustadt/Wied Vandalised

October 1, 2025, Germany

Unkown individuals entered the Church of St. Margarita and caused extensive damage inside. The police issued a statement seeking for witnesses.

Vandalism of Bertrix Cross in Perigueux

October 1, 2025, France

A Christian cross in Périgueux, France, was vandalised and almost completely destroyed in a targeted attack, promoting police investigation.

Vandalism of Catholic Churches in Munich with White Paint Graffiti

September 29, 2025, Germany

In the night between 28 and 29 September 2025, several Catholic church buildings in Munich were vandalised with white paint graffiti, including slogans such as “God is dead”.

Cross Vandalised with Wax in Krefeld Church

September 27, 2025, Germany

A valuable cross at St. Dionysius Church in Krefeld, Germany was severely damaged with wax, highlighting a pattern of escalating attacks on Christian institutions.

Vandalism Reported at Preston Wynne Church

September 27, 2025, United Kingdom

Police 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 Kingdom

Vandalism at St Oswald’s Church in Burneside, Kendal left facilities damaged, hymn books scattered, and a lychgate broken.

Bavarian Court Upholds Right to Peaceful Prayer in Public

September 23, 2025, Germany

In a landmark decision, the Bavarian Higher Administrative Court has ruled that there is no general 100-metre exclusion zone (“Bannmeile”) around medical practices that could prohibit peaceful prayer or assembly. The court rejected a ban of the city of Regensburg against a prayer gathering of a Christian group near an abortion facility, arguing that there was no evidence whatsoever that the group’s behaviour had caused any form of harassment or intimidation.

RTVE Issues Apology After Describing Evangelicals as “Dangerous”

September 22, 2025, Spain

Spain’s public broadcaster RTVE issued a formal apology after a television segment described the growth of Evangelical churches in the country as “dangerous,” attracting significant criticism. The broadcaster acknowledged errors in its coverage and sought to address complaints from religious organisations and viewers.

Christian Schools in Slovakia at Risk after School Funding Reform

September 19, 2025, Slovakia

The Slovak government has introduced a proposal to reform state subsidies for private and church schools. Under the new policy, full funding would be limited to schools that meet specific public-service criteria, including enrolling at least 70% of students from local school districts, refraining from charging tuition, and signing contracts as public education providers. Christian leaders and private school associations have raised concerns that the reform could undermine parental rights and threaten the sustainability of faith-based education.

Deliberate Damage to Religious Statue

September 18, 2025, Spain

The statue of San Nicolás, a historic patron figure, was found vandalized, sparking concern in the local community in Algorta’s Puerto Viejo. Authorities are investigating the incident.