All cases
Crucifix and Sacred Statues Destroyed in Vandal Raid at Sant’Angelo Magno Church
May 19, 2026, ItalyThe 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 HerzegovinaThe 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, SpainA 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.
Steel and Plastic Balls Fired at Church During Service
May 17, 2026, GermanyDuring a Catholic service at the Holy Spirit Church in Hanau, unknown persons fired steel and plastic balls at the building, shattering several windows while around 200 worshippers were inside. One person stated that they had been hit by glass splinters.
Crucifix Broken and Figure of Christ Stolen from Church of Saint-Germain-des-Prés
May 16, 2026, FranceAn unknown perpetrator entered the Church of Saint-Germain-des-Prés in Paris and broke a cross displayed inside the church before leaving with a silver figurine of Christ.
Police drop criminal investigation into street preacher
May 16, 2026, United KingdomAvon and Somerset Police have concluded a criminal investigation into Pastor Dia Moodley, a street preacher arrested in Bristol in November 2025, confirming that no further action will be taken. The decision effectively closes the case, determining that the activity of public street preaching, including comments made about Islam and transgender ideology, did not constitute a criminal offence in this instance. His lawyer and Christian representatives have raised concerns over a pattern of disproportionate police response to his religious expression.
Church of Knittelsheim Burgled and Desecrated, Consecrated Hosts Scattered Across Altar
May 14, 2026, GermanyA burglary at the Catholic Church of St. George in Knittelsheim left the building severely damaged, with sacred objects stolen and consecrated hosts scattered during the break-in. Authorities have confirmed extensive vandalism and ongoing investigation.
Arson attack at Church in Tinure
May 14, 2026, IrelandOn 14 May 2026, an arson attack targeted the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Tinure, County Louth, where papers were deliberately set alight inside the building, causing a fire that spread under a pew and filled the church with smoke before being discovered.
Satanic Graffiti Defaces Barbara Chapel in Penzberg
May 14, 2026, GermanyThe Barbara Chapel on the Berghalde in Penzberg has been vandalised with satanic-themed graffiti, including pentagrams and the number “666” painted in black and red.
Attempted Arson in Delmenhorst Church Involving Burning of Bibles and Hymn Books
May 13, 2026, GermanyOn 13 May 2026, an attempted arson took place at the Church of St. Christophorus in Delmenhorst, Lower Saxony,, where unknown individuals set fire to religious texts inside the building. The incident involved the burning of Bibles, hymnals and Bible passages placed on a table, causing smoke and a fire hazard inside the church.
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.