All cases
Church in Granada vandalised and set on fire
August 17, 2025, SpainOn 17 August 2025, a 21-year-old man broke into the Church of Santiago Apóstol in El Pozuelo, Albuñol (Granada), smashing a stained glass window with a hammer. He then proceeded to destroy religious artefacts and set fire to items belonging to the church before locking himself inside.
Two Churches Attacked by Knife-Wielding Man, Disrupting Mass
August 16, 2025, FranceA suspected drug addict armed with a Swiss Army knife desecrated two churches near Paris, terrifying worshippers and resisting arrest.
300‑Year‑Old Outdoor Cross Destroyed by Sledgehammer
August 15, 2025, FranceA centuries‑old stone cross atop the Col de la Crouzette in Ariège was destroyed by sledgehammer attacks during the weekend of 15 August, sparking outrage among the local community.
Wooden Memorial Cross Stolen from Graveyard
August 14, 2025, United KingdomA wooden memorial cross engraved was stolen from a church graveyard in Broadhempston, causing deep distress to his family and prompting a police appeal.
Church in Mallorca Defaced with Offensive Graffiti
August 13, 2025, SpainThe parish of the Verge del Carme in Palma’s Santa Catalina neighbourhood was defaced with graffiti and offensive messages targeting the church.
Strange Ritual Altar Setup On Graves Bearing Crosses at Polish War Cemetery
August 13, 2025, PolandInstallation resembling a ritual altar was discovered on soldiers' graves at War Cemetery No. 91 in Gorlice, prompting outrage among locals and a police investigation into possible desecration and religious offense.
Christian Bakery Condemned After Refusing to Bake Same-Sex Wedding Cake
August 13, 2025, SwedenSweden’s Equality Ombudsman (DO) has ruled against a small Christian bakery in Stockholm who had declined to bake a wedding cake for a same-sex couple in 2023. The decision, published on August 13, 2025, acknowledges that the bakery’s refusal was based on religious conviction and falls under the protection of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). Nevertheless, the authority concluded that the refusal constituted unlawful discrimination.
20 Bomb Threat Calls Targeting Cordoba Cathedral
August 12, 2025, SpainA man was arrested in connection with a series of bomb threat calls to the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption in Córdoba, Spain.
Church in Spain Vandalised Ahead of Patron Saint Festivities
August 11, 2025, SpainJust days before the Virgen del Carmen festivities in Rute, the parish of Santa Catalina was vandalised with black paint being spilled across its main entrance.
Crucifix Ban in Bavarian School Raises Concerns Over Religious Freedom
August 8, 2025, GermanyA recent ruling by the Bavarian Administrative Court has ordered the removal of a crucifix from a state secondary school, finding that its display violates students’ negative freedom of religion and constitutes unlawful state endorsement of Christianity. The judgment, however, diverges from European Court of Human Rights case law (Lautsi v. Italy) and has raised concerns about the narrowing of religious expression in public institutions and the broader implications for religious freedom and state neutrality in education.
Catholic Hospital’s Right to Uphold Its Institutional Religious Freedom
August 8, 2025, GermanyThe Labour Court of Hamm has affirmed the right of a Catholic hospital in Germany to prohibit a senior gynaecologist from performing procedures that go against its religious mission, both within the hospital and in his private practice.
Altar Desecration and Attempted Theft at Church in Cittaducale
August 6, 2025, ItalyOn 8 August 2025, two individuals were reported for desecration and attempted theft at a church in Cittaducale. The incident involved degrading acts inside the church and repeated attempts to break into donation boxes.
Arson Attack at the Hermitage of Our Lady of Puerto Rico
August 6, 2025, SpainThe old hermitage in Puerto Escondido was damaged by an arson attack, which targeted a cross above its entrance door.
Satanic Graffiti Found on Church in Neuchâtel
August 4, 2025, SwitzerlandIn early August 2025, the Collegiate Church of Neuchâtel was vandalised with spray-painted slogans referencing Satanism, anti-capitalism, and pro-Intifada messages, and anti‑church sentiments. The church’s pastor condemned the act, stating, "There is truly a desire to attack this building. There are clearly messages against the Church and several satanic symbols."
Two Tabernacles Forced and Consecrated Hosts Stolen from Church in Thillois
August 3, 2025, FranceBetween 2 and 3 August 2025, unknown perpetrators forced open two tabernacles at a church in Thillois and stole a ciborium containing consecrated hosts. The deliberate targeting of the Eucharist constitutes a serious act of desecration in the Catholic context.
Tabernacle Forced and Consecrated Hosts Stolen from Church Near Reims
August 3, 2025, FranceA church in Thillois was targeted in a break-in involving the forced opening of the tabernacle and the theft of a ciborium containing consecrated hosts. The act is considered a serious profanation in the Catholic context.
Arson Destroyed Historic St Mungo’s Church in Cumbernauld
August 2, 2025, United KingdomA massive fire tore through St Mungo’s Church in Cumbernauld, prompting a large-scale emergency response. Police confirmed it to be arson.
Statue of St. Francis Vandalized with Motor Oil
August 1, 2025, GermanyUnknown individuals poured used motor oil over a stone statue of St. Francis in front of the village chapel at Markstetten. The act has caused widespread shock in the community.
Priest attacked in Hubová
July 29, 2025, SlovakiaOn July 29, a Catholic priest was attacked in his house. According to the mayor of Hubová, the attacker appeared at the parish house and assaulted the priest in the entrance hall with an electric cable. The priest sustained minor injuries to his face and legs, but managed to push the man outside, lock the door behind him and alert the police.
Vandalism of Wooden Statue
July 29, 2025, GermanyOn July 29, unknown individuals entered the church, damaged a wooden statue as well as the interior plaster, and then fled without being identified. The damage is estimated at several hundred euros. The motives for the act are still under investigation.