All cases
European Court of Human Rights Upholds Right to Door-to-Door Religious Outreach
June 9, 2026, BulgariaOn 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, BelgiumUnknown 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.
Catholic Prayer Disrupted in Poissy Amid Shouting of Anti-Christian and Islamist Slogans
June 6, 2026, FranceA 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.
Attempted Arson Inside St. Michael’s City Church in Jena
June 5, 2026, GermanyA 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, FranceA 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.
Two Churches in Mittweida Vandalised: Organ Damaged and Water Flooding Caused
June 1, 2026, GermanyTwo 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, GermanyA 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, ItalyAn 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, GermanyAn 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, PortugalA 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, ItalyFour 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, FranceThe 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, AustriaTwo 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, FranceThe 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, IrelandMass-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, ItalyThe 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, GermanyAuthorities 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, PolandA 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, IrelandClaire 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, 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.
Nun Assaulted and Cross Torn Off in Religious Hate Incident in Bielsk Podlaski
May 5, 2026, PolandA nun was violently attacked at a bus stop in Bielsk Podlaski when a man approached her, insulted her, and forcibly tore a cross from her neck before throwing it to the ground. The suspect fled but was later arrested by police and is under investigation.
Wave of Church Burglaries, Altar Desecration and Tabernacle Profanation Hits South Gironde
May 4, 2026, FranceBetween late April and early May 2026, several churches in South Gironde, France, were targeted in a series of burglaries and acts of vandalism. In the most serious incident, perpetrators opened a tabernacle containing consecrated hosts and desecrated the altar of a church in Villandraut, an act considered particularly grave in the Catholic faith.
Christian Statues Torn from Graves in Saint-Martin-la-Sauveté Cemetery Vandalism
May 4, 2026, FranceDozens of graves were vandalised at the cemetery of Saint-Martin-la-Sauveté in eastern France, where bronze Christian statuettes — including depictions of the Virgin Mary — were stolen or violently torn from tombs.
Statue of Mary Beheaded Close to Lyon
May 3, 2026, FranceA statue of Mary holding the infant Jesus was decapitated in Poleymieux-au-Mont-d’Or, close to Lyon. The heads of both figures were destroyed and found at the base of the monument.
Arson Attack Targets Church of Notre-Dame de l’Assomption in Lentigny
May 3, 2026, FranceA fire deliberately set inside the Church of Notre-Dame de l’Assomption in Lentigny caused an emergency response after papers, newspapers and books were set alight inside the building.
Churchyard Planter Set on Fire While Faithful Gathered to Pray the Rosary
May 2, 2026, ItalyOn 2 May 2026, unknown individuals set fire to a vase outside the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Loreto in Guidonia shortly before the recitation of the Rosary.
Devastation Inside Villalba Church After Overnight Vandalism Attack
May 2, 2026, ItalyThe Church of Santa Maria Goretti in Villalba, Italy, was broken into overnight by unknown individuals who vandalised the interior, causing significant damage and what local sources describe as “devastation” inside the building. Religious objects, including a statue of the Infant Jesus, were damaged.
Satanic Graffiti Found at Kalwaria Zebrzydowska Sanctuary
May 2, 2026, PolandSeveral chapels in Kalwaria Zebrzydowska were vandalised with physical damage and satanic inscriptions discovered on multiple religious structures.
Church Appeals Public Order Notice Restricting Street Outreach in Colchester
May 1, 2026, United KingdomBread of Life Community Church in Colchester, Essex, is appealing against a Community Protection Notice (CPN) restricting its street outreach. The notice is believed to be an unprecedented use of public-order legislation against an entire church, rather than individual street preachers, and raises concerns as it addresses not only the manner of preaching but also the content of religious messaging.
Eppingen Church Suffered Arson Attack and Extensive Vandalism Targeting Sacred Objects
May 1, 2026, GermanyA Catholic church in Eppingen, Germany, was severely vandalised in an incident involving fire-setting, widespread damage to church property, and destruction of sacred religious objects, including the Easter candle and altar. A suspect, reported to be a teenager, has been arrested and police investigations are ongoing.
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.