All cases
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Statue of Mary Desecrated with Red Paint in Zhovkva
April 28, 2026, UkraineIn Zhovkva, Lviv region, a statue of the Mary has been desecrated in the city’s central square with red liquid poured over the statue. A man has been identified and arrested.
Crucifix destroyed in Santarcangelo church vandalism
April 28, 2026, ItalyThe stone crucifix outside the Church of San Martino dei Mulini in Santarcangelo di Romagna was destroyed overnight in what authorities describe as a deliberate act of sacrilege. The incident is part of a series of attacks on religious symbols in the area.
Man storms altar area and devastates St. Antonius Church in Düsseldorf
April 28, 2026, GermanyA man entered St. Antonius Church in Düsseldorf, forced his way into the altar area and damaged liturgical objects before being detained by police shortly afterwards. Parishioners reacted with shock at the destruction of objects central to worship.
Charges Dropped Against Christian Woman for Holding Sign in "Buffer Zone" Case
April 27, 2026, United KingdomOn 27 April, Glasgow Sheriff Court dismissed criminal charges against a Christian woman, Rose Docherty, who had been arrested for peacefully offering consensual conversation within a designated “buffer zone”, finding that the prosecution had failed to disclose an offence. However, the case may be reopened if prosecutors present further evidence. Docherty was the first person charged under Scotland’s 2024 “buffer zone” law after standing near a Glasgow hospital with a sign reading: “Coercion is a crime, here to talk, only if you want.”
Valenciennes church vandalised with destruction of religious statues and objects
April 26, 2026, FranceThe Saint-Géry church in Valenciennes was targeted in an act of vandalism, with several religious objects and artworks damaged, including a station of the cross and a statue titled Le Silence. The incident follows a previous episode at the same church, and a man was arrested in connection with the latest case.