All cases
Sculpture Presents Christ with a Missile
February 10, 2006, SpainSculpture shows Christ with a Missile instructing Second World War German soldiers in Ferran Cano Art Gallery in Madrid.
Catholic Priest Shot Dead in Trazbon
February 5, 2006, TurkeyIn the northern city of Trabzon, a 61-year-old Catholic priest was shot dead while praying in his church. The 16-year-old perpetrator, who was arrested shortly after the shooting, shouted a religious slogan to justify his actions, and allegedly made a confession to the police that indicated the religious motivation behind the attack. The killing was strongly and publicly condemned by the government, including by the interior minister.
Jesus Ridiculed in Music Clip
February 1, 2006, SpainJesus Christ is ridiculed in a Musical Video Clip on TV Channel Telecinco and the Internet
(TV) South Park “Bloody Mary” Episode
February 1, 2006, InternationalAn episode of the cartoon series “South Park” shows irreverent treatment of Catholic symbols.
State TV Censures Critical Comment
February 1, 2006, AustriaAustrian public broadcast ORF deletes a polite comment from an online debate which criticises the mainstream. Vienna, Austria.
Major Wears a Bishop Costume and Mocks Blessings During Carnival Parade
January 25, 2006, SpainThe major of San Sebastian, the socialist Odón Elorza, wore a religious costume for a pagan festivity. The media reported that during the Carnival, Erloza, dressed as a bishop along with three men dressed in female tennis cloth, preceded the parade. Erloza made the sign of the cross imitating the Catholic ritual "blessing" the attendance.
Government Officials Threat to Boycott Spanish Budget to Defund Catholic Church
January 16, 2006, SpainMembers of the socialist party said that they would vote against the National Spanish Budget as long as the government continues the provision of funds to the Catholic Church. During an interview broadcast by the media Ser, MP Victorino Mayoral, a socialist representative, claimed that the Catholic Church funding is "dubious, not to mention unconstitutional". Mayoral says that the secular government of Spain cannot afford the funding of a religious organizations that "revives Franco's times“.
MSP Patrick Harvie Reports Archbishop to the Police for Defending Marriage
January 13, 2006, United KingdomMember of the Scottish Parliament asked Strathclyde Police to investigate remarks made by the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Glasgow. The Archbishop had defended the institution of marriage in a church service.
Crucifixion Ridiculed by Popstar
January 1, 2006, InternationalPopstar Madonna ridicules the crucifiction on tour in Europe
BBC Spreads Negative Image of Jesus
January 1, 2006, InternationalBBC spreads negative image of Jesus by Series on “The Miracles of Jesus”
Religious Persecution Through Bureaucratic Obstacles
January 1, 2006, Russia(ongoing) Visa difficulties for religious personel; police failure to protect the faithful; administrational obstacles prevent religious services.
Several Cases of Discrimination of and Violence against Christians
January 1, 2006, Turkey(2000-2006) Several instances recorded. Christians faced violence including murders, threats, vandalisations and administrational difficulties.
No Reference to God or Christianity in EU Constitution
January 1, 2006, European Institutions (EU, ECHR, et.al.)(2003 - 2006) Reference to God or Christianity in EU Constitution denied despite 1 million individual signatures as well as 50 million signatures through organisiational affiliation.
Christian Girls Forced to Attend LGBT Assembly
December 30, 2005, United KingdomA group of Christian Year Nine girls at a school in Stoke Newington were forced to remain in an ‘LGBT History Month – assembly’ despite their parents’ wishes that they should not attend. Parents with objections to Christian assemblies are permitted to withdraw their children. Teachers are also permitted to opt out.
Labor Union Representative Requests the Removal of a Nativity from a Public Building
December 23, 2005, SpainThe Secretary of the Labor Union requested in a written statement the immediate removal of a nativity that has been displayed in the hall of the Council of Education building. The petition was grounded in Article 16 of the Spanish Constitution, which establishes that no creed has official character. Spain has signed many international agreements that guarantee freedom of conscience and freedom of religion.
Family Campaigner Interrogated
December 1, 2005, United KingdomFamily campaigner Lynette Burrows interrogated after radio statement in London.
Satanic Logo of Clothes Production Company
December 1, 2005, SwedenA clothes production company in Stockholm comes out with a satanic logo as active statement against Christianity.
(Internet) Video Glorifies Violence Against Christians
December 1, 2005, InternationalAnimated video glorifies violence against pro-life Christians on Planned Parenthood website.
Mockery of Crown of Thorns by Spanish Politicians
December 1, 2005, SpainA group of Catalan politicians joked about the Passion of Christ in an Official Visit to Israel by taking photographs with a crown of thorns.
Catholic Church Targeted by Government Representatives
July 18, 2005, SpainThe Spanish Socialist Youth political wing (JSE) has requested the government to appoint a commission to review the agreements between Spain and the Holy See. The JSE General Secretary and speaker, Herick Campos, emphasized the need to put the Catholic Church "in its place, without any privileges because the Catholic hierarchy has abused of its condition of majority to influence government affairs, specially in issues related to education and finance".
Spanish Officer Considers Catholic Teaching on Sexuality a Case of "Bad Education"
June 30, 2005, SpainThe official speaker for the PSOE on issues related to Education, Adolfo Navarro, has requested the intervention of the Education Council to reprimand another case of "bad education". The complaint submitted by Navarro refers to some material facilitated by the Ethics Professor of two students from Colegio de Jesus who requested it. The material contains traditional Catholic teachings on sexuality. Navarro says the material "only promotes homophobia and ignorance".
Spanish Minister of Justice Call to End the Privileges of the Catholic Church and Accused It of Supporting Fascism
June 29, 2005, SpainThe Spanish Minister of Justice, Juan Fernando López Aguilar, called to end any state funding of the Catholic Church. According to this high official the Church enjoyed privileges that had their origin in the times where the Catholic creed was the only "official" religion. López Aguilar stated that the Catholic Church was in favour of the Spanish Civil War, and held strong relations with the Franquists.
Calvinist University Sued for Dismissing Student Involved in Homosexual Promotion
June 15, 2005, HungaryKaroli Gaspar Calvinist University in Budapest was sued by the Hatter Support Group for Gays and Lesbians after the University had dismissed a student who was involved in promotion of homosexuality. The university declared that the religious school cannot let, conduct and promote homosexuality, because it is against its morals, beliefs and the way of teaching.
Notre Dame Cathedral Seized, Priest Hurt, Gay Mock Wedding Performed
June 5, 2005, FranceOn Sunday June 5th, priest Monsignor Patrick Jacquin was hurt in Notre Dame Cathedral when about twenty members of the association ‘Act Up’ burst into the cathedral, defying the security personnel, in order to perform a mock marriage of two lesbians.
Conscientious Objection Denied to Public Servants
April 28, 2005, SpainThe Superior Tribunal of Madrid ruled against the right to conscientious objection to registry officers who requested to be exempted, and/or replaced by a colleague, in cases of same-sex marriage. The Tribunal understands that public servants swear full obedience to the law and are to abide by it. "The absolute submission to the law cannot be dismissed nor justified in any case, mostly when a private belief is at stake" confirmed the Tribunal.
Converts to Christianity Assaulted
February 1, 2005, United KingdomConvert family from Islam to Christianity assaulted in Bradford.
Spanish Officer Calls the Catholic Church a "Public Enemy"
January 30, 2005, SpainThe former Spanish ambassador to the Holy See, Gonzalo Puente Ojea, affirmed that the Catholic Church is a public enemy nowadays. In the view of Puente Ojea, the Church is used to a privilege treatment and its bellicose tone towards the Spanish government is part of a power game.
Member of Parliament Sued for "Homophobic Insults"
January 26, 2005, FranceFrench member of parliament, Christian Vanneste, sentenced to payments for "homophobic insults"; three years later acquitted by last juridical instance.
Christianophobic Opera Aired on BBC
January 8, 2005, International“Jerry Springer the Opera” was screened by the BBC on January 8th and attracted a record number of complaints of over 55,000 from the public as it contained contemptuous, scurrilous and ludicrous references to the Christian Faith.
European Parliament Declines Plegded Support of € 1,5 Million for World Youth Day
December 15, 2004, European Institutions (EU, ECHR, et.al.)On December 15th 2004 the European Union rejected funding for the upcoming 2005 World Youth Day (WYD) during the second reading of the 2005 budget.
TV Gag against Christian Symbols
December 1, 2004, SpainTV Channel Canal Plus Gag "How to Cook a Crucifix" demeans Christian Symbols.
High Government Official Recommends Catholic School to Remove Crucifixes and Avoid Prayers
November 27, 2004, SpainThe inspector recommended to a Catholic school to remove crucifixes and other religious symbols from the classrooms as well as ceasing morning prayers and other expressions of faith.
Practicing Catholic Rejected as a Member of the European Commission
October 1, 2004, European Institutions (EU, ECHR, et.al.)Rocco Buttiglione was dismissed by the European Institutions as EU Commissioner because of his Catholic convictions.
Greek Orthodox Church Damaged by Bomb Explosion
August 1, 2004, CyprusGreek Orthodox Church in Northern Cyprus was damaged by bomb explosion in Cyprus conflict.
Orthodox Cathedral Turned into Public Toilet
April 19, 2004, SerbiaThe Orthodox cathedral of Christ the Savior in Pristina, still under construction, with its consecrated foundations and cross, where Holy Liturgy was periodically served before the war while it was still under construction, has been turned into a public toilet, while the property around the church has become the squatting ground of Roma emigrants from the Republic of Albania.
Christian Student Union Reported to Police for Hosting Speaker With Traditional Biblical View on Homosexuality
February 26, 2004, United KingdomThe Christian Union of the University of Cambridge was reported to the police after the distribution of 12,000 copies of St John's gospel to students and the lecture given by Phillip Jensen, the Dean of St. Andrew´s Cathedral, in Sydney, Australia, on the traditional biblical view on homosexuality.
Staff Sacked after Refusing Sunday Work
February 1, 2004, United KingdomStaff sacked after refusing Sunday work.
Christian Groups Listed as "Dangerous Sects"
January 1, 2004, France(1996 - 2005) Legal developments put religious freedom at risk. Christian groups listed as dangerous sects. State power to interfere with religious exercise established by law.
Police Investigate Anglican Bishop Because He Said Some Homosexuals Changed to Heterosexuality
November 12, 2003, United KingdomThe Bishop of Chester was investigated by the Cheshire constabulary in November 2003 after he told his local newspaper of research showing that some homosexuals re-orientated to heterosexuality. The police passed a file to the Crown Prosecution Service who decided not to prosecute.
Pastor Charged for Preaching on Homosexuality
June 20, 2003, SwedenPastor Ake Green charged with committing a "hate crime" for preaching a sermon on homosexuality in Borghold.
Catholic Nun Used for Condom Campaign
March 28, 2003, FranceImage of Catholic nun used for pro condom campaign in Toulouse.
Two Council Workers Threatened with Dismissal for Participating in Homosexual Adoption
March 25, 2003, United KingdomThe Sefton (North West of England) Council workers, Norah Ellis and Dawn Jackson, refused to take part in adoptions for gay parents as not compatible with the Christian concept of family. As a consequence they have been threatened with dismissal for not doing their job.
Christianophobic Exhibit in Moscow
January 14, 2003, RussiaVisitors are shocked by christianophobic exhibit in Andrei Sakharov Museum in Moscow as it shows Jesus and Mary in humiliating positions. Intention of organizers described as exposing hypocrisy of religion.
Christian Minority Rights Threatened
January 1, 2003, Kosovo(2000-2003) Christian minority rights are at stake in Kosovo. Churches were attacked and destroyed. The denial of Jesus was demanded from youth at gunpoint.
Law Criminalizes Elements of Christianity
December 31, 2002, SwedenNew law prohibits criticism of homosexuality and makes biblical applications to today a criminal offence.
Call for Head Teacher to be Suspended for Defending a Christian View of Marriage
June 5, 2002, United KingdomA highly respected comprehensive school head teacher, Bill Beales, faced calls for his suspension after he told pupils that Christians were being “placed on trial” for defending their beliefs on marriage.
Preacher Arrested For Public Order Offence
April 1, 2002, United Kingdom(October 2001-April 2002) Evangelical preacher arrested and fined for displaying a sign in public saying ‘Stop Immorality’.
Religious Sister Cruelly Murdered in Satanic Ritual
June 6, 2000, ItalyIn the night of June 6th, 2000 in the Italian town of Chiavenna in the Lombardy, Sister Maria Laura Mainetti was murdered by three teenage girls in a ritual act of satanism.
Catholic Priest Falsely Accused of Participation in Satanic Rites
May 1, 2000, ItalyFather Giorgio Govoni, 59, pastor of Staggia di San Prospero Church in the province of Modena, Italy, was accused of being a member of a group of pedophiles who engaged in sexually violent and harmful acts with minors, including participation in satanic rites in the Massa Finalese Cemetery. He was cleared after his death by the court of second instance.
Church Vandalized After Anti-Gay Homily in Newcastle
October 28, 1999, United KingdomJesmond Parish Church in Newcastle upon Tyne was covered with obscene phrases and pornographic graffiti after Rev. Holloway preached about homosexuality in the teachings of the Bible. The graffiti included drawings of men having sex, and insulting expressions such as "Holloway Out", "Bigot" and "Down with Holloway".