All cases

Forest Chapel in Auerbach Vandalized

December 31, 2016, Austria

Unknown perpetrators broke into the chapel, threw stones at the altar, smashed two glass domes containing statues of the Virgin Mary, and stole and destroyed 22 paintings and murals hung by pilgrims visiting the chapel.

Woman Attacked for Reading from Bible

December 28, 2016, Austria

A 22-year-old man from Afghanistan stabbed a Christian woman when he heard her reading from the Bible at a refugee accommodation in Vöcklamarkt (Upper Austria).

Man Forcibly Removed after Disrupting Christmas Mass

December 24, 2016, France

Police removed a man who disrupted the Mass at the Church of Saint-Christophe in Tourcoing after he frightened and disturbed the parishioners.

Orsay Church Vandalized on Christmas

December 24, 2016, France

The wall of church of Saint-Martin Saint-Laurent d'Orsay was tagged with an anti-consumerism message ("Noël fête du capitalisme") in black paint. Police are investigating.

Theft from Sainte-Anne Church in Lanvéoc

December 24, 2016, France

A statue of an angel was stolen from the manger scene where it had been displayed for the last 80 years. Parishioners are upset and the Mayor called the theft "scandalous" because the angel was part of the town's heritage. A police complaint was filed.

Vandals Attack St. Augustine Church in Utrecht

December 23, 2016, Netherlands

In the morning of December 23, 2016 a parish employee discovered the locked doors forced open, bibles torn, and the newly-restored processional cross destroyed. The pastor estimates damages in the thousands of euros. Police are investigating.

UK Considering Secularist Oath of Allegiance to British Values

December 21, 2016, United Kingdom

The UK government has proposed that all office holders and employees of the State swear an Oath of Allegiance to British Values that conflicts with traditional Christian teaching about sexuality.

Nativity Scene Destroyed by Fire

December 21, 2016, France

A Nativity scene set up in an old fountain in Wimille was completely destroyed by a fire during the night of December 20-21st. Police are investigating whether it was intentionally set, or a short circuit in the lighting. The city chose not to replace it, in case it was an act of vandalism.

Berlin Christmas Market the Target of Terrorist Attack

December 20, 2016, Germany

Anis Amri, a 24-year old Tunisian man, stole a truck and intentionally drove it into a crowded Christmas market near the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church in West Berlin, leaving 12 dead and more than 50 injured. ISIS claimed responsibility, and the driver pledged allegiance to ISIS, calling on his "Muslim brothers everywhere... Those in Europe, kill the crusader pigs." "Crusaders" refers to Christians in ISIS rhetoric. While in the Italian prison in Sicily, Anis Amri threatened one of his fellow prisoners: “You are Christian and I will cut your head off,” according to Reppublica, which indicates the attacker's pre-existing bias against Christians.

Cathedral in Fort-de-France Vandalized and Burgled Five Times in Seven Days

December 20, 2016, France

The Cathedral of Saint-Louis was the repeated victim of looting, vandalism, and theft on December 14th, 16th, 17th, 18th, and 19th. The Cathedral is being restored and the perpetrators broke recently-renovated windows to gain entry.

Holsbeek Town Council Removed Nativity Scene

December 19, 2016, Belgium

The Christmas display in the town hall was removed to "avoid offending Muslims living in the area," resulting in protests and objections from citizens, politicians, and some Muslim activists who said it was absurd to say that Muslims are offended by the birth of Jesus.

Vandalism and Fires in Two Churches in Tarn-et-Garonne

December 19, 2016, France

Police are investigating acts of vandalism and intentional fires set in the Church of Saint-Blaise and the Church of Saint-Michel.

Church Desecrated in Crete

December 18, 2016, Greece

Unknown perpetrators entered the Orthodox church of the Archangel Michael near Lagoliou, set sacred books on fire in the sanctuary, and sprayed "Allah is great" in Arabic on the walls.

Christian Kindergarten Advent Performance Disrupted by Man Carrying Koran

December 17, 2016, Austria

During the children's performance in Schwanenstadt, attended by parents and relatives, a 24-year-old Somali man with a backpack and plastic bag got on stage and began waving the Koran around. When people tried to remove him, he resisted and began shouting "Allah." The police investigated.

Christmas Decorations and Crèche Thrown in River

December 17, 2016, France

During the night of December 17-18th, all of the Christmas decorations installed on a bridge, as well as the handmade wooden crèche arranged at the feet of a statue of the Virgin Mary were thrown into the Seine in Fouchères. A complaint was filed with police.

Spanish Court Acquits City Councilor of Infringing on Freedom of Conscience and Religious Convictions

December 16, 2016, Spain

Rita Maestre had been fined for removing her top inside a chapel during a protest against the "antidemocratic and chauvinistic" positions of the Catholic Church in 2011. On appeal, that decision was reversed as the court found that "inadequate clothing or certain inappropriate gestures" were "disrespectful but not desecration."

Priest Attacked, Tied Up, and Robbed in Pastoral Center

December 16, 2016, France

Rutumbu Juvenal, the priest in charge of the parish of Palaiseau, was attacked by two armed men on December 16, 2016 at the church's pastoral center.

Bomb Discovered in Front of Church

December 15, 2016, France

A parishioner discovered a bomb in a cardboard box against the door of the Saint-André church. Police in Toulouse are investigating and said that the device was capable of a small explosion.

Thieves Hit Caorle Cathedral in 3rd Incident in Veneto Region in 10 Days

December 15, 2016, Italy

Glass cases protecting sacred statues and images were smashed and the decorative jewels and offerings of the faithful were stolen. Police are investigating the links between this incident and others in the region targeting shrines containing sacred images.

Five Churches Burgled in Three Weeks

December 13, 2016, France

According to the Bishop of Réunion, five churches have been the target of thieves in the preceding three weeks. The most recent was the church of Sainte-Marie, which was ransacked and money and equipment were stolen. A criminal investigation is underway.

Thieves Steal Gold from Sacred Statue of Our Lady of Pilastrello

December 11, 2016, Italy

After several failed attempts since June 2016, thieves managed to sneak into the guarded shrine in Lendinara, smashed a protective glass case, and stole all of the gold on the statue of the "Black Madonna."

Dozens of Christian Statues Destroyed

December 8, 2016, Germany

Police in the Münsterland region are investigating the destruction of Christian statues of holy figures since the end of October. One report said "not a day goes by without an attack on a statue. The local Christian community is concerned and upset by the destruction. An anti-religious motive is suspected and the police believe the vandalism is fueled by a "lust for destruction". Estimates suggest the cost of the damage to be a six-figure sum.

Nativity Crib Burned in Church

December 8, 2016, France

Parishioners praying in the chapel adjacent to the Church of Notre-Dame in Metz smelled smoke and discovered the crib burning inside the church. Police have launched a criminal investigation.

Hindu UKIP Member Racially Harassed for Calling Britain a "Christian Country"

December 7, 2016, United Kingdom

Anish Patel, a UKIP member and practising Hindu took to Twitter with a message defending Britain’s Christian identity. In response, Twitter users responded with racist epithets.

Church Requests Security Staff Due to Disruptions, Vandalism

December 7, 2016, Sweden

The Holy Trinity Church in Kristianstad has been given permission by police to have security guards at church services due to repeated thefts, disruptive and threatening behavior during services, drug and alcohol use in the church, and urination and defecation in the pews.

Student Union Bans Pro-Life Group

December 5, 2016, United Kingdom

Pro-life supporters have been banned from setting up an official campus group by the University of Strathclyde Student Union on the grounds that such a group would violate "safe space."

Equalities Watchdog Calls for Review of Catholic Schools Hiring Rules

December 5, 2016, United Kingdom

The Equality and Human Rights Commission has told the Scottish government that the Scottish Catholic schools’ legal right to examine teaching staff for religious suitability should be reviewed.

Christian Archbishops from Iraq and Syria Denied Visas to UK

December 4, 2016, United Kingdom

Despite a formal invitation from Prince Charles to attend a consecration ceremony of Britain's first Syriac Orthodox Cathedral, the Home Office denied the visa applications of Archbishops Nicodemus Daoud Sharaf of Mosul, Timothius Mousa Shamani of St Matthew's in Nineveh valley of northern Iraq, and Selwanos Boutros Alnemeh of Homs and Hama in Syria because they "did not have enough money to support themselves and might not leave the UK."

Court Gives Town Three Months to Remove Statue of Virgin Mary

December 3, 2016, France

A court has ordered the town of Publier to remove its statue of the Virgin Mary to comply with France's ban on religious symbols in public spaces. Failure to remove it within three months will result in a fine of 100 euros per day.

Leftist Graffiti on Bordeaux Catholic Seminary

December 3, 2016, France

"Neither God nor master", "I love Satan", "Lesbi Power" and "Antifa" and other slogans were sprayed on the walls of the seminary during the night of December 3, 2016.

Nantes Church Vandalized with Anarchist Graffiti

December 3, 2016, France

The Church of St. Clement in Nantes was vandalized with the anarchist "A" topped with symbols of both sexes. This sign is supposed to convey the opposition to the male and female genders in their traditional definitions.

Thieves Steal Votive Offerings in Treviso Church

December 3, 2016, Italy

Unknown perpetrators broke into the Basilica of Motta di Livenza during the night of December 3, 2016, disconnected an alarm, sawed off iron bars, broke a window, and stole votive offerings donated in the past by the faithful of the diocese. They were unable to force open the shrine with the statue of the Madonna. Police are investigating.

Madrid Parish Vandalized

December 1, 2016, Spain

"You will burn in Hell" (“Arderéis en el infierno”) was sprayed on the parish of Nuestra Señora Reina del Cielo in Madrid by unknown perpetrators.

Graffiti Damaged Granada Cathedral

November 25, 2016, Spain

The Archbishop of Granada filed a complaint after graffiti was painted on the facade of the Metropolitan Curia and the Cathedral, one of the most important cultural sites of the city. The vandalism occurred during the night from the 24 to 25 of November and damaged the original stone of the Cathedral.

Church Ransacked in Northern France

November 25, 2016, France

Some time in the early afternoon of November 25th, unknown perpetrators started a fire inside the church of Zuydcoote, overturned chairs and benches, smashed statues onto the floor, and destroyed the tabernacle.

School Prohibits Christmas Decorations with Religious Motifs

November 24, 2016, Spain

A school in Elche sent a letter to parents saying it needed Christmas decorations for the classrooms, but that they should not have a religious motif, such as a nativity scene.

Easter Poster Depicting Christ Removed from Government Office

November 23, 2016, Spain

After a complaint by the Oberservatorio del Laicismo, the Andalusian Employment Office in Granada removed a poster containing an image of Christ promoting Holy Week tourism.

Officials Ban Television Commercial to Commemorate World Down Syndrome Day

November 22, 2016, France

Television officials rejected as "inappropriate" an award-winning video featuring several people with Down syndrome responding to a letter from a frightened woman whose unborn baby had been diagnosed with the disorder.

14th Century Church Vandalized with Red Paint

November 22, 2016, Spain

During the night of November 22, 2016, two people threw red paint against the facade and one of the entrances of the parish of Santa Creu, one of the oldest in Palma. Costs to clean the damage is unclear. Perpetrators justified the attack as denouncing the "historical collaboration" of the Catholic Church with fascism.

Priest Attacked While Celebrating Mass

November 17, 2016, Spain

While he was celebrating Mass in the parish church of Nuestra Señora de Covadonga in Madrid, Fr. Lino Hernando was attacked at the altar by an unknown person who threw him to the ground, kicked and insulted him. The aggressor also threw around consecrated Hosts and other worship items from the altar. The police were immediately alerted and arrested the perpetrator.

Judge Dismisses Charges Against Artist Who Stole Consecrated Hosts

November 16, 2016, Spain

Abel Azcona stole more than 240 consecrated hosts from Masses celebrated in the cities of Madrid and Pamplona. He later took nude photos of himself arranging them on a floor to spell the word ‘pederasty.’ He was charged with an offense against laws respecting religious sentiments. However, on November 16, 2016, a judge dismissed the case against Azcona. In his ruling, the judge described the consecrated and stolen hosts as “small white round objects.” He claimed that there had been no desecration of the sacred hosts because according to the Spanish Royal Academy dictionary desecration is defined as “treating something sacred without due respect or using it for profane purposes.”

Stolen Tabernacle and Ciborium Found in Cemetery

November 10, 2016, Spain

The Bishop of San Sebastián reported that the tabernacle and ciborium containing consecrated Hosts which had been stolen from the chapel earlier in the week had been found in a cemetery. The ciborium was empty.

Christian Couple Blocked from Adopting Foster Children

November 9, 2016, United Kingdom

A Christian couple has been blocked from adopting their foster children, after expressing views based on their belief that children should have a mother and a father wherever possible.

Christian Family Forced to Flee their Home

November 9, 2016, United Kingdom

A family have been forced to flee their home under armed police guard amid fears for their safety after suffering what they say is eight years of persecution for converting from Islam to Christianity.

State Council Allows "Decorative" Christmas Scenes at Town Halls

November 9, 2016, France

After a bitter two-year battle over whether decorating town hall entrances with nativity scenes violated rules on secularism, the country’s highest administrative court ruled that as long as the intent behind the installation was "cultural, artistic, or festive" - and not religious proselytism - it was permitted.

Threatening Graffiti on the Walls of a Christian School

November 9, 2016, Spain

Threatening graffiti was found on the walls of a religious Catholic school (Colegio de San José, Vallecas). The graffiti incited to burn down the school and also said “You will burn like in ‘36” (clear reference to the anti-religious murders and anti-religious arson during the Spanish Civil War).

Summit Cross Destroyed for the Second Time

November 8, 2016, Germany

A summit cross on the Austrian-German border, previously chopped with an ax in August, was again destroyed by an unknown perpetrator using an ax.

Desecration in Cemetery Chapel

November 7, 2016, Spain

In a letter to members of his diocese on November 9, 2016, Bishop José Ignacio Munilla, Bishop of San Sebastián, denounced "a very grave desecration against the Blessed Sacrament" committed in the cemetery chapel of Polloe. The tabernacle was stolen, as was the ciborium and the consecrated Hosts it contained. The bishop announced a reparation Mass would be celebrated in the same chapel on November 20th.

Nantes Church Tagged with Anarchist Grafitti

November 5, 2016, France

Anarchist messages were drawn on the walls and doors of the Church of Saint-Clément.

French Politician Fined for Using Word from Bible to Describe Homosexuality

November 4, 2016, France

French politician and former housing minister Christine Boutin was convicted of hate speech on Wednesday by the Court of Appeals of Paris for having called homosexuality an “abomination” in an interview with the political magazine Charles in March 2014.

Christian Midwife Loses Case Against County Council

November 4, 2016, Sweden

Swedish midwife Linda Steen objected to assisting with abortions for reasons of conscience and as a consequence public hospitals denied her employment. She sued the Sörmland county council for violation of her freedom of conscience and religion. After losing the case, she was ordered to pay 1.2 million Swedish krona for the city's legal expenses.

Government of Rincon Prohibits Nativity Scene in Municipal Courtyard

November 4, 2016, Spain

The city council gave the reason for the prohibition: "it is the central administrative building, and must respect the non-denominational vision of the State."

Media Campaign Targets Priest for Upholding Church Doctrine

November 3, 2016, Spain

The Spanish media network SER launched a media campaign against a Catholic priest for posting a list of sins that preclude parishioners from receiving Communion until they have been confessed, calling the list a throw-back to old times.

Christian Convert Threatened with Death in French Refugee Camp

November 2, 2016, France

A Kurdish church leader smuggled to Britain says he received death threats – for having left Islam for Christianity – while living in makeshift camps in northern France. The church leader, who did not wish to be identified, spent nine months living in camps outside the French cities of Calais and Dunkirk. He said that Kurdish Muslims in both camps antagonized him for his Christian faith.

Christian Graves Vandalized on All Saints' Day

October 30, 2016, Belgium

Families visiting the burial sites of their loved ones in Pécrot were shocked to discover the crosses at the graves were removed and planted upside down in the cemetery.

Minor Arrested for Twice Setting Fires in Church

October 28, 2016, France

A minor was arrested for setting fires in the church of Saint-Brice-sur-Vienne in August and October.

City Council to Vote on Removal of Religious Symbols from Public Spaces

October 26, 2016, Spain

In November, the Madrid City Council is expected to approve a draft "human rights" law which includes the removal of religious symbols from public spaces.

Police Investigate Vandalism of Church

October 26, 2016, France

During the afternoon of 26 October, 2016 the church of Saint-Paterne in Orléans was vandalized, with objects toppled inside. The police investigated.

Priest Attacked by Three Pre-Teens Throwing Stones

October 25, 2016, Germany

The Ethiopian vicar, dressed in traditional priest's clothing and wearing a cross around his neck was visiting the town of Raunheim near Frankfurt when three pre-teens threw stones at him while yelling “Allahu Akhbar”.

Christian Bakers Lose Appeal

October 24, 2016, United Kingdom

The owners of Ashers Baking in Belfast lost their appeal of 2015 discrimination conviction for refusing to bake a cake ordered by homosexual activist Gareth Lee showing two Sesame Street characters and the message: “Support Gay Marriage.” The case was heard by the Supreme Court in May 2018.

Public Art Exhibition Containing Sacreligious Images Cost Madrid 60,000 Euros

October 23, 2016, Spain

The exhibition, paid for by taxpayers and with the approval of the mayor, contains violent and pornographic images including a painting depicting a cardinal raping a woman on the altar of a church.

Christian parents fear 'gender-confused' daughter will be taken away

October 23, 2016, United Kingdom

Christian parents fear their 14-year-old daughter will be taken into foster care unless they allow her to change her female name to a male one.

Thieves Desecrate Church of Santa Maria in Ocaña; Steal Valuable Objects

October 17, 2016, Spain

The intruders gained access to the church after breaking a fence and window. They stole consecrated Hosts that were in the tabernacle and stole valuable religious jewelry, left other Hosts and various objects lying on the floor, and vandalized numerous images of virgins and saints.

Religiously-Motivated Attacks on 743 Christian Refugees in Germany

October 17, 2016, Germany

The NGOs AVC (Action on behalf of Persecuted Christians and the Needy), EMG (European Mission Society) as well as ZOCD (Central Council of Oriental Christians in Germany) and Open Doors announced the results of their research on October 17th.

Church Vandalized in Gif-sur-Yvette

October 16, 2016, France

The intrusion was discovered by a member of the parish one hour before the beginning of Sunday Mass. The portrait of the Virgin Mary was removed from its pedestal, the crucifix and other objects of worship were thrown to the ground, according to Michel Bournat, the mayor of Gif-sur-Yvette. A police investigation is underway.

Elderly Priest Attacked in Church; Suffered a Stroke Due to Injuries

October 8, 2016, Spain

On the afternoon of October 8, 2016, two young men entered the church of Santa Rita in Vigo and asked to give confession to Father Antonio Rodríguez, age 83. Once alone with him, the two assailants grabbed the priest from behind, threw him to the ground and kicked him all over his body and head. They stole his glasses, wallet, watch, and the money they found in the church.

Serial Church Arsonist Expelled from Spain; Banned from Schengen for 10 Years

October 7, 2016, Spain

Spanish authorities expelled the Moroccan man who admitted setting a fire in a church that destroyed several images of the Virgin Mary and then violating a restraining order by destroying a cross atop another church in September.

Burglary and Attack Stopped by Priest in Seine-Saint-Denis

October 7, 2016, France

A man broke and entered into the rectory of the church of Sainte-Louise-de-Marillac in the parish of Drancy, ostensibly to commit a theft. He struck the priest in the head with a bottle, but was stopped from committing further assault by the priest, who had previously studied judo.

Christian Nursing Home Ordered to Allow Assisted Suicide on Premises

October 7, 2016, Switzerland

The home, which belongs to The Salvation Army, had previously contested a Swiss law that allows assisted suicide to take place in charitable institutions, if requested by a patient. They challenged the legislation, saying that it conflicted with their religious beliefs and violated their freedom of conscience. Last week, federal judges rejected their complaint and said the only way the care home could avoid complying with the law was by giving up its charitable status.

France Plans to Ban Pro-Life Websites it Judges 'Extremist'

October 6, 2016, France

Laurence Rossignol, minister of families, children, and women’s rights, has announced that the French government intends to introduce legislation to ban pro-life websites it judges to be 'extremist'. She plans an amendment to the current “Equality and Citizenship” law, which will impose penalties on owners of pro-life sites of 30,000 euro fine (£26,517/ $33,600) and two years in prison.

Serbian Orthodox Chapel turned into Public Toilet

October 3, 2016, Kosovo

A recently repaired and cleaned cemetery chapel was turned into a public toilet and a garbage dump, with many graves overrun with weeds, despite a custodian employed by the Priština municipality.

Visitors at Estonian National Museum Invited to Kick Image of Virgin Mary

October 3, 2016, Estonia

The new museum included an exhibit of a virtual image of the Virgin Mary in a glass box. Visitors were invited to kick the display, causing the image to appear to fall to pieces and the word "Reformation" to appear.

Crucifix Marred by Vandals in Arcugnano

October 1, 2016, Italy

The crucifix of Lake Fimon, in the Berici hills was defaced with paint for the second time in 10 months.

Man Arrested after Series of Attacks on Churches in Rome

October 1, 2016, Italy

Police arrested a 39-year-old Ghanaian man suspected of attacking several churches in Rome over the previous two days. He is suspected of heavily damaging devotional statues, crucifixes, and candlesticks at the Basilica of Santa Prassede, the Church of San Martino ai Monti, and the Basilicas of San Giovanni de' Fiorentini and San Vitale.

Pro-Government Officials and Media using Anti-Christian Propaganda

October 1, 2016, Turkey

Following the failed military coup against President Erdogan the Christians of Turkey are being made scapegoats by government officials and Islamist extremists.

Armed Police Patrol Canterbury Cathedral

September 29, 2016, United Kingdom

Police with guns patrol Canterbury Cathedral due to concerns about terror attacks. The extra security is in response to a series of jihadist attacks across Europe, including the murder of French priest, Father Jacques Hamel.

Humanist Association Urges Vote to Remove "God" from Constitution

September 29, 2016, Ireland

The Association calls for the removal of any references to God in the Constitution, and to any clauses that require public officials to swear a religious oath upon taking office.

Multiple Acts of Vandalism in La Mothe-Saint-Héray

September 29, 2016, France

Acts of vandalism were discovered in the church of Saint-Héray late in the afternoon on September 29: Statues of Joan of Arc and the Virgin Mary were damaged, as were a crucifix, a rosary, and prayer books.

Orthodox-Christian Monument Defaced in Bucharest

September 27, 2016, Romania

An Orthodox-Christian monument in Piata Unirii ("Union Square") in the form of a large cross, was vandalized with LGBT and anarchist graffiti.

Abortion Activists say Disruption of Mass a "Legitimate Political Act"

September 27, 2016, Spain

Two and a half years after a pro-abortion group burst into the parish of San Miguel in Palma de Mallorca during Mass shouting "take your rosaries out of our ovaries" and shouts in favor of "free abortion," they have refused to come to an agreement with the diocese that would avoid a trial.

Saint-Henri in Neuilly-Plaisance Desecrated and Burglarized

September 26, 2016, France

During the night from September 25 to 26th, one or more individuals broke into the church. Once inside, they stole the collection box containing donations to the church. They opened the tabernacle and threw the consecrated Hosts on the floor.

Italian Television Presenter Attacked Online for Wearing Rosary & Holy Medals

September 25, 2016, Italy

Marina Nalesso, an Italian TV presenter, has been the target of online attacks from secular atheists for wearing on TV a rosary and holy medals, including a St Benedict medal.

Serial Arsonist Set Two Fires in Churches in Millau; Attempted Arson in a Third

September 21, 2016, France

The 22-year-old suspect appeared in court on September 21 and a trial will begin on October 12. He is said to be Moroccan national, and already known to authorities for previous fires set in Paris and Millau.

Attempted Arson at the church of Notre-Dame-des-Noues Franconville (Val d'Oise)

September 18, 2016, France

The parish priest confirmed that there had been acts of vandalism and arson attempts in this church, probably during the night of September 18th to 19th.

Pristina University Students Demand Demolition of Church

September 16, 2016, Kosovo

A group of students at Pristina University has demanded that a Serbian Orthodox church on campus be either destroyed or converted into student facilities.

ECtHR Finds Greece Violated Rights of Conscientious Objector

September 15, 2016, Greece

The case concerned the authorities’ refusal to grant a Jehovah's Witness the status of conscientious objector and to allow him to do alternative civilian work instead of military service. The Court held that this was a violation of Article 9 (freedom of thought, conscience and religion) of the European Convention on Human Rights.

Self-Described Jihadist Violated Restraining Order; Destroyed Church Cross

September 14, 2016, Spain

The man arrested on September 9th for burning images of the Virgin Mary in the Church of Fontellas was arrested again a week later for destroying the cross atop the church of Ribaforada.

Humanist Society Scotland Challenges Parental Opt-Out for Religious Observance in Schools; wants Children to Decide

September 12, 2016, United Kingdom

The Humanist Society Scotland (HSS) is seeking judicial review after the Scottish Government rejected calls for a change to the current rules which permit only parents to opt out on their children’s behalf.

Man Arrested for Setting Fire in the Basilica del Gran Poder de Sevilla

September 12, 2016, Spain

The incident occurred in the afternoon of September 12th when an individual alerted authorities in the basilica that he had extinquished a burning cloth of great artistic value in the sanctuary and that moments before he had seen someone set it on fire. Security cameras assisted the police in locating the perpetrator.

Church of San Juan Bautista de Manises Vandalized with Satanic Graffiti

September 9, 2016, Spain

Unknown perpetrators painted "666", a swastika, and a pentagram on the facade of the church with red paint.

Moroccan Man Arrested for "Islamist" Attack on Spanish Church

September 8, 2016, Spain

A Moroccan man admitted setting a fire that destroyed an ancient altarpiece and beautiful images in the church of Fontellas in Navarre on September 8, the day recognized by Catholics as of the Nativity of the Virgin (the day of the birth of the Virgin Mary).

Hamburg Court Acquits Afghan Charged with Attempted Homicide against Christian Convert

September 5, 2016, Germany

Christian leaders and the Christian Police Union criticized the acquittal, noting that all of the witnesses were Muslims - many of whom helped the accused flee after the incident.

Porch of Church Burnt as Street Fire Spread

September 3, 2016, France

In Roubaix, the porch of the church of Sacré-Cœur was destroyed by fire during the night from 2-3 September. Rubbish, including a bench, were burned on the boulevard de Strasbourg and the fire spread to the door of the church.

Arson in Passau Catholic Church

September 1, 2016, Germany

Unknown offenders tried to set the altar of the St. Anton church on fire in the morning of September 1st. They also damaged furniture, painting, and statues according to the police, who call it a case of vandalism.

Pressures on Christian Refugees Continue in Sweden

September 1, 2016, Sweden

Refugees who have converted from Islam to Christianity report beatings, threats, bullying, and social exclusion in refugee accommodations.

Four Spanish Bishops Threatened with Prosecution for Criticism of LGBT law

August 31, 2016, Spain

Three of the bishops are being threatened with a criminal complaint for having written and published a condemnation of Madrid’s new “Law of Integral Protection against LGTBIphobia and Discrimination for Reasons of Orientation and Sexual Identity.” The fourth bishop is being criminally investigated for expressing support for the statement of the first three.

Security Guidance Sent to UK Churches after Murder of French Priest

August 31, 2016, United Kingdom

The organization National Churchwatch issued a new security guidance to every church in the UK in the wake of the murder of French priest Jacques Hamel by Islamist terrorists.

Nurse Fired for Talking about Faith with Patients

August 31, 2016, United Kingdom

A Christian nurse was fired for "gross misconduct" by the NHS for talking to her patients about her faith and occasionally offering prayer to help them prepare for surgery. Part of her job was to help patients complete a questionnaire, which included a question about religion.

Albanians Threaten to Burn Serbs and their Churches

August 28, 2016, Kosovo

Attempts by Serbs to mark the religious holiday of Assumption in several towns in Kosovo and Metohija were met with road blocks, threats of burning, rocks, tear gas, and an attack on the car of the deputy director of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija Dusan Kozarev.

Vandalism and Attempted Arson in Hautmont Church

August 27, 2016, France

Police opened an investigation after a bystander reported smelling smoke from the church of Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption. Investigators discovered damaged statues, as well as missals, songbooks, and wreaths knocked to the floor. The altar tablecloth was burnt, but the fire did not spread to the rest of the church.