All cases
A Priest Threatened And Assaulted In Toul
July 1, 2009, FranceFather Noël became a victim of intimidation and threats in Toul over the course of a year. He finally decided to leave the district of la Croix de Metz in Toul.
Civil Partnership Bill Passed to Committee Stage, Threatening Freedom of Conscience for Christians
June 26, 2009, IrelandA new Irish initiative that would grant rights to homosexual couples contains no conscience clause and lays out fines and potential prison sentences for registrars who refuse to carry out same-sex civil partnerships. Concerns from church leaders disregarded as Bill passes Second Stage consideration.
Homeschooled Child Seized by Swedish Government
June 25, 2009, SwedenSeven-year-old taken away from his family by Swedish authorities at Arlanda International Airport in Stockholm, for being home educated, although home education was legal in Sweden at that time.
Good Samaritan Church Has Windows Smashed
June 23, 2009, United KingdomThe Belfast church which had offered refuge to Romanian immigrants after a racisst attack was itself attacked.
Gay Pride Parade demeans Christianity
June 19, 2009, ItalyGay Pride parade in Rome depicts crosses with sex items, ridicules the suffering Jesus by live imitations and carries anti-Catholic flags.
First Communion Ritual Ousted of Meaning by Secular Flowering Festival
May 30, 2009, SpainThe City Major of Rivas-Vaciamadrid, José Masa, announced that he was going to organize a celebration for children between the ages of 8 to 10 similar to the religious first communion upon the request of the community. The festivities would be called "fiestas del florecimiento" (flowering festival). "It would be a 'laity first communion'; but I do not want to call it this way because then, the right wing blames me for the celebration of laity baptisms and marriages using Catholic Church rituals", he clarified.
Freedom of Speech Impeded / Anti-Christian Slogans on Posters
May 24, 2009, GermanyGerman Gay and Lesbian Association in opposition to two speeches on Psychotherapy congress on whether sexual orientation could be changed if wished for. Speeches had to be delivered with police protection. Anti-Christian counter-demonstration portrayed Jesus as a pig nailed to the cross and used slogans such as: “We are here to hurt your feelings.”
Consecrated Host Imitation Attached to Issue of Belgian Magazine
May 19, 2009, BelgiumBelgian magazine attached altar host imitations to May issue. Cover shows nun in sexy lace blouse saying “Holy shit!”
Equality Bill Feared to Limit Freedom of Religion for Churches in Employment Issues
May 19, 2009, United KingdomA new Equality Bill which would have forced Churches to employ practicing homosexuals or transsexuals as youth workers was amended and retained existing employment exceptions for the purposes of religion.
Movie Fosters Anti-Christian Stereotypes
May 15, 2009, International“Angels & Demons”, a film adaptation of Dan Brown's novel of the same name released on May 15, 2009, is filled with historical inaccuracies and anti-Christian stereotypes.
Basilica Desecrated
May 12, 2009, FranceHalf a dozen swastikas found tagged on several columns in the basilica of Saint Denis, Paris.
A Medal Established by the Queen Withdrawn as “too Christian”
May 12, 2009, United KingdomThe “Trinity Cross of the Order of Trinity” has been replaced by an “Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago” - a featuring a sun, stars, water and a map of the islands - as it was considered as offensive for non - Christians inhabitants.
A Cemetery Vandalized in Varilhes
May 9, 2009, FranceDuring the night from Thursday 7th to Friday 8th, one or several individuals broke in the cemetery of Varilhes and vandalized numerous graves. Flower pots were broken, flower and funeral ornaments thrown in the alleys and graves were unsealed.
Parliament Liberals Table Anti-Pope Amendment
May 7, 2009, European Institutions (EU, ECHR, et.al.)Liberal Group in the European Parliament tabled an amendment to the Annual Report on Human Rights in the World condemning Pope Benedict XVI's anti-condom statement.
Community Ruling Forbids Any Religious Symbols
May 6, 2009, ItalyA community ruling forbids any religious symbols, such as the crucifix, including on cemetery grounds, on May 6, 2009, in Lugo di Romagna.
Hospital Bans Paintings of Churches
May 5, 2009, United KingdomA London hospital informed local artists who contributed paintings for its decoration were informed that any depiction but that of churches was welcome. The reason given was to be mindful of other religions.
Nurse Fired For Religious Advise In a Role Play Training
May 1, 2009, United KingdomAnand Rao, a nurse with over 40-years of experience, has been sacked after he suggested two people playing patients might go to Church and pray during a role play session on a training course.
Congressmen Support a Motion to Condemn Benedict XVI´s Statements Made in Africa
April 30, 2009, SpainThe Catalonia Green Initiative (ICV), a left political fraction in the Spanish Congress, presented a motion to condemn Pope Benedict Statements made in Africa regarding HIV and the use of preservatives. The motion which was led by Joan Herrera and received the support of two members of the Popular Party (PP), Ana Pastor and Celia Villalobos.
Up to 100 Graves Wrecked in Montbron
April 30, 2009, FranceTombstones were tipped over, crosses broken, plaques and ornaments wrecked, flower pots put into pieces: a shocking sigh for the inhabitants. “I was disgusted to discover that,” says Gwenhaël François, mayor of Montbron.
Fire Set to Church in Clermont-Ferrand
April 28, 2009, FranceSaint Joseph’s church of Clermont-Ferrand was partially destroyed by fire set to it on purpose. The fire started at 11:55 a.m. on Saturday, April 25th, and was mastered by the firemen only at 5 p.m. Philippe Kloeckner, the parish priest, explained that he had reported to the police a first attempt of fire against the church on Friday April 24th.