All cases

High-Ranking Politician Disregards Agreement with the Vatican

May 31, 2006, Spain

The Secretary of the State Department of Communications, Fernando Moraleda, declared that the Government will "not pay more attention to the catechism than to the [official] program". Moraleda´s statement came right after the Pope Benedict XVI requested the teaching of religion in the schools be conducted in similar conditions to other subjects and as it has been agreed to in an international treaty signed by Spain and the Vatican. These agreements are mandatory law for Spain. "The Government has a program and it cannot pay attention to the catechism", Moraleda added.

Crucifixes and Religious Symbols Removed from San Juan de la Cruz School in Jaen

May 31, 2006, Spain

After receiving a formal claim from the Ombudsman Jose Chamizo, the Council of Andalucia requested the Department of Education to remove crucifixes and other religious symbols from San Juan de la Cruz of Baeza school in Jaén. According to the media, only one parent had complaint to the Ombudsman to remove the crucifixes displayed in the classrooms.

Anti-Christian Controversy About a Catholic Becoming Equality Minister

May 9, 2006, United Kingdom

Ruth Kelly, a devout Roman Catholic was made Minister for Women and Equality. Gay rights campaigners reacted with disbelief and stirred up a worrying debate whether a Catholic was fit for such a government position.

Anti-abortion Campaigner Jailed

May 1, 2006, United Kingdom

Anti-abortion campaigner jailed for sending abortion photo and video to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn, Norfolk, UK. He was subsequently denied urgently needed hip treatment.

(MTV) Cartoon Demeans Vatican

May 1, 2006, International

MTV Cartoon Series Popetown demeans and ridicules Vatican.

Christian Church Leader Imprisoned for Organizing Bible Study

March 30, 2006, Belarus

Sergei Shavtsov was arrested and jailed for 10 days for organizing a meeting on Christian history and Bible issues without an official permit.

Christian Couple Interrogated on Their Christian Convictions

March 19, 2006, United Kingdom

The retired couple Joe and Helen Roberts were interrogated by police officers after they complained about their local council's gay rights policy on the grounds of their Christian belief that homosexual practices are morally wrong.

Painting Ridicules Catholic Solemn Service In Saint-Armand-Montrond

March 16, 2006, France

A painting by Amador Castaner which was displayed for the wine fair of Saint-Amand-Montrond (Cher) angried parish priest Jean-François Breton and the inhabitants. In a scene of holy mass, the people’s cheeks were reddened by drinks and they were waiting for more – namely to receive the blood of Christ (the wine). A woman kneeling at the foot of a priest offered him a rather bald chest. The offending paiting was finally masked.

Woman Beaten Up - Accused of ‘Christianizing’ Muslim Girl

March 8, 2006, Turkey

A Muslim woman was attacked and beaten in her shop. The attacker accused the woman of “Christianizing” his daughter. The perpetrator was arrested and was tried on charges of willful infliction of injury. He was punished with a fine.

War Memorial Cross Removed

March 1, 2006, Netherlands

War Memorial Cross was removed in Baarsjesweg, Amsterdam, after Moslems in the neighborhood said that it “disturbed” them. After protests of war veterans it was subsequently reinstalled.