All cases

Vandalism Against a Church in the North of Duisburg

January 4, 2012, Germany

A Church in Duisburg was badly vandalised on New Year's Eve by unknown perpetrators who used stones and fireworks. Many windows were broken including those with security glass. Fireworks were fired through the holes made in the windows. Damage to property was a minimum of 15 000 Euros.

Church Vandalised in Starzach-Börstingen

January 4, 2012, Germany

A stranger broke into the Catholic church in Starzach-Börstingen and vandalised the organ, the Easter candle and much more.

Handmade Cribs Vandalised in Mittelhessem

January 3, 2012, Germany

In Mittelhessen, 14 of a collection of 44 handmade cribs were vandalised. The initiator of this exhibition estimates the material damage to about 500€ but the ultimate damage is boundless.

Catholic TV Channel Ignored in License Distribution

January 1, 2012, Poland

The Polish National Broadcasting Council (NBC) did not include a major Catholic TV channel in their distribution of crucial Digital terrestrial television multiplex licenses but accepted rather unknown commercial networks. Polish Christian groups as well as human rights activists are very concerned. This is a particularily important decision, as the technical future of the individual channels depends on it. For TV Trwam it is especially crucial, as the channel generates the funding for a widespread radio channel, standing and falling with the TV channel.

Holy Items Stolen From Several Places

December 31, 2011, Italy

Several thefts of the Eucharist, for Catholic a most holy item, have been reported in Italy. People fear sacriledgeous use of the Eucharist.

Vandalism in Riccione Done to John Paul II Memorial

December 31, 2011, Italy

A monument in memory of pope Jean-Paul II was damaged by vandals.

21 Hate Crimes against Christians Documented in 2011

December 31, 2011, Finland

The representation of the Catholic Church in Finland reported to OSCE a total of 21 hate crimes directed against Christians in the year 2011. The hate crimes range from insult and threat to vandalism and physical assault.

Seven Hate Crimes Against Christians in 2011

December 31, 2011, Denmark

The Holy See reported 7 hate crimes against Christians in Denmark in 2011 to OSCE/ODIHR.

24 Hate Crimes Against Christians in 2011

December 31, 2011, Finland

The Holy See reported 24 hate crimes against Christians in Finland in 2011 to OSCE/ODIHR.

Clinton: "Religious Believes are an Obstacle to Human Rights"

December 30, 2011, International

Religious believes are an obstacle to human rights, says US Secretary of State Mrs Hillary Clinton in a major foreign policy address in December 2011 in Geneva before United Nations delegates. Clinton identified "deeply-held … religious beliefs" as among "the obstacles standing in the way of protecting the human rights of LGBT [Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender] people."