All cases

Theft and Desecration in Bazas’ Cathedral

October 9, 2010, France

An unknown number of burglars entered the cathedral, broke-opened the tabernacle and took a 1930 monstrance of brass and wood. They also broke several stained windows. For Father Arnaud, the parish priest, “this attacks the very essence of our faith.” He experienced this burglary as “a sacrilege and a desecration,” he said.

Humanists Campaign to Stop the Noah's Ark Zoo Farm Because it Says that God Created the World

October 7, 2010, United Kingdom

BHA (British Humanist Association) has called on the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums, North Somerset Council, Visit Britain and South West England to shut down the zoo. The secular group claims that the zoo is misleading tens of thousands of visitors annually and ‘threatening public understanding’ by questioning the traditional view of evolution.

MP McCafferty Attempted to Restrict Freedom of Religion and Conscience

October 7, 2010, European Institutions (EU, ECHR, et.al.)

Former British MP Christine McCafferty urged the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe to recommend limitations to conscientious objection when it comes to abortion. The draft report contained a limitation of freedom of conscience to individuals. Objecting individuals would have faced restrictions and blacklisting. The draft, aiming at discriminating against Christians, was voted down on October 7th.

Painter Exhibits “Madonna Carrying Hitler Child”

October 6, 2010, Italy

Exhibition in Italian city Salemi shows a painting of Madonna holding child Hitler. Jewish and Christian Church leaders have condemned the display.

Polish Minister Excluded From EU-Jury Because of “Homophobic” Statement

October 3, 2010, European Institutions (EU, ECHR, et.al.)

Polish equality minister Elzabieta Radziszewska not asked to be a jury-member for this year’s EU journalism award “Together against Discrimination” after explaining rights of schools with regard to employing homosexual teachers.

No Place of Worship for Christians

September 30, 2010, Turkey

In a report released in September 2010, the Association of Protestant Churches details the fundamental problems faced by Christians in Turkey. Among them, the place of worship is a troublesome one.

Vandalism in Austrian Church Building

September 29, 2010, Austria

Repeated vandalism including defecation committed by youth in church building in Upper Austria.

Severe Restriction on Conscientious Objection

September 28, 2010, Spain

Administration interprets freedom of conscience so narrowly that only those directly involved in the objected surgical act of abortion are allowed to invoke the right to "conscientious objection".

Chapel Desecrated in Bastia, Corsica

September 26, 2010, France

The chapel of the crypt of Notre-Dame de Lourdes, in Bastia, was attacked most likely on Monday, September 27th. The altar was sprayed with urine and statues of the Virgin were plunged into a water vase, head down.

20 Graves Damaged in Frontenay-Rohan-Rohan

September 21, 2010, France

About twenty graves were desecrated, tombstones and memorial plaques scattered in the Catholic cemetery of Frontenay-Rohan-Rohan.