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.
Parliament Issues Formal Protest against Pope's Statement on Condoms
April 27, 2009, BelgiumThe Belgian Chamber and Senate overwhelmingly approve of two decisions that formally condemn the pope for having stated that the distribution of condoms will not help to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS. The pope’s position is called a “crime against humanity."
Defamation of Christianity on Television
April 27, 2009, ItalyTelevision program ANNOZERO openly insults Christianity by showing satirical vignettes of the Way of the Cross.
Cemetery Desecrated
April 27, 2009, ItalyOn the 27th of April 2009, the cemetery di Vezzo in the Comune della Provincia di Verbano Cusio Ossola was desecrated.
(BBC) Christianity Slated on British Television
April 1, 2009, InternationalChristianity is being targeted on British television. The popular TV soap Coronation Street featured a series of outspoken attacks on the Christian faith. Numerous TV series and broadcasts present Christianity as ridiculous and absurd.
Violent acts at ProLife-Demonstration in Münster and Infringments on Freedom of Assembly and Expression
March 31, 2009, GermanyIn March 2009, more than 100 participants of an unannounced counter-demonstration partially blocked a pro-life organisations, the so called 1000-crosses-march, in Muenster (Münster). The chairman of the pro-life organisation Euro pro Life, Wolfgang Hering, responsible for the march, had been surrounded by a large number of tourblemakers. Only under threat of coercive measures by the police, he was released by the attackers.
Parents ‘Face Action’ for Withdrawing their Children from ‘LGBT History Month’ Lessons
March 30, 2009, United KingdomA group of Christian and Muslim parents who kept their children away from controversial lessons about homosexuality were reportedly facing legal action by the council involved.
Reverend Assaulted After Discussions with Muslims
March 30, 2009, United KingdomA Christian minister was brutally attacked in London by three men who ripped off his cross, stole his Bible and threatened to break his legs. Metropolitan Police treated the case as a ‘faith hate’ assault.
(Academic Community) Liberal Harvard Scholar in Public Cross-Fire for Agreeing with Pope
March 29, 2009, InternationalLiberal Harvard scholar Edward Green strongly attacked in public for agreeing with Pope in saying that the distribution of condoms will not prevent the spread of HIV/Aids.
Archbishop’s Homeless Charity Suspends Christian for Answering Questions about His Faith
March 27, 2009, United KingdomAn employee at a Christian ‘homeless’ charity, whose Patron is the Archbishop of Canterbury, was suspended for answering questions about his faith to a colleague at work.
Crucifix Veiled in Condom in Art Exhibition
March 27, 2009, ItalyAn Exposition at Museo Pan di Napoli showed the crucifix veiled in a condom.
Several Acts of Vandalism Against Sarajevo’s Cathedral.
March 25, 2009, Bosnia and HerzegovinaFrom March 22nd to March 25th, vandals repeatedly destroyed windows of the Cathedral of Sarajevo.
Vandalism in Banja Luka
March 18, 2009, Bosnia and HerzegovinaVandals broke in the church of Banja Luka, destroyed stained glass windows, and stole holy objects.
Theft in Sarajevo’s Cathedral
March 18, 2009, Bosnia and HerzegovinaVandals broke in the cathedral of Sarajevo and stole the chalices and other liturgical appointments.
St Mary’s Church in Heworth Raided
March 14, 2009, United KingdomSt Mary’s Church in Heworth has been once more targeted by thieves and vandals.
Christian Party Office Vandalized after Publishing Add
February 28, 2009, United KingdomThe Christian Party office was vandalized days after the party launched a bus advertising campaign with the slogan, “There definitely is a God. So join the Christian party and enjoy your life.” The ad was a response to widespread atheist ads which carried the slogan, “There’s probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life.” The Metropolitan Police investigated the vandalism as a ‘religious hate crime’.
Youth Gang Attacks Church Pastor in Rochdale
February 28, 2009, United KingdomThe pastor of Zion Baptist Church in Rochdale was attacked by a gang of up to 20 youths. Pastor Dennis Rigg and his brother were making preparations in the church building for their father’s funeral when the group attacked the pastor and shouted out abuse relating to their Christian faith.
(New York Times) Christians Stereotyped by Report
February 26, 2009, OtherIntolerance and discrimination manifests itself also as social exclusion and marginalisation of Christians. Stereotyping by biased media coverage is a familiar tool of furthering marginalisation. The following excursus to the New York Times of Feb. 26th, 09, is just one example.
Oxford Churches Broken Into to ‘Make a Point’ against Church of England
February 24, 2009, United KingdomBetween 15 and 24 February 2009 two churches in the Oxford area were broken into and highly symbolic religious items were desecrated. Local police officers thought the two incidents were linked and were possibly religiously motivated attacks to make a point against the Church of England. In both incidents safes containing communion bread at the churches were forced open, but nothing was stolen in either case. It is estimated that there was £3,000 worth of damage at St James the Great, in West Hanney, and in St Nicholas Church, in East Challow.
(Israel) Intolerance against Christians in Israel
February 20, 2009, OtherBurning of Bibles reported in Israel; mockery of Christians on TV; Catholic bishops speak of a "low profile" form of Christ[ian]ophobia.
Study Reveals Discomfort of Parents on Religious Freedom in Schools
February 16, 2009, France67% of French Catholic parents say that public schools do not respect the freedom of conscience of their children.
Cemetery Targeted For The Third Time in Maine-et-Loire
February 16, 2009, FranceFor the third time in less than a year, the cemetery of Saint-Laurent-des-Autels was vandalized on Sunday, February 14th, 2009. This time, tags were found on graves and on the door of the church. In the cemetery, one could see swastikas on trees.
School Receptionist Faces Dismissal over Prayer Request
February 12, 2009, United KingdomA five-year-old girl was reprimanded for talking about her faith at school and her mother, Jennie Cain, who worked part-time at her daughter’s school, was investigated for professional misconduct and faced disciplinary action. The school has settled out of court.
Christian Bookshop Vandalized
February 12, 2009, TurkeyOn the 7th and 12th of February 2009, two youths vandalized the Soz Kitapevi bookshop of the Turkish Bible Society in the city of Adana. The aggressors are suspected to be Muslim militants.
(BBC) Pro-lifers Portrayed as Murderous Terrorists in Broadcast
February 10, 2009, InternationalBBC repeats the screening of a drama depicting pro life campaigners as murderous terrorists.
Christian Carer Struck Off
February 8, 2009, United KingdomA Christian foster carer has been struck off because she allowed a Muslim child in her care to convert to Christianity.
(Internet) Video Mocks Catholicism
February 3, 2009, InternationalThe film producing company Link TV placed a video online which mocks Catholicism. The short silent video shows a weird priest descreting the Eucharist, a most sacred item for Catholics.
Nurse Suspended for Offering Prayer to a Patient
February 2, 2009, United KingdomA nurse was suspended from work without pay for having asked a patient whether she wanted prayer. The nurse has been reinstated after public protests.
London Homelessness Prevention Officer Suspended for Mentioning Faith
January 29, 2009, United KingdomA homelessness prevention officer with Wandsworth Council has been suspended from work for nearly two months for encouraging a homeless woman with an incurable medical condition to look to God for help.
Church Vandalized in Rugles (Normandy)
January 29, 2009, FranceThe tabernacle was forced opened, the chalice was stolen and some of the hosts were thrown to the ground. The parish priests Florent Babaka and Philippe Besnard reported the incident to the police.
Defamation in Art Exhibition
January 27, 2009, ItalyThe justice department allowed the display of a crucified figure of Christ adorned with a papal tiara, as part of a contemporary art exhibit in Bologna.
30 Graves Damaged in Champlitte
January 27, 2009, FranceAbout 30 graves were damaged, crossse were broken or thrown to the ground. In the chapel next to the cemetery, stain-glass windows were broken and the door was damaged.
Catholic Nun Offended in Sarajevo.
January 21, 2009, Bosnia and HerzegovinaA man forcibly tried to take of a nun’s veil in Sarajevo on January 21st, 2009.
(Scotland) Christian Radio Presenter Sacked
January 11, 2009, United KingdomMuslim Radio sacks Christian presenter after six years of cooperation.
Government Cuts Funding of Christian Foundation on Grounds of Contents
January 10, 2009, NetherlandsThe Dutch goverment ceases its annual 50.000 Euro grant to the Christan Foundation "Onze Weg". The reason is that the foundation teaches that homosexuality can be healed.
Home for Retired Missionaries Loses Funding on Gay Issues in Questionaire
January 9, 2009, United KingdomBrighton Council requests care home for elderly Christians to ask its residents about their sexual orientation and cuts funding when rejected.
(California) Catholic Church Vandalized by Gays
January 5, 2009, United StatesA Catholic Church in San Francisco was vandalized by gays as a response to a public vote on gay marriage
Christian Teacher Suspended For Disagreeing With Gay Issues At Training
January 2, 2009, United KingdomChristian teacher suspended pending a disciplinary investigation after disagreeing with and complaining about the way a staff training session promoted homosexuality.
Profanation of Cemeteries
January 1, 2009, FranceSeveral cases are reported on profanations of cemeteries as well as desecrations of churches and Christian holy objects in France.
Alternative Synod of Bulgarian Orthodox Church Troubled by Government
January 1, 2009, BulgariaThe Bulgarian government confiscated church properties with police force and violence. European Court of Human Rights rules in favor of Alternative Synod of Bulgarian Orthodox Church.
Text Book Promotes Religious Discrimination
December 31, 2008, TurkeyA mandatory school text book on the History of Turkish Republican Reforms and Atatürkism for 13-year-old students encourages religious discrimination in Turkey. The book explains missionary activity “as a threat to national unity," annihilating national and cultural values through converting people to another religion.
Overview of 266 Cases of Anti-Christian Vandalism in 2008
December 31, 2008, FranceAccording to the French Internal Affairs Department 266 acts of vandalism targeted Christian sites in 2008. Please find a list of examples here.
Evangelicals Defamed by Government Agency
December 29, 2008, GermanyThe governmental agency ‘Bundeszentrale für politische Bildung’ (Federal Central Unit of Political Education) defames evangelicals as hostile to constitution.
(/Scotland) Kirk Minister Battered on Christmas Day
December 25, 2008, United KingdomA Church of Scotland minister was attacked by a gang of youths on Christmas Day. Reverend Gordon MacKenzie was taking a walk when he was jumped on from behind by a trio of youths he had just passed. He was knocked to the ground by blows about the head and body, then kicked and punched as he was lying on the floor. Revd MacKenzie required hospital treatment for a broken nose, a broken tooth and various injuries to the hand, face and body.
Christmas References Banned in Oxford
December 24, 2008, United KingdomReferences to Christmas were banned in Oxford and Christmas festivities renamed "Winter Light celebrations" to be "more inclusive. Protests come from Christians, Muslims, and Jews.
Church Set On Fire for the Third Time in Hamburg
December 21, 2008, GermanyOffenders set fire to a church; the third one in two months. The sacristy of the church St. Bernard was completely burned out.
Aramaic Christians Under Great Pressure
December 19, 2008, TurkeyAramaic Lawyer David Gelen reveals in an interview with German daily, "Die Welt," the pressures Turkish authorities have placed on the Christian Aramaic minorities.
Fire Set in Catholic Church
December 11, 2008, BelgiumA Greek-Melkite parish was set on fire the night of Friday 12 December. Pastor could quickly contain and limit the damage.
Muslim Converts to Christianity Live in Fear
December 2, 2008, InternationalSeveral reports prove fear of Muslim converts to Christianity in Europe.
Court Orders the Removal of Crucifixes from a School
November 27, 2008, SpainThe European Public Laity Association (Asociación Estatal Europa Laica) has requested a court order to remove crucifixes and religious symbols from Macías Picavea school in Valladolid. The Administrative Tribunal 2 of Valladolid agreed with the plaintiffs, and issued an order to take away every religious symbol from classrooms and common-use rooms. The Tribunal said that religious symbols violated the fundamental rights of equality and freedom of conscience as enshrined in articles 14 and 16.1 of the Spanish Constitution. The Tribunal has not made any mention to the fact that religious symbols placed outside a church also have a civil, historic, and cultural value.
(Michigan) Gays Storm Church
November 12, 2008, United StatesA band of about 30 gays stormed a church in Lansing, Michigan. shouting “Jesus was a homo”, etc. The church was vandalized, obscenities were shouted and worshippers were confronted.
No Plaque for Catholic Saint on House of Birth
November 1, 2008, SpainSaint Maravillas de Jesus was born in a house which is now the local Spanish parliament of Valladoid. A plaque with a commemorative inscription was declined on behalf of left wing parties.
Two Jesuit Priests in Moscow Found Brutally Murdered in their Apartment
October 28, 2008, RussiaTwo Jesuit priests were murdered brutally in Moscow. Jesuit Fathers Otto Messmer, 47, and Victor Betancourt, 42, were found dead late Oct. 28 in their Moscow apartment.
Religion Professor Under Cancer Therapy Suffers Discrimination
October 18, 2008, SpainFrancisco Javier Romero, a religion professor in Sevilla on sick leave because of cancer treatment, claimed discrimination with regard to finding a substitute teacher by a more difficult procedure. When he asked why he was given a different treatment respect to other professors on sick leave, he was told "because you are a Catholic Religion teacher".
New Law Curbs Religious Elements in Schools
October 15, 2008, Sweden(2008/2009) Sweden curbs the influence of religion in private confessional schools in a move to "prevent the spread of fundamentalism". Law entered into force in the beginning of 2009.
(Internet) Host Desecration Videos Online
September 30, 2008, InternationalSeveral videos have been put online showing the Eucharistic Host, most sacred for Catholics, being desecrated by being stepped on, burned, stapled, smoked and nailed to a stick. After severe protests, YouTube removed the videos on Oct 2nd.
Counterdemonstrations Disturbed Silent pro Life Vigil in Berlin
September 30, 2008, GermanyPeople with pro life convictions from all over Germany met on September 20th for a manifestation in Berlin. Their silent manifestation was interrupted by about 50 demonstrators throwing confetti unto them and chanting slogans such as: “If Mary had had an abortion, we would have been spared you guys!”, and “Communism instead of Jesus Christ”. During a religious service, two women denuded themselves and showed on the upper parts of their bodies a reversed cross.
Christians Arrested During Prayer
September 27, 2008, TurkeySoldiers arrested a priest and more than 20 Christians in a Turkish Province during prayer. The Christian community wanted to hold a religious service in this region. When the Christians started to distribute sweets to the children and Bibles to the adults the security forces intervened and arrested them.
Writer and BBC Guest is Not Longer Welcome by the Media Corporation
September 25, 2008, United KingdomRev Graham P Taylor, author of the best-seller Shadowmancer, sometimes called the new C. S. Lewis, said the BBC does not welcome him anymore because he could be seen as promoting Christianity. Taylor, a parish priest who signed a £3.5 million contract to publish Shadowmancer claims that the relationship with the BBC went well "until they realised that there were religious allegories in my stories".
Pro Choice Poster Calls for Violence against Catholics and Pro Lifers
September 23, 2008, AustriaPosters were placed illegally all over the city of Salzburg calling for violence against people praying in front of an abortion clinic. The posters displayed a panda kicking Andreas Laun, the auxiliary bishop of the archdiocese of Salzburg. In bold letters the posters stated: “Kick opponents of abortion (off the sidewalk)”.
Christian Sexual Education Jeopardized by Government
September 16, 2008, AustriaThe government of Austria reinforces guidelines for sexual education that jeopardize the teaching of authentic Christian sexual values. The guidelines extend to classes of religious education.
College Removes Christmas and Easter from Calendar
September 16, 2008, United KingdomYorkshire Coast College renamed its school breaks without reference to Christian holidays in an effort to ensure diversity- Christmas and Easter no longer appear on the college’s calendar.
Street Preacher Asked to Stop Activity
September 15, 2008, United KingdomThe St Edmundsbury Borough Council told open air preacher, Brian Dee, who had been preaching in the marketplace in Bury St Edmunds for over 10 years, that he was not allowed, under a local bye-law aimed at reducing litter, to distribute tracts. A strongly worded letter was sent to the Council warning that Mr Dee had a right to preach and distribute tracts and if the Council continued to interfere with his rights legal action would be taken. The Council backed down conceding that there was no evidence that Mr Dee had caused a litter problem and accepted that he could continue preaching and distributing tracts.
Amnesty International Supports Anti-Catholic Bigotry During Gay Pride Belfast
September 11, 2008, IrelandAmnesty International participated this year in the homosexualist movement's efforts to insult and vilify the Catholic Church during the Belfast gay pride festival in August. Amnesty's Belfast director has admitted that the group was using the Belfast Pride event to caricature the Cardinal Archbishop of Riga, Janis Pujats, who has spoken out strongly against the homosexualist movement's efforts in Latvia.
Trades Union Congress Calls for Christian to Be Sacked from Equality and Human Right Commission
September 10, 2008, United KingdomThe Trades Union Congress (TUC), a federation of trade unions in the United Kingdom, has issued a call for the removal of a Christian Equality and Human Rights Commissioner. Joel Edwards is the director of the Evangelical Alliance and a figure loathed by homosexualist activists for his forthright calls for a re-insertion of Christian morals in public life and defence of the rights of Christians who oppose the homosexualist political agenda.
Christian Children Must Attend Islamic Religious Education
September 1, 2008, Turkey(Ongoing) In Turkey, Christian children must attend Islamic religious education.
Birmingham Street Preacher Awarded £4,250 in Damages After Being Wrongly Arrested and Handcuffed by Police
September 1, 2008, United KingdomIn summer 2008 Anthony Rollins, a street preacher in Birmingham, was arrested after expressing the Bible’s teaching on same-sex relationships. On December 8th 2010, he was awarded £4,250 in damages.
Franciscan Monks Cruely Beaten
August 28, 2008, ItalyUnidentified hooded men attacked four Franciscan monks in their monastary in Turin. All four were hospitalized.
Town Hall Members Forced to Fast During Ramadan
August 7, 2008, United KingdomThe members of Tower Hamlets Council in East London received an email asking them to observe restrictions implemented during Ramadan. Among these measures, Town Hall meetings were reduced and prayers were included in the evening in observance of the "holy month".
Comedian Insults Pope
August 1, 2008, ItalyAt a Rome rally a comedian insults pope saying in 20 years he would be in hell tormented by homosexual deamons.
BBC Screens Show In Which Radical Christians Behead a Moderate Muslim
July 24, 2008, United Kingdom„Bonekickers“, a BBC TV production which that claims to be fact –based ("History comes alive," says the promotional campaign) deals with a group of radical Christians whose goal is to clean England of immigrants.
Schoolboys Forced to Pray to Allah
July 22, 2008, United KingdomTwo pupils from Alsager High School in Cheshire were punished after they refused to pray to Allah. The 7-grade class kids were urged by their religious education teacher Alison Phillips to take part in a Muslim prayer. Prayer mats were given to them, and the pupils were told to kneel down following the Muslim ritual. They were also told to wear Muslim headwear during the lesson.
Police Officer Discriminated Against for Traditional Values
July 9, 2008, United KingdomPC Graham Cogman has taken his police force to an Employment Tribunal on grounds of harassment because of his traditional Christian values after a series of complaints and investigations suggesting he is ‘homophobic’ – something he strenuously denies. He says that the ‘over the top’ promotion of homosexual rights within Norfolk Police makes being a Christian policeman, or an officer with traditional family values, extremely difficult, unless a person is prepared to ignore his or her conscience.
Iris Robinson MP investigated by police for using the Bible’s language about homosexuality
June 30, 2008, United KingdomPolice investigated Northern Ireland MP Iris Robinson for expressing her religious beliefs about homosexuality on a BBC radio show. Officers from the ‘serious crime branch’ of the Police Service of Northern Ireland held interviews about the incident.
TV Program Mocks Catholic Church
May 30, 2008, SpainThe Spanish TV channel "La Sexta" broadcasted the program “Salvados por la Iglesia” (Saved by the Church), hosted by Jordi Evole. Evole, knows as "el follonero" (the troublemaker), makes fun of the Pope for allegedly wearing Prada; the canonization process; and the Wednesday General Audience hosted by the Pope in the Vatican.
Abortion Supporters Disturb Church Service and Cause Turmoil
May 30, 2008, SpainA group of women gathered in front of Santa María del Pi Church in Barcelona for a pro-choice manifestation. Five of them entered the Church, interrupted the service, and in front of the mass attendees chained themselves to one of the church altars for "free and unrestricted abortions".
Vicar Beaten By Youth in ‘Faith Hate’ Attack
May 30, 2008, United KingdomA parish priest was beaten up by three youths who hurled religious abuse during the attack. The assault took place in the churchyard of St Matthew’s Church in Bethnal Green, East London. Reverend Kevin Scully was left with two black eyes and a cut nose, and only escaped more serious injury because a member of the public intervened.
Sacrilegious Parade Takes Places in Anticipation of Corpus Christi Procession
May 28, 2008, SpainThe Toledo City Hall council representative in charge of community events, Carmen Jiménez Martín, authorized a profane parade the day before of the traditional and highly celebrated Corpus Christi procession. The theater company Morboria used grotesque characters and dressed them in religious gowns; women dressed as prostitutes were marching next to other participants dressed as saints; and a puppet represented the Virgin Mary. Sacred symbols were part of the profane decoration.
Formal Complaint for Government Participation in Catholic Funeral of Former President
May 20, 2008, SpainRepresentatives of the United Left (Izquierda Unida Republicana) of Asturias released a public announcement where they condemned the participation of civil servants in the funeral in Madrid by „not being able to distinguish public functions from private life.“ They requested that a laity protocol be applied in the future.
Atheist Complaint Against Catholic Service Announcements at Barajas Airport
May 20, 2008, SpainThe International Atheist Federation complained to President Rodriguez Zapatero requesting the immediate ending of the announcement of Roman Catholic services at Barajas airport, in Madrid.
Education Minister's Coming Guidelines May Ban Students from Wearing Crucifixes
May 16, 2008, IrelandEducation Minister Caitriona Ruane, a member of the Sinn Fein Party, is importing school uniform policies from London which led to schools being able to ban students from wearing crucifixes and Sikh religious bangles.