All cases

Bancourt Mayor Forced to Remove Cross From Town Hall

December 1, 2015, France

After two residents in the village of 90 inhabitants filed a lawsuit, a court has now ordered the removal of a cross that has been hanging in the town office since 1926.

Christian Refugees are Subjected to Violence and Harassment

November 30, 2015, Germany

Violent acts are not only committed by other asylum seekers, but in some cases by security personnel, as well.

Second Ukrainian Orthodox Church Desecrated in Same Town

November 29, 2015, Other

A new church dedicated to Our Lady of Iveron, in the town of Rokitno in the Rovno region (Western Ukraine), was desecrated by vandals.

Cemetery Crucifixes Uprooted and Planted Upside Down

November 29, 2015, France

Acts of vandalism were discovered on December 1st in the cemetery of Villiers-le-Sec, between Creully and Courseulles-sur-Mer, France.

Spanish "Artist" Claims to Have 32 New Consecrated Hosts, Some Stolen by "Fans" during Reparation Mass

November 28, 2015, Spain

Abel Azcona announced he has 32 new consecrated Hosts stolen by fans who went to different Masses to get them.

Taxpayers Fund Blasphemous Display in Martinique

November 27, 2015, France

"Yo Mama's Last Supper" is a blasphemous parody of Da Vinci's "Last Supper" in which the artist Renée Cox appears as Jesus Christ with full frontal nudity.

Catalan Radio Station Airs Song that Repeatedly Calls Priests Pedophiles

November 27, 2015, Spain

Station has received government funding since 2011.

Church Vandalized; Damage Estimate: € 800

November 25, 2015, France

Two copper gutter-pipes were stolen from the church of Gironde-sur-Dropt on the night of November 25. The damage is estimated at € 800. A complaint was filed at the police station of La Role and an investigation has been opened.

Spanish Artist Stole and Desecrated over 200 Consecrated Hosts

November 23, 2015, Spain

As part of an exhibit, Abel Azcona placed the hosts on the ground in a public art gallery to form the word “Pederasty".

Lord's Prayer Advertisement Produced by JustPray.uk Banned in Cinemas

November 23, 2015, United Kingdom

The advertisement shows the Lord’s Prayer being recited by a members of the public ranging from bodybuilders to children.

Church Used to Film Obscene and Offensive Video

November 23, 2015, France

A musical group called "Les Chrétiens des Alpes" (Christians of the Alps) filmed a YouTube video in the church of Saint-Étienne in Dingy-Saint-Clair, which portrays priests in a sexually vulgar manner.

City Reduces Funding for Holy Week and Refuses to Fund to Corpus Christi

November 23, 2015, Spain

The Department of Culture in Palma de Mallorca has reduced municipal funding for events during the week leading up to Easter (known as “Holy Week” or “Semana Santa”, famous for grand processions) to just 3.000 euros, and has not allocated any funding to the important Catholic feast of Corpus Christi (known simply as “Corpus”).

Ukrainian Orthodox Church Plundered and Desecrated

November 22, 2015, Other

The perpetrators stole money from the cash register of the church, and lit fires in five different locations in the building.

Thieves Destroyed a Parish Church in Pajarillos, Spain

November 21, 2015, Spain

They stole a tabernacle, ciborium, chalices, patens, a candelabrum, and some of the sound equipment from the Church of San Ignatius of Loyola

Chinese Karaoke will Ring in a Secular Christmas in Madrid

November 20, 2015, Spain

The mayor of Madrid announced plans for the city’s commemoration of the Christian holiday, including Greek dancing and Arabic food tasting, among other programming activities.

Theft in Small 16th Century Chapel

November 19, 2015, France

A late 15th century wooden statue of St. Nicolas was stolen from the church of Saint-Léger-sous-Margerie.

Christian Convert Violently Attacked Outside His Home

November 17, 2015, United Kingdom

Nissar Hussain, who has helped to promote Christian Concern's Safe Haven initiative to help protect Christians who have converted from Islam, was beaten with a pickaxe handle by two men while on the way to his car in Bradford (United Kingdom).

Norway's Child Welfare Services Removes Five Children from a Pentecostal Christian Couple

November 16, 2015, Norway

According to a petition in support of the family which has attracted more than 22,600 signatures, the couple have been charged with "Christian radicalism and indoctrination".

Apartment Owner Refuses to Rent to Employee of Pro-Life Association

November 15, 2015, Germany

In November 2015, a theologian who is an employee of ALfA (Aktion Lebensrecht for Alle) wanted to rent an apartment in Augsburg. The owner refused to enter into a lease with the man for the sole reason that he works for ALfA (seen as a fundamentalist association).

Arrests in Counter-Demonstration during Students for Life Procession

November 14, 2015, Austria

The march against abortion by more than 100 participants in Innsbruck was disrupted by counter-demonstrators.

Church Vandalized in Poitiers, France

November 13, 2015, France

The devastation at the Church of Saint-Cyprian was discovered by a parishioner. A large concrete statue of the Virgin Mary located at the church entrance was thrown to the ground and irreparably broken.

Association of French Mayors Recommend Against Nativity Scenes on Public Property

November 13, 2015, France

The Association issued a "good secular conduct" handbook to local town officials to assist them in their decision-making about the installation of crèche and nativity displays.

Tasmania's Anti-Discrimination Commissioner to Investigate Catholic Church's Marriage Pamphlet

November 12, 2015, Other

Transgender politician, Martine Delaney, lodged an anti-discrimination complaint in September and on November 12, the commissioner announced it will begin investigation.

Public Funds Used for Play Depicting Jesus Christ as Transsexual

November 12, 2015, United Kingdom

The Gospel According to Jesus, Queen of Heaven is part of the Outburst Queer Arts Festival in Belfast, and is advertised with the tagline: “Jesus is a transsexual woman. And it is now she walks the earth.”

"Piss Christ" and Sexually Provocative Virgin Mary to be Displayed in Exhibition Sponsored by Italian Government

November 9, 2015, Italy

The Lucca Photolux photo exhibition, with the theme "Sacred and Profane", and sponsored by the Ministry of Heritage and Culture and Tourism will run from November 21 to December 13.

Radical Feminists Shout "We Will Burn the Episcopal Conference" at Domestic Violence March

November 7, 2015, Spain

Violence advocated at an anti domestic violence rally in Madrid.

Popular German Catholic Blogger Threatened After Reporting About Arson

November 3, 2015, Germany

With the title "That was fast," Dr. Bordat wrote on the afternoon of November 3rd that he received an anonymous letter three hours after the publication of his report about the arson against "Demo für Alle". "Don't be a nuisance, you Catholic conservative idiot ... otherwise a fire will soon be delivered to you. Your address is known."

City of Toronto Threatened with Lawsuit after Banning Christian Music Festival

November 3, 2015, Other

The City of Toronto is being threatened with legal action for refusing to grant a Christian group a permit to use a prominent downtown square for its annual musical festival next year, all because the city determined that singing the name of Jesus in the public venue contravenes city policy against “proselytizing.”

Two French Evangelicals Convicted for Leaflet on Faith and Homosexuality

November 2, 2015, France

The correctional court of Angoulême (Bordeaux) convicted two men of “incitement to discrimination against a group of persons because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.”

Spanish Church Vandalized with Arabic Graffiti; Holy Objects Destroyed

November 2, 2015, Spain

The unknown perpetrators broke into the Church of our Lady of Carmen in the Spanish town of Rincon de la Victoria, Andalusia, smashed wooden statues of the Virgin Mary and Jesus on the cross, and spray painted "Allah" on the wall.

Serious Arson Attack against "Demo für Alle"

November 1, 2015, Germany

The Magdeburg business office of "Demo für Alle", a group which advocates against gender ideology and the sexualization of children, was torched by unknown perpetrators.

Graves Vandalized in Mazères

November 1, 2015, France

On All Saints Day, a solemnity celebrated by Catholics and some Protestants, visitors to the Mazères cemetery discovered five graves, including a central cross, sprayed with orange paint with references to "Satanists", among others.

Proposed Mandatory LGBT Education in Scotland Would Violate Parents' Rights & Put Teachers' Jobs in Jeopardy

November 1, 2015, United Kingdom

Pro-LGBT group Time for Inclusive Education (TIE) has launched a petition demanding that children as young as five learn about homosexual, bisexual and transgender issues, and this week it addressed the Scottish Parliament’s Public Petitions Committee.

Prison Minister Fired for Preaching "Homophobic" Bible Verses

October 31, 2015, United Kingdom

Reverend Barry Trayhorn, volunteering as a chaplain at a prison for sex offenders, recited verses from Corinthians which include homosexuality in a long list of sins, along with adultery, theft and drunkenness during a service.

Fourth Act of Vandalism Against Notre-Dame-du-Rocher in Saint-Hippolyte (Haut-Rhin)

October 28, 2015, France

Earlier vandalism led to the replacement of the statue of the Virgin Mary last spring. In mid-September the arms of the statue were broken and glued back together. On October 28, the statute was broken off its base.

Mayor of Valencia Orders Removal of Christian Symbols in Cemetery

October 27, 2015, Spain

The mayor of Valencia, Joan Ribó, has ordered municipal management to remove all Christian symbols from the General Cemetery of Valencia

Desecration at Baden-Baden "Autobahn" Church

October 23, 2015, Germany

The altar, tabernacle, and pews of the nationally-known church were desecrated by swastikas and other Nazi symbols carved into the wood, and acid poured onto the stone.

Sweden Seeks to Deport Pakistani Christian Convert

October 22, 2015, Sweden

The Swedish Migration Board issued a deportation order against Faisel Javaid, concluding that Christians from Pakistan do not need protection because they can just keep their faith a secret.

Christian Convert Attacked in German Refugee Camp

October 20, 2015, Germany

A 24-year-old Iranian was beaten with a baton by an Afghan man, who allegedly declared that it was not a sin to kill him, according to police. This attack is now being called attempted homicide by prosecutors.

Christian Converts Harassed at Swedish Asylum Center

October 20, 2015, Sweden

A Pakistani couple had to leave the shelter in Western Sweden where they were staying after harassment by some of the Muslims in the housing ended with the husband's name sprayed on a wall near their room calling for his death.

UPDATE: No Registry for Faith Leaders in Published UK Counter-Extremism Strategy

October 19, 2015, United Kingdom

After a leaked report indicated that the strategy would include the following provision, "pastors, rabbis and other religious leaders will be subject to Government training and security checks and will have to enrol in a 'national register of faith leaders'," the Government's final strategy only calls for "training."

Vandalism at Catholic School in Vienna

October 15, 2015, Austria

Graffiti of two "Antifa" signs and one anarchy symbol seen on a pillar of Catholic student parish event centre and dormitory.

Statue of Virgin Mary Decapitated in Aisne

October 15, 2015, France

The mayor was informed of this vandalism on October 15. The statue, beloved by the citizens of the small town, was erected on Aug. 14, 1960 as act of gratitude for a priest who was in a serious motorcycle accident at that location, but was unhurt.

Statue of Virgin Mary Decapitated in Aisne

October 15, 2015, France

The mayor was informed of this vandalism on October 15. The statue, beloved by the citizens of the small town, was erected on Aug. 14, 1960 as act of gratitude for a priest who was in a serious motorcycle accident at that location, but was unhurt.

Madrid Church Vandalized

October 14, 2015, Spain

The outside of the church of the Virgen del Alba de Alcorcón was vandalized by individuals who soiled the facades and access steps as well as the bulletin boards.

Serious Desecration and Theft at the Chapelle d’Effiat à Montrichard (Loir-et-Cher)

October 14, 2015, France

On the morning of October 14, the Tabernacle was forced open and the Ciborium containing ten consecrated Hosts was stolen.

Assyrian Christians in Gothenburg Threatened: "Convert or Die"

October 13, 2015, Sweden

Assyrian Christians living in Sweden have been targeted with a string of threatening messages, including demands that they “convert or die.”

Fire in French Church Investigated

October 13, 2015, France

A fire in the church of La Baume-de-Transit in Southern Drôme damaged furniture.

Barcelona Parish Tagged with Abortion Message

October 9, 2015, Spain

The vandalism from the 9th of October at the Parroquia del Espírito Santo was reported to El Observatorio para la Libertad Religiosa y de Conciencia.

Case update: Christian Punished for Praying with Colleague Allowed to Appeal

October 8, 2015, United Kingdom

A Christian disciplined by an NHS trust for praying with a colleague has won permission to appeal an employment tribunal’s decision against her.

Chapel in Charleroi the Victim of Thieves

October 8, 2015, Belgium

Thieves dismantled and carried away the metal roof of the Chapel of Saint-Joseph de Charleroi.

French Chapel Sacked by Vandals

October 8, 2015, France

La Chapelle du Champ Fleuri in Masny, was the victim of desecration: The altar was overturned, the organ in pieces, Communion wafers littered the ground, a statue of the Virgin Mary, venerated by Catholics as the mother of Jesus, was decapitated, and liturgical vestments were burned

French Church Desecrated and Vandalised

October 4, 2015, France

Intruders into the church of Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul in Blanzy damaged the Tabernacle by attempting to force open the door, damaged the organ, and set fire to the statue of the Virgin Mary.

Arson in Normandy Church

October 2, 2015, France

L'église Sainte-Croix de Saint-Lô was the victim of arson on Friday, October 2, 2015. The entry display was torched and it took 10 firefighters and 4 fire engines to combat the blaze.

Ukrainian Evangelical Pastor Kidnapped by Militants; Released 4 Days Later

October 1, 2015, Other

The Church of Christians of Evangelical Faith reported that Pastor Taras Sen was taken hostage on 27 September in the city of Sverdlovsk in the Luhansk oblast by armed militants and released on 1 October 2015.

Islamists threaten Christians in German Refugee Camps

September 27, 2015, Germany

Christian refugees in German asylum centres are living in constant fear, as the Sunni majority within the migrant population attempts to enforce Sharia law. The situation is so bad that Christians claim they live like “prisoners” in Germany, and some have even returned to Middle East.

Sunni Muslim Threatens to Kill Christian Syrian in Kalmar Accommodation

September 22, 2015, Sweden

A 26-year-old, who claimed to have fought with jihadist groups in Syria, was arrested by police after threatening to "slaughter" and "cut the throat" of a Christian refugee.

French Church Desecrated

September 19, 2015, France

In the afternoon of Saturday, September 19, 2015, the church of Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul d’Habas (Landes) was badly vandalized. Various liturgical objects were desecrated: the altar was stained by food, crosses inverted, missals torn. The entire church was degraded with scattered flowers, candles, sheets of paper and posters torn. A complaint with the police was filed.

Counter-Demonstrators Attempt to Block Berlin’s March for Life

September 19, 2015, Germany

More than 7,000 pro-life demonstrators took part in the March for Life 2015 in Berlin. About 300 of a total of 1500 counter-demonstrators attempted to block the march. Between these groups stood as many as 1,000 police officers.

All Sacred Objects Stolen from French Chapel

September 18, 2015, France

A small chapel in Le Brethon, France, was robbed of all of its sacred objects during the week from Monday 14 to Friday, September 18. The few sacred objects it housed have all disappeared, namely, a processional cross, statuettes, votive offerings and all of the crosses. Additionally, a painting of Mary Magdalene, donated by an amateur painter was also stolen. Because of the isolated location of the chapel, and that it is always open to the public, officials have not been able to determine exactly when the theft occurred.

Burnt Confessional Investigated in L'Ile-Bouchard

September 18, 2015, France

A confessional in the church Saint-Gilles de L’Ile-Bouchard (France) was burned and the organ was damaged on the 18th of September.

British "Values Monitor" Says Opposing Homosexuality Could Be a Crime

September 18, 2015, United Kingdom

Voicing criticism of homosexuality “might be breaking the law”, a British values monitor claimed.

Swiss Evangelical Party's Office Attacked for Supporting Pro-Life Demonstration

September 16, 2015, Switzerland

The Zurich offices of the Swiss Evangelische Volkspartei (EVP) as well as the Swiss Evangelical Alliance and humanitarian organisations Tearfund and Opportunity were attacked by vandals.

French Church is Victim of Repeated Vandalism

September 16, 2015, France

L’église Saint-Martin in Sangatte, France is yet again a victim of vandalism. On September 16th, a volunteer at the Blanc-Nez Pentecostal parish returned to Saint-Martin to close the doors for the evening and immediately discovered smoke emerging from the church. She also noticed broken candles littering the ground and that small decorations were taken down. Thick smoke surrounded the altar of wood and marble, and it was apparent that the small fire could have easily spread to the wooden furniture and carpets, completely destroying the church.

Bremen Church the Victim of Burglary, Desecration and Vandalism

September 15, 2015, Germany

Unknown perpetrators broke into the St. Pius Church and stole the tabernacle with consecrated Hosts, offertory boxes, and sprayed fire extinguishing powder all over the inside of the church.

UK Burglars Urinate in Holy Water

September 10, 2015, United Kingdom

Burglars broke into a Sunderland church, smashed a window (causing more than £1,000 in damage) and used fire extinguishers to try to break down doors. Although nothing was stolen, someone urinated in the holy water font.

German Left Threatens to Disrupt the "March For Life"

September 8, 2015, Germany

The German left political party (Die Linke) is organising to disrupt the annual German "March for Life" for the protection of the unborn, the sick, and the aged that will take place in Berlin on the 19th of September. In response, the German Association for Christian Culture (Deutsche Vereinigung für eine christliche Kultur) responded that by doing so, Die Linke is threatening to infringe upon the rights to freedom of assembly and expression and noting that the law recognizes the basic human right to life from the moment of conception.

Kentucky County Clerk Kim Davis Released from Jail

September 8, 2015, United States

Just hours before a large rally in support of Kim Davis was scheduled to begin, the judge who jailed her for refusing to violate her Christian beliefs ordered her release. Ms. Davis was jailed on September 3rd for her refusal to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. The following day, her deputies began issuing licenses in her absence after five of the six clerks who work for her swore under oath that they could comply with the court’s order to issue them. Ms. Davis stopped issuing all marriage licenses after the US Supreme Court’s ruling in favor of same-sex marriage, and refused to permit her deputies to do the same, because her name was printed on those licenses, and she said to issue them would violate her conscience. In his order to release Ms. Davis, the judge warned her not to interfere with her deputies issuing the marriage licenses, or she could risk “sanctions” again. Ms. Davis’s attorney said "Today Kim Davis is a free woman but her conscience did not change ... to get freedom." He noted that Ms. Davis would return to work, but he said she would "not violate her conscience."

Clerk Jailed for Refusing to Issue Same-Sex Marriage Licenses

September 3, 2015, United States

Kim Davis, a county clerk in Kentucky, has been jailed for "contempt of court" after defying a federal court order to issue marriage licenses to homosexual couples.

43 Graves in French Village Damaged and Vandalized

September 3, 2015, France

On the 3rd of September 2015, the destruction of 43 graves was discovered in the small French village of Montjavoult. Swastikas were spray-painted on 6 of them and crosses were broken off and left on the ground. Authorities have reason to believe that this act was political in nature, and not just the prank of drunk young people. The investigation is ongoing.

Two Men Arrested for Setting Fire to Lutheran Church in Sweden

September 1, 2015, Sweden

During the evening of the 26th of August, a Lutheran church Åmåls, Sweden was attacked by arsonists. The perpetrators used at least one Molotov cocktail to set fire to the building, and broke several windows in the church and the parish hall. The motive for the arson is unclear.

Treasured Statue Stolen from French Church

September 1, 2015, France

The statue of the Virgin Mary and Jesus, dating from the 15th century, was stolen from the church of Molins-sur-Aube.

Orthodox Church Destroyed by the Albanian Authorities

August 26, 2015, Albania

On the 26th of August, local officials destroyed the Orthodox church St. Athanasius, which is located in the village of Dhermi, in southern Albania.

Broken and Desecrated Statue of the Virgin Mary in Reunion, France

August 23, 2015, France

A Statue of the Virgin Mary has been purposely destroyed, its chest impaled on a spit, and the other pieces of the statue were left in a plastic bag on the side of a road. This event happened next to the chapel Notre-Dame-de-la-Paix a few days before the 23rd of August. The sight of the destroyed statue has shocked locals, and drivers passing by haven't dared to disturb the broken pieces. No explanation yet has been given to this act of vandalism.

Kindergarten Teacher Fired for Explaining Christmas Story

August 21, 2015, Austria

A city-run kindergarten in Vienna has fired a teacher because she “violated the kindergarten’s neutral stance on religion” by explaining that on Christmas, Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. This was in response to the children's questions about the holiday. In the letter informing the teacher of the school board’s decision to fire her, one reads that city-run kindergartens “accompany children of diverse religious faiths as well as without religious faith; therefore the religious meanings of traditional feasts are not mentioned and must instead be replaced by other content (for example during advent by themes such as ‘family’, ‘friendship’, or ‘community’). You have not followed this approach, but instead informed the children several times … about the Christian meaning of Christmas”. The teacher explains, "I have answered only the questions of the children . . . I am a Christian, but not a religion teacher."

Desecration in Gex and Colloges Churches in Pays de l'Ain France

August 16, 2015, France

On Sunday, August 16, 2015, a ciborium containing consecrated hosts and chalice were stolen from the church of Gex. The same day, a ciborium, a chalice, and a reliquary, registered in the inventory of Historical Monuments, were stolen from the church of Collonges.

Chapel Vandalized in Nantes, France

August 16, 2015, France

The outside wall of a chapel of Christ Roi in Nantes was spray painted during the night of the 15th/16th of August. The tag says : "Don't open. Integriste. Inside". The wrongdoers remain unknown. http://www.christianophobie.fr/breves/nantes-precisions-dun-lecteur-sur-la-chapelle-taguee

Attempted Arson in Chapel Saint-François of Rennes

August 14, 2015, France

The chapel Saint-François of Rennes was the victim of an attempted arson during night between August 13 and 14th.

Haute-Loire Churches Hit with Burglaries

August 14, 2015, France

A burglary was committed in the sacristy of the church Sainte-Foy de Bains (Haute-Loire) on August 14, 2015. The criminals stole sacred objects: a chalice and a ciborium.

Anti-Christian Hate Crimes on the Rise in Sweden

August 5, 2015, Sweden

The sharpest rise is seen among crimes with christianophobic motives, which have tripled in the past five years, according to the Swedish National Council for Crime Prevention (Brottsförebyggande rådet – Brå).

40 Christian Tombs Desecrated in French Cemetery

August 3, 2015, France

On the 3rd of August, local policemen found that 40 graves had been desecrated in a cemetery in the town of Labry, in northeastern France. 35 funeral ornaments, mostly crucifixes and plaques were displaced, and 4 were broken.

Chapel Vandalized in Walloon Brabant

August 3, 2015, Belgium

During the week of the 3rd of August 2015, the small chapel Notre-Dame de Walcourt, which had been restored for free a few years ago by a volunteer, was vandalized with spray paint. The tag represented a person giving a finger to what seems to be a crown. The perpetrators remain unknown.

Two Orthodox Religious Murdered in Ukraine

July 30, 2015, Other

A priest and a nun, both members of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate, were murdered within days of each other in the Ukraine.

UK Schools Watchdog Ignores Bullying of Christian Students

July 30, 2015, United Kingdom

Colin Hart, director of the Christian Institute, has said Ofsted and the Department for Education (DfE) have given “inadequate attention” to the “bullying of Christian pupils”.

Student Physically Forced to Attend Sex Education

June 22, 2015, Germany

In North Rhine-Westphalia, a 10 year old boy was forcefully removed from his home and forced to attend sex education without his parents’ consent.

Santeuil Church Vandalised and Soiled with Faeces in Eure-Et-Loir

June 10, 2015, France

The Santeuil church was vandalised by unknown perpetrators who burst into each room of the church, destroyed doors, statues and belfry. Additionally, they soiled the church with faeces. The case was reported to the police and investigation decided to examine the DNA in the neighbourhood to find the culprit.

Arson In The Church Of St. Chrysole in Comines

June 6, 2015, France

The doors to the church of St. Chrystole in Comines was burned as a result of the arson. Thanks to the quick reaction of police and firefighters, the flames did not reach the interior of the church. Local faithful and volunteers were terrified and quickly helped to clean the soot.

The Chapel of Sainte-Bathilde Damaged in Seine-et-Marne

June 4, 2015, France

The Sainte-Bathilde Chapel was hit by vandals who destroyed statues in the garden behind the shrine. One represented St. Bathilde on which flammable liquid was found. Another statue of St. Therese had been attacked and broken into pieces.

Silent National Christian-Inspired Protest Mocked By Opponents

May 24, 2015, Italy

On 24th of May 2015, an Italian network called Sentinelle in piedi ("Standing Watchmen“) organized a protest against the proposed draft laws on "homophobia" and same-sex unions and expressed their dissenting views by standing for an hour in silence at over 100 public squares all over Italy. The reason for that is the belief that new laws, if approved, would curtail freedom of speech for Christians. Opponents used offensive slogans and provocative gestures, including simulating homosexual acts. The participants of the Sentinelle in piedi were partly hindered by the protests. Opponents were mostly LGBT activists.

Arson in the Lutheran Church of Altena

May 19, 2015, Germany

A fire caused damages worth thousands of Euros in the Lutheran Church in Altena in Nordhein-Westfalen. Police suspect arson, because all evidences lead to burglary in which the sacristy was broken and ravaged. Without the quick reaction of the firefighters, the church would have been lost. The faithful and local priests felt offended by this horrible act.

Baker Found Guilty After Refusing to Bake Cake Supporting Same-Sex Marriage

May 18, 2015, United Kingdom

A bakery in Northern Ireland was found guilty of "direct discrimination" after its Christian owner declined to provide a decorated cake with the words 'support gay marriage’. The owner said he could not fulfill the order because it conflicts with his Christian beliefs about marriage.

Disruption, Threats, and Insults at a Catholic Procession

May 14, 2015, Italy

A group of Muslims disrupted a Catholic procession in the Italian municipality of Conselice which was held in honour of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Reportedly seeing the procession as provocation, the group started to threathen and insult Catholics and claimed that the procession offended Islam. Participants were scared and shocked by this aggression.

Attack at Marriage Referendum Event Causes Life-Threatening Allergic Reaction

May 13, 2015, Ireland

A 10-year-old girl suffered a severe allergic reaction after an egg attack at a "No-Campaign" event in Meath, Ireland. "Yes-Campaigners" threw objects, including eggs, at people who were expressing opposition to same-sex marriage. "No-Campaign" leader Mr. Manning said that the atmposphere created by "Yes-Campaigners" was "toxic”.

Burglary in St. Apostles at Neumarkt in Cologne

May 12, 2015, Germany

An unknown perpetrator broke into the church of St. Apostles in Cologne on May 12th, and stole figures of Jesus Christ from the cloister. Moreover, the thief caused damages worth thousands of euros. This theft offended and angered the religious faithful.

Vandalism Spree Against Chapels on the Island of La Reunion

May 12, 2015, France

Many chapels and other places of worship on the island of La Reunion were devastated with satanic slogans and red Stars of David.

Judge Ordered French Town to Remove the Statue of Saint John Paul II

May 5, 2015, France

Authorities in the small French town of Ploermal are obliged to remove a statue of Saint John Paul II built in 2006. The reason which was given was the "ostentatious character" of the monument located in the public square, which is in contradiction with the secular principles of the state. This decision shocked local faithful and Mayor Parick Le Diffon vowed to appeal.

Figure of Jesus Christ destroyed by Turkish Muslim

May 3, 2015, Germany

A Turkish Muslim armed with a kitchen knife destroyed the figure of Jesus Christ located on the Sendlinger Tor in Munich. Additionally, he attacked eyewitnesses and devastated all vases and flowers which were next to the cross. The case has been reported to the police, but the man was declared as a mentally ill and he has been brought to a psychiatrist. It is not clear whether the act was religiously-motivated.

Pro-Marriage Posters Removed

May 1, 2015, Ireland

Mothers and Fathers Matter, a group that urged people to vote “No” in May’s gay marriage referendum in Ireland, said there was a campaign of harassment and intimidation from those on the “Yes” side of the debate. Posters were torn and removed in Dublin and elsewhere at the beginning of May 2015. Pictures of this act have been celebrated as an "act of bravery" on social media.

Islamic Terrorists Planned Suicide Bombings at St. Peter's Square

April 24, 2015, Italy

A terrorist ring based on Sardinia had been planning an attack against the Vatican since 2010, involving two suicide bombings at St. Peter's Square. The network supported itself through illegal migrant trafficking. False work contracts helped facilitate asylum for Pakistani and Afghanistan men posing as migrants. Fake customs declarations and flawed money transactions partly financed the activities. Italian counter-terrorism operatives issued arrest warrants for 18 men and arrested nine of them across Italy.

Play Equates John the Baptist with Islamic Terrorists

April 24, 2015, Austria

The regional theater of Graz premiered its version of "Salome” in which John the Baptist is a radical fundamentalist. It claims that there is really no difference between him and Islamic State terrorists.