All cases

Multiple Acts of Vandalism in La Mothe-Saint-Héray

September 29, 2016, France

Acts of vandalism were discovered in the church of Saint-Héray late in the afternoon on September 29: Statues of Joan of Arc and the Virgin Mary were damaged, as were a crucifix, a rosary, and prayer books.

Orthodox-Christian Monument Defaced in Bucharest

September 27, 2016, Romania

An Orthodox-Christian monument in Piata Unirii ("Union Square") in the form of a large cross, was vandalized with LGBT and anarchist graffiti.

Abortion Activists say Disruption of Mass a "Legitimate Political Act"

September 27, 2016, Spain

Two and a half years after a pro-abortion group burst into the parish of San Miguel in Palma de Mallorca during Mass shouting "take your rosaries out of our ovaries" and shouts in favor of "free abortion," they have refused to come to an agreement with the diocese that would avoid a trial.

Saint-Henri in Neuilly-Plaisance Desecrated and Burglarized

September 26, 2016, France

During the night from September 25 to 26th, one or more individuals broke into the church. Once inside, they stole the collection box containing donations to the church. They opened the tabernacle and threw the consecrated Hosts on the floor.

Italian Television Presenter Attacked Online for Wearing Rosary & Holy Medals

September 25, 2016, Italy

Marina Nalesso, an Italian TV presenter, has been the target of online attacks from secular atheists for wearing on TV a rosary and holy medals, including a St Benedict medal.

Serial Arsonist Set Two Fires in Churches in Millau; Attempted Arson in a Third

September 21, 2016, France

The 22-year-old suspect appeared in court on September 21 and a trial will begin on October 12. He is said to be Moroccan national, and already known to authorities for previous fires set in Paris and Millau.

Attempted Arson at the church of Notre-Dame-des-Noues Franconville (Val d'Oise)

September 18, 2016, France

The parish priest confirmed that there had been acts of vandalism and arson attempts in this church, probably during the night of September 18th to 19th.

Pristina University Students Demand Demolition of Church

September 16, 2016, Kosovo

A group of students at Pristina University has demanded that a Serbian Orthodox church on campus be either destroyed or converted into student facilities.

ECtHR Finds Greece Violated Rights of Conscientious Objector

September 15, 2016, Greece

The case concerned the authorities’ refusal to grant a Jehovah's Witness the status of conscientious objector and to allow him to do alternative civilian work instead of military service. The Court held that this was a violation of Article 9 (freedom of thought, conscience and religion) of the European Convention on Human Rights.

Self-Described Jihadist Violated Restraining Order; Destroyed Church Cross

September 14, 2016, Spain

The man arrested on September 9th for burning images of the Virgin Mary in the Church of Fontellas was arrested again a week later for destroying the cross atop the church of Ribaforada.