All cases

Catholic Church Vandalised on Good Thursday

April 21, 2011, Turkey

Two men armed with swords and knives broke into a Catholic Church in Adana last Thursday. After learning that the priest was not in the church, the 26 year old aggressors proceeded to vandalise the property.

Trespassing and Damages in Aladinici (Mostar)

April 21, 2011, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Vandals broke into the mission church of Aladinici and cause substantial damage.

Church in Adana, Turkey Vandalised

April 21, 2011, Turkey

On 21 April 2011 two men broke into a Catholic church and completely destroyed three statues. They also left marks on the altar, smashed window panes and threw flowerpots around.

Art Exhibit Displays Demeaning Image Called “Piss Christ“

April 20, 2011, France

Piss Christ is a photograph by Andres Serrano which shows a crucifix submerged in yellow liquid. Serrano, an American artist, has declared that the amber liquid is his own urine. Piss Christ has been displayed since the beginning of April at the art gallery “Collection Lambert” in Avignon.

Church in Altavista Vandalised

April 20, 2011, Spain

Father-Claret Parish, located in Altavista (Lanzarote), was vandalised by burglars. According to the media, the criminals broke into the church searching for money. Once they realised no money was there, they vandalised the property, causing significant damage. Before they left, they threw away the vase containing the holy communion.

Court Interferes in Church Self-Administration in Hiring Decision

April 20, 2011, Spain

The Spanish Constitutional Tribunal ruled that Catechism teacher Resurrección Galera Navarro whose working contract was not renewed after marrying a divorced man and not informing her employer, she was dismissed unlawfully. Employer Ferrer Guardia Catholic School in Almeria was sentenced to pay compensation. Acknowledging the human dimension of this incident, it is in any case necessary that religious institutions are able to establish their own rules and ethos.

Medical Doctor Denied the Right to Conscientious Objection by Court

April 19, 2011, Spain

A Spanish general practitioner from Antequera who opposes abortion was denied the right to claim conscientious objection in cases of abortion. The MD argues that his beliefs conflict with abortion advice or referral to women seeking pregnancy termination.

Fire Set to Sagrada Familia in Barcelona

April 19, 2011, Spain

On April 19, 2011 hundred of tourists were evacuated from one of the most popular places of worship in the world, the Sagrada Familia Basilica, in Barcelona. A fire was intentionally started at the sacristy, and a 65 year old man was arrested in possession of a lighter and pieces of fabrics that could have been used to set the fire. No major damage was reported to Gaudi´s masterpiece. The fire burnt for about 45 minutes according to El Pais newspaper. While the fire was set up intentionally, the reasons for the attack remain unknown. Media reported the man to be “gravely disturbed”. It is clear whether the fire setting was an intentional attack against Christianit or not.

Church Vandalised at Aulnay-Sous-Bois

April 18, 2011, France

The church of Saint-Jean of Aulnay-Sous-Bois has been twice vandalised in April. The parish priest and the numerous catholic community are chocked before such acts.

Vandalism in Christian Cemetery of Zavidovici

April 17, 2011, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Christian graves and tombstones were vandalized in Zavidovici on April 17th, 2011.