All cases

Several Acts of Vandalism Against Sarajevo’s Cathedral.

March 25, 2009, Bosnia and Herzegovina

From March 22nd to March 25th, vandals repeatedly destroyed windows of the Cathedral of Sarajevo.

Vandalism in Banja Luka

March 18, 2009, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Vandals 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 Herzegovina

Vandals 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 Kingdom

St 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 Kingdom

The 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 Kingdom

The 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, Other

Intolerance 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 Kingdom

Between 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, Other

Burning 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, France

67% of French Catholic parents say that public schools do not respect the freedom of conscience of their children.