All cases
Catholic Church Targeted by Government Representatives
July 18, 2005, SpainThe Spanish Socialist Youth political wing (JSE) has requested the government to appoint a commission to review the agreements between Spain and the Holy See. The JSE General Secretary and speaker, Herick Campos, emphasized the need to put the Catholic Church "in its place, without any privileges because the Catholic hierarchy has abused of its condition of majority to influence government affairs, specially in issues related to education and finance".
Spanish Officer Considers Catholic Teaching on Sexuality a Case of "Bad Education"
June 30, 2005, SpainThe official speaker for the PSOE on issues related to Education, Adolfo Navarro, has requested the intervention of the Education Council to reprimand another case of "bad education". The complaint submitted by Navarro refers to some material facilitated by the Ethics Professor of two students from Colegio de Jesus who requested it. The material contains traditional Catholic teachings on sexuality. Navarro says the material "only promotes homophobia and ignorance".
Spanish Minister of Justice Call to End the Privileges of the Catholic Church and Accused It of Supporting Fascism
June 29, 2005, SpainThe Spanish Minister of Justice, Juan Fernando López Aguilar, called to end any state funding of the Catholic Church. According to this high official the Church enjoyed privileges that had their origin in the times where the Catholic creed was the only "official" religion. López Aguilar stated that the Catholic Church was in favour of the Spanish Civil War, and held strong relations with the Franquists.
Calvinist University Sued for Dismissing Student Involved in Homosexual Promotion
June 15, 2005, HungaryKaroli Gaspar Calvinist University in Budapest was sued by the Hatter Support Group for Gays and Lesbians after the University had dismissed a student who was involved in promotion of homosexuality. The university declared that the religious school cannot let, conduct and promote homosexuality, because it is against its morals, beliefs and the way of teaching.
Notre Dame Cathedral Seized, Priest Hurt, Gay Mock Wedding Performed
June 5, 2005, FranceOn Sunday June 5th, priest Monsignor Patrick Jacquin was hurt in Notre Dame Cathedral when about twenty members of the association ‘Act Up’ burst into the cathedral, defying the security personnel, in order to perform a mock marriage of two lesbians.
Conscientious Objection Denied to Public Servants
April 28, 2005, SpainThe Superior Tribunal of Madrid ruled against the right to conscientious objection to registry officers who requested to be exempted, and/or replaced by a colleague, in cases of same-sex marriage. The Tribunal understands that public servants swear full obedience to the law and are to abide by it. "The absolute submission to the law cannot be dismissed nor justified in any case, mostly when a private belief is at stake" confirmed the Tribunal.
Converts to Christianity Assaulted
February 1, 2005, United KingdomConvert family from Islam to Christianity assaulted in Bradford.
Spanish Officer Calls the Catholic Church a "Public Enemy"
January 30, 2005, SpainThe former Spanish ambassador to the Holy See, Gonzalo Puente Ojea, affirmed that the Catholic Church is a public enemy nowadays. In the view of Puente Ojea, the Church is used to a privilege treatment and its bellicose tone towards the Spanish government is part of a power game.
Member of Parliament Sued for "Homophobic Insults"
January 26, 2005, FranceFrench member of parliament, Christian Vanneste, sentenced to payments for "homophobic insults"; three years later acquitted by last juridical instance.
Christianophobic Opera Aired on BBC
January 8, 2005, International“Jerry Springer the Opera” was screened by the BBC on January 8th and attracted a record number of complaints of over 55,000 from the public as it contained contemptuous, scurrilous and ludicrous references to the Christian Faith.
European Parliament Declines Plegded Support of € 1,5 Million for World Youth Day
December 15, 2004, European Institutions (EU, ECHR, et.al.)On December 15th 2004 the European Union rejected funding for the upcoming 2005 World Youth Day (WYD) during the second reading of the 2005 budget.
TV Gag against Christian Symbols
December 1, 2004, SpainTV Channel Canal Plus Gag "How to Cook a Crucifix" demeans Christian Symbols.
High Government Official Recommends Catholic School to Remove Crucifixes and Avoid Prayers
November 27, 2004, SpainThe inspector recommended to a Catholic school to remove crucifixes and other religious symbols from the classrooms as well as ceasing morning prayers and other expressions of faith.
Practicing Catholic Rejected as a Member of the European Commission
October 1, 2004, European Institutions (EU, ECHR, et.al.)Rocco Buttiglione was dismissed by the European Institutions as EU Commissioner because of his Catholic convictions.
Greek Orthodox Church Damaged by Bomb Explosion
August 1, 2004, CyprusGreek Orthodox Church in Northern Cyprus was damaged by bomb explosion in Cyprus conflict.
Orthodox Cathedral Turned into Public Toilet
April 19, 2004, SerbiaThe Orthodox cathedral of Christ the Savior in Pristina, still under construction, with its consecrated foundations and cross, where Holy Liturgy was periodically served before the war while it was still under construction, has been turned into a public toilet, while the property around the church has become the squatting ground of Roma emigrants from the Republic of Albania.
Christian Student Union Reported to Police for Hosting Speaker With Traditional Biblical View on Homosexuality
February 26, 2004, United KingdomThe Christian Union of the University of Cambridge was reported to the police after the distribution of 12,000 copies of St John's gospel to students and the lecture given by Phillip Jensen, the Dean of St. Andrew´s Cathedral, in Sydney, Australia, on the traditional biblical view on homosexuality.
Staff Sacked after Refusing Sunday Work
February 1, 2004, United KingdomStaff sacked after refusing Sunday work.
Christian Groups Listed as "Dangerous Sects"
January 1, 2004, France(1996 - 2005) Legal developments put religious freedom at risk. Christian groups listed as dangerous sects. State power to interfere with religious exercise established by law.
Police Investigate Anglican Bishop Because He Said Some Homosexuals Changed to Heterosexuality
November 12, 2003, United KingdomThe Bishop of Chester was investigated by the Cheshire constabulary in November 2003 after he told his local newspaper of research showing that some homosexuals re-orientated to heterosexuality. The police passed a file to the Crown Prosecution Service who decided not to prosecute.
Pastor Charged for Preaching on Homosexuality
June 20, 2003, SwedenPastor Ake Green charged with committing a "hate crime" for preaching a sermon on homosexuality in Borghold.
Catholic Nun Used for Condom Campaign
March 28, 2003, FranceImage of Catholic nun used for pro condom campaign in Toulouse.
Two Council Workers Threatened with Dismissal for Participating in Homosexual Adoption
March 25, 2003, United KingdomThe Sefton (North West of England) Council workers, Norah Ellis and Dawn Jackson, refused to take part in adoptions for gay parents as not compatible with the Christian concept of family. As a consequence they have been threatened with dismissal for not doing their job.
Christianophobic Exhibit in Moscow
January 14, 2003, RussiaVisitors are shocked by christianophobic exhibit in Andrei Sakharov Museum in Moscow as it shows Jesus and Mary in humiliating positions. Intention of organizers described as exposing hypocrisy of religion.
Christian Minority Rights Threatened
January 1, 2003, Kosovo(2000-2003) Christian minority rights are at stake in Kosovo. Churches were attacked and destroyed. The denial of Jesus was demanded from youth at gunpoint.
Law Criminalizes Elements of Christianity
December 31, 2002, SwedenNew law prohibits criticism of homosexuality and makes biblical applications to today a criminal offence.
Call for Head Teacher to be Suspended for Defending a Christian View of Marriage
June 5, 2002, United KingdomA highly respected comprehensive school head teacher, Bill Beales, faced calls for his suspension after he told pupils that Christians were being “placed on trial” for defending their beliefs on marriage.
Preacher Arrested For Public Order Offence
April 1, 2002, United Kingdom(October 2001-April 2002) Evangelical preacher arrested and fined for displaying a sign in public saying ‘Stop Immorality’.
Religious Sister Cruelly Murdered in Satanic Ritual
June 6, 2000, ItalyIn the night of June 6th, 2000 in the Italian town of Chiavenna in the Lombardy, Sister Maria Laura Mainetti was murdered by three teenage girls in a ritual act of satanism.
Catholic Priest Falsely Accused of Participation in Satanic Rites
May 1, 2000, ItalyFather Giorgio Govoni, 59, pastor of Staggia di San Prospero Church in the province of Modena, Italy, was accused of being a member of a group of pedophiles who engaged in sexually violent and harmful acts with minors, including participation in satanic rites in the Massa Finalese Cemetery. He was cleared after his death by the court of second instance.
Church Vandalized After Anti-Gay Homily in Newcastle
October 28, 1999, United KingdomJesmond Parish Church in Newcastle upon Tyne was covered with obscene phrases and pornographic graffiti after Rev. Holloway preached about homosexuality in the teachings of the Bible. The graffiti included drawings of men having sex, and insulting expressions such as "Holloway Out", "Bigot" and "Down with Holloway".
Pastor Jailed for Expression of Pro-Life Opinion
March 11, 1998, GermanyPastor jailed for calling an abortion specialist “professional killer” and “torturer” in Erlangen.
Dutch MP Fined for Critical Comment on Homosexuality
December 30, 1996, NetherlandsA politician was fined in the first instance for hate speech in criticizing homosexuality. Even though the court of second instance lifted the sentence, the hypersensitivity of the first court is a worrying sign.
Conscientious Objection Denied
January 1, 1996, United Kingdom(1995/1996) Several instances have been collected in which staff were denied the right to conscientious objection and lost their jobs.
Holy Monastery of Prophet Elias in Cyprus Savagely Bombed by Turkish Air Force
July 9, 1974, CyprusThe Monastery of the Prophet Elias of Maronite Monks, situated near the village of Ayia Marina Skyllouras, in the Nicosia district in Cyprus, was bombed during the second phase of the Turkish invasion. The Turkish air force savagely attacked the religious building which caught fire and was badly damaged.
Church of Ayios Procopios, Cyprus Desecrated after the 1974 Turkish Occupation
July 1, 1974, CyprusAyios Procopios, a Byzantine church of the 11th or 12th century situated in the village of Synkrasi, in the Famagusta district, in the Republic of Cyprus, was desecrated after the military had occupied the region by force. The iconostasis was destroyed and the portable icons were stolen. The church is today a refuge for birds.
Wall-Paintings at Antifonitis Monastery in Cyprus Destroyed
July 1, 1974, CyprusAntifonitis Monastery, a Byzantine monastery, built at the end of the 12th century, was destroyed as a consequence of the Turkish invasion. The heads of the two Archangels in the apse of the church were ruined. Turkish illicit dealers in antiquities cut into pieces and removed from the walls the representations of the Day of Judgment and the Stem of Jesse, vandalising a large part of them.
Clergy Advised to Remove Roman Colar for Safety
January 1, 1970, United KingdomMembers of the clergy were advised to take off their Roman collars when they are on their own, to reduce the risk of being attacked. Even the Archbishop of Canterbury should remove the collar outside church.
UK Government Laywers Tell Christians: Leave Faith at Home or Find a New Job!”
January 1, 1970, European Institutions (EU, ECHR, et.al.)Government lawyers have told the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) that Christians should “leave their religious beliefs at home or move to another job” when faced with a clash between the requirements of their faith and their employment.
French Government to “Dissolve” “Religious Pathology” and “Excesses” in the Church
January 1, 1970, FranceInstead of tackling the enormous number of anti-Christian vandalisms, President Hollande announced a new 'the National Observatory of Secularism' to come into being this year, tasked with closely monitoring religious organisations for any potential 'excesses.' French Interior Minister Manuel Valls highlighted various Catholic organisations, stating that "All excesses are being minutely registered in case we have to consider dissolving it."
Women At Pro Life Manifestation Attacked
January 1, 1970, European Institutions (EU, ECHR, et.al.)Male pro-abortion protesters physically attacked several pro-life women during a rally on March 10 in Warsaw, pushing and kicking them. The pro-lifers were part of the organization Fundacja Pro and were carrying a controversial banner of a woman who died during an abortion.
Women At Pro Life Manifestation Attacked
January 1, 1970, PolandMale pro-abortion protesters physically attacked several pro-life women during a rally on March 10 in Warsaw, pushing and kicking them. The pro-lifers were part of the organization Fundacja Pro and were carrying a controversial banner of a woman who died during an abortion.
Attempts to Silence Bishop for Voicing His Opinion About Gender Ideology
January 1, 1970, SpainThe Spanish political party, the United Left, presented a motion to the regional Parliament to convict the Bishop of Córdoba, Demetrio Fernández, for having spoken out his opinion on gender ideology. According to the motion, the bishop’s weekly pastoral letter entitled “Gender ideology breaks the family” was an acute case of discrimination. The motion, signed by spokesman Francisco Tejada, called on the government of Andalusia to “launch the legal mechanisms in the context of their power to prevent cases of abuse and discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.”
Priest Attacked After Confronting Thieves in Church
January 1, 1970, ItalyAfter celebrating the midnight Mass, parish priest, Father Massimo Malinconi returned to the rectory where he found four burglars.
Vaucluse Church Vandalized
January 1, 1970, FranceThe stained glass window depicting Jesus Christ in the church of Notre-Dame-de-la-Tour was found smashed.
Catholic School in Bubry Sacked by Vandals
January 1, 1970, FranceThe kindergarten and elementary private Catholic school Sainte-Hélène Bubry was attacked and the damage is estimated at several thousand euros.
Graffiti Attack on the Family Home of St. Bernadette in Lourdes
January 1, 1970, FranceMunicipal services in Lourdes took two weeks to remove obscene drawings and inscriptions painted on the family home of the revered Saint, despite complaints by neighbors and an alert from the online journal “Lourdes-Info.” The perpetrators of the vandalism are unknown.
Small Thefts Germany 2020
January 0, 0000, GermanySeries of thefts from churches across Germany in 2020.
Burglary in the Staldner Parish Church And the Church in Davos GR
January 0, 0000, SwitzerlandIn the night from Saturday to Sunday, unknown perpetrators broke into the Staldner parish church St. Michael and stole a sum of money worth about 800 francs. Another burglary incident took place in the church in Davos GR. After the abbatial service, unknown perpetrators stole the collections, which were intended to be given to Kids Foundation to support children with liver disease.
Various Cases of Thefts from Different Churches in the United Kingdom
January 0, 0000, United KingdomA perpetrator stole the charity box from St. John’ church project, Shildon Alive. Other equipment such as video camera and items worth about £560 were stolen from Angelican church All Saints’. A burglar broke into Preston church and stole money intended to help asylum seekers and vulnerable people. At the Pentecostal Church on St John’s Road, a thief stole two wheels from a church minibus. Police are looking for witnesses and clues. Some thieves stole cash from St.Mirin’s Cathedral. Police are appealing for witnesses. Cash and tin have also been stolen from St.Brynach’s church. Seven lawn mowers have been stolen from St John the Baptist Church, in Farnham Road. Three men from the West Midlands admitted theft over 30 churches in different parts of the country, including Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire. Church of Little Massingham Church has also been a victim of theft.