All cases

Desecration of the Chapel of the Olympic Village in Grenoble

February 21, 2014, France

In the morning when a faithful arrived to prepare the religious services, he found damages to the chapel of the Olympic Village. Furthermore, the ciborium containing the consecrated hosts had been stolen. The intention of the perpetrator is not known.

Member of European Parliament Seeks Exclusion of Christianity

February 20, 2014, European Institutions (EU, ECHR, et.al.)

Belgian socialist Member of the European Parliament, Veronique De Keyser called in an e-mail to all MEPs and all assistants for “general mobilisation against obscurantism”. With "Obscurantism" she seems to mean Christianity, as she continues to say: “A Europe which is open and respectful of all beliefs and philosophical convictions cannot be one that puts Christian roots to the forefront. This is not Europe! Europe is one of Enlightenment, a Europe of free thinking, a Europe of separation of state and church.”

Tabernacle in French Alsace Target of Break-in

February 19, 2014, France

A chapel in the French city of Mulhouse was broken into, and it appears that the tabernacle was the intended target. Nothing was vandalised, but the lock on the tabernacle shows signs of an attempt to open it. The perpetrators did not succeed, however, the lock is now broken and must be replaced.

Fire in Church of Sainte-Marie in Le Boulou

February 18, 2014, France

A fire broke out around 10 am in the church of Sainte-Marie Le Boulou. A large figure of Christ which was made of wood and plaster and installed in the entrance of the church caught on fire and was burning for hours. The fire department and police are investigating.

Hate Mail Received for Disagreeing with Same-Sex Marriage

February 12, 2014, Ireland

Breda O’Brien, an Irish teacher, journalist and pro-life feminist has been receiving hate mail from people because of an article she wrote disagreeing with same-sex marriage and discussing homophobia and liberal intolerance.

Elderly Street Preacher Falsely Arrested and Assaulted by Police

February 11, 2014, United Kingdom

73-year-old Bill Edwards was ordered by a police constable to stop preaching outside the Magistrates Court House in Banbury as some people in the building found his preaching “offensive”. He refused to move and was arrested and charged with assault and breach of peace. In the police station Mr Edwards was grabbed by six officers and pinned to the ground.

Pro-Choice Group Disrupts Catholic Liturgy in Palma

February 9, 2014, Spain

A group of 30 young activists interrupted a Catholic service in the Church of Saint Miquel de Palma in Spain, shouting slogans in favour of abortion. They were protesting the government’s plans to change the abortion law, carrying a banner with the slogan "Rosaries out of our ovaries" and chanting "Abortion – free and legal."

Church Statue Vandalised in Beaumont-du-Périgord

February 8, 2014, France

Two cleaning ladies arrived at the church Sainte-Marie Bastide in Beaumont-du-Périgord, Dordogne, and were shocked to find the statue of Joan of Arc had been vandalised. The base of the statue which was about two meters high had been broken and the statue knocked over.

Catholic Church Told by UN Committee To Change Its Teaching

February 5, 2014, International

The UN-Committee on the Rights of the Child has asked the Vatican to change its teaching on abortion and homosexuality and on changing the interpretation of a bible verse. The Vatican has responded calling the requests of the UN Committee an interference with Church doctrine and a violation of religious freedom.

Criminal Investigations Opened Against Cardinal For Mentioning Treatment Options for Homosexuals

February 5, 2014, Spain

Cardinal Fernando Sebastian of Málaga commented in an interview with the local newspaper SUR that homosexuality “can be normalised with treatment”. Consequently the Málaga Provincial Prosecutor's Office opened criminal investigations against him. His comment was understood to undermine Spanish legislation which protects the fundamental rights of dignity and non-discrimination in Articles 18 and 14 of the Constitution and therefore to constitute a "clear incitement to hatred and discrimination".

Aggressive Left-Wing Activists Interrupt Demonstration of Parents in Stuttgart

February 2, 2014, Germany

A protest of parents who were not happy with a new educational plan seeking to implement “sexual diversity education” had to end early due to massive opposition. Protesters were physically attacked and it was felt that the Police failed to protect the parents’ basic right of assembly.

Hate Incident Against Cardinal on Question of Abortion in Madrid

February 2, 2014, Spain

When Cardinal Antonio Maria Rouco, Archbishop of Madrid and President of the Spanish bishops’ conference, was walking from his vehicle to enter the parish of Santos Justo y Pastor, on Palma street, Madrid, five Femen activists attacked him. With stained red underwear and naked chests they shouted “Abortion is sacred”. The Cardinal, escorted by priests managed to enter the parish but the shouting continued outside as they celebrated the Eucharist.

Mass in Catholic Cathedral in Stockholm Interrupted by Femen

January 30, 2014, Sweden

Three Femen activists burst into the Catholic Cathedral of Stockholm, during Mass, just as the attendants were singing Salve Regina. The activists were bare-breasted and one had a sign reading: “Catholic Church out of my body” and written on her chest in Spanish, “Abortion is sacred.” Church staff managed to bring them under control. The Feminists told the press that they are not done with the Catholic Church and will continue their attacks.

Church Vandalised for the Third Time in January

January 29, 2014, France

The church of Our Lady of the Assumption in Montceau-les-Mines, France, was vandalised for the third time this month. Dozens of candles were broken and the crib was taken. Clay pots and trees and other items were broken and crushed.

Desecration and Vandalism of Church in Charleville-Mézières

January 29, 2014, France

Dozens of candles were burned and destroyed, three chairs were broken and urine left by vandals in the church of Saint-Remi in Charleville-Mézières. Cans of beer were also left on the floor, curses were written on the guestbook. Obscene drawings were scribbled into the book of prayers.

Serious Desecration of Church in Baden-Württemberg

January 27, 2014, Germany

On the night of January 27th, a unknown perpetrator broke into the Catholic church, Saint Georges which is located in a district of the city of Freiburg in Breisgau. Using a hammer the perpetrator vandalised the church causing damaged which estimates more than 12,000 euro. The tabernacle was also vandalised and the chalice and consecrated hosts stolen.

Invaluable Relic of Pope John Paul II Stolen from Chapel in the Region of Abruzzo

January 26, 2014, Italy

Thieves broke into the church of San Pietro della lenca in the Abruzzo region breaking the protective iron bars and forcing their way in through a window. They left the collection box but took a crucifix and invaluable relic which contains a piece of gauze once soaked in the blood of the late Pope John Paul II.

Chapel Vandalised in Schlierbach, Alsace

January 24, 2014, France

Vandals attacked the Chapel of Our Lady of the Valley of Tears in Schlierbach and damaged the polygonal roof of the small sanctuary. They ripped off and stole copper plates and other pieces of metal.

Church in Haute-Saône Targeted by Vandalism

January 17, 2014, France

The Notre-Dame-du-Haut in Haute-Saône, was damaged by vandals who broke a painted window into thousands of pieces. They also damaged the inside of the chapel.

Vandalism at Church of St. Francis in Prato

January 17, 2014, Italy

Vandals destroyed a marble font in the courtyard and targeted the Cathedral, where they tried to destroy the century pulpit which is located to the left of the main altar as well as the church of San Pier Fiorelli where a statue depicting St. Joseph was destroyed.