All cases

Church Vandalised in Bonneval (Eure-et-Loir)

April 27, 2011, France

The church of Bonneval has been vandalised on Holy Thursday. According to Father François Muchery, the damage was quite substantial: on the prayer book one can see obscene drawings and words, statues have been damaged and urinated on and candles were smashed.

Statue of the Virgin Marie Beheaded in La-Roche-Sur-Yon

April 24, 2011, France

On the night of Sunday, April 24th, around 3:00 am, the statue of the Virgin Mary located behind the church of the Sacred Heart of La Roche-sur-Yon has been beheaded and then thrown on the ground. It’s head was transported to the other side of the park.

Church Vandalised in Echirolles

April 24, 2011, France

The church of Saint-Jean-Bosco of Echirolles has been victim of desecration. The main Crucifix was found broken on the floor. Missals had been flung to the ground and benches damaged and turned over. Apparently, the perpetrators had entered the church by forcing a side door. No theft has been reported.

Flash Mob Disturbs Good Friday Procession

April 22, 2011, Germany

A flash mob intended to protest against a law prohibiting dancing events on certain holidays interfered with the Good Friday procession of the Croatian Catholic community in Frankfurt/Main.

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.