All cases

Church Burglarized in Saint–Lys

October 28, 2012, France

Unidentified individuals broke into the parish church in Saint-Lys on the 28th of October. The incident was discovered by the parish priest when opening the church for church services. Upon initial investigation it has been reported that the priest's chair, two stools, a desk, a lectern, and an altar cloth were stolen. In addition, the pews in the church were dislocated.

House Owner Sentenced For Not Selling to a Homosexual Couple

October 27, 2012, France

A man was condemned because he refused to sell a house to a same-sex couple. The 69-year-old was sentenced to pay 800 Euro to the court and 300 Euro each to the same-sex-couple in damages, plus the legal fees.

Left Wing Politicial Youth Insults Jesus

October 26, 2012, Austria

In a newspaper of the "Young Greens" of Austrian region Vorarlberger depicts Jesus with a funny smile as a gay man holding a sign "gay Jesus". While the magazine gives explicit instructions for sexual behaviour of youth, it also recommends to wear three knotes in a belt, signifying "wealth, unchastity and disobedience" mocking the evangelical counsels of Christian tradition.

Desecration of Graves in Duisburg

October 26, 2012, Slovakia

On the 26th of October 2012, thieves in Duisburg (Nordrhein-Westfalen), Germany, desecrated over one hundred graves and scavenged for metal. This was reported by the Apostolic Nunciature of Germany.

Two Churches Desecrated in the Bretagne

October 24, 2012, France

At St. Cornelcy the crucifix that sits above the Tabernacle was broken in half. In August, the altar at Locmaria-Plage had been painted with satanic symbols.

Christian B&B Owners Fined for Denying a Room to a Homosexual Couple

October 22, 2012, United Kingdom

Christian bed and breakfast owners Mike and Susanne Wilkinson lost a lawsuit on their married-couples-only policy and were fined over 3.500 pounds for denying a double room to a homosexual couple. The Wilkinson's Bed&Breakfast is located in their own house where they live with their children. The courts apply a "zero tolerance" policy on grounds of "unlawful discrimination".

Reported Attacks Against Places of Worship in Hungary

October 22, 2012, Hungary

in 2012 the Holy See reported on attacks against places of worship in the following places: 23 March 2012 Szakadát 20 April 2012 Tatabánya-Bánhida 21 May 2012 Kápolnásnyék 02 July 2012 Pécs, Rácváros 21 August 2012 Pusztaszabolcs 25 August 2012 Pécs –Postavölgy 06 October 2012 Kékesd 06 October 2012 Szabadbattyán

A Fire in the Church of Notre-Dame-aux-Neiges

October 19, 2012, France

On October 19 the sacristy of the Church of Notre-Dame-auy-Neiges was vandalised. The damages were extensive as the fires were lit inside the church after the sacristy was vandalised.

Burglars Concentrate on Churches in Thüringen

October 18, 2012, Germany

In many counties of Thüringen churches have been broken into by burglars who have caused damage while trying to steal money and religious images and statues.

Green Party Parliamentary Group Seeks to Disestablish Christian Institute for Youth and Society

October 17, 2012, Germany

The Christian community The Reichenberg Fellowship and its German Institute for Youth and Society have become the object of a parliamentary inquiry that the parliamentary group of the Green Party has directed at the state government of the German state of Hessen on October 19.

Mourners Insulted at Catholic Cemetery in Sarajevo

October 16, 2012, Bosnia and Herzegovina

On the 16th of October, 2012, a group of mourners were blocked from putting down a gravestone at a Catholic cemetery in Sarajevo. The perpetrators did not let them pass and insulted them.

Russian Orthodox Cathedral Vandalised in Geneva

October 14, 2012, Switzerland

Between the hours of 23 and 6 between the 13th and 14th of October unidentified individuals spray painted the facade of the Russian Orthodox Cathedral in Geneva. This was discovered at 10 Monday morning when Archbishop Michel arrived to open the church for the day. He said that is was the first time in the churches 150 year history that it was attacked.

Disturbance in Cologne Cathedral by Supporters of the Russian Punk-Band “Pussy Riot”

October 13, 2012, Germany

Three masked fans of the Russian punk-band “Pussy Riot” disrupted the Sunday Mass in Cologne’s Cathedral as a sign of solidarity to members of the punk-band who had been convicted of causing disturbances in a church in earlier this year.

Parish Church of St. Francis of Sales, Marseille, Set on Fire

October 11, 2012, France

In the neighbourhood of Vaudan two arsonist entered the Church of St Francis of Sales and set the altar vestments on fire causing considerable damage. The two unnamed individual have been detained.

Ban on Distribution of Bibles at Public Schools in Berlin

October 10, 2012, Germany

The International Gideons are known for distributing pocket Bibles for free - mostly at schools, hospitals, hotels and medical practices. They were denied to further distribute Bibles at public schools in Berlin by the ministry of education and cultural affairs.

Church Set on Fire in Lithuania

October 10, 2012, Lithuania

On October 10th 2012, a church in Stalgenai was set on fire. The fire was extinguished in time to save the church.

Arson at a Church in Marseille

October 9, 2012, France

On October 9, fire was set to the Church of St. Francis of Assisi in the district of Vauban (VI). Two doilies at the entrance of the church placed on two small tables were burned, causing severe damage. Two individuals have been arrested and placed in custody in connection with this investigation of "arson." Allegedly it was not their first time of setting fire to the church.

Pro-Life Offices Vandalised

October 8, 2012, Austria

The Vienna offices of Human Life International (HLI) were attacked and damaged during a World Prayer Congress for Life held on October 4th – 8th. During the attack the glass entrance door was broken and jars filled with black paint were through at the building, some of them making it an in and smearing computers inside. The front door of a building in which participants stayed over night was barricaded putting the people into significant risk.

Two Churches Vandalised in Mayenne

October 7, 2012, France

Two churches were vandalised in Mayenne in Meslay-du-Maine and Bignon-du-Maine on October 7, 2012. "There have been destructions of statues inside buildings, other ones were thrown down and taken away," said Lt. Col. Alain Lantz, commander of the gendarmerie company Laval.

Church at Marmoutier Abbey Vandalised and Burglarised

October 7, 2012, France

On the night of the 7th of October the Church of St Etienne at Marmoutier Abbey, Alsace, France was broken into. The burglars stole seven challises and spread hosts on the floor.

Hostile Graffiti on Church in Vienna

October 6, 2012, Austria

Unknown perpetrators have spraypainted the Catholic church Kirche Am Hof, which is one of the main Vienna churches in the inner city.

Exhibition in Belgrade Hurts Religious Feelings

October 6, 2012, Serbia

Under the title "Ecce Homo", the Centar za kulturnu the dekontaminaciju (“Centre for Cultural Decontamination”) displayed an exhibition of Swedish photographer Elisabeth Ohlson despite protests. The exhibition shows Jesus Christ in sexual orgies, such as in an image of the last supper with women dressed up and place in sexually explicit manners. Jesus, who holds up the Eucharist, wears black high heals under his white dress.

A Dozen Graves Vandalised in Royan

October 6, 2012, France

In the cemetery of Tilleuls Royan a dozen graves were targeted by vandals, probably on the night from October 5th to 6th. Memorial plates and flower pots were broken. Police are investigating.

German Parents Lose Custody of Their Children for Homeschooling

October 5, 2012, Germany

A district court in Darmstadt, Germany has revoked custody of four children from their parents and ordered it turned over to the Jugendamt, Germany’s child protective agency.

Christian Graves Vandalised in a Cemetery of Landes

October 5, 2012, France

A dozen Christian graves were vandalized in the village of Moustey (Landes). The incident occurred in the night of Thursday, October 4 to Friday, October 5. A dozen headstones were damaged and knocked over. Plates and funerary equipment was damaged, motocross tires left deep scars and damages on the ground along walkways and on the central cross.

Desecration of Two Churches in Soissons

October 4, 2012, France

On October 4, two churches were broken into, robbed, and desecrated in Soissons. In the church of Sainte-Eugénie, the presbytery and the door were broken open, the tabernacle was opened, papers and money was stolen.

70 Christian Graves Desecrated near Albi

October 4, 2012, France

Seventy graves were damaged at a small cemetery adjacent to a Catholic church. An investigation was opened after the discovery in Albi on October 4th. Seventy crosses were overturned and laid on the ground, 16 of them were broken, and funerary objects were vandalized in the cemetery in the area Fonlabour. The desecration was not signed nor claimed, said the departmental director of public safety (DDSP), the Commissioner Pierre-Marc Panazio, an AFP correspondent.

Church in Lithuania Set on Fire a Second Time

October 4, 2012, Lithuania

A church was set on fire and burned to the ground on October 4 2012. This was the same church where an attempt at burning the church was made in September 2012.

Vandalism in Lithuanian Church

October 4, 2012, Lithuania

On October 4th 2012 vandals broke the windows of a church in Raudondvaris and damaged a statue inside the church.

Pro-Life Activists Continuously Attacked

October 3, 2012, Germany

Pro-Life activists continuously suffer attacks from radical groups, including physical attacks and property damages; as well as negative stereotyping by the media; and an infringement on freedom of assembly and expression by a ban mile.

A Newly Restored Chapel Vandalised in Nice

October 3, 2012, France

The chapel of Saint-Jacques de Nice, which had been vandalised in June, was again targeted. After breaking into the door, the perpetrators attacked the statues that decorated the interior of the church building. Several of them were "beheaded". The deputy mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, immediately denounced the act of vandalism in a statement through an act of "unfair, incredible and malicious act committed in the heart of a place of worship."

Traditional Bible Reading Marathon Not Permitted in Paris

October 1, 2012, France

Evangelical Protestants who have organized an annual "Marathon of the Bible" with over 500 participants reading and sharing in Paris since 2003, did not obtain the permission to hold a session in 2012.

Religious Radio Programme Arbitrarily Cancelled

October 1, 2012, Croatia

For twenty years Croatia’s national radio station (HRT) had, through an agreement with the Bishop’s Conference, broadcast a five minute programme, “Praised be Jesus Christ” edited by the local archdiocese. This agreement was ended by the HRT: it cancelled the programme without warning or explanation.

Vatican and Several Cathedrals Virtually „Occupied“ in App

September 29, 2012, International

In the augmented reality app „Junaio“, several of the world’s large cathedrals are decorated with a banner displaying the text “Abortion Pills, A Gift From God” and instructions how to do an abortion yourself with a medicine called misoprostol.

Christian Pro-Life Group Legally Threatened by Abortion Giant

September 28, 2012, United Kingdom

Maria Stopes International (MSI), one of the biggest abortion providers worldwide located in the UK, threatened to take legal action against a pregnancy pro-life center (Good Counsel) for distributing and providing some information about the negative effects of abortion on mental health.

Christians Threatened in Muslim-Christian Area in Bulgaria

September 27, 2012, Bulgaria

“Christians are threatened” said a resident of the Roma neighborhood in Iztok, a suburb in Pazardjik (Bulgaria) in the television program "Fatherland Front" (Otechestven front) with Martin Karbovski.

St. Oswald in Traunstein Vandalized Again

September 26, 2012, Germany

The St. Oswald Church in Traunstein, Germany was presumably spray painted by the Antifascist group “ANTIFA”. In this church, Pope emeritus Benedict XVI celebrated his first mass as a priest. The motivation for this attack is unknown. Several objects were spraypainted including a bust of Pope emeritus Benedict XVI. The bust had been vandalised two times already before.

National Pro-Life-Manifestation Attacked by Radical Left Wing Groups

September 23, 2012, Germany

Every year in September, a national pro-life-manifestation - the March for Life takes place in Berlin. Radical groups disturb the peaceful marchers each year - with methods ranging from insults and hurtful chanting, to blocking of roads or venues, to property damage or physical violence.

A Catholic Bookstore Vandalised in Bordeaux

September 23, 2012, France

The Catholic bookstore located in front of the church of St. Eloi was vandalized on September 22-23. The store has been vandalised for the 26th time. The window was partly destroyed. For several years, the store has been the target of many attackes. This however, does not seem to impress the public authorities, the town hall or the mainstream media nor prompt them to take action.

Attempted Fire in Church in Lithuania

September 23, 2012, Lithuania

On September 23rd, 2012 someone made an unsuccessful attempt to set a church in Kulautuva on fire.

A Church Stained With Muslim Signs in the Rhône

September 21, 2012, France

On the night of Friday 21 to Saturday 22 September the church of the city of Chassieu was sprayed with orange colour with the signs - "Islam is gaining momentum”, the name of terrorist and the new idol of suburbs "M.MERAH."

Pharmacists' Freedom of Conscience Uncertain

September 19, 2012, Germany

While the law does not protect the freedom of conscience for German pharmacists, a letter from the ministry, dated 1986 upholds it. Legally, the letter is not binding. The uncertainty of whether this letter would be followed by today’s courts constitutes a difficulty in the ethical considerations and the freedom of acting according to one’s conscience of pharmacists in Germany.

„Homeschooling“ Still Prohibited

September 19, 2012, Germany

Parents rights are commonly understood to include the right to chose the form of education of one’s children, including the possibility of non-institutional education, such as the so-called homeschooling. Not so in Germany.

Compulsory Sex Ed Problematic for Christian Families

September 19, 2012, Germany

Germany’s strict federal laws on compulsory school attendance do not allow any opt out with regard to sexual education.

Disrespectful Fashion Show Promotion

September 19, 2012, Lithuania

The Lithuanian fashion label Robert Kalinkin promotes the fashion show of his new spring/summer collection 2013 on October 10th entitled “Jesus Mary” with disrespectful posters in Vilnius obviously transgressing the boundaries of good taste.

Christian Bed & Breakfast Owners Report Torrent of Hateful Messages

September 19, 2012, United Kingdom

The Christian owners of a bed and breakfast in Britain, Mike and Susanne Wilkinson, have received countless hate-filled messages in the wake of refusing to give a homosexual couple a double room.

Prime Minister Thinks Teachers Should Not Be Allowed to Teach that Homosexual Behavior Was a Sin

September 16, 2012, United Kingdom

Prime minister David Cameron thinks that faith schools should not be allowed to teach that homosexuality is a sin, according to a quote featured by the Daily Mail.

Catholic Bishop Insulted in Newspaper

September 15, 2012, Croatia

The Bishop of Sisak, Mons. Vlado Kosic, was verbally attacked in the Croatian Newspaper “Jutarnij List” on the 15th of September 2012. The Apostolic Nunciature of Croatia reported that he was called a “Nazi Bishop” in an article written by Jurica Pavcic.

Graves Desecrated in Val d’Oise

September 14, 2012, France

In September 2012 the Apostolic Nunciature in France reported that 21 graves were desecrated by unknown perpetrator(s) in Goussainville, Val d’Oise, France.

Teachers and Others Threatened With Dismissal if They Didn’t Endorse Gay Marriage

September 12, 2012, United Kingdom

If gay marriage is legalized, teachers and others could be forced out of their jobs if they fail to endorse such unions, a top lawyer says. Parents would have no right to insist that their children are withdrawn from school lessons across the curriculum that approve of same-sex marriage. Chaplains who work in the NHS or the Armed Forces could be dismissed if they preach that marriage is between a man and a woman.

Christian Councillor was Expelled from Green Party because of her Views on Gay Marriage

September 10, 2012, United Kingdom

A councillor for the Green Party, Christina Summers, a Christian, who disagrees with her party’s support for redefining marriage should be “expelled”, an internal disciplinary panel has said. She has responded by saying the decision is a “typical symptom of prejudice, blatant prejudice”.

Bomb Threat Against the Cathedral of Zagreb

September 10, 2012, Croatia

The Chief Editor of a Catholic Magazine, Mons. Miklenic, received a threat by email on the 10th of September 2012. The email stated that a bomb would be placed in the Cathedral of Zagreb, and “everyone will jump in the air”. This was reported by the Apostolic Nunciature in Croatia.

Church in Landshut Borken Into

September 9, 2012, Germany

On the 09.09.2012 in Mirskofen (Landshut) someone desecrated the sacred space of the church and the sacristy was broken into.

Local Church Defiled in Breisach

September 7, 2012, Germany

In Ihringen (Breisach) the holy sacred space of the local church was defiled by feces and other clear signs of vandalism and aggression against Christianity.

Money Stolen from a Church Donations Box

September 7, 2012, Germany

Thieves entered through a window into the Church on the market of Bad Langensalza. They pried open a donation box and stole a large amount of money.

CoE PACE Proposal Might Endanger Parents' Rights to Religious Education

September 6, 2012, European Institutions (EU, ECHR, et.al.)

French member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe proposed a report on the protection of children against 'sectarian drifts' which possibly collides with the parents' right to religious education of their choice.

Greenpeace Activists Harass Crossroads Walkers

September 6, 2012, Spain

Participants in Spain’s first annual Crossroads walk, a Christian-inspired cross-country march for the right to life, were confronted with a group of angry Greenpeace activists, who were peeved by the walkers’ pro-life position, and suffered insults, severe threats of violence and graffiti on their RV.

British Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg’s Advisor Calls Same-Sex Marriage Opponents “Bigots”

September 4, 2012, United Kingdom

A former senior advisor to Nick Clegg says supporters of traditional marriage are “bigots” and Mr Clegg should have said so too in a speech but changed it after public furor.

Evangelical Church Desecrated in Odenwald

September 4, 2012, Germany

In Hirschhorn (Odenwald) on the 4th Sept. 2012 the Evangelical church was desecrated.

Vandalism and Theft in Werdener Dom in Essen

September 3, 2012, Germany

Perpetrators broke into the cathedral of Werden in Essen and stole the donation boxes creating several thousand euros worth of damage.

Movie of Austrian Producer “Paradise: Faith” with Blasphemous Content

September 2, 2012, Italy

The movie “Paradise: Faith”, shown at the film festival in Venice, scandalized the audience because of a masturbation scene using a cross.

Teacher Flunks High School Student for Saying that Homosexuality is an “Abnormal Orientation"

September 1, 2012, Sweden

During a biology class a Swedish high school student spoke up and called homosexuality an “abnormal sexual orientation”. As a result of this comment the teacher flunked the student. The reasoning of the teacher is that it is the task of the educational system to teach pupils respect for all sexual orientations. The opposing view of the student doesn’t correspond to the curriculum’s goal.

Churches in Occupied Cyprus Plundered

September 1, 2012, Cyprus

Numerous churches in the Turkish occupied area of Cyprus were profaned and turned into storage rooms, museums and mosques.

Local Council in Broue Orders Removal of Cross at Cemetery

August 30, 2012, France

The City of Broue ordered the removal of a cross at the entrance to the city cemetery at the instigation of a counsellor, saying that "the cemetery is a public building; there should be no religious symbols." This was done "in the name of tolerance."

Ad For Mountain Tourism Conceals Summit Cross

August 30, 2012, Germany

Due to increased tourism from Middle Eastern countries, the management of the Zugspitze Railway in Bavaria produced an advertisement leaflet of the mountain “Zugspitze” without an image of the summit cross. Churches protested.

Boys Life Support Unit Switched Off Against The Wish of Christian Parents

August 29, 2012, United Kingdom

The Judge of London’s Royal Court of Justice ruled on August 10th that the life support system of an 8-year- old boy may be switched off by team of doctors, ignoring parents’ wish to keep him alive.

Desecrations of Cross and Chapel in the Bretagne

August 26, 2012, France

In the night of August 22nd to 23rd, a desecration took place in the garden of the Abbey of Saint-Jacut-sur-Mer (Bretagne): a cross has been stolen. On the night of August 25th to 26th, the chapel of Locmaria Carnac was desecrated and the number 6 had been tagged on the walls.

Burglaries in Churches and Parish Buildings

August 24, 2012, Germany

The parish building in Klotten and Pommern and the sacristy of the church in Bremm were broken into by burglars looking for money.

Vandalism in Naklo

August 22, 2012, Slovenia

On 22nd August 2012 unknown perpetrators desecrated a chapel of Saint Anthony in Naklo, Slovenia. They wrote the word "Satan" on the floor and words like "You worship the wrong God" on one of the frescos with a black grafitti. On another fresco they drew a cross turned upside down.

Jewels of Image of Mary Stolen at Sanctuary in Rijeka

August 21, 2012, Croatia

On August 21, 2012, the Holy See National Contact Point of the Apostolic Nunciature in Croatia reported that in the sanctuary of the Madonna of Trsat, Rijeka, golden jewels of the image of Mary, the mother of Jesus were stolen.

Burglars in Church Sacristy in Treis

August 20, 2012, Germany

An unidentified perpetrator broke into the sacristy of a Church in Treis and attempted to steal money. The police did not release the amount of the damage.

Vandalism at the Cemetery in Spišské Vlachy

August 16, 2012, Slovakia

On August 16 six graves had their graves stones displaces, vases and candleholders broken by unknown intruders. This was discovered by a town employee who notified the police.

Catholic Church in Bötzingen Broken Into and Defiled

August 16, 2012, Germany

In Bötzingen (Freiburg) on the 16th of August one or perhaps more perpetrators broke into the Catholic Church on the main street in Bötzingen, destroying the decorations around the church. The perpetrators also defiled the sacred space by urinating and splashed holy water on an open torn up bible. More damage has also been detected in several pipes of the organ.

A Blasphemous Jesus Caricature Disturbs Religious Feelings of Christians in Kassel

August 10, 2012, Germany

A large publicity poster at the entrance to a cultural center in Kassel shows the caricature of Jesus on the Cross including an offensive caption which caused strong indignation among Christians living in Kassel.

Chapel of Saint-Sébastien Set on Fire

August 8, 2012, France

The chapel of Saint-Sébastien in the region of le Gard, France, suffered an arson attack which partially destroyed the wooden part of the altar. This was not the first attack on the chapel.

NGO Calls for Withdrawal of Recognition for Russian-Orthodox Church in Austria

August 6, 2012, Austria

The Austrian Initiative “Religion is a private matter” seeks to deprive the Russian-orthodox Church in Vienna of its legal personality because of its involvement in the “Pussy Riot” case.

Desecration of Graves in Lithuania

August 6, 2012, Lithuania

On August 6th, 2012, graves in Balbieriškis were vandalised.

Pro-Life Advocates Arrested for Displaying Abortion Posters

August 2, 2012, Poland

Mariusz Dzierżawski, founder of the Warsaw-based PRO Foundation – Right to Life, and a fellow PRO Foundation member were arrested by the local governmental authorities during an approved anti-abortion rally at the entrance of the Woodstock Festival held in the western Polish city of Kostrzyn.

Church in Sachsen Broken Into

July 31, 2012, Germany

In Angel (Sachsen), the church of St. Pancras was desecrated, sacred chalices and alms for the poorest were stolen.

Demonstrations Against New Church in Turkey

July 28, 2012, Turkey

On July 28th, 2012 there were demonstrations against a newly opened church in Denizli. The church did not shut down but security matters were increased and no one got hurt.

Westphalian Church St Ida Broken Into

July 27, 2012, Germany

In Münster-Gremmendorf (Westphalia) the church of St. Ida was desecrated. Sacred vestments were thrown into the gutter, the sacred space was desecrated and the Sacristy broken into. Donations for the poor stolen as well.

Christian Cemetery Devastated

July 27, 2012, Germany

In Herzberg a Christian cemetery and place for the exhibition of the dead was devastated.

Desecration of Graves in Herzberg

July 27, 2012, Germany

On the 27th of July 2012, graves and mourning areas in Herzberg, Germany were desecrated. This was reported by the Apostolic Nunciature of Germany.

Violence and Damages in Aggressive Disruption of a Pro-Life Manifestation

July 24, 2012, Austria

More than 80 pro-abortion-activists attacked the pro-life manifestation “1000 Crosses-March” organized by the Youth for Life and Human Life International in Salzburg-City. Blockages, insults and windows smashed kept a large number of police busy.

Entertainer Madonna Creates Negative Stereotypes of Christians at Current World Tour

July 17, 2012, International

American entertainer Madonna tours the world with her show MDNA. The song and video “Nobody Knows Me,” which is part of Madonna’s MDNA Tour, defames Christians and creates anti-Christian stereotypes.

Left NGO Calls for Violence Against Christians

July 17, 2012, Austria

The Salzburg-based NGO „Infoladen“ calls for violence against Christians when expressing pro-life views. In July they called for a counter-demonstration against a pro-life manifestation. „Let’s make their 1000-crosses-manifestation a disaster!“ and „Sink the 1000 crosses!“ are some of the slogans on their website.

Burglary in Church of the Holy Cross in Meiningen

July 12, 2012, Germany

Unidentified perpetrators broke into the church of the Holy Cross through a broken window. They stole a donation box with a few euros. Police are investigating.

Bosnian Government Fails to Offer Aid to Thousands of Catholics Wanting to Return

July 10, 2012, Bosnia and Herzegovina

A significant number of Catholic refugee families plan to come back to Bosnia- Herzegovina, but the Bosnian Government does not offer assistance in rebuilding their houses and restoring infrastructure. 800 families have turned to the Catholic Church for help. Bishop Franjo Komarica of Banja Luka declared that it is actually the task of the government to provide support. He complained about the lack of political will on the part of the government and the international community to enable Catholics to return to Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Graves Desecrated in Ardennes

July 9, 2012, France

In July 2012 the Apostolic Nunciature of France reported that 40 graves were desecrated by (an) unknown perpetrator(s) in Saint-Etienne-à-Arnes in Ardennes, France.

Plundered Donation Boxes in Churches in Euskirchen

July 8, 2012, Germany

Burglars forced their way into churches in Kirspenich, Schönau and Nemmenich and plundered the donation boxes.

Desecration of Church in Eckerförde, Offertory Box Robbed

July 6, 2012, Germany

A robber broke into the church in Eckerförde and stole the money being collected for the poor out of the offertory boxes. He left an apologetic message in the visitors book.

Party Proposes Explicit Ban of Conscientious Objection for Registrars with regard to Gay Marriage

July 4, 2012, Netherlands

The liberal party VVD (Volkspartij voor Vrijheid en Democratie) tabled a proposal in the second chamber of the parliament to prohibit the use of conscientious objection for registrars with regard to conducting gay marriages. There seems to be a majority in the parliament to support this proposal. The topic is expected to be debated until the end of the year 2012.

Legislative Proposal Seeks to Limit Conscientious Objection for Registrars

July 4, 2012, Netherlands

On the 4th of July 2012 an amendment of the law on public officers was proposed by the members Koser Kaya and Van Hijum to the Dutch Parliament: It calls for the dismissal of registrars for marriages, births and deaths who refuse to perform same-sex marriages on conscientious grounds - if not sufficient other tasks could be found for him or her. The proposal also seeks to establish a mandatory training of students studying to be a registrar on performing same-sex marriages.

Church Leaders in Turkey Face Harassment

July 3, 2012, Turkey

Church leaders in the Diriliş church of Konak were repeatedly verbally harassed and were attacked by teenagers with eggs. When the teens threatened one of the leaders with a gun, the parents were informed and the attacks stopped.

German Magazine Shows Pope with large Urine Stains

July 2, 2012, Germany

The German Magazine "Titanic" presents the pope as a senile for incontinent person by depicting him in a fotomontage with a large urine stain on his white clothes while giving a blessing.

Christian on Trial for Reaching Out to Woman on the Way to Abortion

June 30, 2012, France

A French retired doctor faced police investigation for trial because of giving a woman who intended an abortion knitted baby shoes and a medallion. In France “moral and psychological pressure” seen as an “hindrance of abortion” is punishable.

Left MPs File Complaint Against Cross in Polish Parliament

June 28, 2012, Poland

About 10 MPs of the anti-clerical “Palikot Movement” seek to enforce the removal of the Cross in the Polish Parliament by legal proceedings at the Administrative Court.

Burglars Caught in the Act in the Church of Holy Spirit in Flensburg

June 25, 2012, Germany

Two young men, 18 and 22 years old, known to police from past attempted burglaries in St. Nicolas church and the church of St. Mary; were caught in the act of burglary in the Holy Spirit church. They cracked several donation boxes and stole the coins.

Catholic Church Broken Into and Desecrated in Lübeck

June 23, 2012, Germany

In Bergtheide (Lübeck) the Catholic church has been broken into, the Altar was completely desecrated. Donations for the poorest were stolen and sacred artifacts defiled and partly destroyed. Church had to be ritually cleansed and blessed anew.

Vandalism and Burglary in Catholic Church of St. Bernard in Bad Herrenalb

June 22, 2012, Germany

Unknown perpetrators broke into the church of St. Bernard and caused serious property damage. A candlestick was dragged from the side chapel and used to break the offertory box and the money inside was stolen. The money box under the statue of Saint Anthony was torn out of the wall. Many doors were damaged and the cupboards in the sacristy were opened, searched and turned upside down.