All cases

Archbishop of York Receives Racist and Threatening Emails

February 6, 2012, United Kingdom

The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu received racist and threatening messages just days after he voiced his support for traditional marriage, sparking a police hate crime investigation.

Church of Épiais Completely Ruined by Criminal Fire

February 4, 2012, France

The church of Épinais had just been restored when it was completely destroyed during the night from February 4th to 5th, 2012. Five young men were arrested by the police.

Blasphemous Exhibition in Nantes

February 4, 2012, France

An art exhibit displaying disrespectful and mocking statues of the Virgin Mary opened in the Galery Albane in Nantes.

Cemetery in Istres Vandalised

February 3, 2012, France

On the 3rd of February 2012, the Apostolic Nunciature in France reported that a cemetery in Istres, France, was vandalised.

Church in Turkey Shut Down After Church Leader Threatened

February 3, 2012, Turkey

In the middle of the night of February 3rd, 2012 someone banged on the door of the house of the church leader of Cesme Lütuf’s and tried to get in. The scared man called the police but the perpetrator was not caught. The leader was scared for his life after having also been threatened over the internet so he shut down the church and left town.

Irish Bishop Investigated After Upsetting Humanist in Homily

February 2, 2012, Ireland

Bishop Philip Boyce of the Raphoe diocese in northwestern Ireland was investigated by the police for “hate crime” after arguing that the Catholic Church in Ireland is under attack from “aggressive secularism”.

Catholics to be Singled Out by Proposal to "Screen" Civil Servants with Regard to "Church Deference"

February 1, 2012, Ireland

A proposal that senior civil servants which are likely to deal with the Catholic Church should be "screened" to ensure they do not show "inappropriate deference" to the church is to be debated at Labour's national conference.

Labour Party Calls for Prohibition of Enrollment Policies Based on Religion in Catholic Schools

February 1, 2012, Ireland

According to an Irish Labor party proposal to be discussed in April, ‘Catholics first’ policy in state-funded Catholic schools is illegal, discriminatory and should be abolished.

Discrimination Against Christian Communities in Bosnia-Herzegovina

February 1, 2012, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Almost 20 years after the war in the Balkans, there is still discrimination against Christians, especially Catholic Christians, in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Cardinal Puljic, Archbishop of Sarajevo pointed out the situation of Christians in his country during a visit to the international headquarters of the Catholic pastoral charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN).

University Motion Orders Human-Life-Defending Groups to Invite Pro-Abortion Speakers

January 31, 2012, United Kingdom

The students’ union of University College in London has passed a motion to officially make the campus “pro-choice” and to impose a “restriction of freedom of speech”.

Ad For Pizza Mocks Christianity

January 28, 2012, Lithuania

Katpédélé, a Lithuanian Pizza Company, uses anti-Christian add mocking the last supper and disposing satanic number 666.

Pro-Abortion Attack Pro-Life Activists at Barcelona Hospital

January 27, 2012, Spain

Peaceful pro-life protesters against abortions at Barcelona Catholic hospital were attacked by pro-abortion counter-demonstrators, some of whom reportedly threw rocks and trash and shouted obscene insults.

Blasphemious Theater Play at Thalia Theater in Hamburg

January 25, 2012, Germany

The play "Golgotha Picnic" by Rodrigo Garcia contains "sedition, blasphemy and pornography", say Christian viewers.

Blasphemous Theater Play at Teatro Franco Parenti, Milan

January 24, 2012, Italy

Christian groups protested against the performance of a blasphemous theater play by Romeo Castellucci called “On the Concept of the Face, Regarding the Son of God”. The director of the Vatican press office, P. Federico Lombardi, and Italian sociologist Massimo Introvigne drew attention to the case and called to strong but calm and prayerful reaction of the Christian community.

Nuns Report Increase of Verbal Abuse and Discrimination

January 23, 2012, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Nuns wearing habits are being subjected to verbal abuse in public more frequently in Bosnia-Herzegovina, say local Franciscan Sisters.

Blasphemous TV Show

January 23, 2012, Italy

During the TV show "Big Brother" a participant made blasphemous remarks and for this he was disqualified.

Roman Catholic Firemen Disciplined for Refusal to Attend Rally Which Mocked their Faith

January 21, 2012, United Kingdom

A group of nine firemen from Glasgow, including several Roman Catholics, were disciplined by their employers for refusing to march in a ‘gay pride’ rally. Strathclyde Fire Board apologized after legal steps were taken.

Mayor Who Criticised Halloween Punished

January 11, 2012, United Kingdom

A church-going former mayor in Warwickshire who declined to take part in a Halloween event has been found in breach of equality rules for upsetting pagans.

No Conscientious Objection for Pharmacists Selling Abortion Pill

January 10, 2012, France

French pharmacists are required by law to sell the „morning after pill“ which causes an early abortion. The absence of conscientious objection is a violation of freedom of religion and conscience.

Pro-Abortion Activists Spread False Claim That Bishop Said It Was OK to Rape a Woman Who Had an Abortion

January 10, 2012, Spain

Pro-abortion forces on the internet are engaged in an ongoing campaign accusing a Spanish bishop of legitimizing rape during a sermon denouncing the killing of the unborn.

Liberal Politician Calls for Even Harsher Penalities of Restrictive Homeschooling Laws

January 10, 2012, Sweden

The Swedish liberal party politician Lotta Edholm called for even harsher penalties for homeschooling and for a change to the country’s social services law so that the government can take children away from home-schooling families more easily by allowing social workers to do so.

Church in Aplerbeck Broken Into, Offertory Boxes Robbed

January 9, 2012, Germany

On January 9th the protestant church in Aplerbeck was broken into. The offertory boxes were robbed and the money, which was meant for a good cause, was stolen.

Anti-Christian Threats to Observatory

January 5, 2012, International

The Observatory on Intolerance and Discrimination against Christians receives threats and anti-Christian messages such as: "Set the church on fire, keep the fire blazing, Christianity will soon fall!"

Attempted Burglary and Vandalism in Görlitz

January 5, 2012, Germany

Burglars tried to break into the Görglitz Peterskirche. They broke an ornamental glass window and the damage adds up to at least 1000€ even though nothing was stolen.

Vandalism Against a Church in the North of Duisburg

January 4, 2012, Germany

A Church in Duisburg was badly vandalised on New Year's Eve by unknown perpetrators who used stones and fireworks. Many windows were broken including those with security glass. Fireworks were fired through the holes made in the windows. Damage to property was a minimum of 15 000 Euros.

Church Vandalised in Starzach-Börstingen

January 4, 2012, Germany

A stranger broke into the Catholic church in Starzach-Börstingen and vandalised the organ, the Easter candle and much more.

Handmade Cribs Vandalised in Mittelhessem

January 3, 2012, Germany

In Mittelhessen, 14 of a collection of 44 handmade cribs were vandalised. The initiator of this exhibition estimates the material damage to about 500€ but the ultimate damage is boundless.

Catholic TV Channel Ignored in License Distribution

January 1, 2012, Poland

The Polish National Broadcasting Council (NBC) did not include a major Catholic TV channel in their distribution of crucial Digital terrestrial television multiplex licenses but accepted rather unknown commercial networks. Polish Christian groups as well as human rights activists are very concerned. This is a particularily important decision, as the technical future of the individual channels depends on it. For TV Trwam it is especially crucial, as the channel generates the funding for a widespread radio channel, standing and falling with the TV channel.

Holy Items Stolen From Several Places

December 31, 2011, Italy

Several thefts of the Eucharist, for Catholic a most holy item, have been reported in Italy. People fear sacriledgeous use of the Eucharist.

Vandalism in Riccione Done to John Paul II Memorial

December 31, 2011, Italy

A monument in memory of pope Jean-Paul II was damaged by vandals.

21 Hate Crimes against Christians Documented in 2011

December 31, 2011, Finland

The representation of the Catholic Church in Finland reported to OSCE a total of 21 hate crimes directed against Christians in the year 2011. The hate crimes range from insult and threat to vandalism and physical assault.

Seven Hate Crimes Against Christians in 2011

December 31, 2011, Denmark

The Holy See reported 7 hate crimes against Christians in Denmark in 2011 to OSCE/ODIHR.

24 Hate Crimes Against Christians in 2011

December 31, 2011, Finland

The Holy See reported 24 hate crimes against Christians in Finland in 2011 to OSCE/ODIHR.

Clinton: "Religious Believes are an Obstacle to Human Rights"

December 30, 2011, International

Religious believes are an obstacle to human rights, says US Secretary of State Mrs Hillary Clinton in a major foreign policy address in December 2011 in Geneva before United Nations delegates. Clinton identified "deeply-held … religious beliefs" as among "the obstacles standing in the way of protecting the human rights of LGBT [Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender] people."

(Scotland) Christian Principal Sacked from Multicultural College

December 30, 2011, United Kingdom

A principal, Malory Nye, and his wife have been sacked from the Al-Maktoum College of Higher Education in Dundee, Scotland, whose stated aim is to promote multiculturalism because they are white Christians, they claim. ‘We were sacked for being white and Christian', claim principal and his wife dismissed from Dubai-backed 'multicultural' college."

Series of Church Burglaries in Niedersachsen

December 30, 2011, European Institutions (EU, ECHR, et.al.)

There were several break-ins in churches all over Niedersachsen. The Burglaries are mostly aimed at the offertory boxes and the contained money, the damage depends on the amount of money that was found in the boxes.

Strangers Vandalise Catholic Church in Bonn

December 30, 2011, Germany

The Sankt Augustin church in Bonn was vandalised by strangers who broke a glass door and moved one of the massive offertory boxes. They couldn’t steal anything but the damage of property is worth about 1000€.

Reported Cases of Hate Crime in Denmark

December 30, 2011, Denmark

The Holy See reported seven hate crimes against Christians in 2011.

Reported Hate Crimes in Finland

December 30, 2011, Finland

The Holy See reported 24 hate crimes against Christians in 2011.

Vandalism in the Church of Saint Ottilia in Börstingen

December 29, 2011, Germany

A unknown perpetrator entered the church of St. Otilia in Börstingen and caused damage. At the organ he took a pipe about 70 centimetres high, pressed it into the other organ pipes and damaged a number of other organ pipes. He tore out several ornamental pins from the Easter candle and damaged it with a knife as well.

Church Broken Into and Offertory Boxes Emptied

December 29, 2011, Germany

A church in Hilden was broken into, the burglars emptied two offertory boxes and broke two glass windows to get in. It is not known how much money was in the boxes.

Vandalism at World Famous Rome Basilica S. Maria Maggiore

December 28, 2011, Italy

Vandals purposely damaged the main entrance of S. Maria Maggiore’s basilica.

Church and Graveyard Vandalised

December 27, 2011, Germany

Churches and graveyards around Gießen were vandalised. Someone painted symbols on gravestones and church doors and windows were covered in orange paint.

Anti-Christian Sculpture Displayed in Art Gallery

December 25, 2011, United Kingdom

An anonymous artist donated a stone bust of a cardinal with his face covered in pixels to a gallery in Liverpool. The sculpture implies that Church officials are criminals. "...it’s easy to forget the true meaning of Christianity - the lies, the corruption, the abuse," says the producer. Reyahn King, the art gallery's director is "thrilled".

Christians Physically Assaulted at Christmas

December 25, 2011, Bosnia and Herzegovina

In Zavidovici, numerous cases of physical assaults on older Catholics were reported on Christmas day.

Vandalism at Christmas in Naples

December 25, 2011, Italy

The chapel of the church "Nostra Signora della Speranza" in Villaricca (Naples) was target by vandals during Christmas night.

Vandalism on Christmas Eve in Bible Garden in Loeffingen

December 25, 2011, Germany

The Bible Garden in Loeffingen was totally devastated by a unknown perpetrator. The garden and the plants were completely ruined.

Business Leader Says "Christians who Defend Marriage are Evil"

December 20, 2011, United Kingdom

“I’m…campaigning against evil Christians (that’s not all Christians, just bad ones) who think that gay people should not lead happy lives and get married to their same-sex partners,” said Nick Lansley, TESCO Head of Research and Development for the Tesco website.

Dead Animals Buried in Graveyard

December 14, 2011, Germany

A member of the St Vincent Parish in Lenne found a dead cat in a family members grave when she went to tidy it. The cat had been buried right beneath the dirt with only the feet sticking out. Several weeks later half a chicken was found buried in another grave.

73-Year-Old Priest Beaten and Attacked

December 10, 2011, Poland

On December 10th, 2011, 73-year-old Roman-Catholic priest, Fr. Stanislaw Wysocki, was attacked and beaten in Suwalki, and was hospitalized. Despite police proceedings, the perpetrators were not identified.

Church in Wesseling Covered with Graffiti

December 7, 2011, Germany

On December 7th 2011 the St.Germanus church in Wesseling was vandalised. Neo-Nazi symbols were sprayed in golden acrylic paint all over the doors.

Attacks against Gender-Mainstreaming Information Event at Student Fraternity

December 6, 2011, Germany

German writer Gabriele Kuby spoke at the student organisation KDSTV Saarland in Jena on December 6th on the issue of Gender Mainstreaming. Due to her critical take on current developments in this regard, the association “Diversity Life” (“Vielfalt Leben”) convened about 30-40 demonstrators who gathered in the stairway of the building, yelling, knocking at the doors, throwing eggs. The police had to clear the building. “Diversity life” had been supported by the working group “Queer Paradies” as well as by the “coordinating body of the city programme of Jena and contact office of the round table for democracy” (“KoKont”).

Pro-Condom Campaign Takes Image of the Mother of Jesus Hostage and Symbolically Drowns Her

December 5, 2011, Germany

"Jugend gegen AIDS" (Youth against AIDS), a Hamburg based youth organization, launched a campaign in support of the use of condoms and against Catholic policy targeting Mary, the mother of Jesus. In a video, a statute of Mary is taken hostage and placed in glass tank. A pipe is connected to the Virgin´s eye, and every time a Facebook user "likes" the campaign web site on the social media, a drop of water falls from Her eye, and increases the level of the water in the tank where the Virgin has been placed.

Sexual Education Class Violates Parents' Rights

December 4, 2011, Hungary

Hungarian parents of an 11-year-old reported that in December 2011 their daughter came back from school having experienced the following: a female university student had come to their public school in a village near Budapest to provide sexual education to the children. The young woman who was alone with the children for this class, showed them slides of male and female genitals and put a condom on a cucumber and encouraged the children to touch it.

Study Reveals: Christians are a minorty at the BBC

December 3, 2011, United Kingdom

A diversity survey conducted internally by the BBC revealed that only 22.5 of its employees are Christians. In a country where the majority of the population identified themselves as Christians, the fact that the BBC staff do not constitute a fair representation of the public constitute a factor that needs to be corrected, said BBC veteran Roger Bolton.

High Court Action Against Council Prayers Under Way

November 30, 2011, United Kingdom

The National Secular Society uses courts to stop Bideford Town Council from keeping prayers on its agenda.

Churches Vandalised in Bayeux and Bessin

November 30, 2011, France

A wave of crime and vandalism hit several parishes in the area of Bayeux and Bessin. Notre-Dame du Bessin, Saint-Loup Hors and Manoir churches have suffered material damage whereas in the parish of Port en Bessin a chalice was stolen.

Theater Play Advertisement Portrays Jesus as King of Lies and Meaninglessness

November 30, 2011, Germany

"Die Präsidentinnen" - "The female presidents" is a theater play by Werner Schwab, first shown in Vienna. In November 2011 it was restaged in Cologne. It is a play about the "lies of life", disappointed hopes and meaninglessness. The advertizement poster of the restaged performance shows a crucifix hanging on a toilet. For Christians, this implies that Jesus Christ was the king of lies and ought to be flushed down the toilet in the cleansing process. This is offensive and hurtful to Christians.

Children DVD Stripped of Christian Christmas-related Content

November 29, 2011, United Kingdom

Produced by „Hit Entertainment“, the TV episode “Keeping up with James” based on Reveren Wilbert Audry´s books was stripped of every reference to Christmas. The Christmas season is called winter holidays, and the Christmas tree is named the holiday tree. On the DVD narrator Michael Angelis tells viewers: “You’ll always see a tree with decorations during the winter holidays.”

Trespassing and Thefts in Kostajnica

November 29, 2011, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Burglars broke into the church of Kostajnica and stole various objects.

Consistent Harassment of Christian Employee by Muslim Colleagues

November 27, 2011, United Kingdom

Nouhad Halawi claimed she and other Christian colleagues at Heathrow Airport's World Duty Free shop are victims of a hate campaign run by fundamentalist Muslims. According to Halawi, she suffered consistent pressure and threats because of her beliefs, and for wearing a necklace cross.

Homeschooling Parents in Fear of Loosing Custody Over Children

November 25, 2011, Germany

Local and state education officials have threatened to take the Dudek family’s children to school by force, according to a letter to the parents Jürgen and Rosemarie Dudek.

Statue of Christ Beheaded in North of France

November 24, 2011, France

The statue of the Christ of the small village of Wasnes-au-Bac (Nord) was beheaded by one or several vandals, probably during the night from Tuesday, November 15th to Wednesday, November 16th. The mayor of the village, Jules Cornet is particularly shocked as the statue had been restored just fifteen days before.

Aggressive Campaign to Remove Theology Department at University of Granada

November 23, 2011, Spain

The Association in Defense of Public and Laity Universities has asked the Dean of the University of Granada in a letter to dissolve the Theology Department which recently opened. The radically secularist group says on their website that "the creation of the Theology Studies Department is a violation of the neutrality and laity principles consecrated in the Spanish Constitution; it is an attack at the university because it undermines the independence and accuracy of the rational and critical thinking, because it puts theology at the same level as science, even though it has not other fundament that the faith itself. With the institution of a Theology Department the university moves forward into Catholicism, and thereby backwards to medieval times and national-socialism [dictatorship]."

Vandalism in a Church in Sarano (Treviso)

November 20, 2011, Italy

Vandals broke in Santa Lucia’s church in Sarano, stole the church offerings as well as three patens and a robe. They also threw the Eucharstic hosts to the flour and damaged the sacristy.

Prefecture Prohibits Pro-Life Manifestation, Allows Left Wing Counter Protests

November 19, 2011, France

The French Christian pro life group "SOS Tout-petits" registered a manifestation against abortion to take place on Nov 19th in front of the Paris Hospital Tenon. Even though the request for the permit came in due time, the prefecture withdrew the permission last minute. Reasons given were that the manifestation could be a disturbance of the public order and safety could not be guaranteed. At the same time, pro-choice groups which had organized a counter manifestation, and who had violently attacked the pro-life group during previous manifestations were allowed to hold their manifestation by walking around the hospital.

Five Christian Icons Vandalised on a Week of Anti-Christian Raids in Dax (Landes)

November 18, 2011, France

Three images of Mary and two crucifixes were vandalised in the city of Dax between November 10th and 18th. The statue of Mary located in Pontonx church was covered from the top to the bottom with red paint; the face of a Virgin located at the Saugnac-y-Cambran junction was covered with red as well; and the Virgin of Buglose´s face was covered with black paint. One of the vandalized crucifixes was painted in red and the arms cut off, while the one located inside Rion-des-Landes church was covered with red paint.

Clothing Company Ad Disrespects Christians Through the Image of the Pope

November 17, 2011, International

An advertisment campaign of the clothing company Benetton featured the Pope kissing intensely the Islamic Shek of the Al-Azhar Mosque on the lips. The campaign is called UnHate and claims to stand for peace in the world. The image of the pope kissing the imam implies that the Pope would currently "hate" the Imam, or be intolerant towards Muslims. After many protests, Benetton removed the photo montage off their website. It seems however, that the provocation - as well as the removal - was planned as a PR campaign from the beginning.

Vulgar Poster at Corcega University

November 17, 2011, France

A second year art student used a blasphemous image to promote his exhibition «Histoire d'une absence» at Corte University, in Corcega. Fellow students and students association complained to the University Dean Pascal Ottavi for the blasphemoous image that shows a rosary tied around a male sexual organ.

Heated Debate on Anti-Christian Theater Play Portrays Christians Negatively

November 16, 2011, France

The Golgota Picnic (Golgotha Picnic), a provacative anti-Christian play written by the Argentine-born author Rodrigo Garcia, has drawn the anger of French Christians who protested outside the Garonne Theatre in Toulouse. While the theater's manager, Jacky Ohayon, insisted the play be harmless and ran previously in Spain "with no trouble", Catholic Bishop Dominique Rey of Frejus-Toulon said that "Garcia's play shows Christ as 'madman, dog, pyromaniac, messiah of Aids, devil-whore, no better than a terrorist'."

Catholic Cemetery of Sussargues Vandalised

November 12, 2011, France

The cemetery of the village of Sussargues in France has been vandalised. The perpetrator(s) damaged about thirty graves and memorials. Crucifix were broken or turned upside down, statuettes of the Virgin Mary were planted head in the ground. Satanists tags are visible on many graves.

Church Desecrated in Vauréal

November 12, 2011, France

The church of Sainte-Claire of Vauréal has been desecrated and Christian symbols specifically attacked. A city councilor criticizes the lack of response of governmental institutions.

Vandalism Against Wayside Crosses and Corpusses

November 7, 2011, Switzerland

In the Swiss village of St. Pantaleon-Nuglar, unknown perpetrators have attacked Christian images several times. Corpusses were pulled off crosses, taken away or destroyed. One corpus was hung on a tree. Now, the image of a naked woman was sprayed on a cross which had formally been vandalised and stripped of the corpus. A charge against unknown persons was submitted by by the private owner of the wayside cross.

Radical Feminists Undressed as Protest on St. Peter Square

November 6, 2011, Italy

Three radical feminists undressed at St. Peter Square in Vatican City right after the Pope´s traditional Sunday blessing to the pilgrims gathering there on November 6th. One of the women, identified as Oleksandra Shevchenko, leader of the responsible non-governmental organisation Femen, took off her jacket uncovering a transparent blouse under the balcony of the pope while holding a sign with the phrase "Freedom for Women". According to the media reports, she screamed "We are free" and bit into a cross. When the police came, she took off her blouse, and even her trousers.

Vandalism at St. Georg Church in Munich

November 5, 2011, Germany

For several years local youth have been vandalizing St. Georg Church in Munich. They took tiles off the roof, sprayed graffiti on the outside walls, urinated into the holy water vessels and set fire at the local graveyard. The attacks were ongoing in November 2011. Some of the youth are known to the parish priest, who does not reported them to the police. One of the youth stated in a TV interview with blurred image that he was Moslem and felt uncomfortable with the majority denomination. The priest says that many youth are aggressive towards the Church due to emotional neglect they suffer at home.

Police Force Necessary to Protect Pro Life Activists from Left Wing Mob

November 3, 2011, Switzerland

Police in Zurich, Switzerland were forced to use water cannons and tear gas against anti-life protesters who tried to disrupt a recent March for Life of about a thousand pro-life supporters marching through the streets of the Swiss capital.

Blasphemous Christmas Movie Screens at European Cinemas

November 1, 2011, International

The Warner Bros production "A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas", profanes Christian symbols and traditions. It contains sacrilegious humor, graphic non-marital and aberrant sexual activity, full nudity, a benign view of drug use, about a half-dozen instances of profanity and pervasive rough and crude language."

(Scotland) Former Leader Becomes Victim of Religious Discrimination

October 31, 2011, United Kingdom

Former Scottish National Party leader Gordon Wilson has said a “lynch mob” booted him off the board of Dundee Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) because of his support for traditional marriage after Mr Wilson had responded to the Scottish Government’s consultation on redefining marriage, saying that he was opposed to the idea.

Blasphemous Play Hurts Feelings of Christians

October 31, 2011, Ireland

At the Dublin Grand Canal Theatre „Jerry Springer: The Opera“ was screened in the country for the first time on October 31th, 2011. Christians protested outside the theatre before the performance, several people walked out during the show.

Vandalism at Cemetery in Niedereschach

October 30, 2011, Germany

On the night of October 30th, vandals raged on the graveyard of Niedereschach, damaging graves, memorial candles, statues of Mary and of angels, flowers, and jardinières. They also pulled out wooden crosses of fresh graves and lined them up upside down which could indicate a satanic background.

Vandalism at Cemetery in Westerkappeln

October 28, 2011, Germany

Several cases of vandalism were recorded on the graveyard in Westerkappeln between October 26th and October 28th, including the use of graveyard lanterns as foot balls.

Pro-Life Side-Walk Counsellors Condemned by Court

October 25, 2011, Austria

On October 25th, the state court of Graz, Styria, upheld a judgement of the first instance condemning pro-life side-walk counsellors to payments between 350 and 6200 Euro.

Vandalism at Graveyard of Ostbevern

October 25, 2011, Germany

In Ostbevern, strangers knocked off the nose, feet, and part of the knee of a figure of Christ located on the graveyard. This is not the first time that the statue suffered from vandalism.

Demotion and 40% Pay Cut After Critizing Gay Marriage on Facebook

October 24, 2011, United Kingdom

Adrian Smith (Christian, 54, father of two) of Manchester was demoted by his employer Trafford Council and Trafford Housing Trust after making a comment regarding the controversial plans of the ministers that could allow same-sex couples by law to „marry“ in Church although the Church of England refuses to participate.

Anti-Discrimination Legislation Interferes with Religious Freedom

October 24, 2011, Austria

A senior Christian religious official looking for a secretary, asked the Austrian equal treatment commission before publishing a job advertisement: would it be permissable to reject a headscarf-wearing Muslim woman? The answer was no.

Vandalism of Church in Kallenhardt

October 22, 2011, Germany

An attempt of arson occured on October 22nd at the church of Kallenhardt. As a consequence, the church, which was freely accessible for prayer and recollection, had to remain closed for a longer period of time.

Vandalism of Cemetery in Mülheim

October 22, 2011, Germany

Strangers ravaged on the graveyard of Styrum in Mülheim and damaged 30 graves in the night from Oct 22 to 23.

Statue of Mary Stolen in Nord-Pas de Calais

October 21, 2011, France

It was very difficult for the inhabitants of Agnez-les-Duisans to realize that the Statue of Mary holding baby Jesus had disappeared and its emplacement had been very much damaged. The police is enquiring.

Double Standards in UK Foreign Aid: Indifference to Rights of Christians

October 20, 2011, United Kingdom

The former Conservative minister Ann Widdecombe pointed out the UK government's double standards in its threats to cut aid to countries which persecute gay people while turning a blind eye to persecution against Christians.

"Black Block" Manifestation Assaults a Church

October 20, 2011, Italy

During a "Black Block", a left wing militant manifestation in Rome, an unknown number of people entered the parish of Santi Marcellino e Pietro al Laterano and destroyed the crucifix and a statue of the Virgin Mary of Lourdes.

(Scotland) Christmas Snubbed by Government

October 19, 2011, United Kingdom

The Scottish Government failed to mention Christmas in its “Winter Festivals” programme. In an official news release the Government mentions St Andrew’s Day eleven times, Hogmanay five times and Burns Night several times. But Christmas is not mentioned at all.

Anarchist Damage Lateran Basilica in Rome

October 16, 2011, Italy

A small group of anarchist targeted the Basilica of Saint John Lateran in Rome. Various damages were detected, including the destruction of a statue of Mary.

"Occupy Rome" Activists Destroyed Sacred Icons During Demonstration

October 15, 2011, Italy

A group of youth who were marching as part of the anti-capitalist movement "Occupy Rome", detoured from the main stream of the parade, and made their way into Saints Marcellino and Pietro Parish, located between Labicana and Merulana streets. The youth, with their heads covered and handing sticks, broke into the parish house and took the statue of the Immaculate Conception and a crucifix. They carried the sacred icons outside the parish premises to the street, where both were destroyed and the debriefs left on the street.

Vandalism at Immaculate Conception Church in Vohwinkel

October 12, 2011, Germany

On October 12th unknown perpetraters vandalized the parish church of the Immaculate Conception in Vohwinkel. They damaged valuable pieces of art: a sword was pulled off a statue and attached to a crucifix, and a branch of a seven-branched candelabrum was torn off.

Vandalism in Presbytery in Rüthen-Menzel

October 12, 2011, Germany

Strangers set fire to the entrance door of the presbytery by means of petrol in Rüthen on Oct 12th. The fire had already made its way under the door and set the tapestry on fire when it was discovered and extinguished. Police asked the public for help.

Recurring Vandalism at Cemetery in Essen

October 11, 2011, Germany

Recurring instances of vandalism at Essen cemetery amount to 30 000 Euros in damage. The acts of vandalism include the stealing of vases, the removal of letters on graveyards, the ignition of over 50 compost containers in the time period of a few weeks. Several relatives of those whose graves had been attacked were under significant emotional distress.

Two Local Councils in South East England Told to Stop Holding Prayers at the Beginning of Council Meetings

October 11, 2011, United Kingdom

Crowborough Town Council and Mayfield Parish Council - both in East Sussex - have both been warned that prayers "should not be part of a council meeting". The warning comes from the Sussex Association of Local Councils, which is responsible for local government in the area.

Ongoing Outside Pressure on Ireland to Legalize Abortion

October 11, 2011, International

At a UN meeting, delegates from Britain, Denmark, Spain and other countries called for Ireland to legalize abortion - with Denmark calling for legislation to allow for abortion on demand, constituting pressure seeking to undermine the Christian convictions of the majority of the Irish population.

City Halts Construction of Catholic Church With Legal Hardships

October 6, 2011, Russia

The archbishop of Moscow, Msgr. Paolo Pezzi has critized the city of Pskow (North-West Russia) to discriminate against the Catholic Church by denying the prolongation of a building permit.

BBC Guidelines Suggest to Replace BC and AD with "Religiously Neutral" Terms

October 5, 2011, United Kingdom

BBC’s new guidelines of religious impartiality contain the suggestion to use religiously “neutral” terms instead of “BC” and “AD” during discussions of history on air.