All cases
Mobbing of Christians at Islamic School
August 18, 2009, NetherlandsChristians treated as second class teachers; pupils taught that “Christianity would be abolished in the end, all other religions would disappear and everybody will convert to Islam” at school in Amsterdam, and that “only Muslims can after all be good people.”
Christian Family Called Names and Spat on
August 15, 2009, United KingdomHarrassed Christian family sends report to the observatory
Manchester Street Preacher Questioned by Police
August 15, 2009, United KingdomFreedom of speech is being challenged in the case of Miguel Hayworth, a Christian street preacher in Manchester, UK who was silenced by police after publicly reading a passage from the Bible discussing homosexuality.
(Scotland) Bible Defaced In Art Exhibition
August 11, 2009, United KingdomObscene and offensive messages have been scrawled over a Bible at a taxpayer-funded exhibition in Glasgow.
Council Puts up Christmas Lights in August to Cater All Faiths
August 8, 2009, United KingdomResidents of Milnrow, Lancashire, were surprised to see council workers installing Christmas lights in August 2009, 127 days before Christmas Day. Rochdale Borough Council said the lights would be used to celebrate a number of festivals, starting with the Muslim feast of Eid in September. Other ‘holy days’ over the period between August and Christmas include Hindu Diwali celebrations in October, the Jewish feast of Hanukkah in December and even Yule, the pagan celebration of the winter solstice. The Council’s decision attracted derision from the national press and Milnrow residents. One local labelled the move “ludicrous” and said: “A worker told me they had to be up in time for all the religious festivals, but most of the lights refer to the Christian Christmas.”
Pop-Singer Madonna Offends Polish Catholics With Images, Contents and a Date
August 2, 2009, PolandPop-singer Madonna performed on August 15, the main Marian feast day of Polish Catholics, in Warsaw with for Christians offensive lyrics and images. Ads included sentences such as “There is no room for two queens in that country.”
Paediatrician Dismissed For Christian Views And Reinstated Upon Public Outcry
July 30, 2009, United KingdomExperienced community paediatrician dismissed from adoption panel over Christian views has been reinstated upon public outcry.
Severe Vandalism During Historical Commemoration
July 27, 2009, SpainAround twenty churches were vandalized on the night of July 26th in commemoration of the centenary of the „Tragic Week“ (a series of blood sheding fights between the Spanish army and the working classes) in Barcelona.
Christian Murdered Because of Faith
July 20, 2009, TurkeyGerman entrepreneur murdered in Istanbul most likely because of hatred towards Christians. CNN-Turk and Agence France Press quote the murderer to have stated in an interrogation that he had aimed at "killing Christians".
Repetitive Violence and Vandalism Against a Church in Toulon
July 1, 2009, FranceThe church of the Sacred-Heart of Toulon has been for the past two years the target of malevolent acts. Urine was found in the baptismal font, a church responsible was seriously assaulted, the tabernacle was vandalized and many thefts and degradation are to be deplored. The church had to be kept closed for several weeks in 2009.
A Priest Threatened And Assaulted In Toul
July 1, 2009, FranceFather Noël became a victim of intimidation and threats in Toul over the course of a year. He finally decided to leave the district of la Croix de Metz in Toul.
Civil Partnership Bill Passed to Committee Stage, Threatening Freedom of Conscience for Christians
June 26, 2009, IrelandA new Irish initiative that would grant rights to homosexual couples contains no conscience clause and lays out fines and potential prison sentences for registrars who refuse to carry out same-sex civil partnerships. Concerns from church leaders disregarded as Bill passes Second Stage consideration.
Homeschooled Child Seized by Swedish Government
June 25, 2009, SwedenSeven-year-old taken away from his family by Swedish authorities at Arlanda International Airport in Stockholm, for being home educated, although home education was legal in Sweden at that time.
Good Samaritan Church Has Windows Smashed
June 23, 2009, United KingdomThe Belfast church which had offered refuge to Romanian immigrants after a racisst attack was itself attacked.
Gay Pride Parade demeans Christianity
June 19, 2009, ItalyGay Pride parade in Rome depicts crosses with sex items, ridicules the suffering Jesus by live imitations and carries anti-Catholic flags.
First Communion Ritual Ousted of Meaning by Secular Flowering Festival
May 30, 2009, SpainThe City Major of Rivas-Vaciamadrid, José Masa, announced that he was going to organize a celebration for children between the ages of 8 to 10 similar to the religious first communion upon the request of the community. The festivities would be called "fiestas del florecimiento" (flowering festival). "It would be a 'laity first communion'; but I do not want to call it this way because then, the right wing blames me for the celebration of laity baptisms and marriages using Catholic Church rituals", he clarified.
Freedom of Speech Impeded / Anti-Christian Slogans on Posters
May 24, 2009, GermanyGerman Gay and Lesbian Association in opposition to two speeches on Psychotherapy congress on whether sexual orientation could be changed if wished for. Speeches had to be delivered with police protection. Anti-Christian counter-demonstration portrayed Jesus as a pig nailed to the cross and used slogans such as: “We are here to hurt your feelings.”
Consecrated Host Imitation Attached to Issue of Belgian Magazine
May 19, 2009, BelgiumBelgian magazine attached altar host imitations to May issue. Cover shows nun in sexy lace blouse saying “Holy shit!”
Equality Bill Feared to Limit Freedom of Religion for Churches in Employment Issues
May 19, 2009, United KingdomA new Equality Bill which would have forced Churches to employ practicing homosexuals or transsexuals as youth workers was amended and retained existing employment exceptions for the purposes of religion.
Movie Fosters Anti-Christian Stereotypes
May 15, 2009, International“Angels & Demons”, a film adaptation of Dan Brown's novel of the same name released on May 15, 2009, is filled with historical inaccuracies and anti-Christian stereotypes.
Basilica Desecrated
May 12, 2009, FranceHalf a dozen swastikas found tagged on several columns in the basilica of Saint Denis, Paris.
A Medal Established by the Queen Withdrawn as “too Christian”
May 12, 2009, United KingdomThe “Trinity Cross of the Order of Trinity” has been replaced by an “Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago” - a featuring a sun, stars, water and a map of the islands - as it was considered as offensive for non - Christians inhabitants.
A Cemetery Vandalized in Varilhes
May 9, 2009, FranceDuring the night from Thursday 7th to Friday 8th, one or several individuals broke in the cemetery of Varilhes and vandalized numerous graves. Flower pots were broken, flower and funeral ornaments thrown in the alleys and graves were unsealed.
Parliament Liberals Table Anti-Pope Amendment
May 7, 2009, European Institutions (EU, ECHR, et.al.)Liberal Group in the European Parliament tabled an amendment to the Annual Report on Human Rights in the World condemning Pope Benedict XVI's anti-condom statement.
Community Ruling Forbids Any Religious Symbols
May 6, 2009, ItalyA community ruling forbids any religious symbols, such as the crucifix, including on cemetery grounds, on May 6, 2009, in Lugo di Romagna.
Hospital Bans Paintings of Churches
May 5, 2009, United KingdomA London hospital informed local artists who contributed paintings for its decoration were informed that any depiction but that of churches was welcome. The reason given was to be mindful of other religions.
Nurse Fired For Religious Advise In a Role Play Training
May 1, 2009, United KingdomAnand Rao, a nurse with over 40-years of experience, has been sacked after he suggested two people playing patients might go to Church and pray during a role play session on a training course.
Congressmen Support a Motion to Condemn Benedict XVI´s Statements Made in Africa
April 30, 2009, SpainThe Catalonia Green Initiative (ICV), a left political fraction in the Spanish Congress, presented a motion to condemn Pope Benedict Statements made in Africa regarding HIV and the use of preservatives. The motion which was led by Joan Herrera and received the support of two members of the Popular Party (PP), Ana Pastor and Celia Villalobos.
Up to 100 Graves Wrecked in Montbron
April 30, 2009, FranceTombstones were tipped over, crosses broken, plaques and ornaments wrecked, flower pots put into pieces: a shocking sigh for the inhabitants. “I was disgusted to discover that,” says Gwenhaël François, mayor of Montbron.
Fire Set to Church in Clermont-Ferrand
April 28, 2009, FranceSaint Joseph’s church of Clermont-Ferrand was partially destroyed by fire set to it on purpose. The fire started at 11:55 a.m. on Saturday, April 25th, and was mastered by the firemen only at 5 p.m. Philippe Kloeckner, the parish priest, explained that he had reported to the police a first attempt of fire against the church on Friday April 24th.
Parliament Issues Formal Protest against Pope's Statement on Condoms
April 27, 2009, BelgiumThe Belgian Chamber and Senate overwhelmingly approve of two decisions that formally condemn the pope for having stated that the distribution of condoms will not help to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS. The pope’s position is called a “crime against humanity."
Defamation of Christianity on Television
April 27, 2009, ItalyTelevision program ANNOZERO openly insults Christianity by showing satirical vignettes of the Way of the Cross.
Cemetery Desecrated
April 27, 2009, ItalyOn the 27th of April 2009, the cemetery di Vezzo in the Comune della Provincia di Verbano Cusio Ossola was desecrated.
(BBC) Christianity Slated on British Television
April 1, 2009, InternationalChristianity is being targeted on British television. The popular TV soap Coronation Street featured a series of outspoken attacks on the Christian faith. Numerous TV series and broadcasts present Christianity as ridiculous and absurd.
Violent acts at ProLife-Demonstration in Münster and Infringments on Freedom of Assembly and Expression
March 31, 2009, GermanyIn March 2009, more than 100 participants of an unannounced counter-demonstration partially blocked a pro-life organisations, the so called 1000-crosses-march, in Muenster (Münster). The chairman of the pro-life organisation Euro pro Life, Wolfgang Hering, responsible for the march, had been surrounded by a large number of tourblemakers. Only under threat of coercive measures by the police, he was released by the attackers.
Parents ‘Face Action’ for Withdrawing their Children from ‘LGBT History Month’ Lessons
March 30, 2009, United KingdomA group of Christian and Muslim parents who kept their children away from controversial lessons about homosexuality were reportedly facing legal action by the council involved.
Reverend Assaulted After Discussions with Muslims
March 30, 2009, United KingdomA Christian minister was brutally attacked in London by three men who ripped off his cross, stole his Bible and threatened to break his legs. Metropolitan Police treated the case as a ‘faith hate’ assault.
(Academic Community) Liberal Harvard Scholar in Public Cross-Fire for Agreeing with Pope
March 29, 2009, InternationalLiberal Harvard scholar Edward Green strongly attacked in public for agreeing with Pope in saying that the distribution of condoms will not prevent the spread of HIV/Aids.
Archbishop’s Homeless Charity Suspends Christian for Answering Questions about His Faith
March 27, 2009, United KingdomAn employee at a Christian ‘homeless’ charity, whose Patron is the Archbishop of Canterbury, was suspended for answering questions about his faith to a colleague at work.
Crucifix Veiled in Condom in Art Exhibition
March 27, 2009, ItalyAn Exposition at Museo Pan di Napoli showed the crucifix veiled in a condom.
Several Acts of Vandalism Against Sarajevo’s Cathedral.
March 25, 2009, Bosnia and HerzegovinaFrom March 22nd to March 25th, vandals repeatedly destroyed windows of the Cathedral of Sarajevo.
Vandalism in Banja Luka
March 18, 2009, Bosnia and HerzegovinaVandals broke in the church of Banja Luka, destroyed stained glass windows, and stole holy objects.
Theft in Sarajevo’s Cathedral
March 18, 2009, Bosnia and HerzegovinaVandals broke in the cathedral of Sarajevo and stole the chalices and other liturgical appointments.
St Mary’s Church in Heworth Raided
March 14, 2009, United KingdomSt Mary’s Church in Heworth has been once more targeted by thieves and vandals.
Christian Party Office Vandalized after Publishing Add
February 28, 2009, United KingdomThe Christian Party office was vandalized days after the party launched a bus advertising campaign with the slogan, “There definitely is a God. So join the Christian party and enjoy your life.” The ad was a response to widespread atheist ads which carried the slogan, “There’s probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life.” The Metropolitan Police investigated the vandalism as a ‘religious hate crime’.
Youth Gang Attacks Church Pastor in Rochdale
February 28, 2009, United KingdomThe pastor of Zion Baptist Church in Rochdale was attacked by a gang of up to 20 youths. Pastor Dennis Rigg and his brother were making preparations in the church building for their father’s funeral when the group attacked the pastor and shouted out abuse relating to their Christian faith.
(New York Times) Christians Stereotyped by Report
February 26, 2009, OtherIntolerance and discrimination manifests itself also as social exclusion and marginalisation of Christians. Stereotyping by biased media coverage is a familiar tool of furthering marginalisation. The following excursus to the New York Times of Feb. 26th, 09, is just one example.
Oxford Churches Broken Into to ‘Make a Point’ against Church of England
February 24, 2009, United KingdomBetween 15 and 24 February 2009 two churches in the Oxford area were broken into and highly symbolic religious items were desecrated. Local police officers thought the two incidents were linked and were possibly religiously motivated attacks to make a point against the Church of England. In both incidents safes containing communion bread at the churches were forced open, but nothing was stolen in either case. It is estimated that there was £3,000 worth of damage at St James the Great, in West Hanney, and in St Nicholas Church, in East Challow.
(Israel) Intolerance against Christians in Israel
February 20, 2009, OtherBurning of Bibles reported in Israel; mockery of Christians on TV; Catholic bishops speak of a "low profile" form of Christ[ian]ophobia.
Study Reveals Discomfort of Parents on Religious Freedom in Schools
February 16, 2009, France67% of French Catholic parents say that public schools do not respect the freedom of conscience of their children.