All cases
Threatening Graffiti on the Walls of a Christian School
November 9, 2016, SpainThreatening graffiti was found on the walls of a religious Catholic school (Colegio de San José, Vallecas). The graffiti incited to burn down the school and also said “You will burn like in ‘36” (clear reference to the anti-religious murders and anti-religious arson during the Spanish Civil War).
Summit Cross Destroyed for the Second Time
November 8, 2016, GermanyA summit cross on the Austrian-German border, previously chopped with an ax in August, was again destroyed by an unknown perpetrator using an ax.
Desecration in Cemetery Chapel
November 7, 2016, SpainIn a letter to members of his diocese on November 9, 2016, Bishop José Ignacio Munilla, Bishop of San Sebastián, denounced "a very grave desecration against the Blessed Sacrament" committed in the cemetery chapel of Polloe. The tabernacle was stolen, as was the ciborium and the consecrated Hosts it contained. The bishop announced a reparation Mass would be celebrated in the same chapel on November 20th.
Nantes Church Tagged with Anarchist Grafitti
November 5, 2016, FranceAnarchist messages were drawn on the walls and doors of the Church of Saint-Clément.
French Politician Fined for Using Word from Bible to Describe Homosexuality
November 4, 2016, FranceFrench politician and former housing minister Christine Boutin was convicted of hate speech on Wednesday by the Court of Appeals of Paris for having called homosexuality an “abomination” in an interview with the political magazine Charles in March 2014.
Christian Midwife Loses Case Against County Council
November 4, 2016, SwedenSwedish midwife Linda Steen objected to assisting with abortions for reasons of conscience and as a consequence public hospitals denied her employment. She sued the Sörmland county council for violation of her freedom of conscience and religion. After losing the case, she was ordered to pay 1.2 million Swedish krona for the city's legal expenses.
Government of Rincon Prohibits Nativity Scene in Municipal Courtyard
November 4, 2016, SpainThe city council gave the reason for the prohibition: "it is the central administrative building, and must respect the non-denominational vision of the State."
Media Campaign Targets Priest for Upholding Church Doctrine
November 3, 2016, SpainThe Spanish media network SER launched a media campaign against a Catholic priest for posting a list of sins that preclude parishioners from receiving Communion until they have been confessed, calling the list a throw-back to old times.
Christian Convert Threatened with Death in French Refugee Camp
November 2, 2016, FranceA Kurdish church leader smuggled to Britain says he received death threats – for having left Islam for Christianity – while living in makeshift camps in northern France. The church leader, who did not wish to be identified, spent nine months living in camps outside the French cities of Calais and Dunkirk. He said that Kurdish Muslims in both camps antagonized him for his Christian faith.
Christian Graves Vandalized on All Saints' Day
October 30, 2016, BelgiumFamilies visiting the burial sites of their loved ones in Pécrot were shocked to discover the crosses at the graves were removed and planted upside down in the cemetery.
Minor Arrested for Twice Setting Fires in Church
October 28, 2016, FranceA minor was arrested for setting fires in the church of Saint-Brice-sur-Vienne in August and October.
City Council to Vote on Removal of Religious Symbols from Public Spaces
October 26, 2016, SpainIn November, the Madrid City Council is expected to approve a draft "human rights" law which includes the removal of religious symbols from public spaces.
Police Investigate Vandalism of Church
October 26, 2016, FranceDuring the afternoon of 26 October, 2016 the church of Saint-Paterne in Orléans was vandalized, with objects toppled inside. The police investigated.
Priest Attacked by Three Pre-Teens Throwing Stones
October 25, 2016, GermanyThe Ethiopian vicar, dressed in traditional priest's clothing and wearing a cross around his neck was visiting the town of Raunheim near Frankfurt when three pre-teens threw stones at him while yelling “Allahu Akhbar”.
Christian Bakers Lose Appeal
October 24, 2016, United KingdomThe owners of Ashers Baking in Belfast lost their appeal of 2015 discrimination conviction for refusing to bake a cake ordered by homosexual activist Gareth Lee showing two Sesame Street characters and the message: “Support Gay Marriage.” The case was heard by the Supreme Court in May 2018.
Public Art Exhibition Containing Sacreligious Images Cost Madrid 60,000 Euros
October 23, 2016, SpainThe exhibition, paid for by taxpayers and with the approval of the mayor, contains violent and pornographic images including a painting depicting a cardinal raping a woman on the altar of a church.
Christian parents fear 'gender-confused' daughter will be taken away
October 23, 2016, United KingdomChristian parents fear their 14-year-old daughter will be taken into foster care unless they allow her to change her female name to a male one.
Thieves Desecrate Church of Santa Maria in Ocaña; Steal Valuable Objects
October 17, 2016, SpainThe intruders gained access to the church after breaking a fence and window. They stole consecrated Hosts that were in the tabernacle and stole valuable religious jewelry, left other Hosts and various objects lying on the floor, and vandalized numerous images of virgins and saints.
Religiously-Motivated Attacks on 743 Christian Refugees in Germany
October 17, 2016, GermanyThe NGOs AVC (Action on behalf of Persecuted Christians and the Needy), EMG (European Mission Society) as well as ZOCD (Central Council of Oriental Christians in Germany) and Open Doors announced the results of their research on October 17th.
Church Vandalized in Gif-sur-Yvette
October 16, 2016, FranceThe intrusion was discovered by a member of the parish one hour before the beginning of Sunday Mass. The portrait of the Virgin Mary was removed from its pedestal, the crucifix and other objects of worship were thrown to the ground, according to Michel Bournat, the mayor of Gif-sur-Yvette. A police investigation is underway.