All cases
Serial Church Arsonist Expelled from Spain; Banned from Schengen for 10 Years
October 7, 2016, SpainSpanish authorities expelled the Moroccan man who admitted setting a fire in a church that destroyed several images of the Virgin Mary and then violating a restraining order by destroying a cross atop another church in September.
Burglary and Attack Stopped by Priest in Seine-Saint-Denis
October 7, 2016, FranceA man broke and entered into the rectory of the church of Sainte-Louise-de-Marillac in the parish of Drancy, ostensibly to commit a theft. He struck the priest in the head with a bottle, but was stopped from committing further assault by the priest, who had previously studied judo.
Christian Nursing Home Ordered to Allow Assisted Suicide on Premises
October 7, 2016, SwitzerlandThe home, which belongs to The Salvation Army, had previously contested a Swiss law that allows assisted suicide to take place in charitable institutions, if requested by a patient. They challenged the legislation, saying that it conflicted with their religious beliefs and violated their freedom of conscience. Last week, federal judges rejected their complaint and said the only way the care home could avoid complying with the law was by giving up its charitable status.
France Plans to Ban Pro-Life Websites it Judges 'Extremist'
October 6, 2016, FranceLaurence Rossignol, minister of families, children, and women’s rights, has announced that the French government intends to introduce legislation to ban pro-life websites it judges to be 'extremist'. She plans an amendment to the current “Equality and Citizenship” law, which will impose penalties on owners of pro-life sites of 30,000 euro fine (£26,517/ $33,600) and two years in prison.
Serbian Orthodox Chapel turned into Public Toilet
October 3, 2016, KosovoA recently repaired and cleaned cemetery chapel was turned into a public toilet and a garbage dump, with many graves overrun with weeds, despite a custodian employed by the Priština municipality.
Visitors at Estonian National Museum Invited to Kick Image of Virgin Mary
October 3, 2016, EstoniaThe new museum included an exhibit of a virtual image of the Virgin Mary in a glass box. Visitors were invited to kick the display, causing the image to appear to fall to pieces and the word "Reformation" to appear.
Crucifix Marred by Vandals in Arcugnano
October 1, 2016, ItalyThe crucifix of Lake Fimon, in the Berici hills was defaced with paint for the second time in 10 months.
Man Arrested after Series of Attacks on Churches in Rome
October 1, 2016, ItalyPolice arrested a 39-year-old Ghanaian man suspected of attacking several churches in Rome over the previous two days. He is suspected of heavily damaging devotional statues, crucifixes, and candlesticks at the Basilica of Santa Prassede, the Church of San Martino ai Monti, and the Basilicas of San Giovanni de' Fiorentini and San Vitale.
Pro-Government Officials and Media using Anti-Christian Propaganda
October 1, 2016, TurkeyFollowing the failed military coup against President Erdogan the Christians of Turkey are being made scapegoats by government officials and Islamist extremists.
Armed Police Patrol Canterbury Cathedral
September 29, 2016, United KingdomPolice with guns patrol Canterbury Cathedral due to concerns about terror attacks. The extra security is in response to a series of jihadist attacks across Europe, including the murder of French priest, Father Jacques Hamel.
Humanist Association Urges Vote to Remove "God" from Constitution
September 29, 2016, IrelandThe Association calls for the removal of any references to God in the Constitution, and to any clauses that require public officials to swear a religious oath upon taking office.
Multiple Acts of Vandalism in La Mothe-Saint-Héray
September 29, 2016, FranceActs of vandalism were discovered in the church of Saint-Héray late in the afternoon on September 29: Statues of Joan of Arc and the Virgin Mary were damaged, as were a crucifix, a rosary, and prayer books.
Orthodox-Christian Monument Defaced in Bucharest
September 27, 2016, RomaniaAn Orthodox-Christian monument in Piata Unirii ("Union Square") in the form of a large cross, was vandalized with LGBT and anarchist graffiti.
Abortion Activists say Disruption of Mass a "Legitimate Political Act"
September 27, 2016, SpainTwo and a half years after a pro-abortion group burst into the parish of San Miguel in Palma de Mallorca during Mass shouting "take your rosaries out of our ovaries" and shouts in favor of "free abortion," they have refused to come to an agreement with the diocese that would avoid a trial.
Saint-Henri in Neuilly-Plaisance Desecrated and Burglarized
September 26, 2016, FranceDuring the night from September 25 to 26th, one or more individuals broke into the church. Once inside, they stole the collection box containing donations to the church. They opened the tabernacle and threw the consecrated Hosts on the floor.
Italian Television Presenter Attacked Online for Wearing Rosary & Holy Medals
September 25, 2016, ItalyMarina Nalesso, an Italian TV presenter, has been the target of online attacks from secular atheists for wearing on TV a rosary and holy medals, including a St Benedict medal.
Serial Arsonist Set Two Fires in Churches in Millau; Attempted Arson in a Third
September 21, 2016, FranceThe 22-year-old suspect appeared in court on September 21 and a trial will begin on October 12. He is said to be Moroccan national, and already known to authorities for previous fires set in Paris and Millau.
Attempted Arson at the church of Notre-Dame-des-Noues Franconville (Val d'Oise)
September 18, 2016, FranceThe parish priest confirmed that there had been acts of vandalism and arson attempts in this church, probably during the night of September 18th to 19th.
Pristina University Students Demand Demolition of Church
September 16, 2016, KosovoA group of students at Pristina University has demanded that a Serbian Orthodox church on campus be either destroyed or converted into student facilities.
ECtHR Finds Greece Violated Rights of Conscientious Objector
September 15, 2016, GreeceThe case concerned the authorities’ refusal to grant a Jehovah's Witness the status of conscientious objector and to allow him to do alternative civilian work instead of military service. The Court held that this was a violation of Article 9 (freedom of thought, conscience and religion) of the European Convention on Human Rights.