All cases
Priest Attacked, Tied Up, and Robbed in Pastoral Center
December 16, 2016, FranceRutumbu Juvenal, the priest in charge of the parish of Palaiseau, was attacked by two armed men on December 16, 2016 at the church's pastoral center.
Bomb Discovered in Front of Church
December 15, 2016, FranceA parishioner discovered a bomb in a cardboard box against the door of the Saint-André church. Police in Toulouse are investigating and said that the device was capable of a small explosion.
Thieves Hit Caorle Cathedral in 3rd Incident in Veneto Region in 10 Days
December 15, 2016, ItalyGlass cases protecting sacred statues and images were smashed and the decorative jewels and offerings of the faithful were stolen. Police are investigating the links between this incident and others in the region targeting shrines containing sacred images.
Five Churches Burgled in Three Weeks
December 13, 2016, FranceAccording to the Bishop of Réunion, five churches have been the target of thieves in the preceding three weeks. The most recent was the church of Sainte-Marie, which was ransacked and money and equipment were stolen. A criminal investigation is underway.
Thieves Steal Gold from Sacred Statue of Our Lady of Pilastrello
December 11, 2016, ItalyAfter several failed attempts since June 2016, thieves managed to sneak into the guarded shrine in Lendinara, smashed a protective glass case, and stole all of the gold on the statue of the "Black Madonna."
Dozens of Christian Statues Destroyed
December 8, 2016, GermanyPolice in the Münsterland region are investigating the destruction of Christian statues of holy figures since the end of October. One report said "not a day goes by without an attack on a statue. The local Christian community is concerned and upset by the destruction. An anti-religious motive is suspected and the police believe the vandalism is fueled by a "lust for destruction". Estimates suggest the cost of the damage to be a six-figure sum.
Nativity Crib Burned in Church
December 8, 2016, FranceParishioners praying in the chapel adjacent to the Church of Notre-Dame in Metz smelled smoke and discovered the crib burning inside the church. Police have launched a criminal investigation.
Hindu UKIP Member Racially Harassed for Calling Britain a "Christian Country"
December 7, 2016, United KingdomAnish Patel, a UKIP member and practising Hindu took to Twitter with a message defending Britain’s Christian identity. In response, Twitter users responded with racist epithets.
Church Requests Security Staff Due to Disruptions, Vandalism
December 7, 2016, SwedenThe Holy Trinity Church in Kristianstad has been given permission by police to have security guards at church services due to repeated thefts, disruptive and threatening behavior during services, drug and alcohol use in the church, and urination and defecation in the pews.
Student Union Bans Pro-Life Group
December 5, 2016, United KingdomPro-life supporters have been banned from setting up an official campus group by the University of Strathclyde Student Union on the grounds that such a group would violate "safe space."
Equalities Watchdog Calls for Review of Catholic Schools Hiring Rules
December 5, 2016, United KingdomThe Equality and Human Rights Commission has told the Scottish government that the Scottish Catholic schools’ legal right to examine teaching staff for religious suitability should be reviewed.
Christian Archbishops from Iraq and Syria Denied Visas to UK
December 4, 2016, United KingdomDespite a formal invitation from Prince Charles to attend a consecration ceremony of Britain's first Syriac Orthodox Cathedral, the Home Office denied the visa applications of Archbishops Nicodemus Daoud Sharaf of Mosul, Timothius Mousa Shamani of St Matthew's in Nineveh valley of northern Iraq, and Selwanos Boutros Alnemeh of Homs and Hama in Syria because they "did not have enough money to support themselves and might not leave the UK."
Court Gives Town Three Months to Remove Statue of Virgin Mary
December 3, 2016, FranceA court has ordered the town of Publier to remove its statue of the Virgin Mary to comply with France's ban on religious symbols in public spaces. Failure to remove it within three months will result in a fine of 100 euros per day.
Leftist Graffiti on Bordeaux Catholic Seminary
December 3, 2016, France"Neither God nor master", "I love Satan", "Lesbi Power" and "Antifa" and other slogans were sprayed on the walls of the seminary during the night of December 3, 2016.
Nantes Church Vandalized with Anarchist Graffiti
December 3, 2016, FranceThe Church of St. Clement in Nantes was vandalized with the anarchist "A" topped with symbols of both sexes. This sign is supposed to convey the opposition to the male and female genders in their traditional definitions.
Thieves Steal Votive Offerings in Treviso Church
December 3, 2016, ItalyUnknown perpetrators broke into the Basilica of Motta di Livenza during the night of December 3, 2016, disconnected an alarm, sawed off iron bars, broke a window, and stole votive offerings donated in the past by the faithful of the diocese. They were unable to force open the shrine with the statue of the Madonna. Police are investigating.
Madrid Parish Vandalized
December 1, 2016, Spain"You will burn in Hell" (“Arderéis en el infierno”) was sprayed on the parish of Nuestra Señora Reina del Cielo in Madrid by unknown perpetrators.
Graffiti Damaged Granada Cathedral
November 25, 2016, SpainThe Archbishop of Granada filed a complaint after graffiti was painted on the facade of the Metropolitan Curia and the Cathedral, one of the most important cultural sites of the city. The vandalism occurred during the night from the 24 to 25 of November and damaged the original stone of the Cathedral.
Church Ransacked in Northern France
November 25, 2016, FranceSome time in the early afternoon of November 25th, unknown perpetrators started a fire inside the church of Zuydcoote, overturned chairs and benches, smashed statues onto the floor, and destroyed the tabernacle.
School Prohibits Christmas Decorations with Religious Motifs
November 24, 2016, SpainA school in Elche sent a letter to parents saying it needed Christmas decorations for the classrooms, but that they should not have a religious motif, such as a nativity scene.
Easter Poster Depicting Christ Removed from Government Office
November 23, 2016, SpainAfter a complaint by the Oberservatorio del Laicismo, the Andalusian Employment Office in Granada removed a poster containing an image of Christ promoting Holy Week tourism.
Officials Ban Television Commercial to Commemorate World Down Syndrome Day
November 22, 2016, FranceTelevision officials rejected as "inappropriate" an award-winning video featuring several people with Down syndrome responding to a letter from a frightened woman whose unborn baby had been diagnosed with the disorder.
14th Century Church Vandalized with Red Paint
November 22, 2016, SpainDuring the night of November 22, 2016, two people threw red paint against the facade and one of the entrances of the parish of Santa Creu, one of the oldest in Palma. Costs to clean the damage is unclear. Perpetrators justified the attack as denouncing the "historical collaboration" of the Catholic Church with fascism.
Priest Attacked While Celebrating Mass
November 17, 2016, SpainWhile he was celebrating Mass in the parish church of Nuestra Señora de Covadonga in Madrid, Fr. Lino Hernando was attacked at the altar by an unknown person who threw him to the ground, kicked and insulted him. The aggressor also threw around consecrated Hosts and other worship items from the altar. The police were immediately alerted and arrested the perpetrator.
Judge Dismisses Charges Against Artist Who Stole Consecrated Hosts
November 16, 2016, SpainAbel Azcona stole more than 240 consecrated hosts from Masses celebrated in the cities of Madrid and Pamplona. He later took nude photos of himself arranging them on a floor to spell the word ‘pederasty.’ He was charged with an offense against laws respecting religious sentiments. However, on November 16, 2016, a judge dismissed the case against Azcona. In his ruling, the judge described the consecrated and stolen hosts as “small white round objects.” He claimed that there had been no desecration of the sacred hosts because according to the Spanish Royal Academy dictionary desecration is defined as “treating something sacred without due respect or using it for profane purposes.”
Stolen Tabernacle and Ciborium Found in Cemetery
November 10, 2016, SpainThe Bishop of San Sebastián reported that the tabernacle and ciborium containing consecrated Hosts which had been stolen from the chapel earlier in the week had been found in a cemetery. The ciborium was empty.
Christian Couple Blocked from Adopting Foster Children
November 9, 2016, United KingdomA Christian couple has been blocked from adopting their foster children, after expressing views based on their belief that children should have a mother and a father wherever possible.
Christian Family Forced to Flee their Home
November 9, 2016, United KingdomA family have been forced to flee their home under armed police guard amid fears for their safety after suffering what they say is eight years of persecution for converting from Islam to Christianity.
State Council Allows "Decorative" Christmas Scenes at Town Halls
November 9, 2016, FranceAfter a bitter two-year battle over whether decorating town hall entrances with nativity scenes violated rules on secularism, the country’s highest administrative court ruled that as long as the intent behind the installation was "cultural, artistic, or festive" - and not religious proselytism - it was permitted.
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.
Elderly Priest Attacked in Church; Suffered a Stroke Due to Injuries
October 8, 2016, SpainOn the afternoon of October 8, 2016, two young men entered the church of Santa Rita in Vigo and asked to give confession to Father Antonio Rodríguez, age 83. Once alone with him, the two assailants grabbed the priest from behind, threw him to the ground and kicked him all over his body and head. They stole his glasses, wallet, watch, and the money they found in the church.