All cases

Landowner at Pilgrims' Route Prohibits Priests to Enter Property

May 14, 2011, Austria

One of the routes to the main Austrian Catholic Shrine, MariaZell, located in the Austrian mountains, leads through the forest of Mr. Josef Rothwangl. In May 2011, Mr. Rothwangl put up a sign prohibiting priests to enter his property when accompanying children or youth. He says that he was a victim of abuse by Catholic priests himself, when he was a student at a Catholic high school. It is not clear, whether such a prohibition is legally permitted or not. The social effects are in any case problematic: The measure defames and stereotypes priests by implying that all Catholic priests are child abusers.

Atheist Demonstration Incites Violence and Hatred Against Christians

May 13, 2011, Spain

On 13th of May 2011 in Madrid, a group of atheist demonstrated „against religion“ mocking religious symbols of Christians. While such a manifestation is everyone’s freedom of expression, it is important to pay attention to the feelings of believers as well as to offer a contribution to the public debate instead of spreading hatred and intolerance.

Attempt of Arson at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Elmar

May 13, 2011, Germany

An attempt of arson was noticed by a neighbour at Immaculate Heart of Mary church in Elmar on May 13th. Stranger(s) tried to set fire to several items in the church, including curtains, carpets and cushions. Locals extinguished the fire with water. The damaged amounts to about 2000 €.

Parliament Votes to Campaign to Force Health Professionals to Perform Abortions in the Council of Europe Member States

May 11, 2011, Sweden

The Swedish Parliament voted to campaign against a European resolution, which reiterates the right to conscientious objection for health professionals who do not want to perform abortions.

Attacks on the Parish Church of Navalcarnero, Madrid

May 10, 2011, Spain

The parish church of “Nuestra Señora de la Asunción” suffered great damage on Sunday May 8, as several religious images made of plaster were destroyed. Local police arrested the assailant, a 35-year-old male local resident, who had made previous threats toward the church. As stated by Pastor Marcos Fermin, this is not only a financial problem for him - but bears also great emotional pain.

Vandalism at the “Diálogo” Library in Madrid

May 10, 2011, Spain

The Diálogo library in Madrid suffered serious damage as an unidentified pertpetrators smashed the window in which books related to the beatification of Pope Juan Pablo II were displayed. The library is well-known for specializing in religious subjects.

Vandalism at Church in Anschar

May 7, 2011, Germany

Vandals broke into the church of Anschar on May 7th, damaged several objects in the main church, threw down a crucifix and paintings in the sacristy, and tore everything out of the closets. Nothing was stolen, but fixing will be expensive. A new alarm system will be installed shortly to prevent any further attack. The incident was reported to the police.

Stage Play “Me Cago en Dios” – “I shit on God”

April 30, 2011, Spain

The Spanish play “Me Cago en Dios” was shown in Madrid in 2004. It caused public uproar due to its radical anti-religious contents. It was subsequently shown in Lisbon and in 2011 in New York City.

Image of the Virgin Mary Removed Because Official Visit

April 30, 2011, Spain

The image of the Virgen del Pilar, patron of the Spanish Civil Guard, has been removed from its original location in Aranjuez. The image was placed years ago at the students´cafeteria inside the Spanish Civil Guard Academy. The removal was due to the visit of the Ministry of Interior and vice president of the socialist political party (PSOE), Alfredo Pérez Rubalcaba. The order came from one of Rubalcaba´s close collaborators because "it was not appropriate to see the image while the officer was having a wine of honor" there.

Saint Statues Beheaded in Burgos

April 30, 2011, Spain

The sculptures of St. Peter and St. Laurent located outside the gate of San Esteban Church in Burgos were beheaded. The Church was built during the XIII century in a Gothic style; the sculpture of St. Peter had been restore six years ago while St. Laurent's image had been under renovation 12 years ago. The decapitation took place on the night of Good Friday.