All cases
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.
Self-Described Jihadist Violated Restraining Order; Destroyed Church Cross
September 14, 2016, SpainThe man arrested on September 9th for burning images of the Virgin Mary in the Church of Fontellas was arrested again a week later for destroying the cross atop the church of Ribaforada.
Humanist Society Scotland Challenges Parental Opt-Out for Religious Observance in Schools; wants Children to Decide
September 12, 2016, United KingdomThe Humanist Society Scotland (HSS) is seeking judicial review after the Scottish Government rejected calls for a change to the current rules which permit only parents to opt out on their children’s behalf.
Man Arrested for Setting Fire in the Basilica del Gran Poder de Sevilla
September 12, 2016, SpainThe incident occurred in the afternoon of September 12th when an individual alerted authorities in the basilica that he had extinquished a burning cloth of great artistic value in the sanctuary and that moments before he had seen someone set it on fire. Security cameras assisted the police in locating the perpetrator.
Church of San Juan Bautista de Manises Vandalized with Satanic Graffiti
September 9, 2016, SpainUnknown perpetrators painted "666", a swastika, and a pentagram on the facade of the church with red paint.
Moroccan Man Arrested for "Islamist" Attack on Spanish Church
September 8, 2016, SpainA Moroccan man admitted setting a fire that destroyed an ancient altarpiece and beautiful images in the church of Fontellas in Navarre on September 8, the day recognized by Catholics as of the Nativity of the Virgin (the day of the birth of the Virgin Mary).
Hamburg Court Acquits Afghan Charged with Attempted Homicide against Christian Convert
September 5, 2016, GermanyChristian leaders and the Christian Police Union criticized the acquittal, noting that all of the witnesses were Muslims - many of whom helped the accused flee after the incident.