All cases

Vandalism at the Cemetery in Spišské Vlachy

August 16, 2012, Slovakia

On August 16 six graves had their graves stones displaces, vases and candleholders broken by unknown intruders. This was discovered by a town employee who notified the police.

Catholic Church in Bötzingen Broken Into and Defiled

August 16, 2012, Germany

In Bötzingen (Freiburg) on the 16th of August one or perhaps more perpetrators broke into the Catholic Church on the main street in Bötzingen, destroying the decorations around the church. The perpetrators also defiled the sacred space by urinating and splashed holy water on an open torn up bible. More damage has also been detected in several pipes of the organ.

A Blasphemous Jesus Caricature Disturbs Religious Feelings of Christians in Kassel

August 10, 2012, Germany

A large publicity poster at the entrance to a cultural center in Kassel shows the caricature of Jesus on the Cross including an offensive caption which caused strong indignation among Christians living in Kassel.

Chapel of Saint-Sébastien Set on Fire

August 8, 2012, France

The chapel of Saint-Sébastien in the region of le Gard, France, suffered an arson attack which partially destroyed the wooden part of the altar. This was not the first attack on the chapel.

NGO Calls for Withdrawal of Recognition for Russian-Orthodox Church in Austria

August 6, 2012, Austria

The Austrian Initiative “Religion is a private matter” seeks to deprive the Russian-orthodox Church in Vienna of its legal personality because of its involvement in the “Pussy Riot” case.

Desecration of Graves in Lithuania

August 6, 2012, Lithuania

On August 6th, 2012, graves in Balbieriškis were vandalised.

Pro-Life Advocates Arrested for Displaying Abortion Posters

August 2, 2012, Poland

Mariusz Dzierżawski, founder of the Warsaw-based PRO Foundation – Right to Life, and a fellow PRO Foundation member were arrested by the local governmental authorities during an approved anti-abortion rally at the entrance of the Woodstock Festival held in the western Polish city of Kostrzyn.

Church in Sachsen Broken Into

July 31, 2012, Germany

In Angel (Sachsen), the church of St. Pancras was desecrated, sacred chalices and alms for the poorest were stolen.

Demonstrations Against New Church in Turkey

July 28, 2012, Turkey

On July 28th, 2012 there were demonstrations against a newly opened church in Denizli. The church did not shut down but security matters were increased and no one got hurt.

Westphalian Church St Ida Broken Into

July 27, 2012, Germany

In Münster-Gremmendorf (Westphalia) the church of St. Ida was desecrated. Sacred vestments were thrown into the gutter, the sacred space was desecrated and the Sacristy broken into. Donations for the poor stolen as well.

Christian Cemetery Devastated

July 27, 2012, Germany

In Herzberg a Christian cemetery and place for the exhibition of the dead was devastated.

Desecration of Graves in Herzberg

July 27, 2012, Germany

On the 27th of July 2012, graves and mourning areas in Herzberg, Germany were desecrated. This was reported by the Apostolic Nunciature of Germany.

Violence and Damages in Aggressive Disruption of a Pro-Life Manifestation

July 24, 2012, Austria

More than 80 pro-abortion-activists attacked the pro-life manifestation “1000 Crosses-March” organized by the Youth for Life and Human Life International in Salzburg-City. Blockages, insults and windows smashed kept a large number of police busy.

Entertainer Madonna Creates Negative Stereotypes of Christians at Current World Tour

July 17, 2012, International

American entertainer Madonna tours the world with her show MDNA. The song and video “Nobody Knows Me,” which is part of Madonna’s MDNA Tour, defames Christians and creates anti-Christian stereotypes.

Left NGO Calls for Violence Against Christians

July 17, 2012, Austria

The Salzburg-based NGO „Infoladen“ calls for violence against Christians when expressing pro-life views. In July they called for a counter-demonstration against a pro-life manifestation. „Let’s make their 1000-crosses-manifestation a disaster!“ and „Sink the 1000 crosses!“ are some of the slogans on their website.

Burglary in Church of the Holy Cross in Meiningen

July 12, 2012, Germany

Unidentified perpetrators broke into the church of the Holy Cross through a broken window. They stole a donation box with a few euros. Police are investigating.

Bosnian Government Fails to Offer Aid to Thousands of Catholics Wanting to Return

July 10, 2012, Bosnia and Herzegovina

A significant number of Catholic refugee families plan to come back to Bosnia- Herzegovina, but the Bosnian Government does not offer assistance in rebuilding their houses and restoring infrastructure. 800 families have turned to the Catholic Church for help. Bishop Franjo Komarica of Banja Luka declared that it is actually the task of the government to provide support. He complained about the lack of political will on the part of the government and the international community to enable Catholics to return to Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Graves Desecrated in Ardennes

July 9, 2012, France

In July 2012 the Apostolic Nunciature of France reported that 40 graves were desecrated by (an) unknown perpetrator(s) in Saint-Etienne-à-Arnes in Ardennes, France.

Plundered Donation Boxes in Churches in Euskirchen

July 8, 2012, Germany

Burglars forced their way into churches in Kirspenich, Schönau and Nemmenich and plundered the donation boxes.

Desecration of Church in Eckerförde, Offertory Box Robbed

July 6, 2012, Germany

A robber broke into the church in Eckerförde and stole the money being collected for the poor out of the offertory boxes. He left an apologetic message in the visitors book.