All cases
Pro-Life Side-Walk Counsellors Condemned by Court
October 25, 2011, AustriaOn October 25th, the state court of Graz, Styria, upheld a judgement of the first instance condemning pro-life side-walk counsellors to payments between 350 and 6200 Euro.
Vandalism at Graveyard of Ostbevern
October 25, 2011, GermanyIn Ostbevern, strangers knocked off the nose, feet, and part of the knee of a figure of Christ located on the graveyard. This is not the first time that the statue suffered from vandalism.
Demotion and 40% Pay Cut After Critizing Gay Marriage on Facebook
October 24, 2011, United KingdomAdrian Smith (Christian, 54, father of two) of Manchester was demoted by his employer Trafford Council and Trafford Housing Trust after making a comment regarding the controversial plans of the ministers that could allow same-sex couples by law to „marry“ in Church although the Church of England refuses to participate.
Anti-Discrimination Legislation Interferes with Religious Freedom
October 24, 2011, AustriaA senior Christian religious official looking for a secretary, asked the Austrian equal treatment commission before publishing a job advertisement: would it be permissable to reject a headscarf-wearing Muslim woman? The answer was no.
Vandalism of Church in Kallenhardt
October 22, 2011, GermanyAn attempt of arson occured on October 22nd at the church of Kallenhardt. As a consequence, the church, which was freely accessible for prayer and recollection, had to remain closed for a longer period of time.
Vandalism of Cemetery in Mülheim
October 22, 2011, GermanyStrangers ravaged on the graveyard of Styrum in Mülheim and damaged 30 graves in the night from Oct 22 to 23.
Statue of Mary Stolen in Nord-Pas de Calais
October 21, 2011, FranceIt was very difficult for the inhabitants of Agnez-les-Duisans to realize that the Statue of Mary holding baby Jesus had disappeared and its emplacement had been very much damaged. The police is enquiring.
Double Standards in UK Foreign Aid: Indifference to Rights of Christians
October 20, 2011, United KingdomThe former Conservative minister Ann Widdecombe pointed out the UK government's double standards in its threats to cut aid to countries which persecute gay people while turning a blind eye to persecution against Christians.
"Black Block" Manifestation Assaults a Church
October 20, 2011, ItalyDuring a "Black Block", a left wing militant manifestation in Rome, an unknown number of people entered the parish of Santi Marcellino e Pietro al Laterano and destroyed the crucifix and a statue of the Virgin Mary of Lourdes.
(Scotland) Christmas Snubbed by Government
October 19, 2011, United KingdomThe Scottish Government failed to mention Christmas in its “Winter Festivals” programme. In an official news release the Government mentions St Andrew’s Day eleven times, Hogmanay five times and Burns Night several times. But Christmas is not mentioned at all.
Anarchist Damage Lateran Basilica in Rome
October 16, 2011, ItalyA small group of anarchist targeted the Basilica of Saint John Lateran in Rome. Various damages were detected, including the destruction of a statue of Mary.
"Occupy Rome" Activists Destroyed Sacred Icons During Demonstration
October 15, 2011, ItalyA group of youth who were marching as part of the anti-capitalist movement "Occupy Rome", detoured from the main stream of the parade, and made their way into Saints Marcellino and Pietro Parish, located between Labicana and Merulana streets. The youth, with their heads covered and handing sticks, broke into the parish house and took the statue of the Immaculate Conception and a crucifix. They carried the sacred icons outside the parish premises to the street, where both were destroyed and the debriefs left on the street.
Vandalism at Immaculate Conception Church in Vohwinkel
October 12, 2011, GermanyOn October 12th unknown perpetraters vandalized the parish church of the Immaculate Conception in Vohwinkel. They damaged valuable pieces of art: a sword was pulled off a statue and attached to a crucifix, and a branch of a seven-branched candelabrum was torn off.
Vandalism in Presbytery in Rüthen-Menzel
October 12, 2011, GermanyStrangers set fire to the entrance door of the presbytery by means of petrol in Rüthen on Oct 12th. The fire had already made its way under the door and set the tapestry on fire when it was discovered and extinguished. Police asked the public for help.
Recurring Vandalism at Cemetery in Essen
October 11, 2011, GermanyRecurring instances of vandalism at Essen cemetery amount to 30 000 Euros in damage. The acts of vandalism include the stealing of vases, the removal of letters on graveyards, the ignition of over 50 compost containers in the time period of a few weeks. Several relatives of those whose graves had been attacked were under significant emotional distress.
Two Local Councils in South East England Told to Stop Holding Prayers at the Beginning of Council Meetings
October 11, 2011, United KingdomCrowborough Town Council and Mayfield Parish Council - both in East Sussex - have both been warned that prayers "should not be part of a council meeting". The warning comes from the Sussex Association of Local Councils, which is responsible for local government in the area.
Ongoing Outside Pressure on Ireland to Legalize Abortion
October 11, 2011, InternationalAt a UN meeting, delegates from Britain, Denmark, Spain and other countries called for Ireland to legalize abortion - with Denmark calling for legislation to allow for abortion on demand, constituting pressure seeking to undermine the Christian convictions of the majority of the Irish population.
City Halts Construction of Catholic Church With Legal Hardships
October 6, 2011, RussiaThe archbishop of Moscow, Msgr. Paolo Pezzi has critized the city of Pskow (North-West Russia) to discriminate against the Catholic Church by denying the prolongation of a building permit.
BBC Guidelines Suggest to Replace BC and AD with "Religiously Neutral" Terms
October 5, 2011, United KingdomBBC’s new guidelines of religious impartiality contain the suggestion to use religiously “neutral” terms instead of “BC” and “AD” during discussions of history on air.
Physical Assaults Against Christians in Nîmes
October 2, 2011, FranceA crowd of about one thousand people had gathered at the sanctuary of Our Lady of Santa-Cruz in Nîmes, for the annual procession organized by the ‘Joyeuse Union Don Bosco’ every year since 1982. But when they went back to their personal cars, several of them were surrounded, insulted and stoned by groups of violent youths.
Police Visits Christian Cafe for Display of Bible Passages
September 30, 2011, United KingdomUK, Blackpool: Jamie Murray, Salt & Light Coffee House's owner, has been visited by the Lancashire Police and threatened for the display of Bible versicles on a TV screen inside his property. The police told Murray that the Bible passages use offensive, insulting words, and this constitutes a violation of Section 5 of the Public Order Act. The officers warned Murray that if he didn’t stop, he could be prosecuted for hate speech. The coffee house TV screen connected to a DVD displays images with no soundtrack from "Watchword Bible", which contents verses from the New Testament.
Left Wing Extremists Violently End Pro-Life Rally in Düsseldorf
September 30, 2011, GermanyLeft-wing extremists prevented a pro-life group from showing a short movie about the development of the human embryo on the square in front of Düsseldorf’s main railway station.
Church of Langrune-sur-Mer Vandalised
September 30, 2011, FranceThe Church of Saint Martin in Langrune-sur-Mer (Calvados), a XIIIth century church, was targeted by vandals. Many damages were caused: flowers on the ground, flower pots smashed, prayer books ripped, candles broken into pieces... The police have also found signs that the vandals had the intention to put the church on fire but had not succeeded.
Singer Sinead O'Connor Says She'd Shoot the Pope If He Came to Ireland
September 29, 2011, IrelandThe popular Irish singer, Sinead O'Connor used social media to warn the Pope that if he comes to Ireland, there "would be a bloodbath". The singer posted the threat on her Twitter account after a poll was conducted on whether the Pope should visit Ireland. Previously, in 1992 during a TV show, O'Connor tore a photo of John Paul II into pieces and called him evil.
Graffiti Insults Christians in Vienna's First District
September 29, 2011, AustriaIn Postgasse, a fancy Vienna downtown street, a graffiti was placed on a residential house saying: "Pig Christians destroy the world", signed with a anarchy symbol.
Pro-family Groups Discriminated Against by PayPal Services
September 29, 2011, InternationalHomosexualist websites are boasting of victory in an ongoing campaign to induce PayPal, one of the world’s largest payment processing companies, to eliminate pro-family Christians from its service.
Marketing Campaign for Canal+ Series Smashes Holy Images
September 29, 2011, France„Borgia“ TV series produced by the French TV channel "Canal+" in association with EOS Entertainment and distributed by Beta Film GmbH, used holy symbols for promotional advertisements in a profane way.
Paint Bomb on Welcome Poster for Pope's Visit
September 19, 2011, GermanyIn the night from the 18th to the 19th of September, unknown perpetrators cast a paint bomb on a welcome poster at a Church in Berlin.
Vandalism at Cemetery in Schönau
September 17, 2011, GermanyA 16 year-old admitted being responsible for the desecration of numerous graves in Schönau on the 17th of September. He had knocked over memorial candles and gravestones, and had pulled out a wooden cross and destroyed it.
Pro Life Manifestation Attacked
September 17, 2011, FranceThe Christian pro life group "SOS Tout Petits" was attacked by pro-choice and anti-Christian activists during a manifestation in front of the Paris Hospital Tenon while praying peacefully.
Prayer Banned From Public Spaces
September 16, 2011, FranceFrance banned prayers from the streets beginning September 16th, 2011. The measure mainly aims to target Muslims and their Friday prayers. In support of the new regulation the French Minister, Claude Gueant, affirmed that prayers on the street are unacceptable in a secular country such as France, and police force would be used in case of disobedience. Marine Le Pen, a right-wing French representative, speaking of Muslim prayer meetings, described prayers on the street as a "Nazi occupation". The consequences of a regulation also undermines freedom of religion of Christians, with regard to traditional Catholic processions as well as street evangelisations and outdoor liturgies. It is unclear to the Observatory, whether there will be exceptions granted to such initiatives under the new law.
Major Social Media Sites ‘Actively’ Censor Christian Content
September 15, 2011, InternationalA new study has found that Google and other major social media sites such as Facebook have “actively” censored Christian and conservative viewpoints. The report examined the policies and practices of several major Internet-interactive “new media” communications platforms and service providers, including Apple and its iTunes App Store, Facebook, Google, and others.
(Jersey) Post Refuses to Deliver ‘Offensive’ Bible CD
September 15, 2011, United KingdomPostal workers in Jersey refused to deliver audio recordings of St Mark’s Gospel after deeming it “offensive material”. Several churches clubbed together to pay for 45,000 CDs to be produced to mark the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible. A copy of the recording was due to be delivered to every household on the Channel Island of Jersey. But church leaders were left reeling after Jersey Post claimed that the CDs could offend people and refused to deliver them.
Anonymous Caller Threatens School for Displaying Welcome Poster for Pope
September 14, 2011, GermanyA welcome poster for pope Benedict XVI upon his visit to Germany in September 2011 was removed in Fürstenwalde (Oder-Spree) after an anonymous caller said that „something would happen, if the posters were not immediately removed.“
Catholic Cemetery of Buxy Wrecked
September 13, 2011, FranceTwenty graves and tombstones have been desecrated in the small village of Buxy in Burgundy. The 2,000 residents of Buxy and their mayor are shocked and incredulous, the police has opened an investigation.
Smearings on a Catholic Church in Dijon
September 13, 2011, FranceThe Saint-Michel Catholic church of Dijon has been smeared on during the night on September 13th. The mayor’s office quickly responded by clearing out the inscriptions. One could see a scored of cross and read «No Gods, no Masters».
Catholic Newspapers Site Hacked; Anti-Christian Message Displayed
September 12, 2011, IrelandThe homepage of the Irish Catholic website was hacked and replaced with a blue and white screen which read “Site off-line. You. Got. Taken”. The hacker’s message went on to say “And wish you to continue beliveing [sic] in your false religion”. and: "Gotta love false hope."
Christian Think Tank Receives Threatening Phone Call
September 11, 2011, IrelandThe Dublin based Christian Think Tank Iona Institute received a threatening phone call in September: The anonymous caller said the Institute was “scum”, that its director “David Quinn should be castrated and hung up on O’Connell Street”, that they had “the nerve to portray your “f**king religion”, and that the people at the Institute were “filth”.
Legal Proposal Endangers Freedom of Religion by Seeking to Interfere with the Seal of Confession
September 11, 2011, IrelandThe Irish Government is „set on passing a law that will require priests to break the seal of confession if they hear about child abuse in the confessional.
Moslem Protester: "Jihad to Christian Extremists"
September 11, 2011, InternationalOn a protest against the USA and the UK in London on September 11, a group of Muslims marched through London. A sign was carried which read "Jihad to Christian Extremists".
Call for Ban on Church Marriage if Churches Would Not Perfom Same-Sex Unions As Well
September 8, 2011, United KingdomA member of U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron’s government is calling for a ban on marriages at Christian churches if they refuse to also perform same-sex unions.
Doctors Should Refer Patients for Euthanasia: New Dutch Guidelines
September 8, 2011, NetherlandsAccording to new guidelines from the Dutch national doctors association, doctors with moral objections to euthanasia have “a moral and professional duty” to refer patients to another doctor willing to euthanize them.
Destruction of Crosses as Protest Against the Visit of the Pope
September 7, 2011, GermanyA radical atheist group called „What the f...“ released a video on youtube in which crosses are being destroyed with much violence and hatred.
Poznan Medical University Breaks Previous Agreement to Host Reparative Therapy Conference
September 6, 2011, PolandA reparative therapy conference, which aims to help people who struggle with same sex attraction, was denied to use of the Medical School Foundation (UM) facilities in Poznan, Poland. The conference, featuring psychologist Dr. Joseph Nicolosi of the National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality (NARTH), received criticisms from Polish newspaper Gazeta Wyborcza, and it was after them that UM decided not to host the event. Gazeta Wyborcza highlighted that the American Psychological Association (APA) has concerns about the effects of treatment for same-sex attraction.
US Officials Call Catholic Church Source of Spreading “Homophobia” in Poland
September 6, 2011, InternationalAmerican embassy officials under the Obama administration complained that the Catholic Church teaching is a major source of “homophobia” in the heavily Catholic country, according to private cables published by Wikileaks.
Christian Debt Counselling Charity Excluded from Support Network for Offering Prayer to Clients
September 5, 2011, United Kingdom‚Advice UK’, the largest support network for free advice centres in the UK, has pushed out a Christian debt counselling charity from its membership for offering to pray with clients suffering from debt problems.
MP Calls for Churches to be Stripped of Licences for Refusing to Marry Gays
September 2, 2011, United KingdomChurches which refuse to conduct gay marriages should be stripped of their licence, according to Member of Parliament Mike Weatherley of Hove. While marriage between people of the same sex is not legal in the UK but civil partnerships were introduced in 2005 to give couples the same legal protection as if they were wed. Mr Weatherley said according to „The Argus“: “As long as religious groups can refuse to preside over ceremonies for same-sex couples there will be inequality. “Until we untangle unions and religion in this country we will struggle to find a fair arrangement.”
Theater Play Hurts Feelings of Christians
September 1, 2011, FranceSeveral French theaters have scheduled Romeo Castellucci's play "Sur le concept du visage du fils de Dieu" (On the concept of the face of the son of God) or "Golgotha picnic" to be on their stage this year. The play "Sur le concept du visage du fils de Dieu" depicts in the 2nd act a group of children throwing grenades onto a large image of Jesus displayed in the back of the stage. After Jesus is "stoned", the 3rd act shows the same image on Jesus being torn apart while the words "you are (not) my Shepherd" are displayed.
Blasphemious Play Shown in French Theaters
August 31, 2011, France„Golgotha Picnic“, a theater play written by Rodrigo García, abuses mercylessly Christian icons and Bible passages in brings them in the proximities of terror and barbarism. Christ is called "el diablo puto" (the f... evil); money notes are placed at the Jesus' side wound; burger bread covers the floor as a parody of the multiplication of the loaves; and a piano player, totally naked, ridicules the “Seven Last Words of Christ on the Cross” by Haydn.
Campaign Against Catholic Church's Tax Exemption
August 31, 2011, ItalyA political campaign supported by a social media campaign advocated the removal of the tax exemption granted to the Catholic Church. The supporters of the proposal claim that the Church money would help Italy to overcome its financial crisis, and would therefore make other governmental spenditure cuts unnecessary. The Catholic Church properties are exempted from tax because of the community service they provide and the social function church buildings serve. In the fall of 2011, the issue was dropped.