All cases

Catholic Church Forced to Withdraw from Adoption

April 1, 2007, United Kingdom

New gay rights law forces the Catholic Church to pull out of offering adoption services in the UK.

Church Attacked in Kosovo

March 30, 2007, Kosovo

In Dean/Decane, Kosovo, the wall of one of the Serbian-Orthodox church’s most revered sites, a 14th-century monastery, was damaged by an anti-tank missile. On 4 May, the Kosovo police service said they had identified a suspect, but no arrest was made.

Community Metal Cross Broken and Dragged Away

March 30, 2007, Bosnia and Herzegovina

In Prozor, Bosnia and Herzegovina, four people broke down a metal cross that belonged to the Catholic community from a nearby village, and dragged it a few hundred meters away. The four defendants signed a plea agreement with the Prosecutor’s Office in Mostar, admitting their guilt. Three defendants were sentenced to two months’ imprisonment with a probation period of one year, and one defendant got a sentence of three months’ imprisonment.

Regulations Barring Religious Schools from Teaching against Homosexuality

March 22, 2007, United Kingdom

Regulations Barring Religious Schools from Teaching Against Homosexuality Approved Sexual Orientation Regulations Pass House of Lords. Concerned Christians prayed outside of the Houses of Parliament.

Turkish-Origin Youth Gang Bullies Protestant Parish

March 21, 2007, Germany

A Turkish youth disturbed Protestant church services for weeks at a time by making noise in front of church windows in Oberstenfeld (Baden-Wurttemberg).

Catalog Containing Anti-Christian and Hurtful Images Funded by City

March 15, 2007, Spain

The City Hall of Leida issued with public funds a catalog in support of a cartoon exhibition showing the evolution of homosexuals groups over the time. The catalog contained pornographic drawings were mixed with Christians symbols; (an artwork of Nazario Luque Vera). The mayor of Leida, Xavier Sàez, was requested to apologize and to stop the further distribution of the catalog but denied any wrongdoing.

Orthodox Churches in Process of Rebuilding Vandalized and Robbed in Kosovo-Metohija

January 30, 2007, Kosovo

A roof surface of almost 50 square meters of lead roofing was stolen from the Serbian Orthodox Church consecrated to Our Lady in Prizren which is in process of rebuilding after the devastation of Albanian mass riots in 2004.

Religion Teacher Mobbed At Madrid High School

January 26, 2007, Spain

Fernando Perez Crespo, teacher of religion at Carlos III High School, filed a formal complaint for mobbing. For the last four years, the schedule for his class had not been respected by the school authorities, parents who had requested religious instruction discovered that their children had been enrolled in other courses instead of Perez Crespo's religion class. At times Mr. Perez Crespo was compelled to use the school bathrooms or the smoking room to for teaching.

Girl Banned From Wearing Cross at School

January 10, 2007, United Kingdom

A British schoolgirl has been barred from wearing a crucifix necklace in class, the Daily Mail reported.

Christian Prayers Replaced By Quiet Moment

January 1, 2007, United Kingdom

Totnes Town Council replaced Christian prayers at the start of its meeting with a moment of silence.

Overview of Anti-Christian Vandalism in 2006

December 31, 2006, France

Acording to National Sources, 172 acts of vandalism against all religions have occured in France in 2006. A large number of those were perpetrated against Christian places of worship. Please find in the following an exemplary list of indicidents.

Repeated Attacks Against the Orthodox Church in Kosovo

December 31, 2006, Kosovo

Christian sites, ministres and believers have been targeted by various attacks in Kosovo during the year 2006. Here is a non-exhaustive list of these actions:

Scottish Registrars Blackmailed for Rejecting Same-Sex Unions

December 30, 2006, United Kingdom

The Western Isles Council´s registrars have received hate mail and death threats because they refused, on moral grounds, to conduct civil partnership ceremonies. The registrars said that same sex unions would be conducted in fulfilment of the law, but no wedding-alike ceremony would be provided. Gay groups fired back indicating they would follow a human rights suit against the council to ensure gay couples on the Isles the same „rights“ as those elsewhere.

Madrid Restaurant Fined for Refusing to Host Gay Wedding Reception

December 29, 2006, Spain

The La Favorita restaurant in Madrid has been fined 12,000 € by the City Hall for refusing to serve a gay wedding party, according to the El Mundo newspaper. The council considers that the owners have committed a ‘serious infraction’ and is guilty of discrimination.

Christmas Mass Interrupted in Montpellier

December 25, 2006, France

The bishop of Montpellier, Mgr Thomazeau, was celebrating midnight Christmas Mass in his cathedral when he was interrupted by ten individuals who entered uttering insults, yelling, and manifesting in various ways their hostility to the Christian faith; some were naked to accentuate the provocation. The police had to intervene in order to drive them out. The mayor showed great indignation and the faithful were very shocked by such behavior.

Orthodox Priest Was Killed With His Family

December 2, 2006, Russia

The priest Andrei Nikolaev, his wife and three children have died after their house was set on fire in the village Pryamukhino, Tver region. This was not the first time someone tried to disserve the family or the church. Several months before the accident, the priest informed police and asked for help and protection. He even addressed the media for help but nobody answered. The killer doused the house with gasoline and set on fire.

Church Targeted by Molotov Cocktails

November 4, 2006, Turkey

The Odemis Love Protestant Church in Odemis, near Izmir, was attacked with Molotov cocktails. The church, where the pastor and his family lived, had been the target of stone-throwing and harassment in the months prior to the event.

Catholic School Vandalized in Pozuelo de Alarcon

October 31, 2006, Spain

The Catholic School Monte Tabor was vandalized just a few days before its inauguration in September 2006. Early in the morning, wearing gloves, four youths broke into the school and caused significant damage to the establishment, estimated in the amount of 20,000 Euro. Doors, windows, desks, and chairs were destroyed, and the walls painted with anti-Catholic expressions, as well as attacks to the PP, the PSOE political opponents.

Gay Association Demeans Bible in Ad

October 18, 2006, United Kingdom

Gay Police Association places ad in The Independent with a photograph of a bible next to a pool of blood.

Tourism Office Suggests to “Avoid Religious Symbols in Holiday Apartments”

October 17, 2006, Austria

According to the reports of www.kath.net, the business manager of the Office of Tourism in the municipality of Schruns/Tschagguns in Southern Tyrol, Manuel Bitschnau, asked landlords of 300 holiday apartments to remove religious symbols. This was done in the course of a program of “improvement” in the tourism sector. The reason he gave: people of religions other than Christian could feel offended.

Official Seat of Ecumenical Patriarchate Attacked by Grenade

October 6, 2006, Turkey

The official seat of the Ecumenical Patriarchate suffered an attack in Istanbul on October 6th and was damaged by a grenade.

Creationism Debate comes with Defamation of Christians

October 2, 2006, Germany

Wolfgang Baake, general secretary of Christian Media Association (Christlichen Medienverbundes KEP) Germany, calls the reporting and public discussion of evolution vs. intelligent design vs. creationism “defamation” of Christians.

(BBC) Internal Memo Admits Anti-Christian Bias

October 1, 2006, International

The British Broadcasting Corporation has admitted to a marked bias against Christianity among the network’s executives and key anchors.

Blasphemous Theater Play “La Revelación” Performed in Different Spanish Theaters

September 30, 2006, Spain

Stage play “The Revelation” of author Leo Bassi ridicules the Christian faith, by portraying God as illogical and blood thirsty, believers as cruel, and the Church as power hungry.

Catholic Church Targeted by Government Representatives

September 18, 2006, Spain

In July 2005 the Spanish Socialist Youth political wing (JSE) has requested the government to appoint a commission to review the agreements between Spain and the Holy See. The JSE General Secretary and speaker, Herick Campos, emphasized the need to put the Catholic Church "in its place, without any privileges because the Catholic hierarchy has abused of its condition of majority to influence government affairs, specially in issues related to education and finance". This was supported by government leaders in 2006.

Paint Bomb Attack on Pope’s Birthplace

September 10, 2006, Germany

One day before the visit of Pope Benedict XVI. in his hometown Marktl (Bavaria), unknown perpetrators threw two paint bombs unto the front of his birthplace at about 5 o’clock in the morning. The building had just been completely renovated. After the attack, the lower part of the facade had to be completely redone. The perpetrators were not found.

Birth Place of Pope Benedict XVI Vandalized

September 10, 2006, Germany

On Sept 10th, unknown perperators vandalized the birth place of Josef Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict XVI, in Marktl in Germany, by throwing colour on the newly restaurated front walls.

Christian Arrested for Distributing Bible Quotes

September 1, 2006, United Kingdom

Stephen Green, 55, national director of the evangelical organization Christian Voice, Christian Arrested for Distributing Bible Quotes Opposing Homosexuality in South Wales, UK.

Parish Vandalized in Valencia

August 31, 2006, Spain

The parish Asunción de Nuestra Señora, located in the Benimaclet neighborhood of Valencia, was vandalized and the walls painted with anti-Christian messages and images. The parish priest Juan Luis Orquín pointed out that anarchists and gays group have been attacking the Church on regular basis. The priest added that local authorities have not taken any measure to reduce the harassment and the threat to the church. The local newspaper El Levante reported that before the arrival of Benedict XVI to Valencia, a fire was started at the parish doors and the damage caused is still visible.

Anti-Christian Parade and Art Exhibit During Catholic World Family Forum in Valencia

June 30, 2006, Spain

On June 24th a LGBT parade targeted Valencia Cathedral where a priestly ordination mass was taking place. Protesters, holding anti-Christian signs and dressed in profane attire, were joined by the Secretary of Social Affairs, Pedro Zerolo. During the same days, an art exhibit was hosted at the University of Valencia. In order to mock the Catholic Church and sacred art, icons were used for profane images.

Fire-raising on Catholic School and Chapel

June 23, 2006, France

Fire-raising on Catholic School and Chapel in Montpellier, France.

Christian Symbol Forbidden to Students

June 1, 2006, United Kingdom

Students Barred From Wearing Christian Chastity Symbol in Millais School, West Sussex; UK.

High-Ranking Politician Disregards Agreement with the Vatican

May 31, 2006, Spain

The Secretary of the State Department of Communications, Fernando Moraleda, declared that the Government will "not pay more attention to the catechism than to the [official] program". Moraleda´s statement came right after the Pope Benedict XVI requested the teaching of religion in the schools be conducted in similar conditions to other subjects and as it has been agreed to in an international treaty signed by Spain and the Vatican. These agreements are mandatory law for Spain. "The Government has a program and it cannot pay attention to the catechism", Moraleda added.

Crucifixes and Religious Symbols Removed from San Juan de la Cruz School in Jaen

May 31, 2006, Spain

After receiving a formal claim from the Ombudsman Jose Chamizo, the Council of Andalucia requested the Department of Education to remove crucifixes and other religious symbols from San Juan de la Cruz of Baeza school in Jaén. According to the media, only one parent had complaint to the Ombudsman to remove the crucifixes displayed in the classrooms.

Anti-Christian Controversy About a Catholic Becoming Equality Minister

May 9, 2006, United Kingdom

Ruth Kelly, a devout Roman Catholic was made Minister for Women and Equality. Gay rights campaigners reacted with disbelief and stirred up a worrying debate whether a Catholic was fit for such a government position.

Anti-abortion Campaigner Jailed

May 1, 2006, United Kingdom

Anti-abortion campaigner jailed for sending abortion photo and video to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn, Norfolk, UK. He was subsequently denied urgently needed hip treatment.

(MTV) Cartoon Demeans Vatican

May 1, 2006, International

MTV Cartoon Series Popetown demeans and ridicules Vatican.

Christian Church Leader Imprisoned for Organizing Bible Study

March 30, 2006, Belarus

Sergei Shavtsov was arrested and jailed for 10 days for organizing a meeting on Christian history and Bible issues without an official permit.

Christian Couple Interrogated on Their Christian Convictions

March 19, 2006, United Kingdom

The retired couple Joe and Helen Roberts were interrogated by police officers after they complained about their local council's gay rights policy on the grounds of their Christian belief that homosexual practices are morally wrong.

Painting Ridicules Catholic Solemn Service In Saint-Armand-Montrond

March 16, 2006, France

A painting by Amador Castaner which was displayed for the wine fair of Saint-Amand-Montrond (Cher) angried parish priest Jean-François Breton and the inhabitants. In a scene of holy mass, the people’s cheeks were reddened by drinks and they were waiting for more – namely to receive the blood of Christ (the wine). A woman kneeling at the foot of a priest offered him a rather bald chest. The offending paiting was finally masked.

Woman Beaten Up - Accused of ‘Christianizing’ Muslim Girl

March 8, 2006, Turkey

A Muslim woman was attacked and beaten in her shop. The attacker accused the woman of “Christianizing” his daughter. The perpetrator was arrested and was tried on charges of willful infliction of injury. He was punished with a fine.

War Memorial Cross Removed

March 1, 2006, Netherlands

War Memorial Cross was removed in Baarsjesweg, Amsterdam, after Moslems in the neighborhood said that it “disturbed” them. After protests of war veterans it was subsequently reinstalled.

Christian TV-Spot Forbidden

March 1, 2006, Switzerland

Christian media agency CAT is forbidden to show a TV-Spot for advertising their magazine, Baden, Switzerland

Muslim Anti-Christian Protest – Scary Images

March 1, 2006, United Kingdom

Muslim anti-Christian protest took place in London in front of several European embassies and is portrayed on photos which were taken during a demonstration against the Danish cartoons depicting the Prophet Mohammad.

Christian Women Attacked in Serbia

February 15, 2006, Serbia

On 15 February, a man locked two female devotees inside a building near Belgrade. He then started destroying their religious literature and attempted to drag them into the cellar. One of the two victims managed to escape and subsequently called the police, who rescued the other.

Sculpture Presents Christ with a Missile

February 10, 2006, Spain

Sculpture shows Christ with a Missile instructing Second World War German soldiers in Ferran Cano Art Gallery in Madrid.

Catholic Priest Shot Dead in Trazbon

February 5, 2006, Turkey

In the northern city of Trabzon, a 61-year-old Catholic priest was shot dead while praying in his church. The 16-year-old perpetrator, who was arrested shortly after the shooting, shouted a religious slogan to justify his actions, and allegedly made a confession to the police that indicated the religious motivation behind the attack. The killing was strongly and publicly condemned by the government, including by the interior minister.

Jesus Ridiculed in Music Clip

February 1, 2006, Spain

Jesus Christ is ridiculed in a Musical Video Clip on TV Channel Telecinco and the Internet

(TV) South Park “Bloody Mary” Episode

February 1, 2006, International

An episode of the cartoon series “South Park” shows irreverent treatment of Catholic symbols.

State TV Censures Critical Comment

February 1, 2006, Austria

Austrian public broadcast ORF deletes a polite comment from an online debate which criticises the mainstream. Vienna, Austria.

Major Wears a Bishop Costume and Mocks Blessings During Carnival Parade

January 25, 2006, Spain

The major of San Sebastian, the socialist Odón Elorza, wore a religious costume for a pagan festivity. The media reported that during the Carnival, Erloza, dressed as a bishop along with three men dressed in female tennis cloth, preceded the parade. Erloza made the sign of the cross imitating the Catholic ritual "blessing" the attendance.

Government Officials Threat to Boycott Spanish Budget to Defund Catholic Church

January 16, 2006, Spain

Members of the socialist party said that they would vote against the National Spanish Budget as long as the government continues the provision of funds to the Catholic Church. During an interview broadcast by the media Ser, MP Victorino Mayoral, a socialist representative, claimed that the Catholic Church funding is "dubious, not to mention unconstitutional". Mayoral says that the secular government of Spain cannot afford the funding of a religious organizations that "revives Franco's times“.

MSP Patrick Harvie Reports Archbishop to the Police for Defending Marriage

January 13, 2006, United Kingdom

Member of the Scottish Parliament asked Strathclyde Police to investigate remarks made by the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Glasgow. The Archbishop had defended the institution of marriage in a church service.

Crucifixion Ridiculed by Popstar

January 1, 2006, International

Popstar Madonna ridicules the crucifiction on tour in Europe

BBC Spreads Negative Image of Jesus

January 1, 2006, International

BBC spreads negative image of Jesus by Series on “The Miracles of Jesus”

Religious Persecution Through Bureaucratic Obstacles

January 1, 2006, Russia

(ongoing) Visa difficulties for religious personel; police failure to protect the faithful; administrational obstacles prevent religious services.

Several Cases of Discrimination of and Violence against Christians

January 1, 2006, Turkey

(2000-2006) Several instances recorded. Christians faced violence including murders, threats, vandalisations and administrational difficulties.

No Reference to God or Christianity in EU Constitution

January 1, 2006, European Institutions (EU, ECHR, et.al.)

(2003 - 2006) Reference to God or Christianity in EU Constitution denied despite 1 million individual signatures as well as 50 million signatures through organisiational affiliation.

Christian Girls Forced to Attend LGBT Assembly

December 30, 2005, United Kingdom

A group of Christian Year Nine girls at a school in Stoke Newington were forced to remain in an ‘LGBT History Month – assembly’ despite their parents’ wishes that they should not attend. Parents with objections to Christian assemblies are permitted to withdraw their children. Teachers are also permitted to opt out.

Labor Union Representative Requests the Removal of a Nativity from a Public Building


December 23, 2005, Spain

The Secretary of the Labor Union requested in a written statement the immediate removal of a nativity that has been displayed in the hall of the Council of Education building. The petition was grounded in Article 16 of the Spanish Constitution, which establishes that no creed has official character. Spain has signed many international agreements that guarantee freedom of conscience and freedom of religion.

Family Campaigner Interrogated

December 1, 2005, United Kingdom

Family campaigner Lynette Burrows interrogated after radio statement in London.

Satanic Logo of Clothes Production Company

December 1, 2005, Sweden

A clothes production company in Stockholm comes out with a satanic logo as active statement against Christianity.

(Internet) Video Glorifies Violence Against Christians

December 1, 2005, International

Animated video glorifies violence against pro-life Christians on Planned Parenthood website.

Mockery of Crown of Thorns by Spanish Politicians

December 1, 2005, Spain

A group of Catalan politicians joked about the Passion of Christ in an Official Visit to Israel by taking photographs with a crown of thorns.

Catholic Church Targeted by Government Representatives

July 18, 2005, Spain

The Spanish Socialist Youth political wing (JSE) has requested the government to appoint a commission to review the agreements between Spain and the Holy See. The JSE General Secretary and speaker, Herick Campos, emphasized the need to put the Catholic Church "in its place, without any privileges because the Catholic hierarchy has abused of its condition of majority to influence government affairs, specially in issues related to education and finance".

Spanish Officer Considers Catholic Teaching on Sexuality a Case of "Bad Education"

June 30, 2005, Spain

The official speaker for the PSOE on issues related to Education, Adolfo Navarro, has requested the intervention of the Education Council to reprimand another case of "bad education". The complaint submitted by Navarro refers to some material facilitated by the Ethics Professor of two students from Colegio de Jesus who requested it. The material contains traditional Catholic teachings on sexuality. Navarro says the material "only promotes homophobia and ignorance".

Spanish Minister of Justice Call to End the Privileges of the Catholic Church and Accused It of Supporting Fascism

June 29, 2005, Spain

The Spanish Minister of Justice, Juan Fernando López Aguilar, called to end any state funding of the Catholic Church. According to this high official the Church enjoyed privileges that had their origin in the times where the Catholic creed was the only "official" religion. López Aguilar stated that the Catholic Church was in favour of the Spanish Civil War, and held strong relations with the Franquists.

Calvinist University Sued for Dismissing Student Involved in Homosexual Promotion

June 15, 2005, Hungary

Karoli Gaspar Calvinist University in Budapest was sued by the Hatter Support Group for Gays and Lesbians after the University had dismissed a student who was involved in promotion of homosexuality. The university declared that the religious school cannot let, conduct and promote homosexuality, because it is against its morals, beliefs and the way of teaching.

Notre Dame Cathedral Seized, Priest Hurt, Gay Mock Wedding Performed

June 5, 2005, France

On Sunday June 5th, priest Monsignor Patrick Jacquin was hurt in Notre Dame Cathedral when about twenty members of the association ‘Act Up’ burst into the cathedral, defying the security personnel, in order to perform a mock marriage of two lesbians.

Conscientious Objection Denied to Public Servants

April 28, 2005, Spain

The Superior Tribunal of Madrid ruled against the right to conscientious objection to registry officers who requested to be exempted, and/or replaced by a colleague, in cases of same-sex marriage. The Tribunal understands that public servants swear full obedience to the law and are to abide by it. "The absolute submission to the law cannot be dismissed nor justified in any case, mostly when a private belief is at stake" confirmed the Tribunal.

Converts to Christianity Assaulted

February 1, 2005, United Kingdom

Convert family from Islam to Christianity assaulted in Bradford.

Spanish Officer Calls the Catholic Church a "Public Enemy"

January 30, 2005, Spain

The former Spanish ambassador to the Holy See, Gonzalo Puente Ojea, affirmed that the Catholic Church is a public enemy nowadays. In the view of Puente Ojea, the Church is used to a privilege treatment and its bellicose tone towards the Spanish government is part of a power game.

Member of Parliament Sued for "Homophobic Insults"

January 26, 2005, France

French member of parliament, Christian Vanneste, sentenced to payments for "homophobic insults"; three years later acquitted by last juridical instance.

Christianophobic Opera Aired on BBC

January 8, 2005, International

“Jerry Springer the Opera” was screened by the BBC on January 8th and attracted a record number of complaints of over 55,000 from the public as it contained contemptuous, scurrilous and ludicrous references to the Christian Faith.

European Parliament Declines Plegded Support of € 1,5 Million for World Youth Day

December 15, 2004, European Institutions (EU, ECHR, et.al.)

On December 15th 2004 the European Union rejected funding for the upcoming 2005 World Youth Day (WYD) during the second reading of the 2005 budget.

TV Gag against Christian Symbols

December 1, 2004, Spain

TV Channel Canal Plus Gag "How to Cook a Crucifix" demeans Christian Symbols.

High Government Official Recommends Catholic School to Remove Crucifixes and Avoid Prayers

November 27, 2004, Spain

The inspector recommended to a Catholic school to remove crucifixes and other religious symbols from the classrooms as well as ceasing morning prayers and other expressions of faith.

Practicing Catholic Rejected as a Member of the European Commission

October 1, 2004, European Institutions (EU, ECHR, et.al.)

Rocco Buttiglione was dismissed by the European Institutions as EU Commissioner because of his Catholic convictions.

Greek Orthodox Church Damaged by Bomb Explosion

August 1, 2004, Cyprus

Greek Orthodox Church in Northern Cyprus was damaged by bomb explosion in Cyprus conflict.

Orthodox Cathedral Turned into Public Toilet

April 19, 2004, Serbia

The Orthodox cathedral of Christ the Savior in Pristina, still under construction, with its consecrated foundations and cross, where Holy Liturgy was periodically served before the war while it was still under construction, has been turned into a public toilet, while the property around the church has become the squatting ground of Roma emigrants from the Republic of Albania.

Christian Student Union Reported to Police for Hosting Speaker With Traditional Biblical View on Homosexuality

February 26, 2004, United Kingdom

The Christian Union of the University of Cambridge was reported to the police after the distribution of 12,000 copies of St John's gospel to students and the lecture given by Phillip Jensen, the Dean of St. Andrew´s Cathedral, in Sydney, Australia, on the traditional biblical view on homosexuality.

Staff Sacked after Refusing Sunday Work

February 1, 2004, United Kingdom

Staff sacked after refusing Sunday work.

Christian Groups Listed as "Dangerous Sects"

January 1, 2004, France

(1996 - 2005) Legal developments put religious freedom at risk. Christian groups listed as dangerous sects. State power to interfere with religious exercise established by law.

Police Investigate Anglican Bishop Because He Said Some Homosexuals Changed to Heterosexuality

November 12, 2003, United Kingdom

The Bishop of Chester was investigated by the Cheshire constabulary in November 2003 after he told his local newspaper of research showing that some homosexuals re-orientated to heterosexuality. The police passed a file to the Crown Prosecution Service who decided not to prosecute.

Pastor Charged for Preaching on Homosexuality

June 20, 2003, Sweden

Pastor Ake Green charged with committing a "hate crime" for preaching a sermon on homosexuality in Borghold.

Catholic Nun Used for Condom Campaign

March 28, 2003, France

Image of Catholic nun used for pro condom campaign in Toulouse.

Two Council Workers Threatened with Dismissal for Participating in Homosexual Adoption

March 25, 2003, United Kingdom

The Sefton (North West of England) Council workers, Norah Ellis and Dawn Jackson, refused to take part in adoptions for gay parents as not compatible with the Christian concept of family. As a consequence they have been threatened with dismissal for not doing their job.

Christianophobic Exhibit in Moscow

January 14, 2003, Russia

Visitors are shocked by christianophobic exhibit in Andrei Sakharov Museum in Moscow as it shows Jesus and Mary in humiliating positions. Intention of organizers described as exposing hypocrisy of religion.

Christian Minority Rights Threatened

January 1, 2003, Kosovo

(2000-2003) Christian minority rights are at stake in Kosovo. Churches were attacked and destroyed. The denial of Jesus was demanded from youth at gunpoint.

Law Criminalizes Elements of Christianity

December 31, 2002, Sweden

New law prohibits criticism of homosexuality and makes biblical applications to today a criminal offence.

Call for Head Teacher to be Suspended for Defending a Christian View of Marriage

June 5, 2002, United Kingdom

A highly respected comprehensive school head teacher, Bill Beales, faced calls for his suspension after he told pupils that Christians were being “placed on trial” for defending their beliefs on marriage.

Preacher Arrested For Public Order Offence

April 1, 2002, United Kingdom

(October 2001-April 2002) Evangelical preacher arrested and fined for displaying a sign in public saying ‘Stop Immorality’.

Religious Sister Cruelly Murdered in Satanic Ritual

June 6, 2000, Italy

In the night of June 6th, 2000 in the Italian town of Chiavenna in the Lombardy, Sister Maria Laura Mainetti was murdered by three teenage girls in a ritual act of satanism.

Catholic Priest Falsely Accused of Participation in Satanic Rites

May 1, 2000, Italy

Father Giorgio Govoni, 59, pastor of Staggia di San Prospero Church in the province of Modena, Italy, was accused of being a member of a group of pedophiles who engaged in sexually violent and harmful acts with minors, including participation in satanic rites in the Massa Finalese Cemetery. He was cleared after his death by the court of second instance.

Church Vandalized After Anti-Gay Homily in Newcastle

October 28, 1999, United Kingdom

Jesmond Parish Church in Newcastle upon Tyne was covered with obscene phrases and pornographic graffiti after Rev. Holloway preached about homosexuality in the teachings of the Bible. The graffiti included drawings of men having sex, and insulting expressions such as "Holloway Out", "Bigot" and "Down with Holloway".

Pastor Jailed for Expression of Pro-Life Opinion

March 11, 1998, Germany

Pastor jailed for calling an abortion specialist “professional killer” and “torturer” in Erlangen.

Dutch MP Fined for Critical Comment on Homosexuality

December 30, 1996, Netherlands

A politician was fined in the first instance for hate speech in criticizing homosexuality. Even though the court of second instance lifted the sentence, the hypersensitivity of the first court is a worrying sign.

Conscientious Objection Denied

January 1, 1996, United Kingdom

(1995/1996) Several instances have been collected in which staff were denied the right to conscientious objection and lost their jobs.

Holy Monastery of Prophet Elias in Cyprus Savagely Bombed by Turkish Air Force

July 9, 1974, Cyprus

The Monastery of the Prophet Elias of Maronite Monks, situated near the village of Ayia Marina Skyllouras, in the Nicosia district in Cyprus, was bombed during the second phase of the Turkish invasion. The Turkish air force savagely attacked the religious building which caught fire and was badly damaged.

Church of Ayios Procopios, Cyprus Desecrated after the 1974 Turkish Occupation

July 1, 1974, Cyprus

Ayios Procopios, a Byzantine church of the 11th or 12th century situated in the village of Synkrasi, in the Famagusta district, in the Republic of Cyprus, was desecrated after the military had occupied the region by force. The iconostasis was destroyed and the portable icons were stolen. The church is today a refuge for birds.