All cases

UK imposes VAT on private education: Christian schools forced to close

February 1, 2025, United Kingdom

A UK policy change imposing VAT on private school fees came into force in January 2025, forcing schools to pay 20% of tuition fees to the Treasury. Many Christian schools, already operating on tight budgets, face closure or fee increases, reducing parental choice in education. Critics argue that the reform unlawfully discriminates against faith-based education and violates international rights protections.

Decapitated statue of Mary

January 30, 2025, Germany

Unknown perpetrators have damaged a statue of the Madonna in a chapel in Wasserburg am Inn in Upper Bavaria.

Christian Prayer App "Hallow" Threatened by EU Regulations

January 30, 2025, European Institutions (EU, ECHR, et.al.)

The Christian prayer app "Hallow", which reached number one on Apple's App Store in 2024, is now struggling to operate in the EU. CEO Alex Jones has expressed concern that strict regulations are effectively shutting down religious apps, raising concerns about digital religious freedom.

Two arson attacks on church in Jerez

January 26, 2025, Spain

On the night of 25 January, an attempt to set fire to one of the entrances to the church of San Miguel in Jerez was quickly smothered by the local population. However, just a few hours later, on the morning of 26 January, another fire was set at another door, this time requiring the intervention of the fire brigade. The police are now investigating both incidents.

Polish Petition Aims to Ban Minors From Receiving Confession

January 24, 2025, Poland

In October 2024, actor and activist Rafał Betlejewski launched a petition to ban children and teenagers under 18 from receiving the sacrament of confession. After gathering just over 13,000 signatures, the proposal is now being debated in the lower house of the Polish parliament.

Smear on Christian politicians in Austria

January 24, 2025, Austria

In Austria, an official report on 'right-wing extremism' has been heavily criticised for defaming Christian politicians and placing traditional Christian beliefs in the context of 'right-wing extremism'. The Christian politicians named in the report reacted with shock and indignation. One of them, Jan Ledóchowski, whose ancestors were murdered by the Nazis, pointed out the absurdity of associating Catholic positions with right-wing extremism. Christian politician Gudrun Kugler, who the report unfoundedly claims was elected by a 'right-wing milieu', called the report unscientific and trivialised genuine right-wing extremism.

Woman set fire to the Holy Scriptures

January 23, 2025, Poland

On 23 January, a 43-year-old woman set fire to a Bible in a church in Kępno and threw a vase and candles from the altar.

Another attack on a church in the Sardinia region

January 23, 2025, Italy

On the night of 23 January, unknown assailants vandalised the church of San Francesco in Oristano. The Christian community in Sardinia has suffered numerous attacks on religious sites in recent weeks. The police are now investigating all the incidents.

Sacrilegious theft in Sarajevo

January 21, 2025, Bosnia and Herzegovina

On 21 January, unknown assailants broke into the convent church of the Sisters of Charity of St Vinka in the centre of Sarajevo and stole the vessel monstrance the large consecrated host, scattering the other smaller ones in the sanctuary. Several other items were also stolen.

Facade of convent vandalised with pro-abortion tags

January 20, 2025, France

On 20 January, the façade of the Grande Bretèche convent, home to the Dominican Sisters of the Presentation, was vandalised with pro-abortion inscriptions in a repeat of a similar attack last year. This is the second year in a row that the convent has been vandalised after hosting a pro-life event.