All cases

Severe Vandalism During Historical Commemoration

July 27, 2009, Spain

Around twenty churches were vandalized on the night of July 26th in commemoration of the centenary of the „Tragic Week“ (a series of blood sheding fights between the Spanish army and the working classes) in Barcelona.

Christian Murdered Because of Faith

July 20, 2009, Turkey

German entrepreneur murdered in Istanbul most likely because of hatred towards Christians. CNN-Turk and Agence France Press quote the murderer to have stated in an interrogation that he had aimed at "killing Christians".

Repetitive Violence and Vandalism Against a Church in Toulon

July 1, 2009, France

The church of the Sacred-Heart of Toulon has been for the past two years the target of malevolent acts. Urine was found in the baptismal font, a church responsible was seriously assaulted, the tabernacle was vandalized and many thefts and degradation are to be deplored. The church had to be kept closed for several weeks in 2009.

A Priest Threatened And Assaulted In Toul

July 1, 2009, France

Father Noël became a victim of intimidation and threats in Toul over the course of a year. He finally decided to leave the district of la Croix de Metz in Toul.

Civil Partnership Bill Passed to Committee Stage, Threatening Freedom of Conscience for Christians

June 26, 2009, Ireland

A new Irish initiative that would grant rights to homosexual couples contains no conscience clause and lays out fines and potential prison sentences for registrars who refuse to carry out same-sex civil partnerships. Concerns from church leaders disregarded as Bill passes Second Stage consideration.

Homeschooled Child Seized by Swedish Government

June 25, 2009, Sweden

Seven-year-old taken away from his family by Swedish authorities at Arlanda International Airport in Stockholm, for being home educated, although home education was legal in Sweden at that time.

Good Samaritan Church Has Windows Smashed

June 23, 2009, United Kingdom

The Belfast church which had offered refuge to Romanian immigrants after a racisst attack was itself attacked.

Gay Pride Parade demeans Christianity

June 19, 2009, Italy

Gay Pride parade in Rome depicts crosses with sex items, ridicules the suffering Jesus by live imitations and carries anti-Catholic flags.

First Communion Ritual Ousted of Meaning by Secular Flowering Festival

May 30, 2009, Spain

The City Major of Rivas-Vaciamadrid, José Masa, announced that he was going to organize a celebration for children between the ages of 8 to 10 similar to the religious first communion upon the request of the community. The festivities would be called "fiestas del florecimiento" (flowering festival). "It would be a 'laity first communion'; but I do not want to call it this way because then, the right wing blames me for the celebration of laity baptisms and marriages using Catholic Church rituals", he clarified.

Freedom of Speech Impeded / Anti-Christian Slogans on Posters

May 24, 2009, Germany

German Gay and Lesbian Association in opposition to two speeches on Psychotherapy congress on whether sexual orientation could be changed if wished for. Speeches had to be delivered with police protection. Anti-Christian counter-demonstration portrayed Jesus as a pig nailed to the cross and used slogans such as: “We are here to hurt your feelings.”