All cases

Catholic Parish Targeted by Government

March 29, 2013, Russia

As a consequence of a “foreign agents“ law that was signed by President Vladimir Putin last year, Russia caused headlines with its persistent attempt to crack down foreign funded non-governmental organisations such as Human Rights Watch and Transparency International. Now the latest reports state that the government has started targeting churches as well, e.g. fining a Catholic parish in Nowotscherkassk for 450,000 Rubles (11,200 Euros).

Reproach of Police Misconduct at Pro-Family-Manifestation

March 25, 2013, France

French Christians launched a petition for the resignation of Manuel Valls, French Minister of the Interior, and Bernard Boucault, Prefect of Police, and to sanction all police staff who committed abuses against the peaceful demonstrators at the Pro-Family-demonstration "Manif pour tous" in Paris on Sunday 24th of March. According to the organisers, the number of protesters had been greatly underestimated by the police, and in order to try to contain the actual 1,4 million the police employed unnecessary forceful measures.

Palm Sunday Services Interrupted by LGBT Activists

March 24, 2013, France

Demonstrators for LGBT causes disrupted the Palm Sunday service on the 24th of March at the Cathedral in Metz, France. They were calling out slander, waving rainbow flags demanding that the bishop withdrew his support of the pro-family demonstration in Paris. The protesters were members of CNT and individuals.

Saint-Jean Cathedral of Lyon Broken Into

March 23, 2013, France

On Saturday, March the 23rd, around 6.30 pm, an Iranian citizen aged 28, was arrested and taken into custody. He had broken into the Saint-Jean Cathedral of Lyon and seriously damaged the astronomical clock with an iron bar.

Church of Saint-Similien Nantes Vandalised

March 23, 2013, France

The church of Saint-Similien Nantes was vandalised on the night of the 23rd of March. Someone hid in the confessional on Friday night and then desecrated the stoup and vandalised the organ. An ermine chasuble, the organ bench and the light of the tabernacle were stolen.

20 Graves Desecrated in Elne-Cemetery in Pyrenees-Orientales

March 22, 2013, France

During the night of March 22nd more than 20 graves were desecrated in the Elne-Cemetery in Pyrenees-Orientales. This happened before in 2008 when 248 graves were vandalised, almost all of them Christian tombs.

Christian Youth Foundation in Dordrecht Accuses Local Government of Anti-Christian Repression

March 22, 2013, Netherlands

A Christian foundation for working with youth surprisingly lost its license to serve coffee and soda on the grounds that the youth centre was a gastronomical enterprise running on deficit and other permits would be necessary for non-profit activities. This was perceived as a governmental anti-Christian repression and is now debated in court.

Theft and Desecration in Church in Termoli

March 21, 2013, Italy

Two youth entered the Church of St. Timothy in Termoli. One pretended to pray and when they were left alone made profane and sacrilegious gestures before stealing wafers and other sacred objects from the tabernacle. The theft was carried out on March 21 which corresponds to the satanic calendar as the "Second night of Tregenda”.

Catholic Bookstore Vandalised Once Again

March 15, 2013, France

Another Catholic bookshop (“Notre-Dame-de-France”) was trashed on the 15th of March in Paris. The windows were broken and books thrown on the floor. There have been 26 reports of similar incidents over the past year.

Pro-Life Women Attacked By Pro-Abortion Men at Manifestation

March 15, 2013, Poland

Male pro-abortion protesters physically attacked several pro-life women, pushing and kicking them, during a rally on March 10th in Warsaw. The pro-lifers were part of the organisation Fundacja Pro and were carrying a controversial banner of a woman who died during an abortion.

Catholic Bookstore Vandalised in Paris

March 15, 2013, France

The window of a Catholic bookshop, Our Lady of France (former "Bookstore Petit Pont ") was smashed.

Attempted Arson at Saint-Nicolas Church in Fribourg

March 11, 2013, Switzerland

On March 11th at around 7pm, the cantonal police were called to the scene at Saint-Nicolas in Fribourg, as an employee restrained two individuals who tried to hang a banner in the cathedral. They had also poured gasoline into the stoup to set it on fire.

Coffins Opened and Graves Desecrated

March 6, 2013, Croatia

Unknown perpetrator(s) damaged two graves and opened the coffins. The damage was detected by a member of the family of one of the deceased. At an old concrete tomb of an unknown owner, the tombstone was moved and the coffin was opened, and there was another case involving the desecration of an earthen grave. Some of the earth that had covered the coffin, which was apparently opened, had caved in. Around the grave were scattered bones. The incident was recorded by the police who performed an investigation.

Church Vandalised in Lecce

March 3, 2013, Italy

Vandals entered the St. Michael's Parish Centre in Lecce and set fire to a holy book that was on the lectern. Fortunately the fire was put out before more damage was done.

Magazine Defames Benedict XVI and His Secretary

March 2, 2013, Germany

Due to the Pope's resignation, in a caricature on its title page, the German magazine, Titanic, implied Pope Emeritus Benedict and his secretary, Archbishop Gänswein to be engaging in homosexual sex, uttering "Finally - sex!". This hurts religious feelings of the faithful, defames both and deepens a negative stereotype against church hierarchy.

Magazine Caricatures Conclave as Group Sex

February 28, 2013, France

The French Magazine Charlie Hebdo comments on the election of the new Catholic Pontiff with a caricature on its title page showing the cardinals having group sex and calling their sexual climax the descendence of the Holy Spirit. The faithful perceive this as hurtful and intolerant to their religious convictions.

Magazine Front Page Caricature Upsets Christians

February 27, 2013, France

On the occasion of the resignation of pope Benedict XVI and the conclave in which a new pope ought to be elected, the French magazine, Charlie Hebdo, featured a caricature on its front cover which shows the cardinals engaging in group sex. The words suggest that it is their sexual pleasure which the cardinals mockingly call the Holy Spirit.

Church Burglarised and Desecrated in Oberhausem

February 27, 2013, Germany

Unidentified criminals burglarised and vandalised the Catholic church St. Josef in Oberhausem, North Rhine Westphalia. The act included desecration of the tabernacle, the altar and a relic. Several precious stones were taken and the registry was left in disarray.

Vandalism and Burglary in St. Joseph’s Church in Oberhausen

February 27, 2013, Germany

The church of St. Joseph’s in Oberhausen, Germany was broken into by a burglar who after a failed attempt to enter through a window broke the door to the sacristy. He smashed an old alter relic when trying to open the next door into the church. The police were called and came with their tracking dogs but they lost the trail. All the cabinets in the church were broken and the contents dumped on the ground. Microphone and sound cables were torn out and on his way out the burglar stole gems.

Church Vandalised in Gummersbach, Hessen

February 22, 2013, Germany

Around 12 pm on the 22nd of February unknown perpetrators broke into the parish of Gummersbach, Hessen and stole the offertory. They pried it off the wall with scissors which seriously damaged the sacral space.

Church Vandalised and Burglarised in Lünen

February 21, 2013, Germany

In the night of the 21st of February the registry of the St-Marys church of Lünen was broken into and gravely damaged. The place was left in disarray and the offertory was emptied.

Vandalism and Burglary in the Church of St. Mary in Lünen

February 21, 2013, Germany

Unidentified perpetrators broke into St Mary's Church in Lünen, Germany. They also vandalised the youth centre and the parish centre. Much damage was done but hardly anything stolen. In the youth centre one of the billiard tables was badly damaged.

Nail Bomb Placed in Almudena Cathedral in Madrid

February 20, 2013, Spain

A nail bomb was found in the Almudena Cathedral by a priest who reported seeing a suspicious looking bag on leaving the confessional. The Cathedral was evacuated before anyone was hurt by the home-made device, and the police were able to deactivate it without any damage being done.

Offertory of Catholic Church in Dieringhausen Stolen

February 19, 2013, Germany

Using a scissor a perpetrator pried the offertory off the wall of the Catholic Church on Dieringhauser street in Gummersbach. He also took the container and its contents.

Satanic Graffiti on Church in Urbino Duomo

February 17, 2013, Italy

Inverted crosses and 666 were found on two doors of the church. The three doors were dented as well, one whose neoclassical façade was rebuilt by Valadier in 1801, following a strong earthquake in 1789.

Church in Orléans Twice the Target of Vandals

February 14, 2013, France

The church of Saint-Paterne in Orléans, France, became twice the victim of vandalism. Sometime during the night of the 11th to 12th of February, three of its poor boxes were pillaged, and then again from the night of the 14th to 15th of February, the door of the tabernacle was forced open and the ciborium emptied of its contents, the hosts spread over the floor. A covering was taken, but not the ciborium. In addition, the church Notre-Dame des Miracles, also in Orléans, was robbed.

T-Shirt Company in Pamplona Prints Derisive Cartoon Picturing a Catholic Bishop

February 13, 2013, Spain

The Spanish T-shirt company Kukuxumusu, known for its humorous T-shirt designs picturing cartoon animals such as sheep and bulls, printed a shirt with a bull dressed in Catholic bishop’s clothing flanked by two sheep, one of whom he is suspiciously touching. The other sheep is pulling up the “bishop’s”garment to reveal a devil’s tail. Many found this both offensive to their faith and a needless mockery of the serious matter of pedophilia.

Anti-Pope Protests in Notre Dame Cathedral

February 12, 2013, France

Female activists undress and shout anti-pope slogans to comment the resignation of Pope Benedict XYI in the Paris Cathedral of Notre. Toplessly, they hammered at bells and shouted "Crisis of faith,", “Pope no more!” “Bye-bye Benedict!”, “No more homophobe!” and "In gay we trust!".

Polish Erasmus Student Arrested in Cadiz for Destroying a Crucifix

February 12, 2013, Spain

A twenty-four year old Polish Erasmus student in Cadiz was arrested after purportedly entering a church and throwing a crucifix to the ground, breaking the arms and legs off of the eighteenth century religious piece. A church official tried to detain the youth, but he escaped and was later apprehended by police to await trial.

Catholics Insulted by Depiction of Key Shrine Lourdes

February 11, 2013, France

French Catholics were insulted by an historically inaccurate article published in the French weekly, Le Point, on the 155th Anniversary of the pilgrimage site, Lourdes.

YouTube Video Calls For Violence Against Priests

February 10, 2013, International

On February 10th a youtube video was uploaded by user „Porco Dio“ containing several blasphemous pictures and comments such as "God Swine", "Our Lady the Pig",
"Bastards in white" (referring to priests) and 
“I would like to cook a nice plate of mixed things with that saint Joseph". They also ridicule the Lord’s Prayer.

Anti-Christian Counter Manifestation to Pro Life Activity

February 9, 2013, France

During a prayer meeting in front of the abortion clinic of the l’Hôpital Tenon in Paris, pro-lifers were confronted with a counter demonstration of the group “Hâter la République” (“Rush the Republic”) which held up posters depicting Jesus carrying the cross comparing the cross to an UID, a contraceptive loop. It said: “Jesus too… had a loop!”

Graffiti on Walls of Church in Vigasio

February 9, 2013, Italy

Two young girls entered the church and using black spray paint made a smiling devil who "hates the Vatican”, a slanderous stylized crucifix and wrote insults in English.

University Assistant Professor Loses Job Due to Opposition to “Gay Marriage”

February 7, 2013, Germany

A Cologne university professor lost his job because he had spoken for Christian values and against “gay” marriages in a TV appearance. The university claimed that such views were not to be tolerated.

Vandalism and Arson in Two Churches in Cusio

February 6, 2013, Italy

Within two days there were 4 arson attacks and 6 cases of vandalism in the parish of Saint Catherine and Saint Audenzio Pettenasco. The fire did not spread through the buildings but curtains were burnt and the wooden upper part of the entrance that supports the choir and a precious organ were damaged. A hammer was used to destroy the gate of the Shrine of Our Lady of Bocciolo, an awl was used on other doors and insults were written against the church.

Church of Saint-Germain de Charonne in Paris Marked with Graffiti

February 6, 2013, France

The Church of Saint-Germain de Charonne in Paris was marked with the words, “The only church that illuminates is the one that burns.”

Christian Graves Vandalised in Bages D’Aude

February 4, 2013, France

Right before All Hallows Eve three tombs in the cemetery of Banges D’Aude were vandalised, with their decorations and flowers destroyed. A complaint was placed with the Gendarmerie.

Burglars and Fire at Catholic Church in Dorsten

February 4, 2013, Germany

Burglars targeted the Catholic church of St. Boniface in Dorsten. They stole several items as well as cash and set the community centre on fire. According to the police the damages amount to several hundred thousand euros.

Church Vandalised in Lyon

February 1, 2013, France

At the parish the Name of Jesus in Lyon the parish priest discovered on February 1st that the facade had been vandalised with the statue of Jeremiah removed from its niche and beheaded on the floor.

Graffiti Threatens Christians in Ljubljana

February 1, 2013, Slovenia

Unknown perpetrators sprayed on a wall of a shopping center on one of the thoroughfares in Ljubljana on 1 February 2013 a graffiti threatening Christians with violence. “Kristjani – klali smo vas 1945 – klali vas bomo 2013” - “Christians – we slaughtered you in 1945 – we shall slaughter you in 2013”, was sprayed in large letters on a wall.

Schoolchild Punished for Refusing to Memorise a Verse of the Koran

January 29, 2013, France

A child at a Catholic school in France was punished for refusing to memorise a verse of the Koran in January 2013. At the school of Notre Dame de St Mihiel in the Meuse, Lorraine, a pupil refused to memorise a verse of the Koran as a part of a class on Islam. Two mothers arranged a meeting with the teacher to explain their disagreement with the punishment. Instead of removing the punishment or allowing the student to opt-out of the class the school director informed the mother of the punished child that she considers removing the child from the school.

Protestant Church in Amberg Devastated

January 29, 2013, Germany

In Amberg, Hochsauerlandkreis, on the 29th of January the sacred space of the Protestant Resurrection Church was devastated and chalices for communion were stolen.

Professor in Zagreb Makes Offensive Catholic Comment

January 29, 2013, Croatia

During a visit by Mrs. Judith Reisman to the Faculty of Political Sciences at the University of Zagreb on January 29, 2013, the dean of this faculty, Prof. Dr. Nenad Zakošek, said, among other things: “If anyone indoctrinated them (students), then it is the Catholic Church.”

New Mandatory Sex Ed Programme Violates Rights of Parents

January 27, 2013, Croatia

Christian parents are outraged over the contents of the governments new sex ed. programme. The government insisted and made opting out illegal, until the constitutional court found that the contents were against the law.

Anti-Christian Images and Posters at Pro-Gay Marriage Rally in Paris

January 27, 2013, France

The French gay activist lobby groups hosted a pro-gay marriage on the 27th of January. Unlike the pro-family rally of the 13th of January, whose posters and messages focused on images or phrases that reminded onlookers of the traditional family and of children’s need for a mother and father, the 27th of January demonstration signs were largely aimed at insulting Christians and the Pope. Some signs were calling for the “Pope to tie his own fallopian tubes.” Others called the Virgin Mary the first “surrogate mother”, while still others stated that gays were "less likely to harm children than priests".

Poster Depicts a Lesbian Virgin Mary Couple

January 17, 2013, Croatia

A poster advertisement for the play "Fine Dead Girls" contained an image with two Blessed Virgins embracing each other as lesbians. The play took place in the Zagreb theater Gavela. The poster was withdrawn after protests.

British Airways Banned Employee from Wearing a Cross, ECHR Confirms a Violation of Freedom of Religion

January 15, 2013, United Kingdom

(October 2006 - January 2013)In October 2006 an employee, Ms Eweida, was banned from wearing a cross on a necklace by British Airways, UK. Court ruling in January 2008 upheld prohibition for Christians, but not for other religions' symbols. On January 15th, 2013, the European Court of Human Rights ruled that Ms Eweida's rights had been violated.

Christian Counsellors Freedom of Conscience Trumped by Rights of Homosexuals

January 15, 2013, United Kingdom

The rights of homosexual couples trumped those of Christians, according to a ruling of the Employment Appeal Tribunal. The European Court of Human Rights dismissed the Christian applicant Gary McFarlane and left the balancing out of rights to national appreciation.

Registrar’s Wish Not to Register Homosexual Unions Rejected

January 15, 2013, United Kingdom

Lillian Ladele, a Christian registrar, was disciplined because of her stance on civil partnerships. The European Court of Human Rights dismissed Ladele’s application on January 15th, 2013 and left the balancing out of rights to the national authorities.

Christian Nurse Loses Battle to Wear Crucifix at Work

January 15, 2013, United Kingdom

The Employment Tribunal found ‘No Discrimination’ despite the ruling that a Christian nurse cannot wear a cross for religious reasons though a Muslim can wear a hijab for religious reasons. On January 15th, 2013, the European Court of Human Rights confirmed that the hospital could make such policies - if justified by health and safety reasons.

ECHR Decides Against Freedom of Religion in Three Cases, in Favour of One

January 15, 2013, European Institutions (EU, ECHR, et.al.)

On January 15th, the European Court of Human Rights ruled in the four UK Freedom of Religion cases: one was ruled in favour and three against. The decision of the Court is not yet final and can be appealed to the Grand Chamber of the Court.

Protestant Churches Vandalised and Burglarised in Hessen

January 15, 2013, Germany

In Rödermark (Hessen) and the district of Offenbach Protestant churches were targeted by vandals. Altar clothes, bibles and other things were stolen. Due to these incidents, the targeted churches remain closed during the night.

Church Vandalised in Duren

January 14, 2013, Germany

In Duren (NRW) the St. Cyriac Church was completely defiled and the tabernacle desecrated. The damage was so grave that the church was pronounced unfit for service.

Topless Feminists Protest Against Vatican's Policy on Gay Adoption

January 13, 2013, Italy

When Pope Benedict XVI gave his weekly Sunday address on January 13, 2013, on St. Peter's Square, four women of the Ukrainian feminist group Femen took off their shirts to reveal the slogan they had written on their bare skin, "In Gay We Trust". This took place while the pope lead the Angelus prayer. The women screamed "Homophobes shut up" as they were taken away from St Peter's square by the Italian police.

Bishop of Trieste Barricaded After Reiterating Church Teaching on Homosexuality in Church Newspaper

January 12, 2013, Italy

In the January edition of the Diocesan newspaper, the Bishop of Trieste had published an article restating the Church’s teaching on homosexual unions. Because of this, on the 12th of January about two hundred homosexual activist demonstrated in front of his home effectively barricading him in for the afternoon.

French Government to “Dissolve Religious Pathology” and “Excesses” in the Church

January 6, 2013, France

Instead of tackling the enormous number of anti-Christian vandalisms, President Hollande announced 'the National Observatory of Secularism' to come into being this year, tasked with closely monitoring religious organisations for any potential 'excesses'. French Interior Minister Manuel Valls highlighted various Catholic organisations, stating that "All excesses are being minutely registered in case we have to consider dissolving it."

Thousands Petition to Keep Chapels Open at Complutense University in Madrid

January 4, 2013, Spain

Tens of thousands petitioned Jose Carrillo, the rector of Complutense University asking that the agreement with the Archdiocese of Madrid be adhered to and that the closing of university chapels be stopped. According to a spokesman for the religious-liberty organization MasLibres, Miguel Vidal, the “rector has argued that the university is not trying to shut down chapels, but to revise its agreement with the archdiocese.”

TV Host Suspended for Critical Show on Government's Sex Ed Programme

January 1, 2013, Croatia

Ms Karolina Vidović-Krišto, a well-respected journalist with HRT/HTV, was the editor and host of a popular program “Slika Hrvatske”, produced specifically for Croatians living overseas. She was suspended after editing and hosting a show which criticised the government's sex ed programme on December 29, 2012.

Minister of Science, Education and Sports Recommendation not in Keeping with Legal Regulations

January 1, 2013, Croatia

The Recommendation by the Minister of Science, Education and Sports, Mr. Ž. Jovanović, on conducting religious instruction in elementary schools during the first and last hours of the day (as of April 3, 2012), is still in force. This Recommendation discriminates against the regular nature of religious instruction which was agreed upon in international contracts.

Chanting Naked Man Caught in Zagreb Cathedral

December 31, 2012, Croatia

On the 31st of December 2012, a naked man was caught chanting: „Sex in Schools!“ in the Cathedral of Zagreb, Croatia. This was reported by the Apostolic Nunciature in Croatia.

Vandalised Churches in Austria in 2012

December 31, 2012, Austria

Numerous cases of vandalism against churches and church buildings took place in Austria in 2012. Find here a non-exhaustive list of recorded incidents.

Burglary of Churches in Austria in 2012

December 31, 2012, Austria

Numerous cases of burglary of churches and church buildings took place in Austria in 2012. Find here a non-exhaustive list of recorded incidents.

Long List of Hate Crimes Against Christians in 2012 Reported by the Holy See

December 31, 2012, Germany

The Holy See reported numerous hate crimes against Christians in Germany in 2012 to OSCE/ODIHR. View the locations and dates here.

Long List of Hate Crimes Against Christians in 2012 Reported by the Holy See

December 31, 2012, Hungary

The Holy See reported numerous hate crimes against Christians in Hungary in 2012 to OSCE/ODIHR. View the locations and dates here.

Long List of Hate Crimes Against Christians in 2012 Reported by the Holy See

December 31, 2012, Italy

The Holy See reported numerous hate crimes against Christians in Italy in 2012 to OSCE/ODIHR. View the locations and dates here.

High Court Rules No Right for Christians to Decline Sunday Work

December 30, 2012, United Kingdom

A new ruling by a High Court judge says that Christians have no right to decline working on Sunday as it is not a “core component” of their beliefs, considering that „many Christians work on Sundays".

University Professor in Austria Calls for Death Penalty for Pope

December 28, 2012, Austria

During Christmas holidays 2012, Austrialian born Richard Parncutt, professor for music sciences at the Karl-Franzens-Universität in Graz, issued the official University website to call for death penalty for the pope as a punishment for opposing artifical birth control and condoms. The university deleted the comments and summoned Prof. Parncutt to a disciplinary meeting: “Safeguarding human rights belong to the most important principles of the University of Graz.” The professor apologized.

Reported Attacks Against Places of Worship in Germany

December 27, 2012, Germany

In 2012 the Holy See reported attacks against places of worship in the following places of Germany: • 19 May 2012 Bürstadt (Idstein) • 19 May 2012 Bispingen (Walsrode) • 23 May 2012 Petersberg (Osthessen) • 26 June 2012 Flensburg • 23 June 2012 Bergtheide. (Lübeck) • 23 June 2012 Bad Herrenalb • 17 June 2012 Krefeld • 12 June 2012 Haltingen. (Weil am Rhein) • July 2012 Münster-Gremmendorf (Westfalen) • 31 July 2012 Engelsdorf (Sachsen) • 17 July 2012 Meiningen • 14 July 2012 Euskirchen • 6 July 2012 Eckernförde • 16 August 2012 Bötzingen (Freiburg) • 28 August 2012 Cochem (Mosel) • 30 August 2012 Altkreis Norden (Aurich) • 4 September 2012 Hirschhorn (Odenwald) • 7 September 2012 Ihringen (Breisach) • 7 September 2012 Bad Langensalza (Thüringen). • 7 September 2012 Aurich (Niedersachsen) • 9 September 2012 Mirskofen (Landshut) • 10 September 2012 Weimar-Niederweimar • 18 September 2012 Cochem (Mosel) • 21 September 2012 Neuhausen (Pforzheim) • 15 October 2012 Leidingen (Saarland) • 4 November 2012 Ahlbeck (Vorpommern) • 5 November 2012 Bielefeld • 5 November 2012 Schöntal (Heilbronn) • 10 November 2012 Lübeck • 11 November 2012 Brandenburg (Havel) • 13 November 2012 Schmalegg (Ravensburg) • 15 November 2012 Märkische Heide • 17 November 2012 Thüringen • 21 November 2012 Groß Leuthen (Lausitz) • 27 November 2012 Mainz. • 27 November 2012 Daaden (Siegen) • 29 November 2012 Gotha • 4 December 2012 München • 15 December 2012 Drensteinfurt (NRW)

Reported Damage to Properties in Hungary

December 27, 2012, Hungary

In 2012 the Holy See reported damaged to property in the following places in Hungary: 10 January 2012 Pécs 27 January 2012 Mezőfalva 04 March 2012 Pécs, Rácváros 22 March 2012 Pécs 08 April 2012 Pécs 27 June 2012 Pécs, Parrochia San Francesco 04 September 2012 Piliscsaba Klotildliget 08 December 2012 Sárbogárd 16 December 2012 Németkér 20 December 2012 Újpetre 23 December 2012 Simontornya

Reported Cases of Damage to Property in Italy

December 27, 2012, Italy

The Holy See reported damage to property in the following places in 2012: 12 February 2012 Terrasini (diocesi di Monreale) 22 February 2012 in provincia di Trento 02 March 2012 Cinisi (diocesi di Monreale) 31 May 2012 nel quartiere di La Gogna, fra 10 August 2012 Trinitapoli in Puglia 19 November 2012 di Milazzo (Messina) 22 December 2012 Termoli 23 December 2012 Villagrazia di Carini (Monreale)

Reported Cases of Desecration to Graves in Italy

December 27, 2012, Italy

The Holy See reported cases of desecration of graves on the following dates in Italy in 2012: 19 March 2012 22 March 2012 19 April 2012 20 June 2012 19 September 2012 24 September 2012 28 November 2012

Nativity Scene Statues Decapitated in Frejus

December 26, 2012, France

In front of the Tourist information office in Frejus, France, the wooden nativity scene of the local parish, suffered severe vandalism. During a night of the Christmas season the statues of Mary and Joseph were decapitated. The perpetrators and their motives were not clarified by the police.

People in Turkey Threatened by Plain-Clothes Police

December 26, 2012, Turkey

People in the Denizli, Diyarbakir, Sinop and Hatay provinces attending worship services were being threatened and warned about further participation by plain-clothes policemen. The Police also requested information about other people attending.

Pride Parade Hurts Christians' Religious Feelings

December 25, 2012, Slovenia

During the Ljubljana Gay Pride Parade 2012 the protestors for „a proud LGBT community“ carried signs which hurt the religious feelings of Christians: One image satirically said "let us return to the middle ages" showing a pope-like figure cutting apart a rainbow flag. The other one read: "even Jesus had two fathers". Furthermore, the Observatory was told by the organizers of the Iskreni Festival (clf. a pro family event), that Slovenian LGBT lobby organisations attacked their work massively. They tried to pressure benefactors of the festival into seizing any financial support due to the Iskreni Festival's pro life and pro family orientation.

Muslims Shout Abuse at Christians Queueing for Christmas Services

December 24, 2012, United Kingdom

Muslims protested in front of St Paul’s Cathedral, London, on Christmas Eve 2012 while Christians were lining up to enter the Cathedral for services. One person reported to the Observatory: “We have been adversely affected, distressed, and inconvenienced because of the nature, loudness, and closeness of this verbal outpour of hatred and abuse abuse. None of the Christians who were peacefully waiting in line to attend a Christmas celebration provoked the verbal abuse that we were forced to endure. At one point a Muslim male was loudly shouting abuse at us from a distance of about four meters.”

Three Churches Set on Fire in Amstetten

December 23, 2012, Austria

On December 23, three churches were set on fire in the small town of Amstetten, lower Austria. One of the churches was severely damaged.

Evangelical Church in Bremen Vandalized

December 22, 2012, Germany

Two days before the Christmas, the evangelical church in Bremen Tenever was vandalized in a way, that the Christmas celebrations could not take place in the church.

Nativity Scene Burnt Down in a Church in Savoy

December 18, 2012, France

The nativity scene at the Church of Barby in Savoy was set on fire on Tuesday, December 18th, between 7 and 8 in the evening. The sacristan reported that it is not the first instance of attack the Church has experienced. The day after several parents and children of the parish set up a new nativity scene.

Youth Demand the Handing Over of a Priest "to be Burnt" at Catholic School in Merida

December 17, 2012, Spain

During the morning of the 17th of December ten youths between the ages of 15 and 17 entered the Salesian School ‘Maria Auxiliadora’ in the outskirts of Merida, Spain. After assaulting the groundskeeper who had tried to stop their entrance, they made their way to the classrooms demanding the priests be handed over to be burnt and accusing the teachers of fascism.

Vandalism of Christian Wayside Shrine in St-Germain-en-Laye

December 16, 2012, France

The French Observatoire de l’Christianophobie was notified of an act of vandalism against a statue of St Genevieve in St-Germain-en-Laye the 16th of December. The glass encasement of the image of the Saint was destroyed leaving the statue somewhat damaged.

Series of Thievery in Austrian Churches

December 15, 2012, Austria

Since summer 2012 a series of thefts has been going on in Austrian churches around Melk. Figurines have been taken and in mid-December images have been cut out from flags used for processions.

Insults and Removal Claims for Crucifix in Federal German Minister for Consumer Protection

December 15, 2012, Germany

Calls to remove the cross from the Federal German Minister for Consumer Protection argue that the public display of the crucifix was no surprise in an arm-exporting country - "because the crucifix was a pungent glorification of violence and an learning tool towards anti-Semitism."

Protestant Church in Drensteinfurt Vandalized

December 15, 2012, Germany

On 15th December 2012 the Protestant church in Drensteinfurt (NRW) was broken into. The altar and the place for the commemoration of the dead were desecrated.

Church Desecrated by Burglars in Drensteinfurt

December 15, 2012, Germany

On the 15th of December 2012, Burglars broke into an Evangelical church building in Drensteinfurt (Nordrhein-Westfalen), Germany and desecrated the interior. This was reported by the Apostolic Nunciature of Germany.

Catholic Intellectual Threatened For Opposing Gay Adoption on TV

December 12, 2012, Germany

Following his appearance in a talkshow opposing homosexual adoption on German public service television, Martin Lohman, a Catholic intellectual has received severe threats via Email. He was sent an anonymous email stating the following: "I am homosexual, I have AIDS and I live in Bonn and I am now set on giving the gift of my immune disease to you, too. Should you feel a little prick of a needle soon, then that was most likely me with my needle."

Homeschooling Parents Portrayed as Sectarian Fundamentalists by Spiegel TV

December 12, 2012, Germany

Homeschooling family experiences negative stereotyping by Spiegel TV documentary: “We were not only a little disappointed and upset when we saw the outcome, which offends our Christian convictions and does not give unbiased information about the subject matter. My wife is called the 'chief inquisitor'. The reporter suggests that our children are victims, socially isolated children, controlled by their stubborn fundamental-Christian parents."

German Christian Rights' Activist Heavily Insulted And Threatened After Opposing Gay Adoption on TV

December 10, 2012, Germany

In the German public service broadcaster ARD’s talk show “Tough but Fair” (“Hart aber Fair”), on Monday, December 3rd, the question whether homosexual couples should be allowed to adopt children was debated. Women’s and Family Rights activist Birgit Kelle argued that children need a mother and a father. Following her appearance on the show, a journalist of the said ARD commented on his twitter account: “I think she is a witch. Witches get burned.”

Desecrations at Saint Rambert, Lyon

December 10, 2012, France

One or more unknown persons broke into the Church of St Rambert in Lyon, France, and proceeded to damage the tabernacle, desecrating the Eucharist. Several liturgical objects were stolen and the altar damaged. In response, the parish priest convened an evening of prayer.

Sign of the Cross Forbidden to Pupils by History Teacher in Narbonne

December 7, 2012, France

On a school trip to the nearby Cathedral of Saint-Jus, students of the local school Therese Leon Blum where warned against making the sign of the cross upon entering the Cathedral. As a punishment, the teacher mentioned three hours of after-hours at school. One of the parents wrote to the council to complaint but did not receive a response.

Sacred Heart Church in Bielefeld Depredated

December 5, 2012, Germany

In Bielefeld the sacred Heart Church was depredated. The tabernacle on the high altar was broken into and consecrated hosts were defiled.

Orthodox Church Vandalised in Munich

December 4, 2012, Germany

In Munich on 4th December 2012, an Orthodox church was desecrated, icons destroyed and the devotional profaned.

Orthodox Church in Munich Desecrated

December 4, 2012, Germany

The Apostolic Nunciature of Germany reported that on the 4th of December 2012, unknown perpetrators defiled an Orthodox church in Munich, Germany. Icons were desecrated and devotional objects profaned.

Desecration of Greek-Orthodox Church in Munich

December 4, 2012, Germany

On December 4th, a unknown man locked himself into the little Greek-Orthodox church in Salvatorstraße. The man destroyed the glass window of an icon of Marie and stole the items that were left there by thankful believers. Later he escaped through the sacristy.

Two Figures Destroyed at Church in Venice

December 4, 2012, Italy

Vandals destroyed two ceramic figures representing St. Francis and St. Clare. The figures were displayed in the wall of the church of the Sacred Name of Jesus.

Reported Attacks Against Places of Worship in Italy

December 3, 2012, Italy

The Holy See reported attacks against places of worship in the following places in Italy 27 June 2012 Teramo 16 August 2012 Foggia 08 September 2012 Gonnosfanadiga in Sardegna 18 October 2012 Oristano 15 November 2012 Luino (in provincia di Varese) 29 November 2012 3 December 2012 S. Chiara (Venezia)

Restitution of Property to Catholic Church in Czech Republic Accompanied with Dirt Campaign Against the Church

November 29, 2012, Czech Republic

A controversial campaign by the oppositional Social Democrats directed against the Church Property Restitution Bill has turned into a major brawl with Czech Catholics and other churches.

Parish Church in Gotha Broken Into

November 29, 2012, Germany

In Gotha the parish church was broken into. The sacred space was defiled and the organ destroyed.

EU Attempted to Remove Christian Symbols of Commemorative Coin

November 29, 2012, European Institutions (EU, ECHR, et.al.)

The National Bank of Slovakia announced that the European Commission, the union’s executive arm, had ordered it to remove halos and crosses from special commemorative euro coins. The European Union finally gave in- the coins are to be minted as planned.

Chapel of Regional Pilgrimage Site Vandalized

November 29, 2012, France

The chapel Notre-Dame de la Roche in the area of Rhône, which is a regional pilgrimage site, was vandalized and profaned in November 2012. The chapel was restored in May 2013.

Church in Gotha Defiled

November 29, 2012, Germany

On the 29th of November 2012, the inside of a church in Gotha, Germany, was desecrated. The perpetrator(s) also vandalised the Organ. This was reported by the Apostolic Nunciature of Germany.