All cases
Church Broken Into in Globarice
November 22, 2012, Bosnia and HerzegovinaBetween the 22nd and the 23rd of November, 2012, a church was broken into in Globarice, Bosnia-Herzegovina. The perpetrator(s) stole money, a chalice with consecrated hosts, and a monstrance with consecrated hosts.
(Scotland) Artist Depicts Pope as a Nazi-Pedophile
November 20, 2012, United KingdomDutch artist Jeff van Weereld's piece “The Holy Truth“ on display in Eden Court Theatre, Inverness, Scotland in November 2012, depicts the pope aroused, wearing a swastika shaped cross, and with his hands on two young boys. The artist claims to reflect „four facts“ of the Church: “There is high incidence of paedophilia, the pope did spend a good part of his formative years in the Hitlerjugend and the Wehrmacht, the church is friendly to the outside, but not necessarily within the hierarchy and they do tend to cover up things.”
Brussels Bans Annual Christmas Tree Display As It May Offend Muslims
November 19, 2012, BelgiumGovernment officials in Brussels banned the Christmas tree in the city center out of concerns that the local Muslim population might find it “offensive.” An “electronic winter tree,” will take the place of the traditional Christmas Tree and Nativity scene at the city center of Grand Place. Citizens protested.
New Legislation on Gay Marriage Might Get Teachers Fired
November 18, 2012, United KingdomThe British Parliamentary Undersecretary of State, Liz Truss, states she was not able to rule out the possibility that teachers refusing to use stories or textbooks favoring same sex- marriage face disciplinary consequences.
Anti-Christian Slogans Interrupt a Symposium for Life in Biarritz
November 18, 2012, FranceAttendants at the Symposium for Life held in Biarritz, following the 18th of November demonstration against same-sex marriage by Civitas, was interrupted by an anti-Christian demonstration. With signs saying “yes, yes to sodomy, no, no, no to the inquisition” held by men in nuns habits and women with devils horns the aim was one of offending. Worsening matters was the biased coverage by the press that failed to report on the anti-Christian nature of the demonstration.
TV Team Produces Satire on Church in Cathedral Without Permission
November 16, 2012, AustriaIn mid-November an episode of the satiric television serial “Wir Staatskünstler” (We official state artists) was filmed in the Catholic Cathedral of St Pölten without permission. Three actors working for the Austrian public service broadcaster ORF (state TV) were dressed up similarly to the group “Pussy Riot”, entered the church, imitated Islamic prayer moves and called upon “mother heaven”.
Church Vandalised in Switzerland
November 16, 2012, SwitzerlandA church in Hägendorf was broken into on November 16 2012. Statues of two Saints were set on fire. That did not succeed the vandals poured oil on the altar and set the apostle candles on fire.
Church in Märkische Heide Broken Into and Desecrated
November 15, 2012, GermanyOn the 15th of November 2012, thieves in Märkische Heide, Germany, stole the key to a church building, entered the church, and desecrated holy items. This was reported by the Apostolic Nunciature of Germany.
Proposed EU Commissionar Faces Opposition for Holding Christian Views
November 13, 2012, European Institutions (EU, ECHR, et.al.)A consortium of homosexualist, secular humanist and abortion groups campaigned against the appointment of the Maltese Dr. Tonio Borg as the new EU Health and Consumer Protection Commissioner. The objection, they said, was nothing more than that Dr. Borg was a Catholic, with “staunchly conservative and outdated” views on homosexuality, divorce and abortion. The campaign failed soon thereafter.
Desecration of Graves in Güdesweiler
November 13, 2012, GermanyOn the 13th of November 2012, a Christian cemetery in Güdesweiler, Germany, was vandalised by unknown perpetrators. This was reported by the Apostolic Nunciature in Germany.
(Scotland) Cardinal O´Brien Declared “Bigot of the Year”
November 12, 2012, United KingdomChristian believers and other people in Britain are expressing outrage after the country’s leading homosexualist lobby group declared the Cardinal Archbishop of Edinburgh, Keith O’Brien, “Bigot of the Year” for his opposition to “gay marriage”.
Woman Verbally Harassed in Turkey
November 12, 2012, TurkeyOn November 12th, 2012 in Batman, a woman who was participating in the worship services was verbally harassed and threatened about attending such meetings .
Church of St. James in Lübeck Broken Into
November 10, 2012, GermanyThe Church of St. James in Lübeck has been broken into. The donations for the poorest were stolen and the sacred space profaned. This is the 10th noted case of a church desecration in Lübeck this year.
Desecration of Graves in Unterrath
November 9, 2012, GermanyThe Apostolic Nunciature of Germany reported that on the 9th of November 2012, dozens of graves in a Christian cemetery in Unterrath (Düsseldorf), Germany were desecrated.
Church and Adjoining Building Vandalised in Latvia
November 8, 2012, LatviaOn November 8th 2012, the windows of a church in Cesvaine were broken and the doors to the adjoining building demolished. The information stand was knocked over and the some lights pulled down.
Caricature of Holy Trinity in Journal Hurts Feelings of Christians
November 7, 2012, FranceIn an attempt to support a bill legalising same-sex “marriage” the journal Charlie Hebdo published the 7th of November a front page image that depicted the three persons of the Holy Trinity engaging in homosexual intercourse. The caricature transcends any standards of decency. It does not respect religious feelings in a way that one might speak of hate incident.
Secularists Condemn Churches Involvement in Public Life
November 5, 2012, FranceThe Grand Society of France (the largest among Masonic organizations in France) declared that "... churches are restricted only to the spiritual sphere, and not to interfere legitimate public debate leading to evolution and progress of civil rights."
Catholic Church in Heilbronn Defiled
November 5, 2012, GermanyIn Schöntal (Heilbronn) the sacred space of the Catholic Church was defiled and there was an attempted burglary in the sacristy.
Chapel Spraypainted with Insults in Haßfurt
November 2, 2012, GermanyA gothic chapel, a protected heritage monument which had just been renovated, was vandalised by graffiti in Haßfurt. The words which were spraypainted onto the chapels walls read things like "F...king sick child abusers" and "I serve Satan".
(Scotland) National Secular Society Pressured Highlands Council to Drop Prayers
October 31, 2012, United KingdomThe Highlands Council Scotland had the tradition of incorporating a prayer in its agenda before each meeting. However, during the summer the National Secular Society wrote a letter to the Council demanding it remove prayer from its formal agenda or it would face legal action. The Council has now dropped prayer from its formal agenda.
Church Burglarized in Saint–Lys
October 28, 2012, FranceUnidentified individuals broke into the parish church in Saint-Lys on the 28th of October. The incident was discovered by the parish priest when opening the church for church services. Upon initial investigation it has been reported that the priest's chair, two stools, a desk, a lectern, and an altar cloth were stolen. In addition, the pews in the church were dislocated.
House Owner Sentenced For Not Selling to a Homosexual Couple
October 27, 2012, FranceA man was condemned because he refused to sell a house to a same-sex couple. The 69-year-old was sentenced to pay 800 Euro to the court and 300 Euro each to the same-sex-couple in damages, plus the legal fees.
Left Wing Politicial Youth Insults Jesus
October 26, 2012, AustriaIn a newspaper of the "Young Greens" of Austrian region Vorarlberger depicts Jesus with a funny smile as a gay man holding a sign "gay Jesus". While the magazine gives explicit instructions for sexual behaviour of youth, it also recommends to wear three knotes in a belt, signifying "wealth, unchastity and disobedience" mocking the evangelical counsels of Christian tradition.
Desecration of Graves in Duisburg
October 26, 2012, SlovakiaOn the 26th of October 2012, thieves in Duisburg (Nordrhein-Westfalen), Germany, desecrated over one hundred graves and scavenged for metal. This was reported by the Apostolic Nunciature of Germany.
Two Churches Desecrated in the Bretagne
October 24, 2012, FranceAt St. Cornelcy the crucifix that sits above the Tabernacle was broken in half. In August, the altar at Locmaria-Plage had been painted with satanic symbols.
Christian B&B Owners Fined for Denying a Room to a Homosexual Couple
October 22, 2012, United KingdomChristian bed and breakfast owners Mike and Susanne Wilkinson lost a lawsuit on their married-couples-only policy and were fined over 3.500 pounds for denying a double room to a homosexual couple. The Wilkinson's Bed&Breakfast is located in their own house where they live with their children. The courts apply a "zero tolerance" policy on grounds of "unlawful discrimination".
Reported Attacks Against Places of Worship in Hungary
October 22, 2012, Hungaryin 2012 the Holy See reported on attacks against places of worship in the following places: 23 March 2012 Szakadát 20 April 2012 Tatabánya-Bánhida 21 May 2012 Kápolnásnyék 02 July 2012 Pécs, Rácváros 21 August 2012 Pusztaszabolcs 25 August 2012 Pécs –Postavölgy 06 October 2012 Kékesd 06 October 2012 Szabadbattyán
A Fire in the Church of Notre-Dame-aux-Neiges
October 19, 2012, FranceOn October 19 the sacristy of the Church of Notre-Dame-auy-Neiges was vandalised. The damages were extensive as the fires were lit inside the church after the sacristy was vandalised.
Burglars Concentrate on Churches in Thüringen
October 18, 2012, GermanyIn many counties of Thüringen churches have been broken into by burglars who have caused damage while trying to steal money and religious images and statues.
Green Party Parliamentary Group Seeks to Disestablish Christian Institute for Youth and Society
October 17, 2012, GermanyThe Christian community The Reichenberg Fellowship and its German Institute for Youth and Society have become the object of a parliamentary inquiry that the parliamentary group of the Green Party has directed at the state government of the German state of Hessen on October 19.
Mourners Insulted at Catholic Cemetery in Sarajevo
October 16, 2012, Bosnia and HerzegovinaOn the 16th of October, 2012, a group of mourners were blocked from putting down a gravestone at a Catholic cemetery in Sarajevo. The perpetrators did not let them pass and insulted them.
Russian Orthodox Cathedral Vandalised in Geneva
October 14, 2012, SwitzerlandBetween the hours of 23 and 6 between the 13th and 14th of October unidentified individuals spray painted the facade of the Russian Orthodox Cathedral in Geneva. This was discovered at 10 Monday morning when Archbishop Michel arrived to open the church for the day. He said that is was the first time in the churches 150 year history that it was attacked.
Disturbance in Cologne Cathedral by Supporters of the Russian Punk-Band “Pussy Riot”
October 13, 2012, GermanyThree masked fans of the Russian punk-band “Pussy Riot” disrupted the Sunday Mass in Cologne’s Cathedral as a sign of solidarity to members of the punk-band who had been convicted of causing disturbances in a church in earlier this year.
Parish Church of St. Francis of Sales, Marseille, Set on Fire
October 11, 2012, FranceIn the neighbourhood of Vaudan two arsonist entered the Church of St Francis of Sales and set the altar vestments on fire causing considerable damage. The two unnamed individual have been detained.
Ban on Distribution of Bibles at Public Schools in Berlin
October 10, 2012, GermanyThe International Gideons are known for distributing pocket Bibles for free - mostly at schools, hospitals, hotels and medical practices. They were denied to further distribute Bibles at public schools in Berlin by the ministry of education and cultural affairs.
Church Set on Fire in Lithuania
October 10, 2012, LithuaniaOn October 10th 2012, a church in Stalgenai was set on fire. The fire was extinguished in time to save the church.
Arson at a Church in Marseille
October 9, 2012, FranceOn October 9, fire was set to the Church of St. Francis of Assisi in the district of Vauban (VI). Two doilies at the entrance of the church placed on two small tables were burned, causing severe damage. Two individuals have been arrested and placed in custody in connection with this investigation of "arson." Allegedly it was not their first time of setting fire to the church.
Pro-Life Offices Vandalised
October 8, 2012, AustriaThe Vienna offices of Human Life International (HLI) were attacked and damaged during a World Prayer Congress for Life held on October 4th – 8th. During the attack the glass entrance door was broken and jars filled with black paint were through at the building, some of them making it an in and smearing computers inside. The front door of a building in which participants stayed over night was barricaded putting the people into significant risk.
Two Churches Vandalised in Mayenne
October 7, 2012, FranceTwo churches were vandalised in Mayenne in Meslay-du-Maine and Bignon-du-Maine on October 7, 2012. "There have been destructions of statues inside buildings, other ones were thrown down and taken away," said Lt. Col. Alain Lantz, commander of the gendarmerie company Laval.
Church at Marmoutier Abbey Vandalised and Burglarised
October 7, 2012, FranceOn the night of the 7th of October the Church of St Etienne at Marmoutier Abbey, Alsace, France was broken into. The burglars stole seven challises and spread hosts on the floor.
Hostile Graffiti on Church in Vienna
October 6, 2012, AustriaUnknown perpetrators have spraypainted the Catholic church Kirche Am Hof, which is one of the main Vienna churches in the inner city.
Exhibition in Belgrade Hurts Religious Feelings
October 6, 2012, SerbiaUnder the title "Ecce Homo", the Centar za kulturnu the dekontaminaciju (“Centre for Cultural Decontamination”) displayed an exhibition of Swedish photographer Elisabeth Ohlson despite protests. The exhibition shows Jesus Christ in sexual orgies, such as in an image of the last supper with women dressed up and place in sexually explicit manners. Jesus, who holds up the Eucharist, wears black high heals under his white dress.
A Dozen Graves Vandalised in Royan
October 6, 2012, FranceIn the cemetery of Tilleuls Royan a dozen graves were targeted by vandals, probably on the night from October 5th to 6th. Memorial plates and flower pots were broken. Police are investigating.
German Parents Lose Custody of Their Children for Homeschooling
October 5, 2012, GermanyA district court in Darmstadt, Germany has revoked custody of four children from their parents and ordered it turned over to the Jugendamt, Germany’s child protective agency.
Christian Graves Vandalised in a Cemetery of Landes
October 5, 2012, FranceA dozen Christian graves were vandalized in the village of Moustey (Landes). The incident occurred in the night of Thursday, October 4 to Friday, October 5. A dozen headstones were damaged and knocked over. Plates and funerary equipment was damaged, motocross tires left deep scars and damages on the ground along walkways and on the central cross.
Desecration of Two Churches in Soissons
October 4, 2012, FranceOn October 4, two churches were broken into, robbed, and desecrated in Soissons. In the church of Sainte-Eugénie, the presbytery and the door were broken open, the tabernacle was opened, papers and money was stolen.
70 Christian Graves Desecrated near Albi
October 4, 2012, FranceSeventy graves were damaged at a small cemetery adjacent to a Catholic church. An investigation was opened after the discovery in Albi on October 4th. Seventy crosses were overturned and laid on the ground, 16 of them were broken, and funerary objects were vandalized in the cemetery in the area Fonlabour. The desecration was not signed nor claimed, said the departmental director of public safety (DDSP), the Commissioner Pierre-Marc Panazio, an AFP correspondent.
Church in Lithuania Set on Fire a Second Time
October 4, 2012, LithuaniaA church was set on fire and burned to the ground on October 4 2012. This was the same church where an attempt at burning the church was made in September 2012.
Vandalism in Lithuanian Church
October 4, 2012, LithuaniaOn October 4th 2012 vandals broke the windows of a church in Raudondvaris and damaged a statue inside the church.
Pro-Life Activists Continuously Attacked
October 3, 2012, GermanyPro-Life activists continuously suffer attacks from radical groups, including physical attacks and property damages; as well as negative stereotyping by the media; and an infringement on freedom of assembly and expression by a ban mile.
A Newly Restored Chapel Vandalised in Nice
October 3, 2012, FranceThe chapel of Saint-Jacques de Nice, which had been vandalised in June, was again targeted. After breaking into the door, the perpetrators attacked the statues that decorated the interior of the church building. Several of them were "beheaded". The deputy mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, immediately denounced the act of vandalism in a statement through an act of "unfair, incredible and malicious act committed in the heart of a place of worship."
Traditional Bible Reading Marathon Not Permitted in Paris
October 1, 2012, FranceEvangelical Protestants who have organized an annual "Marathon of the Bible" with over 500 participants reading and sharing in Paris since 2003, did not obtain the permission to hold a session in 2012.
Religious Radio Programme Arbitrarily Cancelled
October 1, 2012, CroatiaFor twenty years Croatia’s national radio station (HRT) had, through an agreement with the Bishop’s Conference, broadcast a five minute programme, “Praised be Jesus Christ” edited by the local archdiocese. This agreement was ended by the HRT: it cancelled the programme without warning or explanation.
Vatican and Several Cathedrals Virtually „Occupied“ in App
September 29, 2012, InternationalIn the augmented reality app „Junaio“, several of the world’s large cathedrals are decorated with a banner displaying the text “Abortion Pills, A Gift From God” and instructions how to do an abortion yourself with a medicine called misoprostol.
Christian Pro-Life Group Legally Threatened by Abortion Giant
September 28, 2012, United KingdomMaria Stopes International (MSI), one of the biggest abortion providers worldwide located in the UK, threatened to take legal action against a pregnancy pro-life center (Good Counsel) for distributing and providing some information about the negative effects of abortion on mental health.
Christians Threatened in Muslim-Christian Area in Bulgaria
September 27, 2012, Bulgaria“Christians are threatened” said a resident of the Roma neighborhood in Iztok, a suburb in Pazardjik (Bulgaria) in the television program "Fatherland Front" (Otechestven front) with Martin Karbovski.
St. Oswald in Traunstein Vandalized Again
September 26, 2012, GermanyThe St. Oswald Church in Traunstein, Germany was presumably spray painted by the Antifascist group “ANTIFA”. In this church, Pope emeritus Benedict XVI celebrated his first mass as a priest. The motivation for this attack is unknown. Several objects were spraypainted including a bust of Pope emeritus Benedict XVI. The bust had been vandalised two times already before.
National Pro-Life-Manifestation Attacked by Radical Left Wing Groups
September 23, 2012, GermanyEvery year in September, a national pro-life-manifestation - the March for Life takes place in Berlin. Radical groups disturb the peaceful marchers each year - with methods ranging from insults and hurtful chanting, to blocking of roads or venues, to property damage or physical violence.
A Catholic Bookstore Vandalised in Bordeaux
September 23, 2012, FranceThe Catholic bookstore located in front of the church of St. Eloi was vandalized on September 22-23. The store has been vandalised for the 26th time. The window was partly destroyed. For several years, the store has been the target of many attackes. This however, does not seem to impress the public authorities, the town hall or the mainstream media nor prompt them to take action.
Attempted Fire in Church in Lithuania
September 23, 2012, LithuaniaOn September 23rd, 2012 someone made an unsuccessful attempt to set a church in Kulautuva on fire.
A Church Stained With Muslim Signs in the Rhône
September 21, 2012, FranceOn the night of Friday 21 to Saturday 22 September the church of the city of Chassieu was sprayed with orange colour with the signs - "Islam is gaining momentum”, the name of terrorist and the new idol of suburbs "M.MERAH."
Pharmacists' Freedom of Conscience Uncertain
September 19, 2012, GermanyWhile the law does not protect the freedom of conscience for German pharmacists, a letter from the ministry, dated 1986 upholds it. Legally, the letter is not binding. The uncertainty of whether this letter would be followed by today’s courts constitutes a difficulty in the ethical considerations and the freedom of acting according to one’s conscience of pharmacists in Germany.
„Homeschooling“ Still Prohibited
September 19, 2012, GermanyParents rights are commonly understood to include the right to chose the form of education of one’s children, including the possibility of non-institutional education, such as the so-called homeschooling. Not so in Germany.
Compulsory Sex Ed Problematic for Christian Families
September 19, 2012, GermanyGermany’s strict federal laws on compulsory school attendance do not allow any opt out with regard to sexual education.
Disrespectful Fashion Show Promotion
September 19, 2012, LithuaniaThe Lithuanian fashion label Robert Kalinkin promotes the fashion show of his new spring/summer collection 2013 on October 10th entitled “Jesus Mary” with disrespectful posters in Vilnius obviously transgressing the boundaries of good taste.
Christian Bed & Breakfast Owners Report Torrent of Hateful Messages
September 19, 2012, United KingdomThe Christian owners of a bed and breakfast in Britain, Mike and Susanne Wilkinson, have received countless hate-filled messages in the wake of refusing to give a homosexual couple a double room.
Prime Minister Thinks Teachers Should Not Be Allowed to Teach that Homosexual Behavior Was a Sin
September 16, 2012, United KingdomPrime minister David Cameron thinks that faith schools should not be allowed to teach that homosexuality is a sin, according to a quote featured by the Daily Mail.
Catholic Bishop Insulted in Newspaper
September 15, 2012, CroatiaThe Bishop of Sisak, Mons. Vlado Kosic, was verbally attacked in the Croatian Newspaper “Jutarnij List” on the 15th of September 2012. The Apostolic Nunciature of Croatia reported that he was called a “Nazi Bishop” in an article written by Jurica Pavcic.
Graves Desecrated in Val d’Oise
September 14, 2012, FranceIn September 2012 the Apostolic Nunciature in France reported that 21 graves were desecrated by unknown perpetrator(s) in Goussainville, Val d’Oise, France.
Teachers and Others Threatened With Dismissal if They Didn’t Endorse Gay Marriage
September 12, 2012, United KingdomIf gay marriage is legalized, teachers and others could be forced out of their jobs if they fail to endorse such unions, a top lawyer says. Parents would have no right to insist that their children are withdrawn from school lessons across the curriculum that approve of same-sex marriage. Chaplains who work in the NHS or the Armed Forces could be dismissed if they preach that marriage is between a man and a woman.
Christian Councillor was Expelled from Green Party because of her Views on Gay Marriage
September 10, 2012, United KingdomA councillor for the Green Party, Christina Summers, a Christian, who disagrees with her party’s support for redefining marriage should be “expelled”, an internal disciplinary panel has said. She has responded by saying the decision is a “typical symptom of prejudice, blatant prejudice”.
Bomb Threat Against the Cathedral of Zagreb
September 10, 2012, CroatiaThe Chief Editor of a Catholic Magazine, Mons. Miklenic, received a threat by email on the 10th of September 2012. The email stated that a bomb would be placed in the Cathedral of Zagreb, and “everyone will jump in the air”. This was reported by the Apostolic Nunciature in Croatia.
Church in Landshut Borken Into
September 9, 2012, GermanyOn the 09.09.2012 in Mirskofen (Landshut) someone desecrated the sacred space of the church and the sacristy was broken into.
Local Church Defiled in Breisach
September 7, 2012, GermanyIn Ihringen (Breisach) the holy sacred space of the local church was defiled by feces and other clear signs of vandalism and aggression against Christianity.
Money Stolen from a Church Donations Box
September 7, 2012, GermanyThieves entered through a window into the Church on the market of Bad Langensalza. They pried open a donation box and stole a large amount of money.
CoE PACE Proposal Might Endanger Parents' Rights to Religious Education
September 6, 2012, European Institutions (EU, ECHR, et.al.)French member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe proposed a report on the protection of children against 'sectarian drifts' which possibly collides with the parents' right to religious education of their choice.
Greenpeace Activists Harass Crossroads Walkers
September 6, 2012, SpainParticipants in Spain’s first annual Crossroads walk, a Christian-inspired cross-country march for the right to life, were confronted with a group of angry Greenpeace activists, who were peeved by the walkers’ pro-life position, and suffered insults, severe threats of violence and graffiti on their RV.
British Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg’s Advisor Calls Same-Sex Marriage Opponents “Bigots”
September 4, 2012, United KingdomA former senior advisor to Nick Clegg says supporters of traditional marriage are “bigots” and Mr Clegg should have said so too in a speech but changed it after public furor.
Evangelical Church Desecrated in Odenwald
September 4, 2012, GermanyIn Hirschhorn (Odenwald) on the 4th Sept. 2012 the Evangelical church was desecrated.
Vandalism and Theft in Werdener Dom in Essen
September 3, 2012, GermanyPerpetrators broke into the cathedral of Werden in Essen and stole the donation boxes creating several thousand euros worth of damage.
Movie of Austrian Producer “Paradise: Faith” with Blasphemous Content
September 2, 2012, ItalyThe movie “Paradise: Faith”, shown at the film festival in Venice, scandalized the audience because of a masturbation scene using a cross.
Teacher Flunks High School Student for Saying that Homosexuality is an “Abnormal Orientation"
September 1, 2012, SwedenDuring a biology class a Swedish high school student spoke up and called homosexuality an “abnormal sexual orientation”. As a result of this comment the teacher flunked the student. The reasoning of the teacher is that it is the task of the educational system to teach pupils respect for all sexual orientations. The opposing view of the student doesn’t correspond to the curriculum’s goal.
Churches in Occupied Cyprus Plundered
September 1, 2012, CyprusNumerous churches in the Turkish occupied area of Cyprus were profaned and turned into storage rooms, museums and mosques.
Local Council in Broue Orders Removal of Cross at Cemetery
August 30, 2012, FranceThe City of Broue ordered the removal of a cross at the entrance to the city cemetery at the instigation of a counsellor, saying that "the cemetery is a public building; there should be no religious symbols." This was done "in the name of tolerance."
Ad For Mountain Tourism Conceals Summit Cross
August 30, 2012, GermanyDue to increased tourism from Middle Eastern countries, the management of the Zugspitze Railway in Bavaria produced an advertisement leaflet of the mountain “Zugspitze” without an image of the summit cross. Churches protested.
Boys Life Support Unit Switched Off Against The Wish of Christian Parents
August 29, 2012, United KingdomThe Judge of London’s Royal Court of Justice ruled on August 10th that the life support system of an 8-year- old boy may be switched off by team of doctors, ignoring parents’ wish to keep him alive.
Desecrations of Cross and Chapel in the Bretagne
August 26, 2012, FranceIn the night of August 22nd to 23rd, a desecration took place in the garden of the Abbey of Saint-Jacut-sur-Mer (Bretagne): a cross has been stolen. On the night of August 25th to 26th, the chapel of Locmaria Carnac was desecrated and the number 6 had been tagged on the walls.
Burglaries in Churches and Parish Buildings
August 24, 2012, GermanyThe parish building in Klotten and Pommern and the sacristy of the church in Bremm were broken into by burglars looking for money.
Vandalism in Naklo
August 22, 2012, SloveniaOn 22nd August 2012 unknown perpetrators desecrated a chapel of Saint Anthony in Naklo, Slovenia. They wrote the word "Satan" on the floor and words like "You worship the wrong God" on one of the frescos with a black grafitti. On another fresco they drew a cross turned upside down.
Jewels of Image of Mary Stolen at Sanctuary in Rijeka
August 21, 2012, CroatiaOn August 21, 2012, the Holy See National Contact Point of the Apostolic Nunciature in Croatia reported that in the sanctuary of the Madonna of Trsat, Rijeka, golden jewels of the image of Mary, the mother of Jesus were stolen.
Burglars in Church Sacristy in Treis
August 20, 2012, GermanyAn unidentified perpetrator broke into the sacristy of a Church in Treis and attempted to steal money. The police did not release the amount of the damage.
Vandalism at the Cemetery in Spišské Vlachy
August 16, 2012, SlovakiaOn August 16 six graves had their graves stones displaces, vases and candleholders broken by unknown intruders. This was discovered by a town employee who notified the police.
Catholic Church in Bötzingen Broken Into and Defiled
August 16, 2012, GermanyIn Bötzingen (Freiburg) on the 16th of August one or perhaps more perpetrators broke into the Catholic Church on the main street in Bötzingen, destroying the decorations around the church. The perpetrators also defiled the sacred space by urinating and splashed holy water on an open torn up bible. More damage has also been detected in several pipes of the organ.
A Blasphemous Jesus Caricature Disturbs Religious Feelings of Christians in Kassel
August 10, 2012, GermanyA large publicity poster at the entrance to a cultural center in Kassel shows the caricature of Jesus on the Cross including an offensive caption which caused strong indignation among Christians living in Kassel.
Chapel of Saint-Sébastien Set on Fire
August 8, 2012, FranceThe chapel of Saint-Sébastien in the region of le Gard, France, suffered an arson attack which partially destroyed the wooden part of the altar. This was not the first attack on the chapel.
NGO Calls for Withdrawal of Recognition for Russian-Orthodox Church in Austria
August 6, 2012, AustriaThe Austrian Initiative “Religion is a private matter” seeks to deprive the Russian-orthodox Church in Vienna of its legal personality because of its involvement in the “Pussy Riot” case.
Desecration of Graves in Lithuania
August 6, 2012, LithuaniaOn August 6th, 2012, graves in Balbieriškis were vandalised.
Pro-Life Advocates Arrested for Displaying Abortion Posters
August 2, 2012, PolandMariusz Dzierżawski, founder of the Warsaw-based PRO Foundation – Right to Life, and a fellow PRO Foundation member were arrested by the local governmental authorities during an approved anti-abortion rally at the entrance of the Woodstock Festival held in the western Polish city of Kostrzyn.
Church in Sachsen Broken Into
July 31, 2012, GermanyIn Angel (Sachsen), the church of St. Pancras was desecrated, sacred chalices and alms for the poorest were stolen.
Demonstrations Against New Church in Turkey
July 28, 2012, TurkeyOn July 28th, 2012 there were demonstrations against a newly opened church in Denizli. The church did not shut down but security matters were increased and no one got hurt.