All cases

Christians Physically Assaulted at Christmas

December 25, 2011, Bosnia and Herzegovina

In Zavidovici, numerous cases of physical assaults on older Catholics were reported on Christmas day.

Vandalism at Christmas in Naples

December 25, 2011, Italy

The chapel of the church "Nostra Signora della Speranza" in Villaricca (Naples) was target by vandals during Christmas night.

Vandalism on Christmas Eve in Bible Garden in Loeffingen

December 25, 2011, Germany

The Bible Garden in Loeffingen was totally devastated by a unknown perpetrator. The garden and the plants were completely ruined.

Business Leader Says "Christians who Defend Marriage are Evil"

December 20, 2011, United Kingdom

“I’m…campaigning against evil Christians (that’s not all Christians, just bad ones) who think that gay people should not lead happy lives and get married to their same-sex partners,” said Nick Lansley, TESCO Head of Research and Development for the Tesco website.

Dead Animals Buried in Graveyard

December 14, 2011, Germany

A member of the St Vincent Parish in Lenne found a dead cat in a family members grave when she went to tidy it. The cat had been buried right beneath the dirt with only the feet sticking out. Several weeks later half a chicken was found buried in another grave.

73-Year-Old Priest Beaten and Attacked

December 10, 2011, Poland

On December 10th, 2011, 73-year-old Roman-Catholic priest, Fr. Stanislaw Wysocki, was attacked and beaten in Suwalki, and was hospitalized. Despite police proceedings, the perpetrators were not identified.

Church in Wesseling Covered with Graffiti

December 7, 2011, Germany

On December 7th 2011 the St.Germanus church in Wesseling was vandalised. Neo-Nazi symbols were sprayed in golden acrylic paint all over the doors.

Attacks against Gender-Mainstreaming Information Event at Student Fraternity

December 6, 2011, Germany

German writer Gabriele Kuby spoke at the student organisation KDSTV Saarland in Jena on December 6th on the issue of Gender Mainstreaming. Due to her critical take on current developments in this regard, the association “Diversity Life” (“Vielfalt Leben”) convened about 30-40 demonstrators who gathered in the stairway of the building, yelling, knocking at the doors, throwing eggs. The police had to clear the building. “Diversity life” had been supported by the working group “Queer Paradies” as well as by the “coordinating body of the city programme of Jena and contact office of the round table for democracy” (“KoKont”).

Pro-Condom Campaign Takes Image of the Mother of Jesus Hostage and Symbolically Drowns Her

December 5, 2011, Germany

"Jugend gegen AIDS" (Youth against AIDS), a Hamburg based youth organization, launched a campaign in support of the use of condoms and against Catholic policy targeting Mary, the mother of Jesus. In a video, a statute of Mary is taken hostage and placed in glass tank. A pipe is connected to the Virgin´s eye, and every time a Facebook user "likes" the campaign web site on the social media, a drop of water falls from Her eye, and increases the level of the water in the tank where the Virgin has been placed.

Sexual Education Class Violates Parents' Rights

December 4, 2011, Hungary

Hungarian parents of an 11-year-old reported that in December 2011 their daughter came back from school having experienced the following: a female university student had come to their public school in a village near Budapest to provide sexual education to the children. The young woman who was alone with the children for this class, showed them slides of male and female genitals and put a condom on a cucumber and encouraged the children to touch it.

Study Reveals: Christians are a minorty at the BBC

December 3, 2011, United Kingdom

A diversity survey conducted internally by the BBC revealed that only 22.5 of its employees are Christians. In a country where the majority of the population identified themselves as Christians, the fact that the BBC staff do not constitute a fair representation of the public constitute a factor that needs to be corrected, said BBC veteran Roger Bolton.

High Court Action Against Council Prayers Under Way

November 30, 2011, United Kingdom

The National Secular Society uses courts to stop Bideford Town Council from keeping prayers on its agenda.

Churches Vandalised in Bayeux and Bessin

November 30, 2011, France

A wave of crime and vandalism hit several parishes in the area of Bayeux and Bessin. Notre-Dame du Bessin, Saint-Loup Hors and Manoir churches have suffered material damage whereas in the parish of Port en Bessin a chalice was stolen.

Theater Play Advertisement Portrays Jesus as King of Lies and Meaninglessness

November 30, 2011, Germany

"Die Präsidentinnen" - "The female presidents" is a theater play by Werner Schwab, first shown in Vienna. In November 2011 it was restaged in Cologne. It is a play about the "lies of life", disappointed hopes and meaninglessness. The advertizement poster of the restaged performance shows a crucifix hanging on a toilet. For Christians, this implies that Jesus Christ was the king of lies and ought to be flushed down the toilet in the cleansing process. This is offensive and hurtful to Christians.

Children DVD Stripped of Christian Christmas-related Content

November 29, 2011, United Kingdom

Produced by „Hit Entertainment“, the TV episode “Keeping up with James” based on Reveren Wilbert Audry´s books was stripped of every reference to Christmas. The Christmas season is called winter holidays, and the Christmas tree is named the holiday tree. On the DVD narrator Michael Angelis tells viewers: “You’ll always see a tree with decorations during the winter holidays.”

Trespassing and Thefts in Kostajnica

November 29, 2011, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Burglars broke into the church of Kostajnica and stole various objects.

Consistent Harassment of Christian Employee by Muslim Colleagues

November 27, 2011, United Kingdom

Nouhad Halawi claimed she and other Christian colleagues at Heathrow Airport's World Duty Free shop are victims of a hate campaign run by fundamentalist Muslims. According to Halawi, she suffered consistent pressure and threats because of her beliefs, and for wearing a necklace cross.

Homeschooling Parents in Fear of Loosing Custody Over Children

November 25, 2011, Germany

Local and state education officials have threatened to take the Dudek family’s children to school by force, according to a letter to the parents Jürgen and Rosemarie Dudek.

Statue of Christ Beheaded in North of France

November 24, 2011, France

The statue of the Christ of the small village of Wasnes-au-Bac (Nord) was beheaded by one or several vandals, probably during the night from Tuesday, November 15th to Wednesday, November 16th. The mayor of the village, Jules Cornet is particularly shocked as the statue had been restored just fifteen days before.

Aggressive Campaign to Remove Theology Department at University of Granada

November 23, 2011, Spain

The Association in Defense of Public and Laity Universities has asked the Dean of the University of Granada in a letter to dissolve the Theology Department which recently opened. The radically secularist group says on their website that "the creation of the Theology Studies Department is a violation of the neutrality and laity principles consecrated in the Spanish Constitution; it is an attack at the university because it undermines the independence and accuracy of the rational and critical thinking, because it puts theology at the same level as science, even though it has not other fundament that the faith itself. With the institution of a Theology Department the university moves forward into Catholicism, and thereby backwards to medieval times and national-socialism [dictatorship]."

Vandalism in a Church in Sarano (Treviso)

November 20, 2011, Italy

Vandals broke in Santa Lucia’s church in Sarano, stole the church offerings as well as three patens and a robe. They also threw the Eucharstic hosts to the flour and damaged the sacristy.

Prefecture Prohibits Pro-Life Manifestation, Allows Left Wing Counter Protests

November 19, 2011, France

The French Christian pro life group "SOS Tout-petits" registered a manifestation against abortion to take place on Nov 19th in front of the Paris Hospital Tenon. Even though the request for the permit came in due time, the prefecture withdrew the permission last minute. Reasons given were that the manifestation could be a disturbance of the public order and safety could not be guaranteed. At the same time, pro-choice groups which had organized a counter manifestation, and who had violently attacked the pro-life group during previous manifestations were allowed to hold their manifestation by walking around the hospital.

Five Christian Icons Vandalised on a Week of Anti-Christian Raids in Dax (Landes)

November 18, 2011, France

Three images of Mary and two crucifixes were vandalised in the city of Dax between November 10th and 18th. The statue of Mary located in Pontonx church was covered from the top to the bottom with red paint; the face of a Virgin located at the Saugnac-y-Cambran junction was covered with red as well; and the Virgin of Buglose´s face was covered with black paint. One of the vandalized crucifixes was painted in red and the arms cut off, while the one located inside Rion-des-Landes church was covered with red paint.

Clothing Company Ad Disrespects Christians Through the Image of the Pope

November 17, 2011, International

An advertisment campaign of the clothing company Benetton featured the Pope kissing intensely the Islamic Shek of the Al-Azhar Mosque on the lips. The campaign is called UnHate and claims to stand for peace in the world. The image of the pope kissing the imam implies that the Pope would currently "hate" the Imam, or be intolerant towards Muslims. After many protests, Benetton removed the photo montage off their website. It seems however, that the provocation - as well as the removal - was planned as a PR campaign from the beginning.

Vulgar Poster at Corcega University

November 17, 2011, France

A second year art student used a blasphemous image to promote his exhibition «Histoire d'une absence» at Corte University, in Corcega. Fellow students and students association complained to the University Dean Pascal Ottavi for the blasphemoous image that shows a rosary tied around a male sexual organ.

Heated Debate on Anti-Christian Theater Play Portrays Christians Negatively

November 16, 2011, France

The Golgota Picnic (Golgotha Picnic), a provacative anti-Christian play written by the Argentine-born author Rodrigo Garcia, has drawn the anger of French Christians who protested outside the Garonne Theatre in Toulouse. While the theater's manager, Jacky Ohayon, insisted the play be harmless and ran previously in Spain "with no trouble", Catholic Bishop Dominique Rey of Frejus-Toulon said that "Garcia's play shows Christ as 'madman, dog, pyromaniac, messiah of Aids, devil-whore, no better than a terrorist'."

Catholic Cemetery of Sussargues Vandalised

November 12, 2011, France

The cemetery of the village of Sussargues in France has been vandalised. The perpetrator(s) damaged about thirty graves and memorials. Crucifix were broken or turned upside down, statuettes of the Virgin Mary were planted head in the ground. Satanists tags are visible on many graves.

Church Desecrated in Vauréal

November 12, 2011, France

The church of Sainte-Claire of Vauréal has been desecrated and Christian symbols specifically attacked. A city councilor criticizes the lack of response of governmental institutions.

Vandalism Against Wayside Crosses and Corpusses

November 7, 2011, Switzerland

In the Swiss village of St. Pantaleon-Nuglar, unknown perpetrators have attacked Christian images several times. Corpusses were pulled off crosses, taken away or destroyed. One corpus was hung on a tree. Now, the image of a naked woman was sprayed on a cross which had formally been vandalised and stripped of the corpus. A charge against unknown persons was submitted by by the private owner of the wayside cross.

Radical Feminists Undressed as Protest on St. Peter Square

November 6, 2011, Italy

Three radical feminists undressed at St. Peter Square in Vatican City right after the Pope´s traditional Sunday blessing to the pilgrims gathering there on November 6th. One of the women, identified as Oleksandra Shevchenko, leader of the responsible non-governmental organisation Femen, took off her jacket uncovering a transparent blouse under the balcony of the pope while holding a sign with the phrase "Freedom for Women". According to the media reports, she screamed "We are free" and bit into a cross. When the police came, she took off her blouse, and even her trousers.

Vandalism at St. Georg Church in Munich

November 5, 2011, Germany

For several years local youth have been vandalizing St. Georg Church in Munich. They took tiles off the roof, sprayed graffiti on the outside walls, urinated into the holy water vessels and set fire at the local graveyard. The attacks were ongoing in November 2011. Some of the youth are known to the parish priest, who does not reported them to the police. One of the youth stated in a TV interview with blurred image that he was Moslem and felt uncomfortable with the majority denomination. The priest says that many youth are aggressive towards the Church due to emotional neglect they suffer at home.

Police Force Necessary to Protect Pro Life Activists from Left Wing Mob

November 3, 2011, Switzerland

Police in Zurich, Switzerland were forced to use water cannons and tear gas against anti-life protesters who tried to disrupt a recent March for Life of about a thousand pro-life supporters marching through the streets of the Swiss capital.

Blasphemous Christmas Movie Screens at European Cinemas

November 1, 2011, International

The Warner Bros production "A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas", profanes Christian symbols and traditions. It contains sacrilegious humor, graphic non-marital and aberrant sexual activity, full nudity, a benign view of drug use, about a half-dozen instances of profanity and pervasive rough and crude language."

(Scotland) Former Leader Becomes Victim of Religious Discrimination

October 31, 2011, United Kingdom

Former Scottish National Party leader Gordon Wilson has said a “lynch mob” booted him off the board of Dundee Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) because of his support for traditional marriage after Mr Wilson had responded to the Scottish Government’s consultation on redefining marriage, saying that he was opposed to the idea.

Blasphemous Play Hurts Feelings of Christians

October 31, 2011, Ireland

At the Dublin Grand Canal Theatre „Jerry Springer: The Opera“ was screened in the country for the first time on October 31th, 2011. Christians protested outside the theatre before the performance, several people walked out during the show.

Vandalism at Cemetery in Niedereschach

October 30, 2011, Germany

On the night of October 30th, vandals raged on the graveyard of Niedereschach, damaging graves, memorial candles, statues of Mary and of angels, flowers, and jardinières. They also pulled out wooden crosses of fresh graves and lined them up upside down which could indicate a satanic background.

Vandalism at Cemetery in Westerkappeln

October 28, 2011, Germany

Several cases of vandalism were recorded on the graveyard in Westerkappeln between October 26th and October 28th, including the use of graveyard lanterns as foot balls.

Pro-Life Side-Walk Counsellors Condemned by Court

October 25, 2011, Austria

On October 25th, the state court of Graz, Styria, upheld a judgement of the first instance condemning pro-life side-walk counsellors to payments between 350 and 6200 Euro.

Vandalism at Graveyard of Ostbevern

October 25, 2011, Germany

In Ostbevern, strangers knocked off the nose, feet, and part of the knee of a figure of Christ located on the graveyard. This is not the first time that the statue suffered from vandalism.

Demotion and 40% Pay Cut After Critizing Gay Marriage on Facebook

October 24, 2011, United Kingdom

Adrian Smith (Christian, 54, father of two) of Manchester was demoted by his employer Trafford Council and Trafford Housing Trust after making a comment regarding the controversial plans of the ministers that could allow same-sex couples by law to „marry“ in Church although the Church of England refuses to participate.

Anti-Discrimination Legislation Interferes with Religious Freedom

October 24, 2011, Austria

A senior Christian religious official looking for a secretary, asked the Austrian equal treatment commission before publishing a job advertisement: would it be permissable to reject a headscarf-wearing Muslim woman? The answer was no.

Vandalism of Church in Kallenhardt

October 22, 2011, Germany

An attempt of arson occured on October 22nd at the church of Kallenhardt. As a consequence, the church, which was freely accessible for prayer and recollection, had to remain closed for a longer period of time.

Vandalism of Cemetery in Mülheim

October 22, 2011, Germany

Strangers ravaged on the graveyard of Styrum in Mülheim and damaged 30 graves in the night from Oct 22 to 23.

Statue of Mary Stolen in Nord-Pas de Calais

October 21, 2011, France

It was very difficult for the inhabitants of Agnez-les-Duisans to realize that the Statue of Mary holding baby Jesus had disappeared and its emplacement had been very much damaged. The police is enquiring.

Double Standards in UK Foreign Aid: Indifference to Rights of Christians

October 20, 2011, United Kingdom

The former Conservative minister Ann Widdecombe pointed out the UK government's double standards in its threats to cut aid to countries which persecute gay people while turning a blind eye to persecution against Christians.

"Black Block" Manifestation Assaults a Church

October 20, 2011, Italy

During a "Black Block", a left wing militant manifestation in Rome, an unknown number of people entered the parish of Santi Marcellino e Pietro al Laterano and destroyed the crucifix and a statue of the Virgin Mary of Lourdes.

(Scotland) Christmas Snubbed by Government

October 19, 2011, United Kingdom

The Scottish Government failed to mention Christmas in its “Winter Festivals” programme. In an official news release the Government mentions St Andrew’s Day eleven times, Hogmanay five times and Burns Night several times. But Christmas is not mentioned at all.

Anarchist Damage Lateran Basilica in Rome

October 16, 2011, Italy

A small group of anarchist targeted the Basilica of Saint John Lateran in Rome. Various damages were detected, including the destruction of a statue of Mary.

"Occupy Rome" Activists Destroyed Sacred Icons During Demonstration

October 15, 2011, Italy

A group of youth who were marching as part of the anti-capitalist movement "Occupy Rome", detoured from the main stream of the parade, and made their way into Saints Marcellino and Pietro Parish, located between Labicana and Merulana streets. The youth, with their heads covered and handing sticks, broke into the parish house and took the statue of the Immaculate Conception and a crucifix. They carried the sacred icons outside the parish premises to the street, where both were destroyed and the debriefs left on the street.

Vandalism at Immaculate Conception Church in Vohwinkel

October 12, 2011, Germany

On October 12th unknown perpetraters vandalized the parish church of the Immaculate Conception in Vohwinkel. They damaged valuable pieces of art: a sword was pulled off a statue and attached to a crucifix, and a branch of a seven-branched candelabrum was torn off.

Vandalism in Presbytery in Rüthen-Menzel

October 12, 2011, Germany

Strangers set fire to the entrance door of the presbytery by means of petrol in Rüthen on Oct 12th. The fire had already made its way under the door and set the tapestry on fire when it was discovered and extinguished. Police asked the public for help.

Recurring Vandalism at Cemetery in Essen

October 11, 2011, Germany

Recurring instances of vandalism at Essen cemetery amount to 30 000 Euros in damage. The acts of vandalism include the stealing of vases, the removal of letters on graveyards, the ignition of over 50 compost containers in the time period of a few weeks. Several relatives of those whose graves had been attacked were under significant emotional distress.

Two Local Councils in South East England Told to Stop Holding Prayers at the Beginning of Council Meetings

October 11, 2011, United Kingdom

Crowborough Town Council and Mayfield Parish Council - both in East Sussex - have both been warned that prayers "should not be part of a council meeting". The warning comes from the Sussex Association of Local Councils, which is responsible for local government in the area.

Ongoing Outside Pressure on Ireland to Legalize Abortion

October 11, 2011, International

At a UN meeting, delegates from Britain, Denmark, Spain and other countries called for Ireland to legalize abortion - with Denmark calling for legislation to allow for abortion on demand, constituting pressure seeking to undermine the Christian convictions of the majority of the Irish population.

City Halts Construction of Catholic Church With Legal Hardships

October 6, 2011, Russia

The archbishop of Moscow, Msgr. Paolo Pezzi has critized the city of Pskow (North-West Russia) to discriminate against the Catholic Church by denying the prolongation of a building permit.

BBC Guidelines Suggest to Replace BC and AD with "Religiously Neutral" Terms

October 5, 2011, United Kingdom

BBC’s new guidelines of religious impartiality contain the suggestion to use religiously “neutral” terms instead of “BC” and “AD” during discussions of history on air.

Physical Assaults Against Christians in Nîmes

October 2, 2011, France

A crowd of about one thousand people had gathered at the sanctuary of Our Lady of Santa-Cruz in Nîmes, for the annual procession organized by the ‘Joyeuse Union Don Bosco’ every year since 1982. But when they went back to their personal cars, several of them were surrounded, insulted and stoned by groups of violent youths.

Police Visits Christian Cafe for Display of Bible Passages

September 30, 2011, United Kingdom

UK, Blackpool: Jamie Murray, Salt & Light Coffee House's owner, has been visited by the Lancashire Police and threatened for the display of Bible versicles on a TV screen inside his property. The police told Murray that the Bible passages use offensive, insulting words, and this constitutes a violation of Section 5 of the Public Order Act. The officers warned Murray that if he didn’t stop, he could be prosecuted for hate speech. The coffee house TV screen connected to a DVD displays images with no soundtrack from "Watchword Bible", which contents verses from the New Testament.

Left Wing Extremists Violently End Pro-Life Rally in Düsseldorf

September 30, 2011, Germany

Left-wing extremists prevented a pro-life group from showing a short movie about the development of the human embryo on the square in front of Düsseldorf’s main railway station.

Church of Langrune-sur-Mer Vandalised

September 30, 2011, France

The Church of Saint Martin in Langrune-sur-Mer (Calvados), a XIIIth century church, was targeted by vandals. Many damages were caused: flowers on the ground, flower pots smashed, prayer books ripped, candles broken into pieces... The police have also found signs that the vandals had the intention to put the church on fire but had not succeeded.

Singer Sinead O'Connor Says She'd Shoot the Pope If He Came to Ireland

September 29, 2011, Ireland

The popular Irish singer, Sinead O'Connor used social media to warn the Pope that if he comes to Ireland, there "would be a bloodbath". The singer posted the threat on her Twitter account after a poll was conducted on whether the Pope should visit Ireland. Previously, in 1992 during a TV show, O'Connor tore a photo of John Paul II into pieces and called him evil.

Graffiti Insults Christians in Vienna's First District

September 29, 2011, Austria

In Postgasse, a fancy Vienna downtown street, a graffiti was placed on a residential house saying: "Pig Christians destroy the world", signed with a anarchy symbol.

Pro-family Groups Discriminated Against by PayPal Services

September 29, 2011, International

Homosexualist websites are boasting of victory in an ongoing campaign to induce PayPal, one of the world’s largest payment processing companies, to eliminate pro-family Christians from its service.

Marketing Campaign for Canal+ Series Smashes Holy Images

September 29, 2011, France

„Borgia“ TV series produced by the French TV channel "Canal+" in association with EOS Entertainment and distributed by Beta Film GmbH, used holy symbols for promotional advertisements in a profane way.

Paint Bomb on Welcome Poster for Pope's Visit

September 19, 2011, Germany

In the night from the 18th to the 19th of September, unknown perpetrators cast a paint bomb on a welcome poster at a Church in Berlin.

Vandalism at Cemetery in Schönau

September 17, 2011, Germany

A 16 year-old admitted being responsible for the desecration of numerous graves in Schönau on the 17th of September. He had knocked over memorial candles and gravestones, and had pulled out a wooden cross and destroyed it.

Pro Life Manifestation Attacked

September 17, 2011, France

The Christian pro life group "SOS Tout Petits" was attacked by pro-choice and anti-Christian activists during a manifestation in front of the Paris Hospital Tenon while praying peacefully.

Prayer Banned From Public Spaces

September 16, 2011, France

France banned prayers from the streets beginning September 16th, 2011. The measure mainly aims to target Muslims and their Friday prayers. In support of the new regulation the French Minister, Claude Gueant, affirmed that prayers on the street are unacceptable in a secular country such as France, and police force would be used in case of disobedience. Marine Le Pen, a right-wing French representative, speaking of Muslim prayer meetings, described prayers on the street as a "Nazi occupation". The consequences of a regulation also undermines freedom of religion of Christians, with regard to traditional Catholic processions as well as street evangelisations and outdoor liturgies. It is unclear to the Observatory, whether there will be exceptions granted to such initiatives under the new law.

Major Social Media Sites ‘Actively’ Censor Christian Content

September 15, 2011, International

A new study has found that Google and other major social media sites such as Facebook have “actively” censored Christian and conservative viewpoints. The report examined the policies and practices of several major Internet-interactive “new media” communications platforms and service providers, including Apple and its iTunes App Store, Facebook, Google, and others.

(Jersey) Post Refuses to Deliver ‘Offensive’ Bible CD

September 15, 2011, United Kingdom

Postal workers in Jersey refused to deliver audio recordings of St Mark’s Gospel after deeming it “offensive material”. Several churches clubbed together to pay for 45,000 CDs to be produced to mark the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible. A copy of the recording was due to be delivered to every household on the Channel Island of Jersey. But church leaders were left reeling after Jersey Post claimed that the CDs could offend people and refused to deliver them.

Anonymous Caller Threatens School for Displaying Welcome Poster for Pope

September 14, 2011, Germany

A welcome poster for pope Benedict XVI upon his visit to Germany in September 2011 was removed in Fürstenwalde (Oder-Spree) after an anonymous caller said that „something would happen, if the posters were not immediately removed.“

Catholic Cemetery of Buxy Wrecked

September 13, 2011, France

Twenty graves and tombstones have been desecrated in the small village of Buxy in Burgundy. The 2,000 residents of Buxy and their mayor are shocked and incredulous, the police has opened an investigation.

Smearings on a Catholic Church in Dijon

September 13, 2011, France

The Saint-Michel Catholic church of Dijon has been smeared on during the night on September 13th. The mayor’s office quickly responded by clearing out the inscriptions. One could see a scored of cross and read «No Gods, no Masters».

Catholic Newspapers Site Hacked; Anti-Christian Message Displayed

September 12, 2011, Ireland

The homepage of the Irish Catholic website was hacked and replaced with a blue and white screen which read “Site off-line. You. Got. Taken”. The hacker’s message went on to say “And wish you to continue beliveing [sic] in your false religion”. and: "Gotta love false hope."

Christian Think Tank Receives Threatening Phone Call

September 11, 2011, Ireland

The Dublin based Christian Think Tank Iona Institute received a threatening phone call in September: The anonymous caller said the Institute was “scum”, that its director “David Quinn should be castrated and hung up on O’Connell Street”, that they had “the nerve to portray your “f**king religion”, and that the people at the Institute were “filth”.

Legal Proposal Endangers Freedom of Religion by Seeking to Interfere with the Seal of Confession

September 11, 2011, Ireland

The Irish Government is „set on passing a law that will require priests to break the seal of confession if they hear about child abuse in the confessional.

Moslem Protester: "Jihad to Christian Extremists"

September 11, 2011, International

On a protest against the USA and the UK in London on September 11, a group of Muslims marched through London. A sign was carried which read "Jihad to Christian Extremists".

Call for Ban on Church Marriage if Churches Would Not Perfom Same-Sex Unions As Well

September 8, 2011, United Kingdom

A member of U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron’s government is calling for a ban on marriages at Christian churches if they refuse to also perform same-sex unions.

Doctors Should Refer Patients for Euthanasia: New Dutch Guidelines

September 8, 2011, Netherlands

According to new guidelines from the Dutch national doctors association, doctors with moral objections to euthanasia have “a moral and professional duty” to refer patients to another doctor willing to euthanize them.

Destruction of Crosses as Protest Against the Visit of the Pope

September 7, 2011, Germany

A radical atheist group called „What the f...“ released a video on youtube in which crosses are being destroyed with much violence and hatred.

Poznan Medical University Breaks Previous Agreement to Host Reparative Therapy Conference

September 6, 2011, Poland

A reparative therapy conference, which aims to help people who struggle with same sex attraction, was denied to use of the Medical School Foundation (UM) facilities in Poznan, Poland. The conference, featuring psychologist Dr. Joseph Nicolosi of the National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality (NARTH), received criticisms from Polish newspaper Gazeta Wyborcza, and it was after them that UM decided not to host the event. Gazeta Wyborcza highlighted that the American Psychological Association (APA) has concerns about the effects of treatment for same-sex attraction.

US Officials Call Catholic Church Source of Spreading “Homophobia” in Poland

September 6, 2011, International

American embassy officials under the Obama administration complained that the Catholic Church teaching is a major source of “homophobia” in the heavily Catholic country, according to private cables published by Wikileaks.

Christian Debt Counselling Charity Excluded from Support Network for Offering Prayer to Clients

September 5, 2011, United Kingdom

‚Advice UK’, the largest support network for free advice centres in the UK, has pushed out a Christian debt counselling charity from its membership for offering to pray with clients suffering from debt problems.

MP Calls for Churches to be Stripped of Licences for Refusing to Marry Gays

September 2, 2011, United Kingdom

Churches which refuse to conduct gay marriages should be stripped of their licence, according to Member of Parliament Mike Weatherley of Hove. While marriage between people of the same sex is not legal in the UK but civil partnerships were introduced in 2005 to give couples the same legal protection as if they were wed. Mr Weatherley said according to „The Argus“: “As long as religious groups can refuse to preside over ceremonies for same-sex couples there will be inequality. “Until we untangle unions and religion in this country we will struggle to find a fair arrangement.”

Theater Play Hurts Feelings of Christians

September 1, 2011, France

Several French theaters have scheduled Romeo Castellucci's play "Sur le concept du visage du fils de Dieu" (On the concept of the face of the son of God) or "Golgotha picnic" to be on their stage this year. The play "Sur le concept du visage du fils de Dieu" depicts in the 2nd act a group of children throwing grenades onto a large image of Jesus displayed in the back of the stage. After Jesus is "stoned", the 3rd act shows the same image on Jesus being torn apart while the words "you are (not) my Shepherd" are displayed.

Blasphemious Play Shown in French Theaters

August 31, 2011, France

„Golgotha Picnic“, a theater play written by Rodrigo García, abuses mercylessly Christian icons and Bible passages in brings them in the proximities of terror and barbarism. Christ is called "el diablo puto" (the f... evil); money notes are placed at the Jesus' side wound; burger bread covers the floor as a parody of the multiplication of the loaves; and a piano player, totally naked, ridicules the “Seven Last Words of Christ on the Cross” by Haydn.

Campaign Against Catholic Church's Tax Exemption

August 31, 2011, Italy

A political campaign supported by a social media campaign advocated the removal of the tax exemption granted to the Catholic Church. The supporters of the proposal claim that the Church money would help Italy to overcome its financial crisis, and would therefore make other governmental spenditure cuts unnecessary. The Catholic Church properties are exempted from tax because of the community service they provide and the social function church buildings serve. In the fall of 2011, the issue was dropped.

Politican Plans to Sue Physicians for Offering Therapy for People Struggling With Unwanted Same-Sex Attraction

August 29, 2011, Germany

Volker Beck, member of the German Bundestag (parliament) and speaker on human rights issues of the Green party, has launched an initiative to engage the German Medical Association against the German Union of Catholic Physicians (BKÄ). On their website, the BKÄ provides informations about therapeutic options in case of unwanted same-sex attraction.

Crucifixion Group Defaced in Wassenberg-Myhl

August 25, 2011, Germany

On August 21st a crucifixion group was defaced with black paint in Wassenberg-Myhl by strangers.

(Northern Ireland) Gay March Signs Offend Christians

August 24, 2011, United Kingdom

Belfast's Gay March 2011 was (again) marked by anti-Christian offensive signs. One sign read: “Jesus had two dads (and he turned out just fine)”. Another protester bore a placard that said “Jesus protect me from your followers”.

UK Employee Suspended Upon Display of Cross

August 20, 2011, United Kingdom

A UK Christian electrician who won a fight with his employer over his right to display a small Palm leaf cross in his van is now saying that the company has reneged on its agreement. 64-year-old Colin Atkinson was asked by his employers, Wakefield and District Housing (WDH) in West Yorkshire, to remove the cross after an anonymous complaint from a WDH tenant. The company threatened Atkinson with disciplinary action when he refused, but backed down when their threats prompted a public outcry and criticism from prominent religious leaders, including the former Archbishop of Canterbury Lord Carey.

Local Government Eliminates Traditional Barbeceue at Ascension Day During the Time of Ramadan in Novara

August 20, 2011, Italy

In the first year after the centre-left’s victory at local elections, local politicians decided to prohibit the traditional Ascencion Day barbeceue – at which „Crostine“ and „Salamelle“ (special Italian sausages) have been indispensable for decades. The reason was that Ascension Day took place during Ramadan. Not to offend the Muslim minority, the local government decided to serve only water melon instead of the traditional barbeceue.

Immigrant Club Calls For Removal of the Cross in the Swiss Flag

August 19, 2011, Switzerland

The Swiss club of immigrants Secondos Plus demands that the Swiss Cross be removed from the flag of Switzerland because it "didn't correspond anymore to the multicultural Switzerland of today." As alternative, they suggest to go back to the national flag of 1799 which contains green, red and yellow stripes.

Violent Counter Demonstrators Attack Youth at World Youth Day in Madrid

August 17, 2011, Spain

A demonstration against the Catholic Church and the visit of the pope during the major Catholic event of World Youth Day, resulted in the young Christian visitors be booed, spat and shouted at. Several World Youth Day participates were physically attacked, one had to be treated in hospital for being kicked in the stomach. Eight anti-pope demonstrators were jailed.

Hospital Attempted to Force Christian Nurses to Commit Abortions and Backs Down

August 15, 2011, United Kingdom

A hospital in London that recently attempted to force two Christian nurses to commit abortions has backed down after legal threats using the Equality Act to protect the nurses pro-life beliefs.

New Guidelines from the General Pharmaceutical Council Threaten Freedom of Conscience

August 15, 2011, United Kingdom

New guidelines issued by the UK pharmaceutical regulatory board tends towards stripping pharmacists of their right to conscientious objection with regard to refusing the sale of the morning-after pill, an abortive device.

Church Set on Fire by Vandals in Begijnendijk

August 14, 2011, Belgium

Vandals started a devastating fire in the parish church of Saint-Lucie in Begijnendijk (Flemish Brabant). They entered the church through a window and put fire to the curtains and chairs. The damage is significant and the church was closed for several weeks.

Catholic Care Forced to Close or Allow Gay Adoption after Tribunal Decision

August 9, 2011, United Kingdom

On May 31st, 2011, Catholic Care of the Diocese of Leeds has applied for leave to appeal the latest decision against it in the long-running case sparked by the Charity Commission’s refusal to allow it to prevent gay couples from using its adoption service. The appeal was granted in August 2011.

Masked Vandals Attack Pro-Life Office in Austria

August 8, 2011, Austria

The office of Johannes Bucher, the European Regional Director of Human Life International’s (HLI), was attacked after a pro-life march in Salzburg, Austria. The office suffered seven broken windows, causing thousands of Euros in damage.

Cemetery Vandalized in Champniers

July 30, 2011, France

The cemetery of Champniers and its surroundings were vandalized at the end of July 2011. Crosses were tossed, and statues of Marie damaged, flower pots thrown to the ground.