All cases
Vandalism and Burglary in the Church of St. Mary in Lünen
February 21, 2013, GermanyUnidentified 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, SpainA 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, GermanyUsing 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, ItalyInverted 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, FranceThe 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, SpainThe 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, FranceFemale 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, SpainA 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, FranceFrench 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, InternationalOn 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, FranceDuring 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, ItalyTwo 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, GermanyA 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, ItalyWithin 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, FranceThe 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, FranceRight 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, GermanyBurglars 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, FranceAt 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, SloveniaUnknown 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, FranceA 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, GermanyIn 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, CroatiaDuring 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, CroatiaChristian 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, FranceThe 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, CroatiaA 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 KingdomThe 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 KingdomLillian 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 KingdomThe 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, GermanyIn 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, GermanyIn 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, ItalyWhen 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, ItalyIn 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, FranceInstead 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, SpainTens 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, CroatiaMs 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, CroatiaThe 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, CroatiaOn 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, AustriaNumerous 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, AustriaNumerous 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, GermanyThe 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, HungaryThe 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, ItalyThe 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 KingdomA 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, AustriaDuring 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, GermanyIn 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, HungaryIn 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, ItalyThe 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, ItalyThe 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