All cases
Croatian Television Breaks Agreement with Catholic Church
July 19, 2013, CroatiaCroatian Television (HTV) one-sidedly cancelled the autonomy of its religious program, which had been guaranteed by the Agreement signed in 2000 by HTV and the Croatian Conference of Bishops (in reference to the implementation of the international contract between the Holy See and the Republic of Croatia).
Priest Violently Assaulted in Quimper, Bretagne
July 17, 2013, FranceFather Michel Mazeas, Pastor of the cathedral of Quimper, Bretagne, was attacked by a man at the rectory of Saint Corentin in Rue Toul-al-Laer. He was threatened and received a dozen punches in the face by the stranger. The attacker was arrested by the police, placed in custody and interned in a public mental health facility of Gourmlen.
Old Lady Robbed and Killed in Church in Marche-en-Famenne
July 13, 2013, BelgiumMarie-Thérèse Deflandre, was found lifeless on the floor of the church of Saint-Remacle in Marche-en-Famenne, Belgium. She was found with severe head injuries and taken to hospital in Liege where she died 10 days later. No personal belongings were found with the lady and her credit card was later used by a third party.
Anti-Catholic Performance in Metz
July 12, 2013, FranceFor two consecutive days anti-Catholic provocative and sacrilegious performances were held in Metz. They were organized by the city of Metz and “Hop Hop Hop –festivals”, at which the Belgian group Compagnie d'Outre Rue performed their program including a show called “Mass with breadsticks”. During the show, they wore liturgical clothing, used liturgical items and mocked the Pope and the Church under much laughter of the public. The event was organised by the socialist mayor Dominique Gros.
European Affairs Minister Forced to Resign
July 11, 2013, IrelandLucinda Creighton, European Affairs Minister of Ireland had to resign after voting against the Government on an amendment to the abortion bill. The so-called “whip” does not permit to deviate from party policy. Mrs. Creighton however felt that she could not compromise on matters of “life and death”.
13-Century-Church Vandalised in Grafing
July 7, 2013, GermanyUnknown perpetrators entered St. Leornhard church in Grafing, Bavaria, on the weekend of July 6 and 7. They climbed into the locked main hall of the 13th-century church and broke pieces from a number of wooden statues which they burnt on the altar, thereby also damaging the main painting behind the altar. Some relics were stolen and the damage was severe.
Facebook Page Claims “Mary Should´ve Aborted”
July 4, 2013, ItalyAn anti-Christian page on facebook stated that “Mary should have aborted”. The page was reported to the facebook service who answered that this content does not violate community standards on hate speech.
Street Preacher Arrested For Preaching on Sexual Morality
July 1, 2013, United KingdomThe police arrested a street preacher in Wimbledon under suspicion of offences under the Public Order Act. He had been speaking about sexual immorality in general and the importance to abstain from such practices.
Church in Lille Spray Painted
July 1, 2013, FranceA church in Lille was sprayed with graffiti insulting the Catholic Church and the Catholic political movement “Civitas”.
Catholic Bookseller Vandalised for the 27th Time in Bordeaux
June 29, 2013, FranceA Catholic bookseller in Bordeaux became a victim of vandalism for the 27th time. The proprietor said that they had been threatened, offended and the shop window was spat upon. The bookseller has been the object of “attack” of left wing extremists for many years, especially since the debate about gay marriage and the French "Manif pour tous".