All cases
Mass of the Assumption Banned by Authorities
August 11, 2016, TurkeyAfter 88 years of closure, the Panagia Sumela Monastery in Trabzon, was reopened in June 2010 and since then, the Turkish authorities had given a license for a yearly Mass to the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople to celebrate the Mass of the Assumption. This year, the authorization was administratively revoked.
Pastor and Politician Report Abuse of Christian Refugees in Frankfurt
August 8, 2016, GermanyDuring a press conference with Bundestag member Erika Steinbach, Pastor Mahin Mousapour said Christians staying at migrant shelters are being told that they are impure and that they deserve to die for rejecting Islam.
Parliamentary Inquiry Finds UK Doctors Risk Losing Jobs For Refusing To Perform Abortion
July 21, 2016, United KingdomBritish pro-life doctors and nurses face hostility, loss of advancement, and pressure to perform or refer for abortions despite legislation guaranteeing their right to conscientiously object, according to a parliamentary inquiry.
Funding for Christian Charity Cut for Encouraging Homosexual Celibacy
July 19, 2016, Netherlands"Hart van Homo's" (Heart for Gays), a Christian charity that encourages celibacy for gay Christians, lost governmental funding after the ruling party argued that it sent the wrong message.
German Bishops Conference and Protestant Evangelical Church in Germany Issue Joint Statement
July 12, 2016, GermanyCardinal Marx, chair of German Bishops' Conference and Bishop Heinrich Bedford-Strohm, head of the Protestant Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD), united to condemn the attacks on Christians and other religious minorities in camps.
Religion Classes in Belgium to be Replaced with Citizenship Classes
July 7, 2016, BelgiumThe country's religious education classes in French-speaking primary and secondary schools will be cut in half in October 2016 and replaced with a weekly hour of citizenship classes, over the objection of students and teachers.
Russia's Anti-Terrorism Law Restricts Missionary Activities
July 7, 2016, RussiaThe new law bans preaching, praying, proselytizing, and disseminating religious materials outside of officially-designated sites, and authorizes fines for these activities conducted in private residences or distributed through mass print, broadcast or online media.
Lay Association Calls for Mayor's Resignation for Assisting in Catholic Blessing
June 29, 2016, SpainThe president of Asturias Laica, Jose Luis Iglesias, has formally requested that the Mayor of Gijon, Carmen Moriyón, resign from office for assisting in the Catholic ritual of the blessing of the waters in the feast of San Pedro, the city’s patron saint, which was celebrated on June 29.
Valencia Cardinal Accused of Hate Speech for Homily Criticizing Gender Ideology Legislation
June 23, 2016, SpainCardinal Antonio Cañizares was accused of hate speech by the Feminist Platform of Alicante, along with 55 other LGBT organizations. They alleged that his homily was "full of hatred, homophobic and sexist." On June 23, 2016 he was cleared of the charges.
Christian Converts in Hamburg Threatened
June 14, 2016, GermanySecurity guards at refugee camps in Hamburg have reportedly told the Christian residents to keep their faith a secret, claiming they cannot protect them if their secret is revealed.
Holy See Urges OSCE and Council of Europe to Pay Attention to Discrimination Against Christians
June 9, 2016, European Institutions (EU, ECHR, et.al.)The Holy See’s Permanent Representative to UN offices in Vienna, Msgr. Janusz Urbanczyk, has urged the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the Council of Europe to pay greater attention to discrimination against Europe’s Christians.
Parliamentary Report Finds Inadequate Assessment of Religion-Based Asylum Claims
June 7, 2016, United KingdomThe All Party Parliamentary Group for International Freedom of Religion or Belief released a 35-page report in which it said the questions used to assess conversion asylum claims demonstrated a "lack of understanding and misperceptions of religion."
Christian Union Banned From Holding Meetings on College Premises
June 7, 2016, United KingdomA Christian union has been banned from holding meetings on college premises, as a result of the government’s counter-terrorism strategy "Prevent".
Green Party a Threat to Religious Liberty in Australia
May 21, 2016, InternationalArchbishop Anthony Fisher warned that religious liberty is at stake in Australia's national elections because of the Green's proposed $32 million "Safe Schools" Program which would charge parents, schools, and churches with discrimination if they fail to conform.
Catholic and Protestant Churches Protest Exclusion from Population Information
May 17, 2016, NetherlandsLegislation puts an end to a program that helped churches keep track of their local memberships using data provided by the municipal administration.
Christian Refugees Face Discrimination in Austria
May 13, 2016, AustriaAccording to the NGO "Christian Solidarity International" (CSI), Christian refugees are being repeatedly discriminated against in Austrian refugee centers.
Greens Demand Ban on Pro-Life Presentations at Schools
May 12, 2016, AustriaIn April 2016, members of the Green Party in Austria submitted a Parliamentary Question to evaluate possible actions to stop “pro-life” workshops in religious education.
Magistrate Removed from Office, Suspended from NHS Trust, for Christian Belief in Traditional Family
March 29, 2016, United KingdomA Christian magistrate Richard Page has been removed from office by the Lord Chancellor after sharing his personal conviction in a media interview that there is not enough evidence to show that placing children in the care of same-sex couples is in their best interest.
Christian Postgraduate Student Expelled for Opposing Gay Marriage
February 27, 2016, United KingdomA Sheffield University social work postgraduate student, Felix Ngole, was expelled from his course for posting on his Facebook page that homosexual activity is against the teaching of the Bible.
French Mayor Brought before Administrative Tribunal of the League of Human Rights
February 17, 2016, FranceJulien Sanchez, mayor of Beauclaire, was denounced by the League of Human Rights on February 17th for having displayed a creche at the city hall at Christmas time.
Iranian Christians Kicked Out of Refugee Home After Being Attacked
February 14, 2016, GermanySix Iranian Christian refugees were told by a security employee of the Tempelhof accommodation that they had an hour to leave because they were trouble-makers. Just days earlier, these six men had been threatened with beatings by 70 radical Muslim refugees for reading the Bible.
Police Spokesman Reported Muslims Trying to Expel Christians From Grande-Synthe Camp
January 27, 2016, FranceForty shots were fired in what was termed a quarrel between rival smuggler gangs at the Grande-Synthe refugee camp near Dunkirk. David Michaux, a CRS anti-riot officer from the Unsa-police union, told Le Figaro: "There is a real problem between Muslims and non-Muslims. Most of the camp's 3,000-odd occupants are Muslim Kurds from Iraq, Iran and Syria but a minority are Christians from Iran." He went on to say "The Muslims are trying to expel the Christians from the camp."
FIFA Erased a Brazilian Football Player's Reference to the Christian Faith
January 11, 2016, SwitzerlandFIFA, the highest institution in the world of football, censored a reference to Jesus by Ballon d’Or candidate Neymar.
Catholic Schoolchildren in Madrid Banned from Three Kings Parade
December 31, 2015, SpainApproximately 800 students at a Catholic school in Madrid’s southern Carabanchel district have been excluded from a local parade by city authorities.
Image of St. John the Evangelist Banned from Rochester Train Station
December 27, 2015, United KingdomNetwork Rail, partly funded by taxpayer money, argued it was "overtly Christian" and that it would offend "multi-cultural values".
German Newspaper Refuses to Publish Church's Advertisement
December 20, 2015, GermanyThe Weser-Kurier in Bremen has refused to publish an advertisement of a local Evangelical church containing a bible passage.
Spanish Artist Stole and Desecrated over 200 Consecrated Hosts
November 23, 2015, SpainAs part of an exhibit, Abel Azcona placed the hosts on the ground in a public art gallery to form the word “Pederasty".
City Reduces Funding for Holy Week and Refuses to Fund to Corpus Christi
November 23, 2015, SpainThe Department of Culture in Palma de Mallorca has reduced municipal funding for events during the week leading up to Easter (known as “Holy Week” or “Semana Santa”, famous for grand processions) to just 3.000 euros, and has not allocated any funding to the important Catholic feast of Corpus Christi (known simply as “Corpus”).
Chinese Karaoke will Ring in a Secular Christmas in Madrid
November 20, 2015, SpainThe mayor of Madrid announced plans for the city’s commemoration of the Christian holiday, including Greek dancing and Arabic food tasting, among other programming activities.
Apartment Owner Refuses to Rent to Employee of Pro-Life Association
November 15, 2015, GermanyIn November 2015, a theologian who is an employee of ALfA (Aktion Lebensrecht for Alle) wanted to rent an apartment in Augsburg. The owner refused to enter into a lease with the man for the sole reason that he works for ALfA (seen as a fundamentalist association).
Tasmania's Anti-Discrimination Commissioner to Investigate Catholic Church's Marriage Pamphlet
November 12, 2015, OtherTransgender politician, Martine Delaney, lodged an anti-discrimination complaint in September and on November 12, the commissioner announced it will begin investigation.
City of Toronto Threatened with Lawsuit after Banning Christian Music Festival
November 3, 2015, OtherThe City of Toronto is being threatened with legal action for refusing to grant a Christian group a permit to use a prominent downtown square for its annual musical festival next year, all because the city determined that singing the name of Jesus in the public venue contravenes city policy against “proselytizing.”
Prison Minister Fired for Preaching "Homophobic" Bible Verses
October 31, 2015, United KingdomReverend Barry Trayhorn, volunteering as a chaplain at a prison for sex offenders, recited verses from Corinthians which include homosexuality in a long list of sins, along with adultery, theft and drunkenness during a service.
Christian Converts Harassed at Swedish Asylum Center
October 20, 2015, SwedenA Pakistani couple had to leave the shelter in Western Sweden where they were staying after harassment by some of the Muslims in the housing ended with the husband's name sprayed on a wall near their room calling for his death.
Kindergarten Teacher Fired for Explaining Christmas Story
August 21, 2015, AustriaA city-run kindergarten in Vienna has fired a teacher because she “violated the kindergarten’s neutral stance on religion” by explaining that on Christmas, Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. This was in response to the children's questions about the holiday. In the letter informing the teacher of the school board’s decision to fire her, one reads that city-run kindergartens “accompany children of diverse religious faiths as well as without religious faith; therefore the religious meanings of traditional feasts are not mentioned and must instead be replaced by other content (for example during advent by themes such as ‘family’, ‘friendship’, or ‘community’). You have not followed this approach, but instead informed the children several times … about the Christian meaning of Christmas”. The teacher explains, "I have answered only the questions of the children . . . I am a Christian, but not a religion teacher."
Silent National Christian-Inspired Protest Mocked By Opponents
May 24, 2015, ItalyOn 24th of May 2015, an Italian network called Sentinelle in piedi ("Standing Watchmen“) organized a protest against the proposed draft laws on "homophobia" and same-sex unions and expressed their dissenting views by standing for an hour in silence at over 100 public squares all over Italy. The reason for that is the belief that new laws, if approved, would curtail freedom of speech for Christians. Opponents used offensive slogans and provocative gestures, including simulating homosexual acts. The participants of the Sentinelle in piedi were partly hindered by the protests. Opponents were mostly LGBT activists.
Judge Ordered French Town to Remove the Statue of Saint John Paul II
May 5, 2015, FranceAuthorities in the small French town of Ploermal are obliged to remove a statue of Saint John Paul II built in 2006. The reason which was given was the "ostentatious character" of the monument located in the public square, which is in contradiction with the secular principles of the state. This decision shocked local faithful and Mayor Parick Le Diffon vowed to appeal.
Hacker Attacks Vatican Website
April 16, 2015, InternationalTwice in one week, the Vatican website was partly inaccessible due to attacks from hackers. On Twitter someone named "Turk Hack Team Herakles" claimed responsibility, saying he would continue until the pope apologized for referring to a Turkish genocide against Armenians 100 years ago.
Street Preacher Fined, Judge Rules on Appropriateness of Bible Verses in Public
March 24, 2015, United KingdomTaunton street preacher Mike Overd has been convicted of a Public Order offence for using a particular bible verse in a public conversation with a man who identifies as homosexual. The judge ruled that another bible verse would have been more appropriate and would have prevented the fine.
"Congress of Christian Leaders" Called "Congress of Radical Christians" in News Coverage
March 12, 2015, GermanyKnown for his bias against Christians, Christian Baars, reporter for NRD.de, published an article about a Christian Congress which took place in February 2015 in Hamburg. "Scholz unterstützt Kongress radikaler Christen" (in English, "Scholz supports Congress of Radical Christians") is the title of the article. Olaf Scholz is the First Mayor of Hamburg. Christians considered the article to be biased and insulting.
Employment Tribunal Hears Christian Educator "Rightly" Dismissed for Faith
March 5, 2015, United KingdomChristian nursery educator, Sarah Mbuyi, was dismissed from her job after "gross misconduct" for saying that marriage is an institution between one man and one woman in conversation with a colleague. In an employment tribunal hearing, witnesses testified that Christian views on the topic should not be expressed in the workplace.
“Christ” and “Jesus” Considered Abusive by Marks & Spencer
March 1, 2015, United KingdomA pastor’s wife order for bouquet of spring flowers was blocked when she had tried to use words: "Thank you for your care and practical help for Margaret in her last days... With love from her church family, Christ Church Teddington". She was confronted with an on-screen warning: “Sorry there’s something in your message we can’t write.”
French Media Misleadingly Calls Christian Cemeteries "Municipal Sites"
February 23, 2015, FranceThe French news channel BFMTV reported statistics about problem of the profanation of cemeteries in 2014. In its morning news, it reported that 206 cases were in Christian cemeteries, in Jewish cemeteries there were 6 cases, and in Muslim sites there were 4 cases. By its lunchtime news program, the channel had ceased to mention "Christian" cemeteries, instead, the phrase "municipal" cemeteries was used. References to Jewish and Muslim cemeteries were unchanged.
French President Condemns the Murder of Christians Without Referring to Their Faith
February 16, 2015, FranceIn his statement after the murder of 21 Coptic Christians by Daesh in Libya, President Hollande did not mention the word "Christian" or that these people were killed by Islamic State for their Christian faith at all, but he merely referred to the victims as "Egyptian citizens."
Abortion Opponents Compared to Jihadists
February 9, 2015, SwedenMona Sahlin, the national coordinator against violent extremism at the Swedish Ministry of Justice, stated during a panel discussion on religion and democracy that Ellinor Grimmark, a Christian midwife who refuses to participate in abortion, was an "extreme religious practitioner who is fighting in a similar way as do the people fighting for the Islamic state.”
Politician Forced to Withdraw Candidacy Due to Christian Engagement
January 28, 2015, GermanyPolitician Mark Holleman had to withdraw his candidacy for appointment as the environmental and health officer for Munich, despite being the favored candidate of the City Council, because of his membership in a pro-life group as well as in Christian Solidarity International.
Journalists’ Association Displays Anti-Christian Bias
January 10, 2015, CroatiaA Croatian journalist was reprimanded by her professional association for calling abortion murder in an online article. While anti-Christian expressions are generally accepted as "a matter of style“, her Christian-inspired opinion was not tolerated.
Wayside Cross Motersawed by Muslim
December 22, 2014, AustriaAn old wayside crucifix with corpus was cut down with a motor saw in Groß-Enzersdorf, Lower Austria. A Muslim of Egyptian origin whose property was located close to the cross said that he it had „annoyed him“. The cross had been a destination for pilgrimages for over 60 years.
Topless Protest in the Strasbourg Cathedral against Visit of Pope in the European Parliament
November 25, 2014, FranceAn activist of the feminist group “Femen” climbed the altar in Strasbourg's cathedral topless and waved the EU flag. The words “Anti-Secular Europe,” were written across her breasts, and “The Pope is Not a Politician” on her back.
Pensioner Dismissed from Red Cross After Protesting Same-sex Marriage
November 1, 2014, United Kingdom71-years-old Bryan Barkley was dismissed from the British Red Cross after his one-man protest in front of his church holding a placard saying “No same sex marriage” and “No redefinition of marriage”. His views were found incompatible with the principles of impartiality and neutrality of Red Cross.
Anti-Church Exhibit in Madrid Museum
October 29, 2014, SpainThe Spanish museum of modern and contemporary art exhibits a rather peculiar piece: matches with a sign reading “The only church that illuminates is a burning one". This slogan had also been painted by vandals on the walls of the churches all over the country. The matches also say: "Contribute!" and there is a picture of a church in flames on the box of matches.
Internat’l Human Trafficking Conference Cancelled Because Organizer Is Christian Abortion Opponent
October 12, 2014, SwedenAn international conference about human rights and human trafficking in Sweden and Europe was cancelled three days before it was supposed to take place by the Uppsala University. The reason was an article published in the Swedish newspaper "Aftonbladet" exposing Scandinavian Human Rights Lawyers, and their President, Mrs. Ruth Nordström, as a defender of unborn life and freedom of conscience.
Pharmacy in Neukölln Vandalized for Refusal to Sell “Morning-After-Pill”
September 26, 2014, GermanyIn the night from 25th to 26th September a pharmacy in Neukölln was vandalized because of the owner’s refusal to sell the morning after pill. Pharmacist Andreas Kersten refers to reasons of his conscience. The show window and the entrance room were painted all over by red color, the damage amounts to more than 500 Euro.
School Director Criticized for Displaying Madonna at School
September 20, 2014, CroatiaThe Director of a primary school was heavily criticized for displaying a 1,2m high statue of Holy Mary in a hall of his school. It is claimed it infringes the principle of state secularity and the separation of state and church.
Cross Removed from Cemetery's Gate
September 20, 2014, ItalyThe municipality of Crotone has planned replacement of the entrance gate to a cemetery. At this moment there is a new gate but without a cross, officially not to disturb the sensitivity of Muslims and other non-Christian religions.
Attack at a Church in Berlin and at Christians Assembled in March for Life
September 19, 2014, GermanyA church in Berlin was seriously damaged because it offered its premises for abortion opponents. Also the Christians peacefully assembled at the so called “March for life” – a pro life manifestation in Berlin became targets of variety of attacks. Several German politicians criticized the event and described attending Christians as "religious fundamentalists".
Pro-Life-Activists Called “Conservative Dirt” by German Left Wing Party
September 17, 2014, GermanyThe regional council of the Left party in Türingen (Landesvorstand der Linken Thüringens) called the March for life organized every year by the national association of right to life as „an anti-feminist, anti-emancipatory and conservative dirt“.
Marriage Registrar Dismissed for Refusing to Perform Same-sex Ceremony But Subsequently Reinstated
September 1, 2014, United KingdomA Christian registrar was dismissed for indicating she would not be willing to perform same-sex marriages. Finally, she was reinstated after a successful appeal in which it was ruled that her employer had failed to take a “balanced view” of her religious beliefs.
Travelodge Removes Bibles from Hotel Rooms in Britain
August 15, 2014, United KingdomOne of biggest hotel chains in Britain, Travelodge, has decided to remove Bibles from the hotel rooms to avoid upsetting non-Christians. Travelodge bases its decision on ‘diversity reasons’ and explains that the country has become increasingly multicultural.
Christian Asylum Seekers Mobbed by Muslim Aslyum Seekers
August 11, 2014, GermanyChristians seeking asylum in Germany are reported to suffer anti-Christian attacks in homes for asylum seekers. Victims claim to be verbally abused and beaten by Muslim asylum seekers.
Doctor Fired in Abortion Incident for Refusal to Perform or Refer
July 8, 2014, PolandA Polish doctor was fired from his position as the director of Holy Family Hospital in Warsaw for refusing to perform an abortion on grounds of his conscience and for not referring the mother to a doctor who would do it. Dr. Chazan was dismissed by the mayor of Warsaw, Hanna Gronkiewicz-Waltz.
Northern Ireland Bakery Facing Legal Action For Not Support Gay Marriage
July 7, 2014, United KingdomA bakery is facing legal action for refusing to produce a cake decorated with Sesame Street characters saying ‘support gay marriage’ on grounds of their religious beliefs. While gay marriage is not legal in Northern Ireland, the equality commission demands from the directors of the bakery to „remedy your illegal discrimination“.
US Teacher Documents 300 Cases of Anti-Christian Acts by Gay Activists
July 1, 2014, InternationalRobert Oscar Lopez, a teacher for Literature and Classics in Los Angeles, documented 300 cases of overboarding responses of gay activists to opponents. These incidents mainly took place in Europe and the US. Some are directed against Christians, others are more of a political nature. Some cases might seem self-inflicted, many do not.
Police Advice: Record Christian Street Preacher To Sue Them
June 30, 2014, United KingdomPolice advice people to record a Christian street preacher Mr Michael Overd on a video if he makes offensive remarks as some passers-by in High Street were upset when he expressed his views about homosexuality and sex outside marriage.
Street Evangelist Tried for Talking about the Live of Mohammed in Taunton
June 27, 2014, United KingdomStreet evangelist, Mike Overd, is being prosecuted for an alleged religious aggravation public order offence. The charges followed a complaint to police in Taunton, that Mike Overd made a comparison between the life of Jesus and the life of Mohammed, allegedly "causing offense."
Left Wing Activists Block Registered Pro-Family Demonstration in Vienna
June 14, 2014, AustriaOn June 14th, approximately 200 left wing activists hindered a pro-family demonstration of about 50 Christians to proceed on the registered route. After the police unsuccessfully tried to persuade the left wing activists to leave, they took their names. Five activists who refused to show their ID were briefly arrested.
Protests Against a Sexual Ethics Congress
May 22, 2014, GermanyThe association “White cross” (Weißes Kreuz) hosted a congress about sexual ethics between the 22nd and the 24th of May in Kassel, Germany. This congress was a target of strong general criticism, also by the representatives of the city of Kassel. Shortly before the start of the congress, the congress building was vandalized by red color paint as a symbol of disagreement.
Christian Conscientious Objectors to Morning-After-Pill Barred from Sexual Health Care Diploma
May 1, 2014, United KingdomBritish doctors and nurses who refuse to dispense the morning-after pill on grounds of conscience will be unable to receive a specialist diploma in sexual health care. Guidance issued by the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare states that medical professionals who, for religious reasons, refuse to hand out "emergency" contraception cannot receive the qualification. The diploma is considered to represent the "gold standard" of sexual health care training.
Christian Worker in London Claims She was Fired for Refusing to Read Children’s Books About Gay Couples
April 30, 2014, United KingdomSarah Mbuyi, 30 year-old nursery worker from north London will bring her case to court as she claims she was fired on the grounds of her religious beliefs because she said that she would have scruples about reading children’s stories involving same-sex couples.
Article Questions Whether or Not Government in Ljubljana has Anti-Christian Agenda
April 22, 2014, SloveniaA group called KUL, founded in 2009 by Christian youth in Slovenia concerned with defending life and fundamental human rights, posted an article on their internet site on the 23rd of April, 2014 called, “Christianophobia: Is Mayor Zoran Janković violating human rights and promoting intolerance against Christians in Slovenia?” after Zoran Janković’s municipality had forbidden a mass to be celebrated for unborn babies at the hospital center of the public university of Ljubljana.
Swedish Nurse Fired for Refusing to Assist in Abortion
April 10, 2014, SwedenIn January 2014 a Swedish nurse has filed a complaint of religious discrimination with Sweden’s equality commission after the hospital where she interned as a midwife sacked her for refusing to assist in abortions. The Ombudsperson for Discrimination concluded that Mrs Grimmark has not been discriminated because her conscientious objection stood against the ”availability of abortion care” and the ”protection of health” of patients requiring abortion.
Attempts to Secularise the Church of Saint Catherine in Brussels
April 4, 2014, BelgiumA petition has been started by the “Friends of Saint Catherine” in Brussels to counteract the imminent cession of the church of Saint Catherine to the city. To add insult to injury, because the church is commercially very strategically placed, the state wishes to turn this place of worship into a place for selling fruits and vegetables even against the wishes of the locals.
Film Discussing the Problem of Pornography and Prostitution Canceled in Tours
March 29, 2014, FranceThe Cinéma National Populaire (CNP) canceled a showing and debate with the Swiss producer Philippe Decourroux on his DVD "Prostitution et pornographie, enjeu de société?" Which translated means, “Prostitution and Pornography, Concern of Society?” The producer denounced this move as anti-Christian. According to Decourroux, the CNP thought the film to be an attempt of Christian “proselytism”.
Archbishop of Cyprus Described As Homophobic And Racist
March 27, 2014, CyprusCyprus’ Archbishop Chrystostomos expressed his opinion about same-sex relationships at the Council of the Presidents of the Christian Orthodox Church held in Istanbul. He took a position against homosexuality by stating that governments demonstrated a „weakening of moral integrity“ by ensuring equal rights through civil partnership or equal marriage. A local NGO denounced his remarks „homophobic” and „racist”, not allowing for dialogue and respect for the archbishop's opinion.
Doctoral Student in the Netherlands Denied the Right to Thank God in His Thesis
March 25, 2014, NetherlandsDutch PhD student Jerke de Vries inserted a clause into his doctoral thesis in which he gave thanks to God. At the Wageningen University, religious statements are not allowed in theses unless they are the subject of research. Although De Vries’ thesis advisor was not so strict, the doctoral committee would not allow his thesis to pass unless he removed the phrase, leaving de Vries to cut out the page from over a hundred copies of his thesis which had already been printed.
Christian Demonstrations Violently Attacked by Left Wing Radicals in Baden-Württemberg and Cologne
March 23, 2014, GermanyA new governmental sex ed curriculum of Baden-Württemberg has caused outrage among Christian parents. Several manifestions suffered serious attacks by left wing activists which were later identified as LGBT activists. Eyewitnesses reported in shock to the Observatory.
Christian Claims he was Denied a Job at a Country House Hotel near Colchester on Account of His Faith
March 13, 2014, United KingdomGraphic designer Jamie Haxby was interviewed for a job at Prested Hall Hotel near Colchester in the United Kingdom. He says his interviewer, Celie Parker, asked him if he was Christian, to which he answered in the affirmative. On looking through his portfolio and seeing that he had done previous work with churches and Christian groups, she commented that she and other members of staff were atheists and that they could never work with a committed Christian. She is also reported to have apologized for wasting Haxby’s time.
Government Seems to Discriminate Against Religious Education
February 25, 2014, United KingdomThe failure of the government to provide bursaries for those wishing to teach Religious Education (RE) has been described as “rank discrimination” by a leading RE body. Childcare minister Elizabeth Truss MP confirmed this month that no bursaries would be offered for religious education teachers in training this year. This cut in the bursaries has made it increasingly difficult for those studying to teach RE.
Communist Candidate Wants to See Parish in Bordeaux Disappear
February 24, 2014, FranceVincent Maurin, a Communist candidate of the Left Front in the city of Bordeaux, not only opposed the opening of a Catholic School in a district of Bordeaux in December but in February the construction of a church in the same area also. A new election propaganda leaflet included a list of changes to be made in Bordeaux under Vincent Maurin, one item being the disappearance of the parish St. Eloi, which he described as a "stronghold of religious fundamentalism". The word "fundamentalism" is printed in red.
Member of European Parliament Seeks Exclusion of Christianity
February 20, 2014, European Institutions (EU, ECHR, et.al.)Belgian socialist Member of the European Parliament, Veronique De Keyser called in an e-mail to all MEPs and all assistants for “general mobilisation against obscurantism”. With "Obscurantism" she seems to mean Christianity, as she continues to say: “A Europe which is open and respectful of all beliefs and philosophical convictions cannot be one that puts Christian roots to the forefront. This is not Europe! Europe is one of Enlightenment, a Europe of free thinking, a Europe of separation of state and church.”
Scottish Secularists Want to Curb Churches’ Role in Education
January 14, 2014, United KingdomSecularists in Scotland have called on the government to remove religious representatives from education committees. Under the Local Government Act 1973, local authority education committees are required to appoint three representatives from religious organisations and the Edinburgh Secular Society wants to see a change in the law.
Street Preacher Arrested for Mentioning "Sexual Sin" in Scotland
January 8, 2014, United KingdomTony Miano, a street preacher addressing lunchtime shoppers at Dundee High Street, Scotland, was arrested and held in custody to appear before the Dundee Sheriff Court. He was talking about “sexual sin” including “adultery, promiscuity and homosexual practice”. A woman called the police, who on arrival snatched away the camera of a friend who was filming the preaching and arrested the street preacher.
LGBT-Friendly Guidelines Limit Freedom of the Press
December 16, 2013, ItalyThe Italian National Anti-Discrimination Office published guidelines on how to report on LGTB issues. The guidelines restrict freedom of the press and journalists’ freedom of reporting by requiring, amongst other things, that they must positively promote homosexuality and gay marriage and must not speak of “the right of a child to a mother or father, e.g. a male or female role model”.
"Not a Christian, but a Free Hungary" Called For by Socialist Leader
December 10, 2013, HungaryDuring the party congress of the leftist Democratic Coalition (DK) of Hungary, former Socialist Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsány stated that, in opposition to the present ruling cabinet, they wanted "not a Christian but a free Hungary“. The re-elected chairman of the Democratic Coalition added they did not think "glory belongs to God alone, but to man.”
Violence Against Peaceful Christian Manifestation
November 30, 2013, GermanyA Christian protest against the persecution of Christians was interrupted by Muslims in Cologne. The protesters were shouted at with insults. Microphones and loudspeakers damaged. Some individuals were personally attacked and hit. The police did not respond for a long time exposing the participants to serious risks. Only at the end, after an attack on a cameraman did the police take action.
Death Threat Against Catholic Priest Upon Marriage Referendum Endorsement
November 15, 2013, CroatiaDon Damir Stojić, a Croatian Salesian priest, released a youtube video explaining on the basis of John Paul II's theology of the body why Croatians should support the pro-marriage referendum taking place on December 1st. A youtube user commented with swear words and called on the public to kill Don Damir.
Cross on News Presenter's Neck Forbidden on Offending Islam Claims
November 12, 2013, NorwaySiv Kristin Sællmann, one of the best-known news presenters of the Norwegian television was forbidden to wear a small cross around her neck on air in order not to insult Islam.
Push to Eliminate the Christian Element of the Saint Martin Tradition in Nordrhein-Westfalen and Hessen
November 5, 2013, GermanyThe Chairman of the Left-wing party in the Nordrhein-Westfalen region, Rüdiger Sagel, suggested to rename the celebration and remove the religious overtones in the local day-care centres. “In many Nordrhein-Westfalen day-care centres there are an increasing number of children from different religions.” ... „”the day-care should be an interdenominational space,” says Sagel, and claims that the day-cares are influencing the children regarding their religion. After a storm of protests, the Left-wing party withdrew the suggestion.
Andalusia Discriminates against Teachers of Religion
October 22, 2013, SpainIn Andalusia, the Board of Education prohibits teachers of religion to watch students at recess. This is expressly due to the subject matter that they teach and not for economic reasons. The Centre for Religious Liberty and Conscience (OLRC), has asked the Ministry of Education to apologize for this discrimination and to allow teachers of religion to “practice their profession on equal footing with other teachers.”
St. Eulalia, Patroness of Madrid, Secularized
October 10, 2013, SpainAn initiative driven by Ignasi Ventura Diaz hopes to reinstate the cross symbol on images of St. Eulalia, patroness of Madrid. Currently, public images of the saint contain a young girl on an eagle instead of the traditional cross upon which the saint was crucified at the age of thirteen. Groups such as e-Christians wish for the City Council to acknowledge the Christian roots of St. Eulalia, currently called “La Laia”, a nickname which also hides the Christian roots of the city’s patroness.
Discrimination Against Religion Teachers on the Canary Islands
October 10, 2013, SpainReligion teachers on the Canary Islands are discriminated against, as they are not allowed to participate in extra activities, such as becoming a cycling coordinator or head teacher. This matter has been brought to court and is still pending. In the meantime, centers may choose according to their individual needs whether or not religion teachers may occupy such positions, but there is still discrimination occurring in some schools since such a decision is arbitrary and depends on the judgment of the inspectors.
Dublin Church Bells Silenced After 130 Years
September 21, 2013, IrelandDue to complaints, the clock and bells at the Church of St. Bartholomew, Dublin, Ireland are temporarily out of service. The church is required to find a solution to stop the bells from ringing at night, or they will have to be switched off permanently.
Berlin Bans Public Christmas Celebrations
September 3, 2013, GermanyBerlin politicians and officials of Berlin-Kreuzberg banned the celebration of Christmas in public places or roads, as well as decorations and Christmas fairs, in order not to discriminate against the Muslim minority. A tree may only be placed in specific places, previously assigned by the authorities.
Plan to Ditch God From National Anthem
August 13, 2013, SwitzerlandSwitzerland is holding a competition to rewrite its national anthem in 2014 because it currently focuses on God. Over £7,000 is being offered as a prize for rewriting the song, which is called the Swiss Psalm. Competitors are asked to include values from the Swiss constitution such as democracy and solidarity.
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.
Police Brutality Directed Against Pro-Family Demonstrators
June 26, 2013, FranceTear gas attacks and beatings by the police, arbitrary arrests, solitary confinement, illegal finger print storing, and countless other human rights violations were conducted by the French police against a peaceful mass demonstration opposing government policy on gay marriage and adoption.
Insurance Company Refuses Youth Ministry on Confessional Grounds
June 22, 2013, FranceThe insurance company MAIF (Mutuelle Assurance Automobile des Instituteurs de France – Mutual Automobile Assurance of elementary school teachers of France) refused to cover “Le Foyer de Saint-Martin” (The House of Saint Martin) because the association has confessional roots.
German Publicists Suffer Defamatory Statements
June 10, 2013, GermanyBerger, chief editor of the gay magazine “Men”, said that some publicits made defamatory statements and should not be allowed on TV any more. He had labeled Gabriele Kuby, a Catholic German publicist and also Martin Lohmann, chief editor of the Catholic television channel K-TV, and Katherina Reiche, member of the German parliament, as “homophobic protagonists” and had demanded: “Homo-haters get out of the talk shows”. Gabriele Kuby renounced these false accusations and explicitly stated that she is not homophobic and that the term “homo-hater” was invented by the homo-lobby to criminalize critique of the “homosexual movement”.
Minister Calls Contribution of Church “Inacceptable and Dispensable” in Public Debate
June 4, 2013, AustriaIn the public debate on stepchild adoption for homosexual couples, Mrs. Gabriele Heinisch-Hosek, minister for women’s affairs, calls the contribution of the Catholic Church “inacceptable and dispensable”. In German: “Die Wortmeldungen aus Kirchenkreisen sind in diesem Zusammenhang inakzeptabel und entbehrlich."
French Minister of Education Wants to Replace Catholicism
May 31, 2013, FranceThe French minister Vincent Peillon wants to replace the Catholic faith by a “Republican religion”. “It is time to change that morality and spirituality have been determined by the Catholic Church”, a land of freedom would never be established when involving the Catholic Church, he said.