All cases
Anti-Christian Slogans Interrupt a Symposium for Life in Biarritz
November 18, 2012, FranceAttendants at the Symposium for Life held in Biarritz, following the 18th of November demonstration against same-sex marriage by Civitas, was interrupted by an anti-Christian demonstration. With signs saying “yes, yes to sodomy, no, no, no to the inquisition” held by men in nuns habits and women with devils horns the aim was one of offending. Worsening matters was the biased coverage by the press that failed to report on the anti-Christian nature of the demonstration.
Proposed EU Commissionar Faces Opposition for Holding Christian Views
November 13, 2012, European Institutions (EU, ECHR, et.al.)A consortium of homosexualist, secular humanist and abortion groups campaigned against the appointment of the Maltese Dr. Tonio Borg as the new EU Health and Consumer Protection Commissioner. The objection, they said, was nothing more than that Dr. Borg was a Catholic, with “staunchly conservative and outdated” views on homosexuality, divorce and abortion. The campaign failed soon thereafter.
(Scotland) Cardinal O´Brien Declared “Bigot of the Year”
November 12, 2012, United KingdomChristian believers and other people in Britain are expressing outrage after the country’s leading homosexualist lobby group declared the Cardinal Archbishop of Edinburgh, Keith O’Brien, “Bigot of the Year” for his opposition to “gay marriage”.
Secularists Condemn Churches Involvement in Public Life
November 5, 2012, FranceThe Grand Society of France (the largest among Masonic organizations in France) declared that "... churches are restricted only to the spiritual sphere, and not to interfere legitimate public debate leading to evolution and progress of civil rights."
(Scotland) National Secular Society Pressured Highlands Council to Drop Prayers
October 31, 2012, United KingdomThe Highlands Council Scotland had the tradition of incorporating a prayer in its agenda before each meeting. However, during the summer the National Secular Society wrote a letter to the Council demanding it remove prayer from its formal agenda or it would face legal action. The Council has now dropped prayer from its formal agenda.
Ban on Distribution of Bibles at Public Schools in Berlin
October 10, 2012, GermanyThe International Gideons are known for distributing pocket Bibles for free - mostly at schools, hospitals, hotels and medical practices. They were denied to further distribute Bibles at public schools in Berlin by the ministry of education and cultural affairs.
Pro-Life Offices Vandalised
October 8, 2012, AustriaThe Vienna offices of Human Life International (HLI) were attacked and damaged during a World Prayer Congress for Life held on October 4th – 8th. During the attack the glass entrance door was broken and jars filled with black paint were through at the building, some of them making it an in and smearing computers inside. The front door of a building in which participants stayed over night was barricaded putting the people into significant risk.
Pro-Life Activists Continuously Attacked
October 3, 2012, GermanyPro-Life activists continuously suffer attacks from radical groups, including physical attacks and property damages; as well as negative stereotyping by the media; and an infringement on freedom of assembly and expression by a ban mile.
Religious Radio Programme Arbitrarily Cancelled
October 1, 2012, CroatiaFor twenty years Croatia’s national radio station (HRT) had, through an agreement with the Bishop’s Conference, broadcast a five minute programme, “Praised be Jesus Christ” edited by the local archdiocese. This agreement was ended by the HRT: it cancelled the programme without warning or explanation.
Vatican and Several Cathedrals Virtually „Occupied“ in App
September 29, 2012, InternationalIn the augmented reality app „Junaio“, several of the world’s large cathedrals are decorated with a banner displaying the text “Abortion Pills, A Gift From God” and instructions how to do an abortion yourself with a medicine called misoprostol.
Christian Pro-Life Group Legally Threatened by Abortion Giant
September 28, 2012, United KingdomMaria Stopes International (MSI), one of the biggest abortion providers worldwide located in the UK, threatened to take legal action against a pregnancy pro-life center (Good Counsel) for distributing and providing some information about the negative effects of abortion on mental health.
National Pro-Life-Manifestation Attacked by Radical Left Wing Groups
September 23, 2012, GermanyEvery year in September, a national pro-life-manifestation - the March for Life takes place in Berlin. Radical groups disturb the peaceful marchers each year - with methods ranging from insults and hurtful chanting, to blocking of roads or venues, to property damage or physical violence.
Prime Minister Thinks Teachers Should Not Be Allowed to Teach that Homosexual Behavior Was a Sin
September 16, 2012, United KingdomPrime minister David Cameron thinks that faith schools should not be allowed to teach that homosexuality is a sin, according to a quote featured by the Daily Mail.
Christian Councillor was Expelled from Green Party because of her Views on Gay Marriage
September 10, 2012, United KingdomA councillor for the Green Party, Christina Summers, a Christian, who disagrees with her party’s support for redefining marriage should be “expelled”, an internal disciplinary panel has said. She has responded by saying the decision is a “typical symptom of prejudice, blatant prejudice”.
Greenpeace Activists Harass Crossroads Walkers
September 6, 2012, SpainParticipants in Spain’s first annual Crossroads walk, a Christian-inspired cross-country march for the right to life, were confronted with a group of angry Greenpeace activists, who were peeved by the walkers’ pro-life position, and suffered insults, severe threats of violence and graffiti on their RV.
British Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg’s Advisor Calls Same-Sex Marriage Opponents “Bigots”
September 4, 2012, United KingdomA former senior advisor to Nick Clegg says supporters of traditional marriage are “bigots” and Mr Clegg should have said so too in a speech but changed it after public furor.
Teacher Flunks High School Student for Saying that Homosexuality is an “Abnormal Orientation"
September 1, 2012, SwedenDuring a biology class a Swedish high school student spoke up and called homosexuality an “abnormal sexual orientation”. As a result of this comment the teacher flunked the student. The reasoning of the teacher is that it is the task of the educational system to teach pupils respect for all sexual orientations. The opposing view of the student doesn’t correspond to the curriculum’s goal.
Churches in Occupied Cyprus Plundered
September 1, 2012, CyprusNumerous churches in the Turkish occupied area of Cyprus were profaned and turned into storage rooms, museums and mosques.
Local Council in Broue Orders Removal of Cross at Cemetery
August 30, 2012, FranceThe City of Broue ordered the removal of a cross at the entrance to the city cemetery at the instigation of a counsellor, saying that "the cemetery is a public building; there should be no religious symbols." This was done "in the name of tolerance."
Ad For Mountain Tourism Conceals Summit Cross
August 30, 2012, GermanyDue to increased tourism from Middle Eastern countries, the management of the Zugspitze Railway in Bavaria produced an advertisement leaflet of the mountain “Zugspitze” without an image of the summit cross. Churches protested.
NGO Calls for Withdrawal of Recognition for Russian-Orthodox Church in Austria
August 6, 2012, AustriaThe Austrian Initiative “Religion is a private matter” seeks to deprive the Russian-orthodox Church in Vienna of its legal personality because of its involvement in the “Pussy Riot” case.
Pro-Life Advocates Arrested for Displaying Abortion Posters
August 2, 2012, PolandMariusz Dzierżawski, founder of the Warsaw-based PRO Foundation – Right to Life, and a fellow PRO Foundation member were arrested by the local governmental authorities during an approved anti-abortion rally at the entrance of the Woodstock Festival held in the western Polish city of Kostrzyn.
Left NGO Calls for Violence Against Christians
July 17, 2012, AustriaThe Salzburg-based NGO „Infoladen“ calls for violence against Christians when expressing pro-life views. In July they called for a counter-demonstration against a pro-life manifestation. „Let’s make their 1000-crosses-manifestation a disaster!“ and „Sink the 1000 crosses!“ are some of the slogans on their website.
Bosnian Government Fails to Offer Aid to Thousands of Catholics Wanting to Return
July 10, 2012, Bosnia and HerzegovinaA significant number of Catholic refugee families plan to come back to Bosnia- Herzegovina, but the Bosnian Government does not offer assistance in rebuilding their houses and restoring infrastructure. 800 families have turned to the Catholic Church for help. Bishop Franjo Komarica of Banja Luka declared that it is actually the task of the government to provide support. He complained about the lack of political will on the part of the government and the international community to enable Catholics to return to Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Party Proposes Explicit Ban of Conscientious Objection for Registrars with regard to Gay Marriage
July 4, 2012, NetherlandsThe liberal party VVD (Volkspartij voor Vrijheid en Democratie) tabled a proposal in the second chamber of the parliament to prohibit the use of conscientious objection for registrars with regard to conducting gay marriages. There seems to be a majority in the parliament to support this proposal. The topic is expected to be debated until the end of the year 2012.
Christian on Trial for Reaching Out to Woman on the Way to Abortion
June 30, 2012, FranceA French retired doctor faced police investigation for trial because of giving a woman who intended an abortion knitted baby shoes and a medallion. In France “moral and psychological pressure” seen as an “hindrance of abortion” is punishable.
Left MPs File Complaint Against Cross in Polish Parliament
June 28, 2012, PolandAbout 10 MPs of the anti-clerical “Palikot Movement” seek to enforce the removal of the Cross in the Polish Parliament by legal proceedings at the Administrative Court.
Christian Manifestation Attacked by Homosexual Activists
June 16, 2012, AustriaAbout 70 Christians demonstrated in a prayerful and peaceful walk against the Vienna "Gay pride parade" in Vienna on June 16th. They were attacked by counterdemonstration of activists for a homosexual agenda.
Christian GP Called Guilty of “Malpractice” for Sharing his Faith
June 14, 2012, United KingdomThe General Medical Council’s Investigation Committee has reprimanded a Christian doctor for sharing his faith with a patient at the end of a private consultation.
Conscientious Objection Loses Ground
May 24, 2012, FranceMedical Student, Carolin, 24: “I had to do an internship in a gynecology department, and I can tell you that when there is only one nurse for the whole department, you better forget about your conscientious objection.”
Law Society Revokes Christian Debate Over Marriage
May 23, 2012, United KingdomThe Law Society has revoked the booking of a Christian conférence on marriage to be held by Christian Concern and other organisations because it considered it "contrary to its ‘diversity’ Policy".
Bishop Banned from Official City Events in Alcala
May 18, 2012, SpainThe city council of Alcala adopted a motion banning bishop Juan Antonia Reig Pla from official city events. The motion answers the bishop's remarks criticizing homosexual lifestyle.
Christian Blogger Under Investigation by Gov’t Ad Authority for Running Pro-Marriage Ad
May 18, 2012, United KingdomA prominent British Christian conservative blogger is under attack from a government agency, at the behest of a homosexualist activist group, for supporting the defence of traditional marriage.
Doctor Sacked For Emailing Prayer Loses Court Battle
May 3, 2012, United KingdomChristian doctor who was sacked for emailing a prayer to his colleagues has lost his clam for unfair dismissal, after an Employment Tribunal ruled that there was “no need” for religious references to be made at work.
Catholic Schools Under Attack for Upholding Marriage
April 26, 2012, United KingdomSecular campaigners have launched an attack on the Roman Catholic Church for urging its secondary schools to back the current legal definition of marriage as between one man and one woman.
Catholic Bishop to be Charged of ‘Inciting Hate’
April 19, 2012, SpainHomosexual activists lobby for the proscecution of Bishop Juan Antonio Reig Pla of Alcala de Henares for preaching the Catholic Church’s position on homosexual acts. An international group of Catholic doctors defends the bishop.
Catholics Refused Access to Museum in Rennes
April 18, 2012, FranceThe Conservatory of Public Schools in refuses entrance to pupils from private Catholic schools. Director Jean-Louis Robert said: “This museum is for pupils of state schools only. We refuse that children from Catholic schools go to this museum. It’s our right and that’s how it is.”
Christian Adverts Censored in London by Mayor
April 13, 2012, United KingdomBoris Johnson, the Conservative Party mayor of London, ordered bus advertisements for overcoming same-sex attraction to be stopped. The campaign had been cleared by the Advertising Authority, and was designed to be an answer to a pro-homosexual campaign.
Young Boy Under Threat for Wearing a Cross
March 16, 2012, TurkeyA 12-year-old boy, Hussein, witnessed his Christian faith by wearing a silver cross necklace in school. Muslim classmates taunted and spat on him. When the boy threatened to report one of the bullies, the bully's father threatened to "kill him". He says he also received a beating by his religion teacher.
New York Times Ad Calls Catholic Church "Autocratic, Woman-Hating, Sex-perverting Old Boys Club"
March 13, 2012, InternationalCatholics and non-Catholics alike have reacted to a viciously anti-Catholic full-page advertisement in Friday’s New York Times. The ‘Freedom From Religion Foundation’s ad, which takes the form of a letter to a “liberal Catholic”, asks “Cafeteria” Catholics, “Why are you propping up the pillars of a tyrannical and autocratic, woman-hating, sex-perverting, antediluvian Old Boys Club?” The Freedom from Religious Foundation is led by Annie Laurie Gaylor and her husband, Dan Barker. Gaylor is author of the book, Abortion Is a Blessing.
Bishop of Karpasia Prevented from Entering Occupied Area in Northern Cyprus
March 13, 2012, CyprusA new provocative action was carried out by the occupying regime in Cyprus when Bishop of Karpasia Mr. Christoforos was not allowed to enter the occupied area from the barricade of Astromeritis village. Later, he was also prohibited to go into one area of Agios Dometios. The bishop was stopped without explanation.
Celebrity Suggests "Homophobic" Clergy Should be Jailed
March 12, 2012, United KingdomThe celebrity singer Will Young has suggested that clergy should be put in jail for speaking out too strongly against same-sex marriage.
Vatican Website Hacked by Anti-Catholic Group
March 7, 2012, InternationalHackers claiming ties to the group Anonymous are taking credit after the Vatican website went down Wednesday. They displayed the following message: “Anonymous decided today to besiege your site in response to the doctrine, to the liturgies, to the absurd and anachronistic concepts that your for-profit organization spreads around the world."
Christian Therapist Faces Expulsion for Views on Homosexuality
February 29, 2012, United KingdomA Christian psychotherapist is the subject of a professional conduct inquiry in London for supporting therapy for those with unwanted feelings of same-sex attraction. The dispute arose as, in response to a question, Dr Davidson had said: “yes, I do believe homosexuality is a sin.” Commentators speak of a "worrying trend where the door to practising professional therapy is being closed to people with Christian sexual ethics."
Catholic Schools Singled Out and Targeted for Distributing Faith-Based Moral Literature
February 27, 2012, United KingdomAn Christian booklet has been distributed to students in some Catholic schools in Lancashire, UK. Its comments on homosexuality raised the discontent of UK’s largest trades union, who says that the government is allowing “homophobia” to be promoted in religious schools.
Christians Compared to Radical Muslims
February 23, 2012, United KingdomTrevor Phillips, the head of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), has ignited public controversy by comparing Christians who do not believe that homosexuals should be allowed to adopt children to “Muslims who demand the introduction of Sharia Courts”.
High Court Bans Prayers At Formal Council Meetings, Government Responds in Favor of Religion
February 21, 2012, United KingdomThe UK Government has written to all local councils in England, telling them that new laws restore their power to hold prayers at official meetings after the High Court had ruled that local councils have no lawful power to hold prayers during official business. The court case was initiated by the National Secular Society and a local atheist ex-councillor who sued Bideford Town Council in Devon for conducting prayers, a custom that had been in place since the 17th century.
MP Receives Death Threat After Backing Traditional Marriage
February 21, 2012, United KingdomDavid Burrowes, Conservative MP for Enfield Southgate, revealed at the launch of Coalition for Marriage (C4M) in London that he has received a death threat and hate mail after speaking out in support of traditional marriage.
‘Intolerant’ Campaign Against Tory MP Over Gay Marriage
February 13, 2012, United KingdomTory MP, David Burrowes, is facing an ‘intolerant’ campaign against him because of his opposition to homosexual marriage. The campaign is led by the treasurer of his local Conservative association, Phillip Dawson, who is homosexual.
Secularists Lobby to Remove NHS Chaplains
February 10, 2012, United KingdomSecularists campaign to ban the use of National Health Service money to fund hospital chaplains.
Fines for Criticising Homosexuality OK for European Court of Human Rights
February 9, 2012, European Institutions (EU, ECHR, et.al.)A Swedish law foreseeing prison sentences for criticising the homosexualist agenda in public was upheld by the European Court of Human Rights which has ruled that there it was not in violation of freedom of expression. Four people were fined for a distributing leaflets.
Irish Bishop Investigated After Upsetting Humanist in Homily
February 2, 2012, IrelandBishop Philip Boyce of the Raphoe diocese in northwestern Ireland was investigated by the police for “hate crime” after arguing that the Catholic Church in Ireland is under attack from “aggressive secularism”.
Discrimination Against Christian Communities in Bosnia-Herzegovina
February 1, 2012, Bosnia and HerzegovinaAlmost 20 years after the war in the Balkans, there is still discrimination against Christians, especially Catholic Christians, in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Cardinal Puljic, Archbishop of Sarajevo pointed out the situation of Christians in his country during a visit to the international headquarters of the Catholic pastoral charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN).
University Motion Orders Human-Life-Defending Groups to Invite Pro-Abortion Speakers
January 31, 2012, United KingdomThe students’ union of University College in London has passed a motion to officially make the campus “pro-choice” and to impose a “restriction of freedom of speech”.
Nuns Report Increase of Verbal Abuse and Discrimination
January 23, 2012, Bosnia and HerzegovinaNuns wearing habits are being subjected to verbal abuse in public more frequently in Bosnia-Herzegovina, say local Franciscan Sisters.
Mayor Who Criticised Halloween Punished
January 11, 2012, United KingdomA church-going former mayor in Warwickshire who declined to take part in a Halloween event has been found in breach of equality rules for upsetting pagans.
Catholic TV Channel Ignored in License Distribution
January 1, 2012, PolandThe Polish National Broadcasting Council (NBC) did not include a major Catholic TV channel in their distribution of crucial Digital terrestrial television multiplex licenses but accepted rather unknown commercial networks. Polish Christian groups as well as human rights activists are very concerned. This is a particularily important decision, as the technical future of the individual channels depends on it. For TV Trwam it is especially crucial, as the channel generates the funding for a widespread radio channel, standing and falling with the TV channel.
Clinton: "Religious Believes are an Obstacle to Human Rights"
December 30, 2011, InternationalReligious believes are an obstacle to human rights, says US Secretary of State Mrs Hillary Clinton in a major foreign policy address in December 2011 in Geneva before United Nations delegates. Clinton identified "deeply-held … religious beliefs" as among "the obstacles standing in the way of protecting the human rights of LGBT [Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender] people."
Study Reveals: Christians are a minorty at the BBC
December 3, 2011, United KingdomA 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.
Homeschooling Parents in Fear of Loosing Custody Over Children
November 25, 2011, GermanyLocal 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.
Prefecture Prohibits Pro-Life Manifestation, Allows Left Wing Counter Protests
November 19, 2011, FranceThe 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.
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 KingdomChurches 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.”
Politican Plans to Sue Physicians for Offering Therapy for People Struggling With Unwanted Same-Sex Attraction
August 29, 2011, GermanyVolker 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.
UK Employee Suspended Upon Display of Cross
August 20, 2011, United KingdomA 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.
French Daily Smashes Jesus Christ and Christianity
July 16, 2011, FranceFrench daily „Liberation“ smashes Christianity by depicting Jesus as a loser, drug user and egocentric. The French Catholic bishops’ conference issued a statement in support of freedom of expression but saying that this requires respect of the one it actually offends. The bishops also mention that Christians always forgive.
Medical Doctor Reprimanded for Talking about Christianity to a Patient Despite Consent
May 31, 2011, United KingdomRichard Scott, a MD with a 28-year spotless work record, has been given a disciplinary call for sharing his faith with a patient.
Personal Experiences of Marginalisation in the Area of Government Funding
May 31, 2011, United KingdomEvangelical Premier Media conducted a survey called "Freedom of the Cross Consultations" in May 2010. 12 % of the respondants answered that they had experienced discrimination personally, another 10% that they knew someone who had. Read here some quotes in the area of government funding.
Landowner at Pilgrims' Route Prohibits Priests to Enter Property
May 14, 2011, AustriaOne of the routes to the main Austrian Catholic Shrine, MariaZell, located in the Austrian mountains, leads through the forest of Mr. Josef Rothwangl. In May 2011, Mr. Rothwangl put up a sign prohibiting priests to enter his property when accompanying children or youth. He says that he was a victim of abuse by Catholic priests himself, when he was a student at a Catholic high school. It is not clear, whether such a prohibition is legally permitted or not. The social effects are in any case problematic: The measure defames and stereotypes priests by implying that all Catholic priests are child abusers.
Teacher Dismissed for Showing a Film About Abortion
March 31, 2011, FranceA French history teacher was permanently dismissed for showing his students a video on abortion and talking about French abortion law.
Equality and Human Rights Commission Says Children Could Be “Infected” by Christian Beliefs
March 31, 2011, United KingdomThe Commission which intervened in Johns v. Derby City Council argued that Christians who object to homosexual behavior or same-sex relationships should not be allowed to foster children by warning that the court that children placed with Christian parents could become “infected” with Christian beliefs.
Missionaries Seen as a Threat to the Integrity of the Country
March 31, 2011, TurkeyMissionaries and evangelists in Turkey are perceived as a real threat to both the integrity of the country and to the Muslim religion. Therefore, evangelism is regarded with suspicion and evangelists are sometimes arrested. Non-Muslim religious communities reported that they are personally being attacked. Attacks against churches and cemeteries take place as well.
Restrictions on Training of Clergy in Turkey Remain
March 29, 2011, TurkeyIndividual religious communities in Turkey are restricted in their training of clergy. The Turkish legislation does not provide for private higher religious education for minorities and such opportunities are inexistent in the public education system.
Non-Muslim Religious Communities in Turkey Face Obstacles in Using Places of Worship
March 20, 2011, TurkeyNon-Muslim religious communities living in Turkey report difficulties opening, maintaining, and operating houses of worship. These groups may not build new churches because of the often arbitrary refusals to issue construction permits for places of worship. The reason behind this discriminatory behaviour is the fact that all unofficial meetings for religious minorities are considered potentially subversive.
Italian School Rejects Cardinal’s Visit
March 17, 2011, ItalyAn Italian school from Genova, Pertini-Diaz, rejected Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco’s visit. The spokesperson for Pertini-Diaz expressed concerns about the pastoral purpose of the visit, and the security staff that the cardinal would bring along with him. The Pertini-Diaz school would however welcome a non-pastoral visit.
Attempt to Silence Catholic Teacher
March 7, 2011, CroatiaCatholic catechism teacher of a Zagreb primary school was accused of homophobia for staying in line with the Catholic Church teachings during catechism classes.
Christian Drug Expert Sacked from Government Advisory Panel Over Gay Dispute
February 14, 2011, United KingdomThe Christian General Practitioner (GP) was sacked as a Government drugs adviser because he co-wrote a study linking homosexuality to paedophilia. In June 2011 he announced to take legal action to answer “increasing attempts” to marginalise Christians in public life.
Christians Flee After Verbal Attacks and Threats
February 10, 2011, Bosnia and HerzegovinaA Christian family of Kakanj suffered repeated verbal attacks and threats. They finally decided to leave their home as the pressure was becoming unbearable.
One of the World's Oldest Monasteries Expropriated
January 31, 2011, TurkeyThe lands surrounding the Syrian-orthodox monastery of Mor Gabriel, near Midyat in South-Eastern Turkey, have been expropriated by Turkey’s supreme court. According to the verdict, the treasury of Turkey has a right to claim the lands.
EU Seemingly Pressured Moldova Into Strong Anti-Discrimination Legislation
December 31, 2010, European Institutions (EU, ECHR, et.al.)The Council of the European Union proposed a visa liberalisation action plan for Moldova without much room for negotiations about the conditions: in a unilateral document, it was required to accept policies which would potentially infringe on the freedom of conscience or expression as well as that of religious institutions and organisations.
Mental Health Worker Threatened With Sack After Sharing Opinions About Post-Abortion Syndrome
December 1, 2010, United KingdomChristian Mental Health worker suspended after talking to colleague informally about abortion risks and told „never to do this again“ and reinstated only several weeks later.
Conservative Party Councillor Gets Suspended After Objecting Gay Talks in a School
November 25, 2010, United KingdomA conservative party councillor in Bristol has been “voluntarily suspended” and asked by the party to meet with homosexualist activists after he objected to appearances by a homosexualist campaigner and actor, Sir Ian McKellen, at local schools.
Polish Minister Excluded From EU-Jury Because of “Homophobic” Statement
October 3, 2010, European Institutions (EU, ECHR, et.al.)Polish equality minister Elzabieta Radziszewska not asked to be a jury-member for this year’s EU journalism award “Together against Discrimination” after explaining rights of schools with regard to employing homosexual teachers.
Summary of Anti-Christian Incidents in Occupied Cyprus
September 10, 2010, CyprusThe U.S. House of Representatives deplores: the inability of Orthodox Christians, clergy and other religious communities to access and hold services at their place of worship and cemeteries in the north; the disrepair of churches and cemeteries and the preservation of religious heritage (iconography, mosaics, and other religious symbols); the lack of schools and perspectives for young people in the north.
The Ecumenical Patriarch in Turkey Cannot Use His Ecclesiastical Title
August 1, 2010, TurkeyPatriarch Bartholomew leads 250 million Orthodox Greeks worldwide. The community in Turkey has dwindled to a few thousand. The Turkish government refuses to recognize the title Ecumenical Patriarch, or Bartholomew's role as an international religious leader. A journalist from CBS asked Bartholomew about his feelings, he said that he felt “crucified” by the difficulties he faces every day in Turkey.
English Footballer Prevented From Mentioning Religion
June 17, 2010, InternationalA Football Association official prevented a prominent footballer for England’s World Cup team from talking about his Christian faith to reporters during a press conference.
Personal Experiences of Marginalisation at the Workplace
May 29, 2010, United KingdomEvangelical Premier Media conducted a survey called "Freedom of the Cross Consultations" in May 2010. 12 % of the respondants answered that they had experienced discrimination personally, another 10% that they knew someone who had. Read here some quotes at the workplace with a special focus on the medical profession.
Personal Experiences of Marginalisation in the Area of Education
May 28, 2010, United KingdomEvangelical Premier Media conducted a survey called "Freedom of the Cross Consultations" in May 2010. 12 % of the respondants answered that they had experienced discrimination personally, another 10% that they knew someone who had. Read here some quotes with regard to education.
Personal Experiences of Marginalisation with Regard to Hiring Venues
May 28, 2010, United KingdomEvangelical Premier Media conducted a survey called "Freedom of the Cross Consultations" in May 2010. 12 % of the respondants answered that they had experienced discrimination personally, another 10% that they knew someone who had. Read here some quotes with regard to hiring venues.
Personal Experiences of Marginalisation with Regard to Hiring Venues
May 28, 2010, United KingdomEvangelical Premier Media conducted a survey called "Freedom of the Cross Consultations" in May 2010. 12 % of the respondants answered that they had experienced discrimination personally, another 10% that they knew someone who had. Read here some quotes with regard to hiring venues.
Personal Experiences of Repression of Religious Symbols and Public Prayer
May 28, 2010, United KingdomEvangelical Premier Media conducted a survey called "Freedom of the Cross Consultations" in May 2010. 12 % of the respondants answered that they had experienced discrimination personally, another 10% that they knew someone who had. Read here some quotes with regard to religious symbols and prayer in public.
Personal Experiences of Marginalisation in the Area of Adoption and Fostering
May 26, 2010, United KingdomEvangelical Premier Media conducted a survey called "Freedom of the Cross Consultations" in May 2010. 12 % of the respondants answered that they had experienced discrimination personally, another 10% that they knew someone who had. Read here some quotes with regard to "Adoption and Fostering".
28-Year-Old Postal Employee Dismissed For Refusing to Distribute Sex-Flyers
April 21, 2010, SwitzerlandThe postal worker Emmanuel N. was fired because he refused to distribute erotic flyers on the grounds of his Christian faith.
Non-Muslim Communities Face Problems with Obtaining Legal Personality
March 25, 2010, TurkeyVarious non-Muslim organised religious groups continue to deal with difficulties in Turkish society that seems to refuse to them the right to legal personality. The main implications of this problematic situation lie in their property rights, their access to justice and their ability to raise funds.
Non-Muslim Identity Card Holders in Turkey Face Discriminatory Practices
February 1, 2010, TurkeyPersonal documents of Turkish citizens include information on religion, leaving potential for discriminatory practices. Examples include reports of harassment by local officials of persons who converted from Islam to other religions and wanted to change their ID cards.
Christian Teacher Sacked From Her Job For Offering To Pray For Sick Girl
December 21, 2009, United Kingdom‘I feel if I had spoken about almost any other topic I would have been fine but Christianity is seen as a no-go area. It felt as if I was being treated as a criminal. It is like a bad dream that had come true,’ says sacked teacher Olive Jones.
Judge Suspended and Fined for Delaying Adoption in a case of Homosexual Parents
October 30, 2009, SpainJudge Fernando Calamita sentenced to 10 years of occupational ban and fined for delaying the adoption of a little girl by the lesbian partner of her mother as a form of conscientious objection.
Charity Drops ‘Church’ Name to Get Public Funding
August 29, 2009, United KingdomA charity in Scotland decided to drop the word ‘church’ from its title, saying that it creates “unnecessary barriers” to accessing public funding. The chairman of Perth-based Churches Action for the Homeless (CATH) said he had been told “off the record” that their perceived religious identity made it more difficult for them to receive grants. Trustees asked the charity’s supporters to suggest a new “fully inclusive” name for the group.
Nurse Fired For Religious Advise In a Role Play Training
May 1, 2009, United KingdomAnand Rao, a nurse with over 40-years of experience, has been sacked after he suggested two people playing patients might go to Church and pray during a role play session on a training course.
Archbishop’s Homeless Charity Suspends Christian for Answering Questions about His Faith
March 27, 2009, United KingdomAn employee at a Christian ‘homeless’ charity, whose Patron is the Archbishop of Canterbury, was suspended for answering questions about his faith to a colleague at work.