All cases
Blasphemy Uttered by 16-year-old During Festive Mass
July 1, 2023, ItalyAmidst several acts of vandalism, perpetrated by young people, a sixteen-year-old was identified as responsible for disturbing a mass by shouting blasphemeous curses at the back of the cathedral during a festive mass. His identification was possible due to the testimonies of those present in the church
Research Study shows Christian students' Perceptions of religious freedom in UK Universities
June 30, 2023, United KingdomIn a recent study by four universities focusing on religious experiences among university students showed that, although the majority of students perceived a diverse and open atmosphere to different religions, there was still a small percentage (10%) of students that felt pressured to withhold their beliefs. Christian students emerged prominently as one of the most affected religious groups, facing challenges and unique perceptions within secular academic environments.
UK Survey Highlights Christian Students Being Silenced on University Campus
June 30, 2023, United KingdomA survey by Coventry University has detected varying levels of silencing among Christian students sharing experiences of prejudice and discrimination. Among students of other religions, Christian students stand out as feeling pressured to change their worldview.
Statue of Mary destroyed in Church in Fonzaso
June 30, 2023, ItalyOn June 1, the statue of Mary was found destroyed in a church in Fonzaso. Perpetrators put the broken statue on the altar of the church. The statue was an important symbol for the church, which is named after the Nativity of Mary and the community is shocked about the incident.
Ireland aproves 'buffer zones' that limit Freedom of Assembly, similar to those in England and Wales
June 29, 2023, IrelandOn the 29th of June, the Irish Government approved legislation to introduce 100-metre buffer zones around abortion clinics similar to those already in place in Northern Ireland and with the PSPO's and the Public Order bill in England and Wales. In the same way as in the UK, the legislation does not distinguish between harassment and peaceful activism such as silent prayer or mere physical presence inside the buffer zone.
Organ Damaged In German Church
June 29, 2023, GermanyBetween the 29th of June and the 6th of July the organ in the Herz Jesu church in Völklingen was damaged: tea lights were thrown against the pipes causing dents. The estimated damage is around 4000 euros. The police have started an investigation.
San Antonio Abate Church smeared with disparaging writings
June 29, 2023, ItalyThe exterior walls of the church of San Antonio Abate in the Roman suburb Cerveteri were smeared with disparaging writings, as was reported on June 29. The graffiti contained swearwords and the sentence "Nobody dies a virgin."
Church in Marseille Vandalised with Anti-Christian Tags
June 28, 2023, FranceThe evangelical church Philadelphia in Marseille was found ransacked on Wednesday, June 28th. The prayer room was destroyed with doors and windows fractured as well. On top of material damage, the tags speak of the anti-Christian nature of the attack: "Jesus is not God" and "Mohammed was the last prophet" were found written on the walls. The pastor has filed a complaint. It is unclear whether the attack is connected to the recent civil unrest in France.
New Sex-Ed Legislation in Northern Ireland Threatens Freedom of Religion
June 28, 2023, United KingdomOn the 28th of June, 2023, the UK government voted to introduce a new mandatory curriculum on sex and abortion in Northern Ireland, which includes education on the prevention of early pregnancy and how to access an abortion. This legislation has met with worry about the freedom of conscience and religion in Northern Ireland. Right To Life UK spokesperson Catherine Robinson said: "This legislation will likely put teachers and parents who oppose abortion in a very difficult situation.”
Theft of liturgical objects and consecrated hosts from church in Sicily
June 27, 2023, ItalyOn June 27, thieves broke into the tabernacle of the Church Parrocchiale Maria Santissima Addolorata in Grottasanta district in Siracusa, Sicily, thereby damaged the tabernacle, and stole the pyx with the consecrated hosts, the reliquary with the main host and a crucifix that was next to the altar.