All cases
Update: Church Singing Ban in the UK to be lifted
July 5, 2021, United KingdomInitially, the singing ban in churches throughout England was expected to be lifted in June. Especially because choirs, professional singers and singing in bars and pubs have at that point been allowed to take place. Then on June 15, the English government extended the restrictions for churches only, which are set to come to an end on 19 July. Secretary of health Mr Sajid Javid announced that all restrictions would be eased off stating: "There will be no limits on the number of people who can attend life events like weddings and funerals and there will be no restrictions on communal worship or singing." Prime Minister (PM) Boris Johnson also stated that the usage of masks would become voluntary.
Vandalism at Cemetery in Comblanchien
July 5, 2021, FranceUnknown perpetrators damaged several graves at the cemetery in Comblanchien, France. It is unclear when the act occurred. However, it was reported to the police on 24 June. The culprits have broken some headstones and have torn off, removed or moved flowers and plants. Mayor Didier Toubin has discovered the desecration. A complaint has been lodged. Police are investigating.
UK Schools Potentially Facing Fine for Breach of Free Speech
July 4, 2021, United KingdomFollowing the case of Rev Dr Bernard Randall vs. Trent College, Tory MPs are now seeking to add schools to a programme, which would penalize schools for favouring 'woke over free speech'. In the eye of the 'woke' and 'cancel culture' movements, the government is set to protect free speech and open debate in academia. PM Boris Johnson declared the government's commitment to protect free speech and open debate in academia in May, during the Queen's Speech programme. Similar cases to the one of Rev Dr Randall are supposed to be included in the debate. A vote on the sanctions is expected later this month.
Christian Culture in Turkey under Attack: Government Keeps Silent
July 4, 2021, TurkeyTurkey's Minister for Culture and Tourism has been harshly confronted in parliament by Garo Paylan, an Armenian member of the opposition. The confrontation follows the latest instance of targeted desecration of Christian sites in the Country and Turkey's silence and apparent indifference regarding the repeated desecration of those sites and the erasure of Christian culture. The 18th-century Sup Toros Armenian Church in Kayseri had been heavily damaged in January 2021. Paylan criticised the governments' failure of an action to protect historical and cultural-religious sites officially recognized as such by UNESCO, such as the Hagia Sofia and other churches throughout the Country. He additionally criticised the conversion of Churches to mere venues for tourism, Museums, Hotels and Galleries. An official statement is expected.
Theft of 300-year-old Sacred Object from Saint Brigida Church in Legden
July 4, 2021, GermanyOn 4 July, unknown perpetrators stole an almost 330-year-old historic consecration vessel for oil from the Saint Brigida Church in Legden. The vessel had been used since 1694 at every baptismal mass in the parish and has therefore a high sentimental value. Stolen from the sacristy, the theft took place sometime between 12:30 and 13:10. In addition to the vessel, a large candle has also been stolen. The police are informed and are now looking for witnesses in the case.
Desecration of Sacred Heart Statue in Bas Rain
July 4, 2021, FranceA gold-plated Sacred Heart Statue in Bas Rhin (Alsace), France, has been desecrated with a swastika. The incident was discovered and reported by the parish priest of Molsheim on 4 July. The perpetrators are said to have used a point to engrave the symbol to the high up statue. Deputy Nathalie Dischler commented about an increase in vandalism towards Christian symbols and institutes in the region. Police are investigating.
San Andrés Church in Cordoba Vandalised with Insulting Graffitis
July 3, 2021, SpainThe San Andrés church in Cordoba, has fallen victim to an act of vandalism. The 13th-century Fernandine church is home to the brotherhoods of Esperanza and Buen Suceso. Three sections of the wall have been graffitied with insults and signatures. In 1985 San Andrés was declared an Asset of Cultural Interest. Police are investigating to apprehend the culprit(s).
Update Conversion Therapy: Ministers Concerned about Freedom of Religion
July 2, 2021, United KingdomUK's House of Commons discussed the plans to ban conversion therapy in the face of Pride month. In the discussion Dame Angela Eagle urged the government to accept the ban as it is currently written, which includes praying. She stated, "as a minimum, they must introduce a ban on conversion therapy, with no religious exemptions and no loopholes." Other Ministers are concerned about the freedom of religion and consequently the church's role.
Update: School Chaplain Reported to Terrorist Watchdogs Hearing Delayed
July 2, 2021, United KingdomSchool chaplain, Rev Dr Bernard Randall, who was reported to the government's terrorist watchdogs for encouraging children to form their own opinions about their school's new LGBT+ rules while accepting contradicting views had his employment tribunal hearing postponed for over a year. Rev Randall 48, will now have to wait until September 2022 since the Boarding School with an Anglican ethos he was ordained Chaplain of, Trent college, failed to serve their evidence.
Update: Relationship and Sexuality Education in Welsh Schools Sparks Debate around Parent's Rights
July 2, 2021, United KingdomIn Wales the adoption of a new Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) is being discussed. While the Welsh government is considering its adoption, some parents, like Izzy Montague, are raising serious concerns about the protection of children. If accepted RSE will start with the next academic year. Parents and education specialists are raising serious concerns about what its adoption would mean for our society as it is known.