All cases
Update: 'Gentle Non-Coercive Prayer' To Be Included in Conversion Therapy
June 16, 2021, United KingdomFormer LGBT Government advisor Jayne Ozanne called for "gentle non-coercive prayer" to be included in the planned conversion therapy ban. Ozanne forwarded the inclusion after Right Rev David Walker, the Bishop of Manchester, mentioned that prayer "where there is a level of power imbalance, and a level of force" should be included in the ban. A Human Rights lawyer affirmed that banning "gentle non-coercive prayer" would violate Convention rights. The bill will be discussed in September, following possible legislation next year.
Hateful Tags found on Ljubljana Church
June 16, 2021, SloveniaThe St. Joseph's Church in Ljubljana, was targeted with graffiti on June 16th. The façade and two posters of the Zivim and Rahela's Vineyard Institute, were defaced with writing by an unknown author. The Zivim Institute wrote on Facebook, "Vulgarity and hatred poured on the posters of the Zivim Institute and Rahela's Vineyard, which offer compassionate support and accompaniment to those who are in distress due to an unplanned pregnancy or suffering the consequences of an abortion in the centre of Ljubljana...".
23-year-old Man Charged For Defacing Church in Lubliniec
June 15, 2021, PolandThe perpetrator who defaced the facade of the historic Saint Nicholas Church in Lubliniec in early January, was caught. 23-year-old Adam G. does neither admit to having committed the crime nor does he provide a logical explanation for how the bottle with black liquid turned out to be his. In the course of the interrogation, the suspect confessed other crimes, for which he will be charged. The District Prosecutor's Office in Częstochowa is charging Adam G. under Polish penal code Article 108 which consists of damaging a historical monument, which is punishable with a prison sentence of up to eight years. He is additionally being charged for insulting religious feelings, which could add another two years of imprisonment.
UK Government Prolongs Inconsistencies Says Bishop
June 15, 2021, United KingdomAs for Covid restrictions, the UK government announced a four-week extension to England's lockdown regulations. Although the new extension allows churches to stay open, it restricts worship and singing until 19 July. Right Reverend Dame Sarah Mullaly, the Bishop of London, is now pressing the Parliament to reconsider the decision. Retired Rev Nick Baines, Bishop of Leeds, confronting the House of Lords sees inconsistencies being prolonged instead of actual Covid measures, since singing inside of Pubs is allowed.
Italy: Church of San Giacomo Defaced
June 15, 2021, ItalyAfter the Church of San Giacomo in the Municipality of Ferrara was defaced with spray-painted tags in mid-June, the Catholic Knights Templar of Italy, in and the managers of the Apollo Cinema have decided to take action and start cleaning the facade of the Church. The historic Church is on the Via del Carbone.
Man Arrested for Torturing 6 Monks Out of Hatred Against the Church
June 14, 2021, AustriaVienna police arrested the main suspect, who is alleged to have robbed and tortured six monks in Vienna-Strebersdorf. The man bound and gagged all his victims and brutally beat them with an iron rod. Five of the victims were seriously injured, while one fought for his life for several months. The suspect, a man of Serbian descent but with a Croatian citizenship, was caught and arrested in Zagreb after a two-year investigation. The suspect admitted that he committed the crime, as a motive he said he hated the church and wanted to avenge the ones hurt by them. He is facing a prison sentence of up to 15 years.
Spanish Court Affirmed: Christian View on Homosexuality is Not 'Hate Speech'
June 14, 2021, SpainSpains highest court, National Audience, withdrew a 6,000 Euros fine that was earlier imposed on the Christian television channel Revelation TV. The cable broadcaster received the fine in September of 2017, after a complaint had been made claiming the programme is "attacking the dignity of LGBT people." High Court Judge Felisa Atienza Rodríguez stated in her ruling that "critiquing ideas or positions" of others is a constitutional right.
Church in Moselle Ransacked by Unknown Group
June 14, 2021, FranceUnknown perpetrators are said to have devastated the interior in the chapel of Our Lady of Deliverance in Moselle on 14 June. It has been reported that a crucifix and statues were toppled over and thrown to the ground as well as flowers and chairs. A resident observed that a van parked in front of the chapel for 15 minutes. A complaint has been lodged and the chapel cleaned.
Excrement Smeared on Church Handles
June 14, 2021, ItalyAn unknown person smeared dung onto the handles of the Church San Carlo in Muggiò on the week of the 14. June. Father Angelo Rivas talked about these incidents, after a week later, the same church was victim of an arson attack.
Gun Fired During Church Service in Dammarie-les-Lys
June 13, 2021, FranceDuring a church service in France, two young people aged 21 are said to have fired several shots. It has been reported that the two perpetrators used a double-barrelled 16-gauge shotgun and a machete. The incident happened 13 June around 8.30 a.m. during a quarrel with evangelical worshippers. Police apprehended the two men who fled the scene and sought refuge in a nearby grocery store. The exact circumstances of the shootings are yet to be determined. No casualty has been reported, police are investigating.