All cases

Some UK Schools Have Removed B.C. and A.D. Dating from Religious Education Classes

October 1, 2017, United Kingdom

B.C. (Before Christ) and A.D. (Anno Domini, meaning "in the year of the Lord"), have been replaced with B.C.E., which stands for Before Common Era, and C.E., meaning Common Era. The changes were justified "to show sensitivity to those who are not Christians."

Vandalism of Graves in Metz Cemetery

October 1, 2017, France

An unknown perpetrator entered the cemetery during the night of September 30th and October 1st and vandalized 20 graves. Crucifixes were removed from gravestones and thrown to the ground.

Offertory Box Stolen from St. Stephan's Cathedral

September 30, 2017, Austria

In the early morning hours of September 30th, an unknown burglar entered the door to the northern tower into the cathedral in Vienna. After stealing a donation box, the individual fled. The cathedral is secured by an alarm system with a direct connection to the police station, which was triggered at 5:15 am. Seven police cars and several police dogs arrived to investigate, but were unsuccessful in locating the perpetrator.

Thousands of Pounds Worth of Lead Stolen from Shrewsbury Church

September 30, 2017, United Kingdom

St. Mary's church in Shrewsbury was attacked by thieves twice in the span of 4 months in 2017. In July, 23 square meters of lead was stolen, and in Setpember, 14 square meters of lead was stolen. Jessica Robertson, spokeswoman for the Churches Conservation Trust said: "The cost of replacing the lead and repairing the damage to the historic fabric of the building will run into tens of thousands of pounds for our charity. In addition, on both occasions, the popular Battlefield Café was forced to close while the building was secured." This is the eighth church in the Trust's care which has been attacked in 2017 alone.

YouTube Removed Channel of Islam-Critical Priest

September 27, 2017, France

After a third "warning" that his posted videos were "inappropriate" and violated "community rules," YouTube removed priest Guy Pagès's "Islam et Vérité" channel from its content-sharing platform on September 27, 2017 .

Catalonian Separatists say Church is the Enemy

September 26, 2017, Spain

At a press conference held on September 26, 2017 in front of the cathedral in Tarragona, officials from the pro-Catalan independence political party CUP (Candidatura d'Unitat Popular) called the Catholic Church a "power structure to crush" that "discriminates against women and LGBT groups." It has also called for the elimination of aid to Christian schools and removal of a favorable tax status for churches.

Graffiti Found on Seville Church

September 23, 2017, Spain

The Church of Santa Marina, canonical headquarters of la Hermandad de la Resurrección (the Brotherhood of the Resurrection), was vandalized with an upside-down white cross painted on the main door of the church.

"Kill all Christs" Graffiti Painted on Street

September 23, 2017, Germany

The phrase "Kill all Christs" next to a heart containing "IS" was discovered painted on a street in Bischoffen-Niederweidbach on September 23, 2017. This acronym for Islamic State was also found painted in the same pink color on a road sign.

Muslim Street Prayer Called for Fighting Infidels

September 22, 2017, France

During their Friday prayers, muslims in Clichy gathered in front of the city hall on the street. The imam, who directed this prayer, chanted: "Fight the infidels without exception, as they fight you without exception, and know that Allah is with the pious." (9:36 of the Koran).

Mayor of Castellón Orders Removal and Demolition of Ribalta Park Cross

September 16, 2017, Spain

The decision to remove the cross from Ribalta Park came after a non-binding report by experts who claimed it was a Francoist symbol. The cross was built in 1944 and devoted to fallen soldiers. However in 1979, with the approval of all political parties including the Communist Party, the decision was made to preserve the cross in the park and to eliminate any Francoist connotations. It was then consecrated to the victims of the violence. The Association of Christian Lawyers contends that the effort to remove the cross is because of its Christian meaning, not because of Francoist connotations.