All cases

Man Fined for Using Altar in Performance Art in Saarbrücken

January 18, 2017, Germany

In January 2016, Alexander Karle crossed the barrier to the altar of the basilica of Sankt Johann and did push-ups for a video he called "Pressure to perform". An administrative court imposed a fine of EUR 700 for trespassing and disturbance of religious practice. Karle has appealed, citing artistic freedom.

Policing and Crime Bill Proposes to Raise Penalty for "Religiously Aggravated Offense"

January 18, 2017, United Kingdom

During the debate in the House of Lords, the Government was asked what would qualify for a "religiously motivated offense" and whether it could include a Christian preaching the "supreme divinity of Christ." The Government responded that this would be up to prosecutors and courts.

Romanesque Door and Rectory of a Church in Sabadell Destroyed

January 18, 2017, Spain

The Municipal Police of Sabadell investigated several instances of intentional damage in the Sant Pau de Riu-sec church, which dates from the 11th and 12th centuries, as well as in the rectory. The damage affected the original door of the south facade of the church. The arch and one of the windows were also attacked: a protection grid was cut and one of the wooden porticos was broken.

Iranian and Afghan Christian Converts Face Deportation from Germany

January 16, 2017, Germany

Germany’s Ministry for Immigration and Refugees (BAMF) rejected many applications for asylum from Iranian and Afghan converts from Islam to Christianity, following “kangaroo court”-style hearings as to whether the conversions are genuine, according to a Berlin pastor.

Goverment Still Supports Plan to Register & Inspect Sunday Schools

January 11, 2017, United Kingdom

Education minister confirmed that the program to regulate "out of school" settings, which could include Sunday school and youth group meetings, remains a government priority. Opponents say that this would leave churches open to complaints if they teach religious principles relating to traditional marriage.

Arson at Emmaüskerk in Amersfoort

January 8, 2017, Netherlands

Police investigated an early morning fire intentionally set on January 1st in the main entrance of the old wooden church, destroying the doors and leaving the church reeking of smoke. Fortunately, the fire was extinguished before destroying the building. One week later, unknown vandals set fire to the church again on January 8th.

Two Priests Attacked in Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome

January 7, 2017, Italy

A 41-year-old man attacked two priests with a broken glass bottle and both had to be hospitalized. The attacker fled, but was quickly caught by the police. The motive for the attack is unclear.

At Least 30 Tombs Vandalized and Profaned in Finistère

January 7, 2017, France

Some time in the night of January 6 - 7, at least 30 graves in the cemetery of Brennilis were vandalized, with crosses and crucifixes overturned or broken and headstones toppled. Police are investigating.

Christmas Nativity Set on Fire on Eve of Epiphany Holiday

January 6, 2017, France

Unknown perpetrators intentionally set fire to the straw at the base of the nativity scene in the Cathedral of Saint-Étienne, burning all of the figures. The Archbishop expressed the pain of the community, saying that the display expresses the heart of the Christian faith.

Church and Christ Figure Vandalized in Madrid

January 5, 2017, Spain

On January 5, 2017, the exterior of the parish of Santa María de Nazaret in Madrid, Spain, was vandalized with graffiti and an figure of Christ was damaged by unknown perpetrators.