All cases

Damages to Religious Symbols in Madrid Cemetery

March 30, 2015, Spain

The cemetery of Brunete in Madrid was vandalized during the night of March 30th. Tombs, crucifixes, and other religious symbols were either destroyed or damaged. Graffiti was found, which said: “PP (the Conservative Party) is a son of a bitch” As the Spanish Conservative Party is considered by many to be associated with Christianity, local Christians felt personally insulted by the vandalism.

Street Preacher Fined, Judge Rules on Appropriateness of Bible Verses in Public

March 24, 2015, United Kingdom

Taunton street preacher Mike Overd has been convicted of a Public Order offence for using a particular bible verse in a public conversation with a man who identifies as homosexual. The judge ruled that another bible verse would have been more appropriate and would have prevented the fine.

Blasphemous and Offensive Performance in Bologna

March 13, 2015, Italy

During an event in Bologna, organized by the LGBT organization “Circolo Arcigay”, participants took part in obscene and sexually vulgar scenes depicting the death of Jesus Christ on the cross. The city authorities demanded the stop to the events, which were described as "blasphemous and offensive to the dignity of the Christians."

"Congress of Christian Leaders" Called "Congress of Radical Christians" in News Coverage

March 12, 2015, Germany

Known for his bias against Christians, Christian Baars, reporter for NRD.de, published an article about a Christian Congress which took place in February 2015 in Hamburg. "Scholz unterstützt Kongress radikaler Christen" (in English, "Scholz supports Congress of Radical Christians") is the title of the article. Olaf Scholz is the First Mayor of Hamburg. Christians considered the article to be biased and insulting.

Vandalism in Saint-Élisabeth Church in Paris

March 11, 2015, France

An act of vandalism and degradation took place on a work of art behind the choir at the foot of the Cross and St. Mary and St. John in the church of Sainte-Élisabeth-de-Hongrie in Paris. The perpetrators remain unknown. The pastor filed a complaint.

Replica of the Lourdes Grotto Vandalized in Delme, Moselle

March 10, 2015, France

Several acts of vandalism targeted the Lourdes Grotto near the cemetery in Delme. Witness said that benches placed in front of the cave were destroyed. Police were notified.

Catholics Insulted by Demonstrators After Mass

March 8, 2015, France

As they left the church in Saint-Epvre in Nancy after Sunday services. parishioners were confronted with a feminist manifestation taking place right in front of the steps of the church. The activists were shouting hate slogans and vulgarities towards the people leaving the church, including young children.

Employment Tribunal Hears Christian Educator "Rightly" Dismissed for Faith

March 5, 2015, United Kingdom

Christian nursery educator, Sarah Mbuyi, was dismissed from her job after "gross misconduct" for saying that marriage is an institution between one man and one woman in conversation with a colleague. In an employment tribunal hearing, witnesses testified that Christian views on the topic should not be expressed in the workplace.

Church Vandalized in Pregny-Chambésy

March 5, 2015, Switzerland

Several statues in the St. Petronilla Catholic Church in Pregny-Chambésy were profanated and damaged.

“Christ” and “Jesus” Considered Abusive by Marks & Spencer

March 1, 2015, United Kingdom

A pastor’s wife order for bouquet of spring flowers was blocked when she had tried to use words: "Thank you for your care and practical help for Margaret in her last days... With love from her church family, Christ Church Teddington". She was confronted with an on-screen warning: “Sorry there’s something in your message we can’t write.”