All cases

Controversy about secular court ruling on dismissal of a nun under canonical procedure

April 3, 2024, France

In an unusual case, a secular civilian court has issued a ruling against the Vatican’s in-house canonical procedures in the case of the dismissal of a French nun from her order and has sparked discussions on religious autonomy. On April 3, the Lorient tribunal ruled in favour of a nun who turned to the French court after being removed from a monastery in Brittany. The Vatican replied in a written statement that such a ruling on "internal discipline and membership in a religious institute" would be a "serious violation of the fundamental rights to religious freedom and freedom of association of Catholic faithful."

Church of Villamarina vandalised

April 2, 2024, Italy

On April 2, The church of Villamarina in Cesenatico has been targeted by vandals. The incident was captured by surveillance cameras. This is not the first time the parish has been targeted: There have been incidents of vandalism and thefts in the past.

Church starts dialogue project after severe vandalism

April 2, 2024, Italy

On April 2, the parish priest of the St. Anthony's Oratory in Porto Mantovano, Trento, found the oratory severely vandalised. Next to smashed locks, broken doors and glass, damaged objects and furniture, there was dirt, a swastika and offensive writings on the floor. The incident, was only the latest in a series of vandalism attacks on the oratory. The priest therefore reached out to the community for help.

Scottish 'Hate Speech' Bill Could Limit Freedom of Religion

April 1, 2024, United Kingdom

The Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act 2021 came into force on April 1, 2024. The Act could criminalise expressions of religious convictions, religious and human rights groups fear.

Desecration of Jaén Church

April 1, 2024, Spain

Residents of the small village of El Centenillo are shocked by the desecration of the Church of the Immaculate Conception in April. Recordings of a couple having sex at the altar have been circulated through various WhatsApp groups. The diocese has condemned these events and is demanding several reparations to replace the damage to this sacred place.

The Valley of the Fallen Under Threat: Expulsion of Monks and Attack on Religious Heritage

April 1, 2024, Spain

The Valley of the Fallen, a Catholic monument of reconciliation built after the Spanish Civil War, is facing increasing political pressure from the Spanish government. Plans to evict the Benedictine monks, change the religious identity of the site and even remove the monumental cross raise serious concerns about religious freedom and historical revisionism.

Teacher Faces dismissal for Questioning 'Gender Transition' Advice to 8-year-old kid

March 31, 2024, United Kingdom

A Christian primary school teacher who questioned Stonewall and Mermaids' recommendations to support a "gender transition" of an 8-year-old student without providing any supporting medical data has lost her job and is the subject of numerous regulatory body inquiries. She has filed a complaint with the Employment Tribunal accusing the school of victimising her for making a complaint, unfair dismissal, and discrimination based on her religion.

Liturgical clothings and procession flags stolen from church

March 31, 2024, Germany

On March 31, a stole, procession flags and clothing were stolen from the Roman Catholic Church of the Assumption of Mary in Scheinfeld, Germany. The perpetrator was apparently hiding in the confessional during mass before stealing the objects. The man also damaged the confessional, which caused damage of approximately 200 euros.

Man Insults Congregation and Attacks Liturgical Servant During Mass

March 30, 2024, Poland

A 38-year-old disrupted the Holy Saturday celebrations at the All Saints parish in Jastrzębie-Zdrój. Entering the altar area, he loudly shouted vulgar words from the pulpit. When being asked to leave the altar stage, he attacked one of the liturgical servants as well as a police officer during arrest.

Thwarted Terrorist Attack on Notre Dame de Paris

March 30, 2024, France

An Egyptian man with links to ISIS has been arrested over a suspected terrorist attack on the Notre Dame Cathedral of Paris, as became known in the media on March 30. The man was arrested on March 5 by officers from the General Directorate of Internal Security (DGSI). Thanks to the work of the domestic intelligence services, the terrorist was identified, arrested for "criminal terrorist association" and placed in pre-trial detention.