All cases
List of Churches Removed from Granada's Website
April 10, 2018, SpainOn April 10th, the municipal government removed the list of churches and parishes that appeared on the City of Granada's on-line resource guide after an IU (United Left) councilman demanded their removal five days earlier. The twenty churches, all Catholic, appeared in a section with the title "Places of Worship." The deputy mayor responsible for communication announced that since the churches do not offer any municipal, public or administrative services, the entire "Places of Worship" section was deleted.
Unknown Perpetrators Vandalized Church in Straubing
April 10, 2018, GermanyThe church of St. Stephan, in the Alburg district of Straubing, suffered various acts of vandalism on April 10th. They threw a figure of a saint from the altar, ripped out a microphone, threw a candle to the ground, spilled holy water, and destroyed an umbrella. They also smoked in the confessional, filling the interior with ashes and extinguishing the butts against the wooden door. The damage to the property was estimated at 3,000 euros.
BBC Scotland Posts Video Mocking Catholics
April 9, 2018, United KingdomThe Bishop of Paisley criticized BBC Scotland for encouraging anti-Catholic prejudice. It posted a short film entitled ‘Homophobia in 2018, Time for Love’ on its Facebook page which depicts a priest holding a Mini Cheddar in a parody of the Host, and giving it to a woman who makes the sign of the cross, with a voice-over saying, “tastes like cardboard and smells like hate.” Bishop Keenan described the content as “beyond the pale, and unworthy of the BBC as a public service broadcaster.” The Archdiocese of St. Andrew's and Edinburgh also criticized the video for suggesting that Christianity fosters public hatred toward homosexuals. It was also said that "recent government figures on crimes with religious aggravations showed that 57% of these are now directed to Catholics, an increase of 14%.
15th Century Tomb of Fra Angelico Attacked in the Center of Rome
April 8, 2018, ItalyThe marble tomb of the Italian Renaissance painter Fra Angelico was vandalized in the church of S. Maria sopra Minerva in the center of Rome, one of the most famous churches of the Italian capital. Vandals chipped off several parts of the marble tomb, carved by the fifteenth-century sculptor Isaia da Pisa.
Woman Stabbed Outside Coventry Church after Service
April 8, 2018, United KingdomA woman in her 30s was stabbed after attending the Eritrean community's Orthodox Easter midnight service at St. Margaret's Church in Coventry early on the morning of April 8th. The mother of three was found with a puncture wound in the abdomen at approximately 3:15 in the morning and taken to the hospital where she was listed in critical condition. The attacker, who reportedly fled on a bicycle, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder the following day.
Intentional Fires in Saint-Gervais-Saint-Protais Church in Langon
April 8, 2018, FranceA passerby saw flames coming from the church and rushed in to extinguish the fire. Firefighters arrived quickly and were able to prevent the fire from causing extensive damage. Fires had been set in two different places: one at the candlesticks where the alter of the Virgin is situated, and the other at the entrance where leaflets and informational flyers are displayed.
Oil Poured Down Church Steps
April 7, 2018, ItalyOn April 7th unidentified vandals poured frying oil down the grand stone steps in front of the church of San Giovanni Evangelista in Modica.
Saint-Michel Church in Holque Vandalized
April 7, 2018, FranceSaint-Michel Church in Holque, a small French commune in northern France was vandalized.
Poulseur: Statue of Christ Shattered
April 7, 2018, BelgiumOn the morning of April 7th, the sacristan of the church in Poulseur discovered it had been vandalized. A statue of a crucified Jesus Christ had been taken down from a hook and shattered into pieces. The extensive damage to the statue suggested that the perpetrators climbed onto the choir screen and threw it down to the ground from above. Other vessels with flowers were also knocked down and broken. The damage was reported to the police.
Catholic College Vandalized in Vendée
April 6, 2018, FranceA day before about fifty students from Notre-Dame de l'Esperance College were to leave for a trip to England, they found their trip cancelled. All of the students' identity papers, which had been stored in a locker at school, were discovered cut in half and thrown into a garbage bin.The director of Notre-Dame de l'Esperance College sent a letter to the parents explaining that the trip was canceled and turned to the British Embassy for assistance. Police began an investigation.
Vandalism and Theft at Warmifontaine Church
April 6, 2018, BelgiumUnidentified perpetrators looted the church of Saint-Martin in Warmifontaine, breaking open the tabernacle with a crowbar, and stealing ciboriums containing consecrated Hosts, chalices, and hand-carved statues.
German Public Broadcaster Replaces Jesus Christ with Easter Bunny
April 6, 2018, GermanyA German satire TV recreated the Passion of Jesus Christ with a crucified Easter plush bunny in lieu of Jesus. Photomontages included the toy animal, among other things, on the cross and sitting among the Apostles for the Last Supper. The Christian Media Association KEP immediately filed a complaint to the broadcaster saying that it made "the central religious content of Christianity literally a joke."
Relic Stolen from Saint-Étienne de Toul
April 5, 2018, FranceOn April 5th, a student who works as a summer guide of the Toul Cathedral, Saint-Étienne, discovered that pieces of the relic belonging to the first bishop of Toul, St. Gerard, was missing. The relic is about twenty centimeters long and was pulled out from its holster.
Host Desecration in Spain: the Case before the ECHR
April 5, 2018, SpainThe Spanish Association of Christian Lawyers – Asociación de Abogados Cristianos – lodged an application with the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) with the help of the European Centre for Law and Justice (ECLJ), following the host desecration by the “artist” Abel Azcona.
Fires Set at Three German Churches in Ostholstein District
April 4, 2018, GermanyFrom April 1st to April 4th, fires were set in front of the wooden entrance doors of three churches in Heiligenhafen by unknown perpetrators.
Church in Vicht Ransacked; Fire Extinguisher Emptied
April 4, 2018, GermanyVandals devastated the interior of the parish church of St. John the Baptist in the village of Vicht (Stolberg District) on April 4th.
Sacred Heart Painting in Chiesa Nuova Stolen
April 4, 2018, ItalyA painting was discovered stolen out of its frame on April 4th in Santa Maria Church. The painting was 19th century copy of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, signed by Pietro Gagliardi. Although the painting was not of significant value, the theft served as a reminder to the parish to increase security.
Deliberate Act of Desecration
April 2, 2018, FranceOn Easter Monday, the church of Domois in Fénay was desecrated and ransacked. Intruders shattered doors, broke objects, scattered candles, flowers, tablecloths, and religious symbols, church furniture and other items were destroyed. Tabernacles were opened and consecrated hosts were trampled and scattered all over.
Man Arrested for Graffiti on Churches, Gravestones, and Peace Pagoda
April 2, 2018, United KingdomAfter graffiti appeared across Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire from February 21st and April 2nd, police arrested a 34-year-old man in connection with the incidents. Graffiti painted in red included messages such as "Allah reigns" on a church, "kill all white scum" on the famous Willen Peace Pagoda, and "evil white failures" and "rape and replace" on a memorial in a graveyard.
Lighting Stolen from the Cross of the Holy Spirit
April 1, 2018, FranceOn April 1st, Easter Sunday, inhabitants of La Treille discovered that the solar panels, battery, and 70 LED lights which illuminated the La Croix Saint Esprit had been stolen. Unknown thieves had to climb 400 meters of rocky terrain to reach the cross. Losses amounted to 1,400 euros. The cross was installed less than a year before and was described as a reassuring "night light" for the 800 inhabitants of the valley. A complaint was filed.
Brittany: Tomb of Abbot Perrot Tagged
March 31, 2018, FranceThe tomb of Abbot Jean-Marie Perrot, founder of the Breton Catholic movement Bleun-Brug who was murdered by communists in 1943, was toppled and then sprayed with "anti-fascist" graffiti. The incidents coincided with the annual Easter Monday commemoration of the Abbot's death.
Eggs Thrown at Priest's House after Homily
March 31, 2018, SpainEggs were thrown at the door of a priest's home on Holy Saturday, March 31st, a day after he was criticized by LGBTI groups for a homily in which he questioned whether 'gender ideology' was a biased view of the nature of men and women, and whether it had a scientific basis.
Court Ruled 2015 Desecration of Cemetery was "Anti-Christian" Attack
March 29, 2018, FranceOn March 29th, the Court of Appeals in Toulouse ruled that Mohamed B., who desecrated and vandalized 215 graves, knocked down and broke crosses and other Christian symbols in a cemetery in Castres in 2015, was civilly liable for the religiously-motivated act. He had been found not criminally responsible due to mental illness, but on appeal, the court found him personally liable for compensation to AGRIF (Alliance générale contre le racisme et pour le respect de l'identité française et chrétienne).
No Prison for Men Who Entered Convent Demanding Nuns Convert to Islam
March 28, 2018, FranceThe two men who entered a Carmelite convent in November 2017 and demanded the nuns to convert to Islam or they would go to hell were released by a Verdun court on March 28th. The court, citing "diminished mental responsibility at the time of the incident" because the intruders had been suffering from "psychiatric disorders," freed the men after a trial.
Great Yarmouth Church Desecrated Days Before Easter
March 27, 2018, United KingdomA man walked into St Mary’s Catholic Church, set a couple of small fires and attempted to burn the icon taken off the church’s altar. The perpetrator left a Satanic image in the icon's place. The act was recorded by CCTV cameras and police arrested a suspect days later.
Small Fire in Church in Bavaria
March 27, 2018, GermanyAn unknown person lit a glove filled with matches on a bench in the small church of St. Moritz in the tiny municipality of Mantel. Due to the glove's plastic material, the fire spread to a bench cushion and caused damage to the bench.
Notre-Dame-du-Bourg in Digne-les-Bains Tagged
March 26, 2018, FranceA man was arrested on March 28th for painting satanic symbols ("666") on the cathedral, as well as tags on other buildings in the town between March 26th and 27th.
Man Shouted “Allahu Akbar" in the Cathedral of Cambrai
March 25, 2018, FranceShortly before the Palm Sunday Mass in the cathedral Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, a unidentified man shouted “Allahu Akbar” into the microphone. When approached by a parishioner, he ran away. Notably, the incident happened two days after an ISIS-inspired terrorist attack in southern France.
Parents Halt School Procession during Holy Week
March 23, 2018, SpainThe parents of a two-year old student objected to the school participating in the Viernes de Dolores (Friday of Sorrows) procession. The Escuela Infantil Sagrada Familia organized the procession from the school to the neighborhood parish on March 23rd as part of the traditional celebrations of the Holy Week. The school council approved the voluntary event, but the Andalusian educational authority cancelled it after the parents complained.
Desecration and Robbery in Bremen Convent; Police Seek Witnesses
March 22, 2018, GermanyAn unidentified man forced open the tabernacle in the chapel of the convent of Bridgettines in Bremen to take the consecrated Hosts with the liturgical objects that were inside, as well as the relics of the founder of the Order, St. Bridget of Sweden.
Sinn Féin Politician Suspended for Voting against Abortion Referendum
March 21, 2018, IrelandMember of the Irish Parliament, Carol Nolan TD was suspended from the left-wing Irish political party Sinn Féin for a period of three months after voting against a bill which would allow a Irish referendum on the Eighth Amendment which effectively bans abortion. Nolan said, "I voted according to my conscience and did not vote in favour of the legislation put before me as it was greatly at odds with my strong pro-life values."
Provocative Play Advertised in Front of Catholic Schools
March 21, 2018, SpainThe City Council of Madrid placed an advertising poster for a publicly-funded theatrical performance entitled "The place where the whores pray" (El lugar donde rezan las putas) directly in front of two Catholic schools. The play, performed at the public Teatro Español, was described by promoters as exploring "theater in times of rage."
Canada Summer Jobs Funding Program Becomes Religious Freedom and Conscience Rights Controversy
March 20, 2018, CanadaThe Canada Summer Jobs program funding application for 2018 requires that applicants sign a statement supporting, among other things, abortion and transgender rights in order to be eligible for funding. Hundreds of applicants, including Christian charities, pro-life groups, and churches have refused to sign the attestation because of the government's positions on moral issues.
Madonna dell'Arco di San Callisto in Trastevere Vandalized
March 19, 2018, ItalyThe 13th century fresco of the Madonna dell'Arco di San Callisto in Trastevere was tagged with a graffiti artist's signature on March 18th. Locals were outraged to discover a white signature across the beloved image. A suspect was arrested in early April.
Catholic Historian's Facebook Account Suspended Due to Post about Islam
March 19, 2018, GermanyFacebook suspended the account of Catholic historian Michael Hesemann for 30 days after he published a post commenting on the negative influence of Islam in the history of Europe and, specifically, in Germany.
Leftist Party Opposed to any Easter Activities at Schools
March 19, 2018, SpainThe political party Equo Andalucía demanded that the Junta de Andalucía (Regional Government of Andalusia) exercise extreme vigilance to prevent public schools from organizing and celebrating Easter processions for children during Holy Week. Party leaders reminded the government that they had registered complaints about children's processions the previous year.
Demonstration Against Immigration Law in the Basilica of Saint-Denis
March 18, 2018, FranceFar-left activists and undocumented migrants demonstrated inside the Basilica of Saint-Denis on March 18th to protest the French government’s new asylum law before being forcibly removed by police, resulting in the evening Mass being cancelled.
Woman Fined for Projecting Cross on Church Facade
March 18, 2018, SpainA woman in the community of Callosa de Segura was sanctioned 100 euros per day for projecting the image of a cross on the wall of the church of San Martin.
Acts of Vandalism in a Cemetery in Ardèche
March 17, 2018, FranceOn March 17th, locals discovered that 18 graves in the Saint-Romain-d'Ay cemetery had been vandalized, with crosses broken. Complaints were filed and the police began an investigation.
Spanish Actor Refuses to Appear in Court to Answer Religious Charge
March 17, 2018, SpainSpanish actor and activist Willy Toledo announced that he does not intend to appear before a judge to respond to a complaint made by the Spanish Association of Christian Lawyers for having committed an offense "against religious sentiments." Toledo was investigated after he posted a rant in July 2017 against God, the Virgin Mary, and his criticism of a trial against three women who had been charged for their part in a 2014 anti-Christian procession in which the image of the Virgin Mary was replaced by a giant vagina ("el coño insumiso").
Blood Poured in front of Martinique Church
March 15, 2018, FranceA witness discovered blood poured on the stairs and door of the Eglise de Bellevue in Fort-de-France on the morning of March 15th.
Police Discovered Hundreds of Works of Art Stolen from Churches
March 15, 2018, FranceOn March 15th, investigators found 100 works of art, from paintings and statues to ciboriums and candlesticks, with a value estimated at 100,000 euros in an apartment in Pas-de-Calais. Following September robbery complaints from two churches in Likques and Sainghin-en-Weppes, a coordinated investigation resulted in the arrest of three art students, two men and a woman, who admitted having stolen the works art from various churches in Hauts-de-France, as well as in Belgium, over a two-year period.
Swedish Social Democrats Seek to Ban all Religious Schools
March 13, 2018, SwedenThe governing party announced the proposal on March 13, 2018, citing concerns about "systematic gender segregation and opinions that do not belong in Swedish schools." Although no examples of problems in Christian schools were cited, they would be included in the plan. Jewish schools would be exempted.
"Allahu Akbar" Shouted in a Crowded Evangelical Church
March 11, 2018, FranceA man burst into the crowded Evangelical Church of Wittenheim in Alsace during the Sunday service and shouted “Allahu Akbar” while mimicking the use of a weapon, frightening the congregation. The man, known to authorities for psychiatric disorders, was detained and sent to a psychiatric hospital.
Christians Assaulted for Protesting Sexually Explicit Ads in the Netherlands
March 11, 2018, NetherlandsCatholic protesters holding a prayer rally were physically harassed, spat on, and assaulted by LGBT activists on March 11th while denouncing retailer Suitsupply's advertising campaign featuring men "groping and kissing" each other.
Fire in Ravensburg Church; Damage Around Two Million Euros
March 10, 2018, GermanyOn March 10th police and firefighters responded to a massive fire in the 14th-century St. Jodok Church. Firefighters were able to save valuable pieces of art, but the organ was completely destroyed. Initial damage estimates were at least 2 million euros, as the church had been completely renovated in 2010. In addition to that, a fire was also set in St. Martin's church in Schlier, only a few kilometers from Ravensburg. Police received an anonymous message after the incident reading, “More churches will burn.” The arsonist was arrested on March 21st and convicted in September 2018, receiving a seven-year prison sentence.
Fire in a Church in Ravensburg
March 10, 2018, GermanyA small fire in a church was reported in Ravensburg on the same day as a devastating fire in the St. Jodok Church.
Four Crosses Shattered around 16th Century Church
March 10, 2018, SpainFour of the twelve 45 cm stone crosses atop the wall surrounding the Cantabrian church of San Jorge de Penagos, were destroyed during the night of March 10th. The bulletin board of the parish was torn and a window of the sacristy was broken. The sign pointing to the parish house, 2km away from the church, was also damaged.
Decapitated Statue of the Madonna in Sant'Angelo Lodigiano
March 10, 2018, ItalyIn the morning of March 10th the statue of the Virgin Mary was found decapitated near the oratory of San Rocco at the church of Maria Madre della Chiesa in Sant'Angelo. The statue's head was discovered later, a hundred meters away.
At Least Five Madrid Churches Vandalized during International Women's Day Strike
March 8, 2018, SpainOn March 8th, International Women’s Day, the church of Espíritu Santo, the church of San Cristóbal, the Hermitage of San Isidro, the military church of San Andrés, and the church of San Jorge in La Coruña were all defaced with pro-abortion and anti-Catholic graffiti. The vandals identified themselves as feminists who were part of the "8M" women's strike, young communists, or anarchists. Locks on some of the churches were sealed with silicone to prevent the faithful from entering.
Niort: Teenager Stabbed in Notre-Dame Church
March 8, 2018, FranceA 15-year-old boy praying at the church of Notre-Dame in Niort was assaulted around 6:30 p.m. on March 8th. Two hooded men ordered him to undress. When he refused, they stabbed him in the leg with a knife. The injured teen was transported to the Niort hospital by firefighters. No further information about the assailants was given by media reports.
Vandalism Against Seville Church
March 8, 2018, SpainThe church of the former convent of Santa Maria de la Paz in Seville, current canonical headquarters of the Catholic brotherhood of la Hermandad de la Sagrada Mortaja (Brotherhood of the Sacred Mortuary), was vandalized by unknown perpetrators with graffiti that read: "Ni Dios ni Amo" (Neither God nor Master).
Statue of Virgin Mary in Champagnat Stolen
March 7, 2018, FranceThe statue of Virgin Mary in an oratory in Champagnat was torn from its base and stolen on the eve of International Women's Day. An explanatory note was left by the vandals, saying that Mary did not want to remain behind an iron gate, surrounded by plastic flowers and peeling paint, but wished to "withdraw to meditate on the state of the sacred feminine" and that she would return.
Molotov Cocktail Found in Church Days after Threatening Graffiti Sprayed on Facade
March 6, 2018, SpainOn March 6th, a Molotov cocktail was found placed on the ledge of a window in the apse of the central parish San Miguel in Córdoba. The paper wick in the bottle had had been lit, but fortunately did not combust with the explosive materials inside.
Activist says "Burn the Episcopal Conference"
March 6, 2018, SpainOn March 6 during the television program Més 324 on the public broadcasting network Catalonia TV3, former CUP politician and activist Bel Olid encouraged participation in the March 8 feminist strike by saying: "Hem de cremar la conferència episcopal per masclista i patriarchal!" (We must burn the Episcopal Conference for machismo and patriarchyl!).
Arson at Saint-Gildas Church in Auray
March 4, 2018, FranceOn the afternoon of March 4th, a parishioner discovered thick smoke inside l'église Saint-Gildas. She observed two young women running from the church and immediately contacted the authorities. Firefighters discovered 10 separate fires had been set inside.
Bomb Scare in Bern Church
March 2, 2018, SwitzerlandA 21-year-old Afghan man was arrested in Bern on March 2nd after he threatened to blow up the Heiliggeistkirche (Church of the Holy Spirit) near the main train station. Witnesses reported unusual behavior to the police. Upon arrival, police found the man in possession of "suspicious objects" which were later neutralized. The church was evacuated and the area around the church was sealed off for hours.
Local Government to Demolish Cross
March 1, 2018, SpainThe tripartite government of the Castellón municipality of Vall d'Uixó formed by PSOE (Spanish Socialist Workers' Party), Izquierda Unida (United Left) and Compomís (Coalició Compromís) announced the demolition of the cross in the small Plaza de la Paz (Freedom's Square). The removal was driven by the law of Historical Memory. However, the cross of Vall d'Uixó no longer contains any symbol that refers to the Civil War or the Franco regime.
Beloved Priest Murdered in Francophone Parish in Berlin
February 22, 2018, GermanyFather Alain-Florent Gandoulou, the head of the Catholic French-Speaking community, was murdered in his office around midnight.
Government Sponsored Festival whose Poster Depicted Church in Flames
February 22, 2018, SpainThe Lugo City Hall, governed by PSOE, sponsored a music festival in February 2018 whose promotional poster depicts Christian church in flames. The three-day festival called “A Candeloria” was organized for the 15th consecutive year. All participating musical bands shared in common "combative music" with "corrosive lyrics about the system and its institutions."
Strasbourg Cathedral Tagged
February 22, 2018, FranceA facade and the double door of Strasbourg Cathedral were tagged during the night between February 20th and 21st with the anarchist message “Neither god nor master” ("Ni Dieu, Ni Maître").
10 Churches in the French Regions of Loire-Atlantique and Morbihan Desecrated
February 21, 2018, FranceDuring February at least ten churches in the French Region of Morbihan and Loire-Atlantique were desecrated or robbed, according to media reports. After police investigation, two men were arrested.
Church Desecrated in Erdeven
February 21, 2018, FranceThe tabernacle was desecrated in the church of Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul in Erdeven (Morbihan).
"Jesus Magazine" Mocked by French Daily Host
February 20, 2018, FranceOn the daily television program Le Quotidien, host Yann Barthès mocked the publication of a magazine called "Jesus" and comedian Vincent Dedienne joined in by singing "I have holes in my hands and in my feet." Eric Célérier, founder of the website Top Chrétien, publicly denounced this by noting that "mocking Jews is anti-Semitism and punishable by law. Mocking Muslims is Islamophobia. But strangely, it seems that making fun of Christians and Jesus is... humor."
City Hall Renovation Eliminates Christian Mosaic
February 20, 2018, SpainUnder the pretext of the restoration of the city hall's headquarters, the government of the town of San Fernando in Cadiz decided to remove the mosaic of the Sacred Heart of Jesus that had adorned the main facade of the building since 1941.
Alpes-Maritimes: Mission Cross vandalized in Grasse
February 18, 2018, FranceOn the morning of February 18th, municipal services workers discovered that the "Mission Cross" in Grasse had been vandalized during the night. The nearly 500 kg wrought iron cross was bent and the pedestal was deliberately moved into the roadway. The cross, dating from 1894, had been completely renovated by Jean-Marie Rouvier, of the Compagnons du Patrimoine en Pays de Grasse, in June 2016. Mayor Jérôme Viaud condemned the vandalism and launched a police investigation.
Christian Convert Attacked Outside Pentecostal Church
February 11, 2018, SwedenA Christian Afghani asylum seeker was attacked after attending a worship service at a Pentecostal church in Karlstad.
Newspaper Publishes Journalist's Vulgar Tirade Against Catholics
February 10, 2018, SpainThe on-line journal Público published a writer's insult-and-expletive laden criticism of Catholics, priests, and a Catholic confraternity following a court judgment against a young man for posting an image mocking Jesus Christ on Instagram.
Council Votes in Favor of Buffer Zone around Abortion Clinic
February 7, 2018, United KingdomIn a vote that would create the second so-called "buffer zone" around an abortion clinic in the UK, the Richmond Council voted in favor of a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) around a clinic run by the British Pregnancy Advisory Service. If it receives final approval at the next council meeting, the PSPO would make it a crime to hold prayer vigils near the clinic. The broadly-worded PSPO would also prohibit any form of interaction with staff or visitors to the clinic.
Vulgar Graffiti Sprayed on Brzeszcze Church
February 4, 2018, PolandCCTV recorded a man and a woman spraying the door of a church with vulgar messages in English. Police began an investigation.
Teacher Fired for Sharing Biblical Views; Loses Discrimination Lawsuit
February 2, 2018, United KingdomFollowing a one-day trial, an Employment Tribunal dismissed a discrimination claim by a Christian teacher who was fired for answering students’ questions about her Christian beliefs.
Universities in Germany Excluding Christian Groups
January 28, 2018, GermanyThe climate at Germany's universities has become increasingly anti-religious. The German Student Mission (SMD) collected and documented dozens of cases of discrimination against student-run religious groups, including Christian groups. Discrimination has included denying the groups the use of campus facilities, prohibitions on flyers, and denial of accreditation by student councils. For Christian groups, accreditation has been denied both because "religion has no place on campus" and objections to the groups' moral stances on controversial topics.
Manchester Votes to Ban Pro-Life Protests outside Clinics
January 24, 2018, United KingdomManchester became the second local authority in England to vote to ban pro-life protests and prayer vigils outside clinics. Councillors in the city agreed on January 24th to "take all necessary actions within its powers" to stop what it said was the harassment by protesters against women using the clinics. After this vote, protests would not be banned, but the city will investigate whether a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) is warranted.
Professor Threatened Priest and Others in Nice
January 23, 2018, France"Frank C.," a German philosophy professor, made death threats against a priest, a lawyer, a police officer, Christian Estrosi (the mayor of Nice), and magistrates in Nice. He was arrested and remanded for trial in Grasse.
Five U.K. Retailers Accused of Insulting Christianity in Five Months
January 22, 2018, United KingdomFive major U.K. retailers were accused of using advertising or packaging offensive to Christians in as many months. Ocado, an online supermarket, Fortnum & Mason, a luxury goods retailer, the bakery chain Gregg's, Domino's pizza, and Lidl all faced criticism for insulting Christians or Christianity.
Paris March for Life Crowds Underreported by Media
January 21, 2018, FranceFrench media largely ignored the March for Life, and those who reported about it underestimated the number of participants, saying there were "more than a thousand" marchers. Police estimated 8,500 participants, while organizers reported that over 40,000 people marched.
Donation Box Stolen from Church in Mantes-la-Jolie
January 21, 2018, FranceShortly before starting Mass on January 21st, the priest of Saint-Jean-Baptiste church in Mantes-la-Jolie discovered that one or more individuals broke a window and two doors in order to steal the church donation box. The priest filed a complaint with the police.
Arson in Saxony Church
January 21, 2018, GermanyA passerby discovered smoke was rising from the funeral chapel in Annaberg-Buchholz on January 21, 2018. The police and fire departments were called. The police suspected arson and initiated forensic investigations.
Statue of Virgin Mary Beheaded in Växjö
January 19, 2018, SwedenAn unknown perpetrator chopped the head and hands off the statue of the Virgin Mary which stood outside St. Michael's Catholic Church in Växjö.
Afghan Convert ‘Could Face Death’ if Deported from Switzerland
January 18, 2018, SwitzerlandADF International filed an expert brief with the European Court of Human Rights in support of an Afghan citizen who faces deportation from Switzerland. A.A. (anonymized for security reasons) converted from Islam to Christianity and sought asylum, which the Swiss government denied. If returned to Afghanistan, he could face severe social and formal persecution, with punishments ranging from lengthy imprisonment to death.
Antwerp Church Vandalized
January 14, 2018, BelgiumThe Church of St. James (Sint-Jacobskerk) in Antwerp was vandalized sometime during the night between January 14th to January 15th. The church is frequented by the Chaldean brothers in Belgium.
Baptismal Font Stolen from Flavignac Church
January 14, 2018, FranceOn January 14th, church trustees discovered that a baptismal font was missing and presumed stolen on January 14th. The copper font, dating from 1922, object, had been located near the entrance of the church of Flavignac. Church trustees thought it was being repaired, but later discovered that had been stolen. The mayor noted that the theft must have occurred during the day, as the church is closed after 5 p.m. A complaint was lodged with the police.
Pastor excluded from volunteering at prison due to allegations of extremism by Imam
January 11, 2018, United KingdomPastor Paul Song was excluded from volunteering at a prison in Brixton, South London after Muslim Imam accused him of being too radical.
Church Visit Disrupted by a Man yelling "Allah Akbar"
January 10, 2018, FranceDuring a visit of a class from the Dauphiné high school to the church le collégiale Saint-Barnard in Romans-sur-Isère, a 34-year-old man allegedly reproached the female students for how they were dressed, before shouting "Allah Akbar." He also damaged the facade of the church. The man was later arrested.
Statue of Virgin Mary Damaged by Paint and Stones
January 6, 2018, PolandUnknown vandals poured black paint and used stones to damage the statue of the Virgin Mary in the forest shrine in Gdynia. Police began an investigation and parishioners of Wawrzyńca prayed for the "conversion of the hears and minds" of the perpetrators.
Vandalism Trial in Gemonio Postponed Until June
December 31, 2017, ItalyA hearing, which was meant to happen on 27th of April 2022, was postponed until June due to health reason. The hearing relates to a case of vandalism where a group of children sprayed black spray paint on of the fourteen chapels of the Via Sacro in December 31st, 2017. The police examined video footage to identify the suspects who were 14 years or older.
Lons-le-Saunier: Repeated Vandalism and Disturbances in a Church
December 29, 2017, FranceAfter weeks of disturbances and vandalism in the church of Cordeliers, the priest church filed a complaint with the police on December 29th. From the beginning of December, fire extinguishers had been found emptied, excrement found in the pulpit, and games had been played with candles creating a fire risk. Police began a forensic investigation.
Infant Jesus Stolen from Brussels Nativity
December 29, 2017, BelgiumSometime during the night between December 28th and 29th, the nativity scene placed in the Grand Palace in Brussels was vandalized. The figure of the infant Jesus was stolen and the cradle was damaged. The police investigated.
Desecration and Theft of Consecrated Hosts from Spanish Parish
December 26, 2017, SpainDuring the night between 26th to 27th of December the parish church of San Francisco de Sales in Parla, in the Community of Madrid, was desecrated when the tabernacle containing consecrated hosts was stolen.
A Nativity Scene in Alzira Mountain Destroyed
December 25, 2017, SpainOn 25th December, the nativity scene installed on Sunday 17 December on the summit of Alzira's highest mountain, La Ratlla, was vandalised. Unknown perpetrators destroyed several figures and others went missing. The backpack in which the material was stored was empty, and the landmark of the mountain was also torn to pieces. The visitor's book was also damaged and the book was stolen.
Pharmacist’s Conscience Rights Appeal Dismissed
December 22, 2017, FranceFrance's highest administrative court refused to hear the appeal of a pharmacist who was sanctioned for refusing to sell an IUD.
London Assembly Passed Motion to Clarify Police Power in "Buffer Zones"
December 21, 2017, United KingdomOn December 21, 2017 the London Assembly passed a motion calling on the mayor to “clarify the powers available to [police] to arrest and prosecute” pro-life campaigners who pray near abortion clinics, accusing them of “obstruction, intimidation and harassment” and “threatening behavior.”
Government Guidance Ensures "Gender Inclusive School Environment"
December 13, 2017, United KingdomNew government guidance by the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) encourages schools to “ensure the visibility” of transgender perspectives in the classroom.
Lottery's Advertisement Featured Model Posing as Crucified Jesus
December 13, 2017, GermanyGerman Catholic and Protestant leaders expressed outrage after Sophia Thomalla posed on a cross in lingerie for a lottery company's promotion. The advertising included the slogan "Christmas is now even more beautiful."
Christian Peer Fears Proclaiming Christianity could be a Hate Crime
December 12, 2017, United KingdomLord Pearson of Rannoch posed the question to the British government: "Will they confirm unequivocally that a Christian who says that Jesus the only son of the one true God cannot be arrested for hate crime or any other offense?" The government's representative in the House of Lords refused to comment on the question.
Nativity Scene in Boadilla del Monte Vandalized
December 6, 2017, SpainFigures of a nativity scene in Boadilla del Monte were found placed in obscene poses by unknown perpetrators.
Belgian Red Cross Branches Ordered to Remove Crucifixes
November 29, 2017, BelgiumThe Provincial Committee of the Red Cross in Liège sent an email to all branches in Belgium ordering them to remove all crucifixes from their walls, to appear more secular.
Two Gates Stolen from War Memorial at Church in Mapperley
November 27, 2017, United KingdomThieves have stolen two large gates from a war memorial at the Holy Trinity Church in Mapperley. The 1.2 meter gates were taken sometime between 6 PM November 26 and 8:30 AM November 27. Reverend Gill Turner-Callis said "they are the gates which lead to the churchyard and form part of the war memorial for all those who died in the Great Wars." Derbyshire police have investigated the theft from the Mapperley church.
‘Crucified Cow’ Displayed in Catholic Church by Artist as Comment on Wastefulness
November 23, 2017, BelgiumAn “art” exhibit depicting 500 kg cow nailed to a cross hanging over a basin with 5,000 liters of milk was installed in the small parish church of Saint John the Baptist of Kuttekoven, in the Flemish town of Borgloon. The artist's message was to draw attention to food waste and housing shortages.
Statue of Mother Teresa to be Removed from Skopje
November 23, 2017, OtherThe Minister of Culture Robert Alagjozovski of FYROMacedonia recommended the removal of a statue of Mother Teresa from the center of Skopje. The Balkan city is the birthplace of the Albanian-Indian Roman Catholic nun and missionary who was canonized by Pope Francis in 2016.