All cases

Politicians of Ponferrada Demand Removal of Holy Week Exhibition in School

March 23, 2017, Spain

The Ponferrada en Común (PeC), el Partido Comunista (PCE) e Izquierda Unida (IU) demanded immediate closure of a Holy Week exhibition in a public school by the Confraternity of Jesus of Nazareth (la Real Hermandad Jesús Nazareno). The political groups argued that such an exhibition “should not take place in a public school in a state that is defined as non-denominational.” They also claimed that the display "endangered safety at the school" as it is in a corridor that could be needed in an emergency.

Court Finds Discrimination against Jehovah's Witness

March 22, 2017, Sweden

The Swedish Court of Appeals concluded that a Jehovah's Witness was discriminated against on the basis of his religious convictions by the public Job Center (arbetsförmedlingen).

Thirty-two Graves Desecrated at the Batignolles Cemetery in Paris

March 20, 2017, France

Between 16 and 20 March, 2017 during the night, 32 graves - mostly Christian - were excavated and searched. Officials presume the perpetrators were looking for valuables. A thorough inspection of the cemetery of 15,000 graves, on about ten hectares, was carried out. Surveillance of the premises was strengthened.

Anti-Christian Crimes Recorded as "Islamophobia"

March 18, 2017, United Kingdom

Freedom of Information inquiries made by the Network of Sikh Organisations revealed that the London Metropolitan Police recorded 1,227 incidents of Islamophobic hate crime in 2016, but in 57 of these incidents the victim was not contacted, in 86 the religion of the victim was unknown, and 85 of the reported cases were ‘blank’. 19 Hindus, 11 atheists, 43 Christians and four Sikhs were victims.

Basilica in Valencia Vandalized

March 17, 2017, Spain

The Basilica of the Mare de Deu dels Desamparats was vandalized with offensive graffiti on the walls and black paint thrown on the mosaic of the Virgin Mary over several days, beginning during the night between March 11th and 12th. Citizens, as well as the Archbishop, denounced the acts.

Mother and Son Arrested for Church Theft

March 16, 2017, Switzerland

Police in Givisiez arrested a 46-year-old woman and her 27-year-old son for the theft of donation boxes from a chapel in Bulle and two churches in Freiburg.

University Students Want Pro-Life Posters Removed

March 16, 2017, United Kingdom

Aberdeen University students petitioned to have a pro-life poster removed from campus, claiming it was “actively harmful” to women. The Catholic chaplaincy on the campus displayed posters for a 40 Days of Life event, featuring people holding signs and prayer vigils outside the city’s maternity hospital during Lent.

Muslims Encouraged to Marry Christians to Spread Islam in Spain

March 15, 2017, Spain

Hundreds of posters were hung around the El Raval neighborhood of Barcelona encouraging Muslim men to take Christian wives, saying that they were permitted and encouraged to marry "honest and chaste women of the Book" (meaning Christians) for the purpose of increasing the population of Muslims in the region. The posters read "Brother, join in alliance with a Spanish woman, teach her that Islam is the only true religion. Islamic law dictates that the fruits of this alliance will follow Islam, which will further strengthen our community." It appears these posters are part of the "right-to-return" movement to "Restore Al-Andalus" -- that is, Muslim Spain.

Polish Universities Cancelled Pro-Life Speaker After Protests

March 14, 2017, Poland

In early March, the legal advocacy group Ordo Iuris and several student organizations invited Rebecca Kiessling, an American pro-life speaker, to give speeches at several universities in Poland. While all of the universities had initially agreed to hold the events, they abruptly cancelled the events or modified the format, after leftist groups protested.

Man Arrested for Church Vandalism

March 14, 2017, Luxembourg

Officials were called when smoke was seen coming from the church of Bettembourg. When they arrived they found a man had set fire to flags inside the church and had destroyed statues and other objects. Motive is not clear and an investigation is underway.

Court: Employers May Prohibit Employees from Wearing Religious Symbols

March 14, 2017, European Institutions (EU, ECHR, et.al.)

On March 14, 2017, the European Court of Justice put employers' interest in "neutrality" above employees' exercise of religious freedom in a landmark judgment. The Court ruled that employers can prohibit the visible wearing of any political, philosophical or religious sign in the workplace.

Las Palmas Prosecutor Investigating Performance of Drag Queen as Christ

March 13, 2017, Spain

At the request of the Association of Christian Lawyers, the prosecutor's office initiated a criminal investigation of the performance of a "drag queen" dressed as the Virgin Mary and then as Jesus Christ during the Carnival celebrations. The office stated that because Carnival is so closely related to the Christian observance of the beginning of Lent, the performance was intentionally offensive to religious feelings. The Bishop's Conference called it "blasphemous."

Attempted Arson at Church in Nantes

March 12, 2017, France

In the evening of March 12th, firefighters were called to the Church of Saint-Luc after unknown perpetrators set fire to the outside wall of the church using combustible materials they had placed against the outer wall. The fire was described as "intense," but firefighters, police and two CRS buses arrived quickly and were able to subdue the fire and minimize the damage.

Arson in Church in Puget-Ville

March 12, 2017, France

The Church of the Immaculate Conception was vandalized and the victim of arson on March 12th. Father Eloi Legrand, calling it a profanation, reported that the altar linen was set on fire, candle wax spread on the altar and throughout the church, and items of devotion were broken and scattered in the church. The gendarmerie have found a small hand print and Father Legrand filed a complaint.

Man Arrested for Theft from Donation Boxes from Lambach Church

March 10, 2017, France

A 30-year-old man was arrested after police were alerted. He was found with cash and tools used to retrieve money from the boxes: a long rod with double-sided tape.

The Local Police Hate Crime Unit in Palma Investigate Multiple Acts of Vandalism against Churches

March 9, 2017, Spain

The Local Police Hate Crime Unit in Palma is investigating various acts of vandalism committed in recent months against several churches in the Balearic capital.

Government in Valencia Attempted to Stop Religion Lessons in Schools

March 9, 2017, Spain

The Ximo Puig Government in Valencia created obstacles for the hiring of new teachers of religion by introducing new certification requirements. One affected teacher said, "three weeks ago, on the spot and without written notice," the Ministry of Education of the Valencian Community informed the Archbishopric of Valencia that all new teachers of religion must have the CAP (Certificate of Pedagogical Attitude ), or to have completed a Master's Degree in Teacher Training in Secondary Education, Baccalaureate, Vocational Training, and Teaching of Languages. This is in addition to the certificate known as DECA (Document of Ecclesiastical Suitability), provided by the Spanish Episcopal Conference.

Regional Government of Andalucía Cancels School Procession for Holy Week

March 8, 2017, Spain

School children in Dos Hermanas, Seville, were prohibited from celebrating their usual children's Holy Week procession by the regional government. The government claimed it cancelled the event because of time constraints, but parents of the affected children insist it was cancelled due to a complaint by a secular association.

Leftists in Seville Seeks to Change the Coat of Arms

March 8, 2017, Spain

The Izquierda Unida (United Left) coalition in Seville wishes to change the coat of arms of the city as they say that its image is "not a representation of democracy" in the 21st century. Currently, the coat of arms is an image of King Fernando III, canonized as a saint, flanked by St. Isidore and St. Leander. The word "Mariana" also appears on the shield, added by Franco to represent the city's devotion to the Virgin Mary.

The Mayor of Zarazoga Prohibits the Traditional Firefighters Mass

March 8, 2017, Spain

The Mayor of Zarazoga and the local coalition government prohibited the Firefighters to continue with their tradition to celebrate Mass in their firehouse for the feast of San Juan de Dios.

Columnist Calls Immigration Minister's Crucifix Necklace a Symbol of Xenophobia

March 6, 2017, Norway

Sven Egil Omdal, a veteran journalist and editor who currently works as a commentator for newspaper Stavanger Aftenblad, noted that Sylvi Listhaug, Norway’s government minister in charge of immigration and asylum issues, had been wearing a cross necklace much more often than in the past. “Am I claiming that she uses the cross as a political statement to appeal to that strange group who thinks that fear of foreigners is a Christian virtue?” Omdal queried on social media. “Yes, that’s basically what I’m doing.”

Anti-Gender Ideology Campaign Censored

March 3, 2017, Spain

HazteOir.org painted a bus to circulate around Madrid with the words "Boys have penises, girls have vaginas. Don't be fooled. If you’re born a man, you’re a man. If you’re a woman, you’ll always be a woman" and publicized a pamphlet it created for parents: "Do you know what they want to teach your child at school? The laws of sexual indoctrination." The Madrid City Council authorized the seizure of the bus without a court order on March 2, 2017.

Primary School Teacher Suspended after Reading Bible Verses to Pupils

March 3, 2017, France

After a group of parents sent a letter of complaint, the school's headmaster suspended the Malicornay teacher. The teacher will remain under suspension pending an investigation into whether he was proselytizing in violation of secularism laws or simply studying the texts with the students. The city's mayor has denounced the suspension as extreme.

Spanish Councilman Officiated Wedding Dressed as a Priest

March 3, 2017, Spain

Councilman Javier Botella of Levatemos El Puerto officiated at a wedding of his childhood friends in a priest costume. He was wearing an F.C. Barcelona scarf as a stole and a black cassock with golden edges. He posted a picture of himself and the newly married couple on Facebook and was immediately criticized for ridiculing the Church and the sacrament of marriage in his public capacity.

Two Street Preachers Convicted of Public Order Offenses

February 28, 2017, United Kingdom

Michael Overd and Michael Stockwell were convicted on February 28, 2017 after a public prosecutor claimed that quoting parts of the King James Bible in the context of modern British society "must be considered to be abusive and is a criminal matter". After a four-day trial, the men were found guilty under Section 31 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, for using "threatening or abusive words or behaviour or disorderly behaviour within the hearing or sight of a person likely to be caused harassment, alarm or distress, thereby, and the offence was religiously aggravated."

Government Announces Compulsory Sex Education

February 28, 2017, United Kingdom

The government announced that sex and relationships education will become compulsory in all of England's schools. Relationships education will be compulsory for all pupils from the age of four years, but parents will have the right to withdraw their children from sexual education program. Critics view the law as weakening the influence of parents' right to educate their children about sex and relationships.

Oxford Lecturer Refused to take Christian Convert's Questions about Islam

February 27, 2017, United Kingdom

A trainee Church of England priest at Oxford University, an Iranian-born convert from Islam, claimed he wasn’t allowed to ask critical questions about Islam during a seminar and has accused the university of discrimination and bias and made a formal complaint.

Polish Prosecutors Investigate Play for Offending Religious Sentiments

February 22, 2017, Poland

The Polish prosecutor's office began an investigation of a theater play that contains a scene of an actress simulating oral sex on the statue of Pope John Paul II, and other sex scenes involving crosses. Another scene hints at murdering a top PiS (Law and Justice) party leader.

General Pharmaceutical Council Launches Guidance on "Religion, Personal Values and Beliefs in Pharmacy Practice"

February 22, 2017, United Kingdom

In May 2017, the British Pharmaceutical Council published new professional standards, stating that pharmacists would have to “take responsibility for ensuring that person-centred care is not compromised because of personal values and beliefs.” The previous conscience "opt-out" provisions were removed. Previously, a pharmacist who did not wish to issue an abortifacient drug could refer the patient to another colleague. In June 2017, the Council developed new guidance called “In practice: Guidance on religion, personal values and beliefs.” This guidance made clear that in some circumstances, pharmacists were expected to dispense a drug against his or her conscience.

Elderly Priest Brutally Attacked in Parish Home

February 22, 2017, Spain

Fr. Arturo López, 77, was brutally beaten by three masked men during an assault on February 22, 2017 at the rectory of Saint Peter and Saint Paul Church in Coslada, a city in Spain's Community of Madrid. The three unidentified men assaulted and tied up Fr. Lopez after they entered his rectory to steal valuables and money.

French Civil Protection Federation Removes Cross from New Logo

February 22, 2017, France

When asked about why the new logo did not contain the cross, the federation's communication director said the removal of the cross in the center of the original logo was a "non-subject" and there was no particular reason for its removal, and that it never had a religious character to begin with.

National Secular Society Proposes Removal of Bishops' Bench from House of Lords

February 21, 2017, United Kingdom

The group made the recommendation to a parliamentary inquiry to examine how to reduce the size of the Upper House. The House of Lords currently has more than 850 members, and the Bishops' Bench contains two archbishops and 24 bishops who can vote on legislation.

Granada Bishop Accused of Hate Speech

February 20, 2017, Spain

The Spanish Observatory against LGBTfobia filed a hate speech complaint on February 20, 2017 against Archbishop Francisco Javier Martínez for a homily delivered on February 12, 2017 in which he criticized gender ideology in the education of children. The complaint accused the bishop of promoting "hate speech against LGBT persons."

Parliamentary Group Called for a Ban on Broadcasts of Mass on Public Television

February 20, 2017, Spain

A parliamentary group in the Congress of Deputies presented a proposal calling for broadcasts of Mass on public television be prohibited, which they ask to be considered/debated by a commission that oversees RTVE, Spain’s public television station, and its affiliates.

Cemetery Ransacked in Saint-Pol-sur-Mer Cemetery

February 19, 2017, France

According to reports, some time during the night of February 18-19, 2017, unknown perpetrators damaged and scattered around 30 gravestones in a cemetery in the prefect of Dunkirk. Many of the damaged plaques appear to be from Christian graves. Police are investigating.

Religious Statue Prohibited from Front of Church as "Too Religious"

February 16, 2017, France

After complaints by the group Libre Pensées (Free Thought), a statue of Notre Dame de Granitiers commissioned by the Diabète Coeur association, is prohibited from being displayed in the forecourt of the church of Brusvily because it is considered a public place. The Church and State Separation Act of 1905 prohibits the display of religious objects in public places. 72% of readers of a local newspaper objected to this decision.

France Passed Law Banning Pro-Life Websites

February 16, 2017, France

The National Assembly passed a law which bans pro-life websites which attempt to discourage women from having abortions if the sites do not openly state “who they are, what they do and what they want.”

Work Begins to Remove Monumental Cross in Sant Carles de la Ràpita

February 16, 2017, Spain

After the town council decreed that the cross outside the "Torre de Guardiola" fortress was erected in commemoration of General Franco's victory in the Spanish Civil War, it was ordered removed in compliance with the Historical Memory Law of 2007. Critics of this move note that the plaque linking the cross to Franco had already been removed.

Statue Stolen from Christian Grave

February 14, 2017, France

The statue known as "La Pleureuse" (the Mourner) was stolen from the cemetery of Saint-Germain-Lembron. Police are investigating.

Humanists Demand Religious Radio Program include Non-Religious Perspectives

February 14, 2017, United Kingdom

The British Humanist Association sent a letter to the BBC demanding that its publicly-funded "Thought for the Day" Radio 4 program, which includes reflections from Christians and other faiths, also include non-religious speakers.

Graffiti against Catholic Parish Church in Murcia

February 13, 2017, Spain

The external walls of the parish of San Francisco Javier in Murcia were painted with threatening messages such as "Arderás como en 36" (You will burn like in 36; clear reference to the burning of churches during the Spanish Civil War) and also "Highway to hell".

Gendarmerie du Haut-Rhin Investigated Degradation in Church and Cemetery

February 12, 2017, France

During the night of February 11th and 12th, unknown perpetrators broke a door and vandalized the church of Saint Etienne de Réguisheim and vandalized the nearby cemetery, as well.

Crucifix Statue Vandalized with Anarchist Graffiti

February 12, 2017, France

A large statue of Christ on the Cross in a public square in Caen was spraypainted with the words "Ni Dieu; Ni Maitre" (No God; No Master) and the anarchist A symbol.

Historic Church the Victim of Arson

February 12, 2017, United Kingdom

The Church of the Ascension in Salford was completely destroyed by a fire which was described as arson by police. It was built in 1869 and had recently undergone a £250,000 restoration with funds raised over three years. CCTV footage reportedly shows a young man running from the church at the time the fire broke out.

Vienna Church Vandalized with Anarchist Graffiti

February 11, 2017, Austria

The outside walls of the church of Maria am Gestade was sprayed with the anarchist A symbol and the word "Antifa."

National Theatre's School Performances use Statue of Virgin Mary as Symbol of Extremism

February 9, 2017, Slovakia

The Slovak National Theatre visited schools with a performance about the dangers of extremism, depicting the true story of a Roma family being attacked by skinheads in 2009. Without any explanation, the stage setting includes a statue of the Virgin Mary in front of a swastika symbol. A complaint has been filed on the grounds that this has insulted and defamed the Catholic Church by implying that the Church was somehow complicit in the crime.

Norwegian Court Ruled Against Catholic Doctor

February 9, 2017, Norway

On February 9, 2017, a Norwegian court ruled against Katarzyna Jachimowicz, a Polish Catholic doctor who sued after she was fired for refusing to insert intrauterine devices (IUDs). Jachimowicz v. the Municipality of Sauherad was the first case in Norway in which a medical professional sued over conscience rights.

LGBT Lobby Attempts to Block Lecture by Gay Author; Demanded Apology

February 7, 2017, Spain

Two LGBT groups in Barcelona demanded that the Archdiocese prohibit a February 11, 2017 lecture by Philippe Ariño in the parish of Santa Ana on the grounds that the content would be "seriously homophobic" in violation of Catalonia anti-discrimination law. The lecture by a young French Catholic man who is homosexual and advocates celibacy as a means to resist homosexual urges was organized by the Youth Delegation of the Archdiocese. The LGBT groups have also demanded an apology from the Archbishop.

Arson in Private Chapel in Omessa

February 6, 2017, France

The owner of the chapel of Santa Rita, which he renovated, discovered the door had been forced open, cards and a rosary were left on the altar and set on fire. Luckily, the fire did not spread to the rest of the chapel.

Church Funeral Disrupted by Man Shouting Koran Verses and Calling Mourners "Infidels"

February 3, 2017, Germany

A 33-year-old Muslim man from the western Balkans was charged with criminal interference with the exercise of religion after he interrupted a funeral service at the Christuskirche in Schnaittacher, shouting "I curse you and your religion."

NHS does not Record Religious Discrimination

February 2, 2017, United Kingdom

The National Health Service has confirmed, in response to a question from a Member of Parliament, that it does not collect information on instances of discrimination against NHS staff on the basis of their faith.

French Ministry of the Interior Reports 949 Anti-Christian Incidents in 2016

February 1, 2017, France

According to the Ministry of the Interior, 949 anti-Christian incidents - 399 acts of vandalism and 191 cases of theft of worship items - were recorded on the French territory in 2016 but this does not include the hacking of Catholic websites which were said to number 112 by the French Observatory of Christianophobia.

Convent in Avon the Victim of Theft and Desecration

January 31, 2017, France

Unknown perpetrators broke into the convent of the Carmelites of Avon during the night of January 31, 2017, stole computer equipment, holy objects, and broke open the tabernacle containing consecrated Hosts.

Magistrate Disciplined for Refusing to Hear Same Sex Parenting Case

January 30, 2017, United Kingdom

The Judicial Conduct Investigations Office ordered Susan Preston to stand down from hearing future family cases, after she declined to sit on a case involving same-sex parenting due to her personal views.

Two Arson Attempts on Village Church in Rochecorbon

January 29, 2017, France

Two minors were arrested after police discovered they were responsible for two separate fires at the church of Notre-Dame in the parish of Saint-Marin-Saint-Vincent en Vouvrillon. The first fire was set on January 27, 2017, with the curtains of a confessional burnt; the second fire was set in the confessional itself.

Swedish Pro-Life Midwife Publicly Bullied by Journalists

January 28, 2017, Sweden

On the national Swedish Morning news, a journalist said: ”Those who are against abortion should be aborted. Retroactively.” And everybody in the panel laughed. Just before that, pictures of Christian midwife Ellinor Grimmark and her attorneys were shown on the screen. This occurred during the week Grimmark's lawyers defended her case in the Swedish Labour Court.

Infant Jesus Stolen from Manger in Noyon Cathedral

January 27, 2017, France

On January 27, 2017 the figure of the infant Jesus was stolen from a crèche in the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Noyon on the same day that a funeral Mass for Father Serge Maroun was celebrated.

Church Bells in Two Towns Ordered Silenced by Courts

January 22, 2017, Slovakia

After a complaint by a resident in Pezinok about the volume of the local church bells, and another complaint by a different resident in Svinna, courts have ordered the church to reduce the volume or silence the bells in each town.

A Statue of the Virgin Mary Attacked and Damaged

January 22, 2017, Spain

Unknown people stole the crown of the statue of the Virgin Mary on January 22nd around 6pm. A finger of the figure, as well as an arm of the statue of the Child Jesus, were also broken.

Attack against a Catholic Parish Church

January 22, 2017, Spain

The external walls of the church of San Nicolás de Bari were covered with graffiti messages such as “The only church that illuminates is a burning church” (common anarchist motto during the Spanish Civil War) and “No to obligatory religion”.

Vandals Twice Damage Cemetery near Gurmels

January 21, 2017, Switzerland

Twice in a week, unknown perpetrators dug up crosses, damaged lanterns, and trampled on graves in a cemetery of the Reformed Church of La Corbaz. The church reported the acts to the police.

Gender-Abortion Whistleblower Ordered to Pay Costs

January 20, 2017, United Kingdom

Aisling Hubert, who began criminal proceedings against two doctors who were filmed offering 'gender-abortion', went to court to challenge £36,000 of the costs that were awarded against her after she tried to bring two 'gender-abortion' doctors to justice. The judge said he could not amend or reduce the costs. Instead a settlement was reached for the amount Aisling has to pay. She now has until 18 August to pay the agreed amount.

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.

25 Year Old Smashed Shrine and Set Fire to Crèche

January 2, 2017, Italy

The perpetrator, a Gambian with a valid residence permit, broke the glass case containing a statue of the Virgin Mary in the courtyard of the Church of the Madonna del Rosario and then burned the Christmas crèche, completely destroying it. He admitted the act to the police, saying that he was Muslim and wanted to destroy the Christian symbols.

L'Abbaye d'Orval Robbed

January 1, 2017, Belgium

A safe containing 50,000 euros was stolen from the Orval Abbey, a Cistercien-Trappist Monastery famous for a brewery whose profits go to fund social projects. Police are investigating.

New Year's Fireworks Damage Church Roof in Poeldijk

January 1, 2017, Netherlands

Illegal fireworks are the likely cause of damage to the recently restored roof of the Reformed Church in Poeldijk. Witnesses saw two men on the roof setting fireworks, which are illegal. Officials have not determined if the damage was intentional, but the perpetrators have not come forward and police are investigating.

Chapel in St. Radegund Damaged by Vandals

January 1, 2017, Austria

On New Year's Eve, unknown perpetrators vandalized a chapel, damaging a statue of the Virgin Mary and burned prayer books and wooden objects nearby. Damages are estimated at around 1,000 euros. Police are investigating.

Chapel in Brunau am Inn the Victim of Theft and Vandalism

January 1, 2017, Austria

Unknown perpetrators beheaded a statue of St. Barbara and stole a Christ figure from a cross and several other sacred objects. Damage is estimated at around 5,000 euros. Police are investigating.

Forest Chapel in Auerbach Vandalized

December 31, 2016, Austria

Unknown perpetrators broke into the chapel, threw stones at the altar, smashed two glass domes containing statues of the Virgin Mary, and stole and destroyed 22 paintings and murals hung by pilgrims visiting the chapel.

Woman Attacked for Reading from Bible

December 28, 2016, Austria

A 22-year-old man from Afghanistan stabbed a Christian woman when he heard her reading from the Bible at a refugee accommodation in Vöcklamarkt (Upper Austria).

Man Forcibly Removed after Disrupting Christmas Mass

December 24, 2016, France

Police removed a man who disrupted the Mass at the Church of Saint-Christophe in Tourcoing after he frightened and disturbed the parishioners.

Orsay Church Vandalized on Christmas

December 24, 2016, France

The wall of church of Saint-Martin Saint-Laurent d'Orsay was tagged with an anti-consumerism message ("Noël fête du capitalisme") in black paint. Police are investigating.

Theft from Sainte-Anne Church in Lanvéoc

December 24, 2016, France

A statue of an angel was stolen from the manger scene where it had been displayed for the last 80 years. Parishioners are upset and the Mayor called the theft "scandalous" because the angel was part of the town's heritage. A police complaint was filed.

Vandals Attack St. Augustine Church in Utrecht

December 23, 2016, Netherlands

In the morning of December 23, 2016 a parish employee discovered the locked doors forced open, bibles torn, and the newly-restored processional cross destroyed. The pastor estimates damages in the thousands of euros. Police are investigating.

UK Considering Secularist Oath of Allegiance to British Values

December 21, 2016, United Kingdom

The UK government has proposed that all office holders and employees of the State swear an Oath of Allegiance to British Values that conflicts with traditional Christian teaching about sexuality.

Nativity Scene Destroyed by Fire

December 21, 2016, France

A Nativity scene set up in an old fountain in Wimille was completely destroyed by a fire during the night of December 20-21st. Police are investigating whether it was intentionally set, or a short circuit in the lighting. The city chose not to replace it, in case it was an act of vandalism.

Berlin Christmas Market the Target of Terrorist Attack

December 20, 2016, Germany

Anis Amri, a 24-year old Tunisian man, stole a truck and intentionally drove it into a crowded Christmas market near the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church in West Berlin, leaving 12 dead and more than 50 injured. ISIS claimed responsibility, and the driver pledged allegiance to ISIS, calling on his "Muslim brothers everywhere... Those in Europe, kill the crusader pigs." "Crusaders" refers to Christians in ISIS rhetoric. While in the Italian prison in Sicily, Anis Amri threatened one of his fellow prisoners: “You are Christian and I will cut your head off,” according to Reppublica, which indicates the attacker's pre-existing bias against Christians.

Cathedral in Fort-de-France Vandalized and Burgled Five Times in Seven Days

December 20, 2016, France

The Cathedral of Saint-Louis was the repeated victim of looting, vandalism, and theft on December 14th, 16th, 17th, 18th, and 19th. The Cathedral is being restored and the perpetrators broke recently-renovated windows to gain entry.

Holsbeek Town Council Removed Nativity Scene

December 19, 2016, Belgium

The Christmas display in the town hall was removed to "avoid offending Muslims living in the area," resulting in protests and objections from citizens, politicians, and some Muslim activists who said it was absurd to say that Muslims are offended by the birth of Jesus.

Vandalism and Fires in Two Churches in Tarn-et-Garonne

December 19, 2016, France

Police are investigating acts of vandalism and intentional fires set in the Church of Saint-Blaise and the Church of Saint-Michel.

Church Desecrated in Crete

December 18, 2016, Greece

Unknown perpetrators entered the Orthodox church of the Archangel Michael near Lagoliou, set sacred books on fire in the sanctuary, and sprayed "Allah is great" in Arabic on the walls.

Christian Kindergarten Advent Performance Disrupted by Man Carrying Koran

December 17, 2016, Austria

During the children's performance in Schwanenstadt, attended by parents and relatives, a 24-year-old Somali man with a backpack and plastic bag got on stage and began waving the Koran around. When people tried to remove him, he resisted and began shouting "Allah." The police investigated.

Christmas Decorations and Crèche Thrown in River

December 17, 2016, France

During the night of December 17-18th, all of the Christmas decorations installed on a bridge, as well as the handmade wooden crèche arranged at the feet of a statue of the Virgin Mary were thrown into the Seine in Fouchères. A complaint was filed with police.

Spanish Court Acquits City Councilor of Infringing on Freedom of Conscience and Religious Convictions

December 16, 2016, Spain

Rita Maestre had been fined for removing her top inside a chapel during a protest against the "antidemocratic and chauvinistic" positions of the Catholic Church in 2011. On appeal, that decision was reversed as the court found that "inadequate clothing or certain inappropriate gestures" were "disrespectful but not desecration."

Priest Attacked, Tied Up, and Robbed in Pastoral Center

December 16, 2016, France

Rutumbu Juvenal, the priest in charge of the parish of Palaiseau, was attacked by two armed men on December 16, 2016 at the church's pastoral center.

Bomb Discovered in Front of Church

December 15, 2016, France

A parishioner discovered a bomb in a cardboard box against the door of the Saint-André church. Police in Toulouse are investigating and said that the device was capable of a small explosion.

Thieves Hit Caorle Cathedral in 3rd Incident in Veneto Region in 10 Days

December 15, 2016, Italy

Glass cases protecting sacred statues and images were smashed and the decorative jewels and offerings of the faithful were stolen. Police are investigating the links between this incident and others in the region targeting shrines containing sacred images.

Five Churches Burgled in Three Weeks

December 13, 2016, France

According to the Bishop of Réunion, five churches have been the target of thieves in the preceding three weeks. The most recent was the church of Sainte-Marie, which was ransacked and money and equipment were stolen. A criminal investigation is underway.

Thieves Steal Gold from Sacred Statue of Our Lady of Pilastrello

December 11, 2016, Italy

After several failed attempts since June 2016, thieves managed to sneak into the guarded shrine in Lendinara, smashed a protective glass case, and stole all of the gold on the statue of the "Black Madonna."

Dozens of Christian Statues Destroyed

December 8, 2016, Germany

Police in the Münsterland region are investigating the destruction of Christian statues of holy figures since the end of October. One report said "not a day goes by without an attack on a statue. The local Christian community is concerned and upset by the destruction. An anti-religious motive is suspected and the police believe the vandalism is fueled by a "lust for destruction". Estimates suggest the cost of the damage to be a six-figure sum.

Nativity Crib Burned in Church

December 8, 2016, France

Parishioners praying in the chapel adjacent to the Church of Notre-Dame in Metz smelled smoke and discovered the crib burning inside the church. Police have launched a criminal investigation.