All cases

Filtered by: Intolerance towards Religious Symbols

(Scotland) Christian References Removed from Christmas

November 13, 2009, United Kingdom

Scotland town eliminated all references to Christmas, an address by a Christian minister, and the traditional nativity from its annual holiday celebration.

Taxpayer-Funded Play Offends Christians

November 5, 2009, United Kingdom

Scottish gay/transsexual festival "Glasgay!" featured the play "Jesus, Queen of Heaven" in which Jesus is a transsexual woman. Taxpayer money involved. Christian protestors named "homophobic".

Prayers No Longer Said To Begin Somerset Council Meetings

October 30, 2009, United Kingdom

A Somerset Parish Council ended a 115-year tradition of saying Christian prayers at the beginning of its meeting after receiving a complaint.

Left Wing Radicals Throw Pro-Life Symbols Into River

October 1, 2009, Germany

Large white crosses carried by pro life manifestations through the city of Berlin. Several of the crosses were stolen by members of left wing associations and were thrown into a nearby river.

Christian Cemetery Desecrated in Istanbul

September 22, 2009, Turkey

Large-scale vandalism of a Christian cemetery recalls decades of suffering by Orthodox Christians in Turkey.

Church of Halluin Vandalized

September 17, 2009, France

On Thursday, September 17th, 2009, in the evening, a man entered the church of Saint-Hilaire to vandalize the statue of the Virgin Mary. The statue fell on the ground and broke into pieces.

In Angers at the Festival Accroche-Coeur the Church is Mocked and the Population is Scandalized

September 13, 2009, France

On September 11th, 12th and 13th was set in the French town of Angers the 11th annual Festival of the Accroche-Coeur. Its theme was “Angels and Demons”, a theme which led to half-naked angels and demons parades, erotic shows and short plays imitating and fooling a Catholic Mass. The Christian Democratic Party said he was “deeply shocked” by the erotic displays; the mayor himself, Jean-Claude Antonini left the show without giving his final speech.

South Wales Church Damaged by Vandals

September 10, 2009, United Kingdom

A Christian church in South Wales was targeted by vandals who smashed its newly restored stained glass windows. Worshippers were forced to cancel services in order to fix damages.

70 Graves Wrecked near Dunkerque

September 7, 2009, France

70 graves were wrecked in the cemetery of Coudekerque-Branche. Memorial plaques, funeral ornaments and urns were found broken into pieces and laying on the ground. Rocks were also thrown on numerous graves, thus damaging them. David Bailleul, the mayor of Coudekerque-Branche, condems these “obnoxious, unacceptable and scandalous acts”.

Church Targeted by Vandals in Communay

August 26, 2009, France

The Xth century church of Communay was targeted by vandals during the night of August, 24th, 2009. Two crosses were unhooked and thrown to the ground. Candals and singing books were found all over the church and flower pots were thrown against a stain-glass window.

Church Vandalised in Maubeuge

August 26, 2009, France

The church of the Sacred-Heart of Maubeuge was the target of degradations. A parishioner put an and to the damage when he entered the church at approximately 6:30 p.m., thus putting to flight three young men. The three had left a devotional note to Allah.

(Scotland) Bible Defaced In Art Exhibition

August 11, 2009, United Kingdom

Obscene and offensive messages have been scrawled over a Bible at a taxpayer-funded exhibition in Glasgow.

Council Puts up Christmas Lights in August to Cater All Faiths

August 8, 2009, United Kingdom

Residents of Milnrow, Lancashire, were surprised to see council workers installing Christmas lights in August 2009, 127 days before Christmas Day. Rochdale Borough Council said the lights would be used to celebrate a number of festivals, starting with the Muslim feast of Eid in September. Other ‘holy days’ over the period between August and Christmas include Hindu Diwali celebrations in October, the Jewish feast of Hanukkah in December and even Yule, the pagan celebration of the winter solstice. The Council’s decision attracted derision from the national press and Milnrow residents. One local labelled the move “ludicrous” and said: “A worker told me they had to be up in time for all the religious festivals, but most of the lights refer to the Christian Christmas.”

Repetitive Violence and Vandalism Against a Church in Toulon

July 1, 2009, France

The church of the Sacred-Heart of Toulon has been for the past two years the target of malevolent acts. Urine was found in the baptismal font, a church responsible was seriously assaulted, the tabernacle was vandalized and many thefts and degradation are to be deplored. The church had to be kept closed for several weeks in 2009.

First Communion Ritual Ousted of Meaning by Secular Flowering Festival

May 30, 2009, Spain

The City Major of Rivas-Vaciamadrid, José Masa, announced that he was going to organize a celebration for children between the ages of 8 to 10 similar to the religious first communion upon the request of the community. The festivities would be called "fiestas del florecimiento" (flowering festival). "It would be a 'laity first communion'; but I do not want to call it this way because then, the right wing blames me for the celebration of laity baptisms and marriages using Catholic Church rituals", he clarified.

Consecrated Host Imitation Attached to Issue of Belgian Magazine

May 19, 2009, Belgium

Belgian magazine attached altar host imitations to May issue. Cover shows nun in sexy lace blouse saying “Holy shit!”

Basilica Desecrated

May 12, 2009, France

Half a dozen swastikas found tagged on several columns in the basilica of Saint Denis, Paris.

A Medal Established by the Queen Withdrawn as “too Christian”

May 12, 2009, United Kingdom

The “Trinity Cross of the Order of Trinity” has been replaced by an “Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago” - a featuring a sun, stars, water and a map of the islands - as it was considered as offensive for non - Christians inhabitants.

A Cemetery Vandalized in Varilhes

May 9, 2009, France

During the night from Thursday 7th to Friday 8th, one or several individuals broke in the cemetery of Varilhes and vandalized numerous graves. Flower pots were broken, flower and funeral ornaments thrown in the alleys and graves were unsealed.

Community Ruling Forbids Any Religious Symbols

May 6, 2009, Italy

A community ruling forbids any religious symbols, such as the crucifix, including on cemetery grounds, on May 6, 2009, in Lugo di Romagna.

Hospital Bans Paintings of Churches

May 5, 2009, United Kingdom

A London hospital informed local artists who contributed paintings for its decoration were informed that any depiction but that of churches was welcome. The reason given was to be mindful of other religions.

Cemetery Desecrated

April 27, 2009, Italy

On the 27th of April 2009, the cemetery di Vezzo in the Comune della Provincia di Verbano Cusio Ossola was desecrated.

Crucifix Veiled in Condom in Art Exhibition

March 27, 2009, Italy

An Exposition at Museo Pan di Napoli showed the crucifix veiled in a condom.

Several Acts of Vandalism Against Sarajevo’s Cathedral.

March 25, 2009, Bosnia and Herzegovina

From March 22nd to March 25th, vandals repeatedly destroyed windows of the Cathedral of Sarajevo.

Vandalism in Banja Luka

March 18, 2009, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Vandals broke in the church of Banja Luka, destroyed stained glass windows, and stole holy objects.

Theft in Sarajevo’s Cathedral

March 18, 2009, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Vandals broke in the cathedral of Sarajevo and stole the chalices and other liturgical appointments.

(Israel) Intolerance against Christians in Israel

February 20, 2009, Other

Burning of Bibles reported in Israel; mockery of Christians on TV; Catholic bishops speak of a "low profile" form of Christ[ian]ophobia.

Christian Bookshop Vandalized

February 12, 2009, Turkey

On the 7th and 12th of February 2009, two youths vandalized the Soz Kitapevi bookshop of the Turkish Bible Society in the city of Adana. The aggressors are suspected to be Muslim militants.

Defamation in Art Exhibition

January 27, 2009, Italy

The justice department allowed the display of a crucified figure of Christ adorned with a papal tiara, as part of a contemporary art exhibit in Bologna.

30 Graves Damaged in Champlitte

January 27, 2009, France

About 30 graves were damaged, crossse were broken or thrown to the ground. In the chapel next to the cemetery, stain-glass windows were broken and the door was damaged.

(California) Catholic Church Vandalized by Gays

January 5, 2009, United States

A Catholic Church in San Francisco was vandalized by gays as a response to a public vote on gay marriage

Profanation of Cemeteries

January 1, 2009, France

Several cases are reported on profanations of cemeteries as well as desecrations of churches and Christian holy objects in France.

Overview of 266 Cases of Anti-Christian Vandalism in 2008

December 31, 2008, France

According to the French Internal Affairs Department 266 acts of vandalism targeted Christian sites in 2008. Please find a list of examples here.

Christmas References Banned in Oxford

December 24, 2008, United Kingdom

References to Christmas were banned in Oxford and Christmas festivities renamed "Winter Light celebrations" to be "more inclusive. Protests come from Christians, Muslims, and Jews.

Fire Set in Catholic Church

December 11, 2008, Belgium

A Greek-Melkite parish was set on fire the night of Friday 12 December. Pastor could quickly contain and limit the damage.

Court Orders the Removal of Crucifixes from a School

November 27, 2008, Spain

The European Public Laity Association (Asociación Estatal Europa Laica) has requested a court order to remove crucifixes and religious symbols from Macías Picavea school in Valladolid. The Administrative Tribunal 2 of Valladolid agreed with the plaintiffs, and issued an order to take away every religious symbol from classrooms and common-use rooms. The Tribunal said that religious symbols violated the fundamental rights of equality and freedom of conscience as enshrined in articles 14 and 16.1 of the Spanish Constitution. The Tribunal has not made any mention to the fact that religious symbols placed outside a church also have a civil, historic, and cultural value.

(Michigan) Gays Storm Church

November 12, 2008, United States

A band of about 30 gays stormed a church in Lansing, Michigan. shouting “Jesus was a homo”, etc. The church was vandalized, obscenities were shouted and worshippers were confronted.

No Plaque for Catholic Saint on House of Birth

November 1, 2008, Spain

Saint Maravillas de Jesus was born in a house which is now the local Spanish parliament of Valladoid. A plaque with a commemorative inscription was declined on behalf of left wing parties.

(Internet) Host Desecration Videos Online

September 30, 2008, International

Several videos have been put online showing the Eucharistic Host, most sacred for Catholics, being desecrated by being stepped on, burned, stapled, smoked and nailed to a stick. After severe protests, YouTube removed the videos on Oct 2nd.

Sacrilegious Parade Takes Places in Anticipation of Corpus Christi Procession

May 28, 2008, Spain

The Toledo City Hall council representative in charge of community events, Carmen Jiménez Martín, authorized a profane parade the day before of the traditional and highly celebrated Corpus Christi procession. The theater company Morboria used grotesque characters and dressed them in religious gowns; women dressed as prostitutes were marching next to other participants dressed as saints; and a puppet represented the Virgin Mary. Sacred symbols were part of the profane decoration.

Formal Complaint for Government Participation in Catholic Funeral of Former President

May 20, 2008, Spain

Representatives of the United Left (Izquierda Unida Republicana) of Asturias released a public announcement where they condemned the participation of civil servants in the funeral in Madrid by „not being able to distinguish public functions from private life.“ They requested that a laity protocol be applied in the future.

Education Minister's Coming Guidelines May Ban Students from Wearing Crucifixes

May 16, 2008, Ireland

Education Minister Caitriona Ruane, a member of the Sinn Fein Party, is importing school uniform policies from London which led to schools being able to ban students from wearing crucifixes and Sikh religious bangles.

Socialist Party Initiative Aims to Change The Name of Pius XII Street in Sevilla

April 25, 2008, Spain

The City Hall of Sevilla, run by the PSOE socialist party, has announced its intention to change the names of some streets associated with Franco and his regime. The proposal is a consequence of the Historical Memory Law that allows the removal of names and signs related to Franco's times. One of them is now considered to be Pope Pius XII and a street named after him. In the PSOE words, the Pope is a "francoist character", well-known as the "Nazi Pope".

Church Service Stormed, Pastor Beaten

April 2, 2008, Russia

Pentecostal service stormed by perpetrators, pastor beaten, parishioners threatened with pistols held to their heads.

Socialist Pupils Association Encourages Members to Vandalize Churches

March 20, 2008, Austria

In a newsletter Austrian "Aktion Kritischer Schüler" (Socialist Pupils Association) encourages members to take the occasion of the international day against racism (March 21st) to vandalize churches.

Catholic Bishop Before Parliament for Insisting on Crucifixes in Every Classroom and Truly Catholic Sex-Ed

March 14, 2008, United Kingdom

The Catholic Bishop of Lancaster UK today gave a spirited response to accusations by secularist MPs in a Commons Committee who accused him of trying to establish religious "fundamentalism" in his schools. Bishop Patrick O'Donoghue told the Committee that schools in his diocese should see it as their prime duty to teach the Catholic faith and to evangelise and that this constituted neither "proselytism" nor "fundamentalism".

Priest Given Suspended Sentence for Loud Bell

January 11, 2008, Greece

A Greek Orthodox priest was given a suspended 70-day sentence after residents complained he rang his church bell too loudly and too often.

Gallery Offends Christians

January 6, 2008, United Kingdom

The Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art in Gateshead displays statue of Christ with erect penis by gay Chinese-born artist Koh.

Overview of Anti-Christian Vandalism in France in 2007

December 31, 2007, France

Many acts of vandalism have occured in France in 2007. Please find here a list of examples of various incidents against Christian sites.

Fire Set to Catholic Chapel

December 24, 2007, Russia

Intentional fire was set at a Catholic chapel in the Cossack village of Leningradskaya, the Krasnodar Region. The motivation of the attack and its perpetrators remain unknown but it could be religious hate.

Christian Symbols Targeted rather than Religious Symbols in General

December 18, 2007, International

The war on Christian Christmas symbols wages in many countries. Interestingly, it seems not to be about religion in general. It seems to be against Christian symbols. Find here a collection of cases from the United States.

War on Christmas and Its Symbols

December 17, 2007, United States

Catholic League in the U.S. collected several instances of where Christmas symbols were banned, removed or mistreated in the United States. In Europe, similar instances took place.

Biennale of Contemporary Art Displays Profaned Jesus Crucified Hanging from Lingerie

November 22, 2007, Spain

The Sevilla Biennale of Contemporary Art presented an artwork of German-born Josephine Meckseper intended to merge the concepts of sex and the religious symbolism of Holy Week. Meckseper displays Jesus Christ hanging from lingerie. Christians were offended, but Pablo Suarez, the Museums General Director in Andalucia highlighted freedom of expression without censorship. The Biennale is mostly funded with taxpayers' money.

(Scotland) Word "Lord" Removed from Prayer as Offensive

November 15, 2007, United Kingdom

The word "Lord" was removed from a primary school grace before meals after one parent complained the mention was offensive. Contrary complaints of other parents lead to a subsequent reinstatement of the term.

Blasphemous Images in Weekly Magazine

November 13, 2007, Belgium

"Humo", a Belgian Dutch-speaking weekly that is known for its liberal and satirical opinions, published a representation of a man urinating in a chalice with the accompanying text: "And Jesus changed wine into urine". Our sources report that this was not the first time "Humo" published blasphemous representations.

Report of Think Tank Suggests to Downgrade Christmas

November 1, 2007, United Kingdom

Christmas should be downgraded in favour of festivals from other religions to improve race relations, says a report of the Institute for Public Policy Research, a Labour Think Tank.

Ringing of Church Bells Prohibited

November 1, 2007, Netherlands

Local authorities prohibited the ringing of church bells for noise reasons in Tilburg, Holland. A court verdict annihilated the decision in November.

Catholic Airport Worker Suspended for Displaying a Picture of Jesus

October 10, 2007, United Kingdom

Manchester, England - A Catholic airport worker was suspended for displaying an image of Jesus on a staff room wall after a Muslim colleague made a complaint against him.

Blasphemous and Hurtful Art Funded by and Displayed on Ibiza

September 30, 2007, Spain

The art exhibition "Vamos a Ibiza" (Let's go to Ibiza) by artist Ivo Hendriks shows John Paul II having passive homosexual sex, and Jesus Christ on the way of the cross while a character – half man, half woman - holds a penis to his mouth. The exhibition was authorized and funded by the Ibiza local authorities, and it took place inside the former L'Hospitalet church.

Defaming Art Funded by and Displayed in Madrid

September 26, 2007, Spain

Madrid City Hall and Madrid Community co-sponsored a comic exhibition which shows the Pope consuming pornography, having sex with nuns, and sheep, produced by Italian artist Federico Solmi. Madrid’s mayor Alberto Ruiz-Gallardón is the chairman of the exhibition. The general coordinator, Armando Unsaín, said that "it might be possible that the content of the exhibition offended a minority, but no further consideration should be given to the complaints. We live in a democratic society, and the Church has not been unpolluted to deserve no criticisms."

Orthodox Churches Attacked by Molotov Cocktails or Stoned

July 20, 2007, Kosovo

On July 20th, in Kozarac, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Orthodox Church was stoned and the windows of the church were broken. In another incident on October 19th, a Serbian Orthodox church in Gjilan/Gnjilane, Kosovo was attacked with Molotov cocktails, but the interior of the church was not damaged.

Gay Parade Supporters and Participants Mock Christian Beliefs

June 30, 2007, Spain

Before and during the Gay Pride Parade Christianity was mocked by Spanish actors Pablo Puyol, Carlos Fuentes, Mariola Fuentes and Pepón Nieto who addressed the gay community encouraging them to "do as much as possible to gain eternal damnation", and "to got a step further on the way to hell". Participants wore bishops' outfits and carried anti-Christian signs.

Public Funds for Blasphemous Book

May 31, 2007, Spain

The regional governming authority of Extremadura funded with public funds the book „Sanctorum e In Breedin“ containing photographs displaying pornographic images together with Virgin Mary, Jesus Christ, and other Catholic sacred symbols. St. Roque is shown having an erection while holding his dog; Archangel Gabriel's picture displays the angel in sexual climax; extrements are shown over the chalice in substitution of Holy Communion; Jesus Christ is depicted as a transsexual; San Juan de la Cruz is shown having oral sex; and so on.

Blasphemious and Hurtful Art Funded by and Displayed in Valencia

May 31, 2007, Spain

"Art" in Valencia: Piece "Jaula de Canarios" (Canaries Cage) shows an image of God covered with birds excrement. Another piece shows nuns dancing with members of the military force; and another one displays Jesus and the Virgin Mary being "cooked" in a pan. Sacred images have been beheaded, and the original heads replaced with Disney's characters.

Traditional Patronal Festival Stripped of Original Christian Meaning

May 26, 2007, Spain

Representatives of Esquerra Unida and ERPV at the Sueca City Hall, Valencia, decided to suppress the religious connotation of the traditional festival that honors the Virgin of Sales. The proposal seeks to strip it of any religious meaning disregarding its Catholic origins. The representatives decided to run the festival under a new dedication, the "Rice Festival".

Community Metal Cross Broken and Dragged Away

March 30, 2007, Bosnia and Herzegovina

In Prozor, Bosnia and Herzegovina, four people broke down a metal cross that belonged to the Catholic community from a nearby village, and dragged it a few hundred meters away. The four defendants signed a plea agreement with the Prosecutor’s Office in Mostar, admitting their guilt. Three defendants were sentenced to two months’ imprisonment with a probation period of one year, and one defendant got a sentence of three months’ imprisonment.

Catalog Containing Anti-Christian and Hurtful Images Funded by City

March 15, 2007, Spain

The City Hall of Leida issued with public funds a catalog in support of a cartoon exhibition showing the evolution of homosexuals groups over the time. The catalog contained pornographic drawings were mixed with Christians symbols; (an artwork of Nazario Luque Vera). The mayor of Leida, Xavier Sàez, was requested to apologize and to stop the further distribution of the catalog but denied any wrongdoing.

Girl Banned From Wearing Cross at School

January 10, 2007, United Kingdom

A British schoolgirl has been barred from wearing a crucifix necklace in class, the Daily Mail reported.

Christian Prayers Replaced By Quiet Moment

January 1, 2007, United Kingdom

Totnes Town Council replaced Christian prayers at the start of its meeting with a moment of silence.

Overview of Anti-Christian Vandalism in 2006

December 31, 2006, France

Acording to National Sources, 172 acts of vandalism against all religions have occured in France in 2006. A large number of those were perpetrated against Christian places of worship. Please find in the following an exemplary list of indicidents.

Gay Association Demeans Bible in Ad

October 18, 2006, United Kingdom

Gay Police Association places ad in The Independent with a photograph of a bible next to a pool of blood.

Tourism Office Suggests to “Avoid Religious Symbols in Holiday Apartments”

October 17, 2006, Austria

According to the reports of www.kath.net, the business manager of the Office of Tourism in the municipality of Schruns/Tschagguns in Southern Tyrol, Manuel Bitschnau, asked landlords of 300 holiday apartments to remove religious symbols. This was done in the course of a program of “improvement” in the tourism sector. The reason he gave: people of religions other than Christian could feel offended.

Fire-raising on Catholic School and Chapel

June 23, 2006, France

Fire-raising on Catholic School and Chapel in Montpellier, France.

Christian Symbol Forbidden to Students

June 1, 2006, United Kingdom

Students Barred From Wearing Christian Chastity Symbol in Millais School, West Sussex; UK.

Crucifixes and Religious Symbols Removed from San Juan de la Cruz School in Jaen

May 31, 2006, Spain

After receiving a formal claim from the Ombudsman Jose Chamizo, the Council of Andalucia requested the Department of Education to remove crucifixes and other religious symbols from San Juan de la Cruz of Baeza school in Jaén. According to the media, only one parent had complaint to the Ombudsman to remove the crucifixes displayed in the classrooms.

Painting Ridicules Catholic Solemn Service In Saint-Armand-Montrond

March 16, 2006, France

A painting by Amador Castaner which was displayed for the wine fair of Saint-Amand-Montrond (Cher) angried parish priest Jean-François Breton and the inhabitants. In a scene of holy mass, the people’s cheeks were reddened by drinks and they were waiting for more – namely to receive the blood of Christ (the wine). A woman kneeling at the foot of a priest offered him a rather bald chest. The offending paiting was finally masked.

War Memorial Cross Removed

March 1, 2006, Netherlands

War Memorial Cross was removed in Baarsjesweg, Amsterdam, after Moslems in the neighborhood said that it “disturbed” them. After protests of war veterans it was subsequently reinstalled.

(TV) South Park “Bloody Mary” Episode

February 1, 2006, International

An episode of the cartoon series “South Park” shows irreverent treatment of Catholic symbols.

Major Wears a Bishop Costume and Mocks Blessings During Carnival Parade

January 25, 2006, Spain

The major of San Sebastian, the socialist Odón Elorza, wore a religious costume for a pagan festivity. The media reported that during the Carnival, Erloza, dressed as a bishop along with three men dressed in female tennis cloth, preceded the parade. Erloza made the sign of the cross imitating the Catholic ritual "blessing" the attendance.

Crucifixion Ridiculed by Popstar

January 1, 2006, International

Popstar Madonna ridicules the crucifiction on tour in Europe

Labor Union Representative Requests the Removal of a Nativity from a Public Building


December 23, 2005, Spain

The Secretary of the Labor Union requested in a written statement the immediate removal of a nativity that has been displayed in the hall of the Council of Education building. The petition was grounded in Article 16 of the Spanish Constitution, which establishes that no creed has official character. Spain has signed many international agreements that guarantee freedom of conscience and freedom of religion.

(Internet) Video Glorifies Violence Against Christians

December 1, 2005, International

Animated video glorifies violence against pro-life Christians on Planned Parenthood website.

Mockery of Crown of Thorns by Spanish Politicians

December 1, 2005, Spain

A group of Catalan politicians joked about the Passion of Christ in an Official Visit to Israel by taking photographs with a crown of thorns.

TV Gag against Christian Symbols

December 1, 2004, Spain

TV Channel Canal Plus Gag "How to Cook a Crucifix" demeans Christian Symbols.

High Government Official Recommends Catholic School to Remove Crucifixes and Avoid Prayers

November 27, 2004, Spain

The inspector recommended to a Catholic school to remove crucifixes and other religious symbols from the classrooms as well as ceasing morning prayers and other expressions of faith.

Orthodox Cathedral Turned into Public Toilet

April 19, 2004, Serbia

The Orthodox cathedral of Christ the Savior in Pristina, still under construction, with its consecrated foundations and cross, where Holy Liturgy was periodically served before the war while it was still under construction, has been turned into a public toilet, while the property around the church has become the squatting ground of Roma emigrants from the Republic of Albania.

Christianophobic Exhibit in Moscow

January 14, 2003, Russia

Visitors are shocked by christianophobic exhibit in Andrei Sakharov Museum in Moscow as it shows Jesus and Mary in humiliating positions. Intention of organizers described as exposing hypocrisy of religion.

Vaucluse Church Vandalized

January 1, 1970, France

The stained glass window depicting Jesus Christ in the church of Notre-Dame-de-la-Tour was found smashed.