All cases
Law Allowing Employers to Ban Religious Symbols at Workplace in Germany Confirmed by European Court of Justice
July 15, 2021, European Institutions (EU, ECHR, et.al.)The EU's European Court of Justice ruled that employers are allowed to ban visible religious symbols from their businesses, i.e. they are allowed to forbid their employees to wear crosses and headscarves. In its ruling, the Luxembourg-based tribunal stated its member states should weigh up if the ban corresponded to a "genuine need" on the part of the employer, especially since it potentially interferes with the employees' rights to freedom of religion. The case came to court after two Islamic-identifying women in Germany filed legal complaints against their workplaces for interfering with their beliefs. Subsequently, the case was brought in front of the European Court of Justice ruling on the legitimacy of the national legislation.
Spanish Medical Body Fears for the Freedom of Conscience
July 14, 2021, Spain“Unacceptable, illegal, and unjust”, that is how a body representing Spain's medical colleges referred to the threat to conscientious objection on abortion made by the states government minister's. In the sight of the adoption of the Matic report, Spain's Equality Minister Irene Montero declared that “the right of physicians to conscientious objection cannot be above women’s right to decide”. Montero requested the General Council of Official Medical Colleges (GCGOM) to respond to her proposed changes. GCGOM, is the governing body representing 52 local medical colleges, on 12 July, they published a statement defending the right to conscientious objection.
Church Vandalised and Almost Set on Fire in Bollengo
July 14, 2021, ItalyUnknown perpetrators tried to set fire to the Romanesque church of Santissimi Pietro e Paolo in Bollengo. Mayor Luigi Ricca noted that the police "found traces of flammable liquid in the churchyard. The same group then broke one of the road signs indicating the route of the Via Francigena in the area". Since the modus operandi is similar to the case of church vandalism at the San Silvestro church in Chiaverano from June 2021, the police are suspecting the same group to be responsible. However, Mayor Ricca does not think that it is the same group. Investigations are ongoing.
Church in Grüfflingen Desecrated by Vandals
July 13, 2021, BelgiumCurrently unknown perpetrators desecrated a church in Grüfflingen. The incident happened sometime between 13 to 14 July. It had been reported that the culprits desecrated the church walls and the labelling close to the church. The police are investigating.
Desecration of Statue of Virgin Mary in Bayeux
July 13, 2021, FranceDuring the night of 5 to 6 July, currently unknown perpetrators decapitated the statue of the Virgin Mary in Bayeux. The statue is located near the Augustines chapel in Bayeux and had already fallen victim to other acts of vandalism. In 2013 a young man decapitated the statue, while in 2017, the head of the statue was covered in black paint. Although the police managed to recover the head of the statue nearby, the search for the culprit continues.
Historic Relic Stolen from Church in Blaye
July 13, 2021, FranceUnknown perpetrators stole a relic from the church in Blaye. The perpetrators stole a fragment of a rib belonging to Saint Romain, a Gallo-Roman priest who lived in the 4th century, making the rib 1,800 years old. Additionally to the rib, a silver case, containing the rib, has also been taken. The parish and the association for the protection of the church have filed a complaint with the local authorities. They are currently investigating the case.
Man Detained After Desecrating Church in Istanbul
July 12, 2021, TurkeyThe Surp Takavor Armenian Church in Istanbul has been desecrated. A 14-second video appeared on social media showing three men dancing next to a stone cross atop the church's courtyard gate. It is thought to have happened on 10 July, as the video was released on the evening of 11 July. Turkish authorities detained the three suspects on 12 July, while they were in their homes. An investigation is underway.
Church in Białystok Vandalised by Woman
July 12, 2021, PolandA 64- year old woman is the main suspect in the case of vandalism and theft from the Saint Adalbert's Church in Białystok. On CCTV footage the woman is seen tearing off a statue of Jesus Christ from the church wall and throwing it into a waste bin. The incident happened on 12 June right before the morning mass at 6.30 a.m. Parish priest father Jan Wierzbicki noticed the theft after a trace of glue remained on the plastered wall, where statue once hung. The police managed to recover the torn off statue and als caught the culprit. a 64-year old woman. She is now being charged with insulting religious feelings. The reasons for the act of vandalism are still unknown.
Perpetrators Sawed Off the Wooden Cross in the Unnau Forest Church
July 12, 2021, GermanyOn the 7th of December, the several meters high wooden cross of the Waldkirche church was sawn off by unknown people. Pastor Christof Schmidt and the parish were shocked by this act. The Pastor stated "We are very concerned about this. For us, it feels like an attack on our community because we appreciate this place very much and we like to come here often. We don't know whether the perpetrator wanted to position himself against the Protestant Church or our parish or Christianity or perhaps acted thoughtlessly". The case was reported to the police and the Pastor added that the cut did not look very professional, which might give some indication of who did it.
Attempted Arson in Church in Déols
July 11, 2021, FranceUnknown perpetrators are said to have started a fire on 11 June, at the parish church of Saint-Etienne de Déols. The incident must have happened sometime between 3 and 4 p.m. when the church was open to the public. The fire was discovered by visitors to the church, who immediately informed the police and the fire brigade. Little damage was caused thanks to their quick intervention. A special team of investigators are on the case.
Vandalism and Theft at Church in Henstedt-Ulzburg
July 11, 2021, GermanyUnknown perpetrators entered the church in Henstedt-Ulzburg in Segeberg. The incident happened sometime between Sunday (11 July) afternoon and Monday (12 July) morning. Once inside the church, they broke several doors and took every money they could find. The perpetrators caused an estimated damage of 2500 Euros, excluding the stolen money. Police reconstructed the incident, leading them to believe the culprits gained access through a terrace door. The public is asked to forward any information to the local police station in Norderstedt.
Christian MP Jacob Rees-Mogg Attacked on Twitter
July 10, 2021, United KingdomTwitter allowed politician James Dornan to personally attack his Christian colleague MP Jacob Rees-Mogg. After high profile conservative Mr Rees-Mogg tweeted a video about the upcoming Nationality and Borders Bill, Mr Dornan responded stating: "Hope you remember this the next time you go to confession. You and your cronies are already responsible for the deaths of thousands and you're now happy to see the most desperate people in the world suffer and drown. If your god exists you will undoubtedly rot in hell." Consequently, the post was reported to the Standards Commission for Scotland. The conservative party is now asking for an apology.
Sacristy of Saint-Vaast church in Moreuil Vandalised
July 9, 2021, FranceOn 9 July unknown perpetrator(s) vandalised the sacristy of the Saint-Vaast church in Moreuil. The incident must have happened after 7 p.m. A parishioner noticed the damage done to the sacristy the following morning. It has been reported that the perpetrator broke the door to the sacristy courtyard and a window to the sacristy. The incident was reported to the police, who are investigating the case.
Court Rules in Favor of Employee Fired over Deeply Held Believes
July 8, 2021, France14 years after a Christian employee of the French Public Transport company RATP was dismissed for refusing to use the word "I swear" during an oath-taking procedure, a French High Court ruled in the employee's favour. In 2007, the trainee employee had to take an oath, to be allowed to start her new position, in which she had to say "I swear". She refused to use those words since her religious beliefs contradict them. In high court on 7 July 2021, the court ruled that "it is possible to replace the phrase 'I swear' with a solemn undertaking".
Spain about to Adopt New Abortion Law and Abolishing Conscientious Objection Clause for Health Professionals
July 8, 2021, SpainSpains Minister of Equality, Irene Moreno, announced on 8 July that the Spanish government is considering to fully decriminalize abortion and to end medical professional's right to conscientious objection. Morenos announcement came shortly after the European Union adopted the Matic Report, which labels abortion as a fundamental human right. Spain's medical body as well as the President of the Bioethics Committee slammed that idea and called it "unconstitutional", as the right to conscientious objection is "an individual right" to health professionals. Moreno wants to adopt the changes in the last quarter of 2021.
Cathedral in Łódź Vandalised with Red and White Paint
July 7, 2021, PolandThe archcathedral basilica in Łódź was vandalised by an unknown perpetrator, who destroyed the buildings valuable historical door with white paint and the square in front of the church with red hands. CCTV footage reveals the incident happened at around 3 a.m. on 7 July. The police have been informed and are currently looking for one individual, stated police spokeswoman Joanna Kącka.
Catholic Organisations Criticizes Adoption of Matic-Report by European Parliament
July 6, 2021, ItalyCatholic groups all over Europe joined together on defending religious freedom. In a joint statement, 14 organisations criticised the adoption of the Matic Report by the European Parliament. The Report formally labelled "Report on the situation of sexual and reproductive health and rights in the EU, in the frame of women’s health", just made abortion a "human right", declared conscientious objection as a "denial of medical care" and undermines Parent's Rights. The Holy See and Bishops all over Europe are deeply saddened by this outcome.
Update: Church Singing Ban in the UK to be lifted
July 5, 2021, United KingdomInitially, the singing ban in churches throughout England was expected to be lifted in June. Especially because choirs, professional singers and singing in bars and pubs have at that point been allowed to take place. Then on June 15, the English government extended the restrictions for churches only, which are set to come to an end on 19 July. Secretary of health Mr Sajid Javid announced that all restrictions would be eased off stating: "There will be no limits on the number of people who can attend life events like weddings and funerals and there will be no restrictions on communal worship or singing." Prime Minister (PM) Boris Johnson also stated that the usage of masks would become voluntary.
Vandalism at Cemetery in Comblanchien
July 5, 2021, FranceUnknown perpetrators damaged several graves at the cemetery in Comblanchien, France. It is unclear when the act occurred. However, it was reported to the police on 24 June. The culprits have broken some headstones and have torn off, removed or moved flowers and plants. Mayor Didier Toubin has discovered the desecration. A complaint has been lodged. Police are investigating.
UK Schools Potentially Facing Fine for Breach of Free Speech
July 4, 2021, United KingdomFollowing the case of Rev Dr Bernard Randall vs. Trent College, Tory MPs are now seeking to add schools to a programme, which would penalize schools for favouring 'woke over free speech'. In the eye of the 'woke' and 'cancel culture' movements, the government is set to protect free speech and open debate in academia. PM Boris Johnson declared the government's commitment to protect free speech and open debate in academia in May, during the Queen's Speech programme. Similar cases to the one of Rev Dr Randall are supposed to be included in the debate. A vote on the sanctions is expected later this month.