All cases
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.
"God is Dead" Painted on Landerneau Church
November 19, 2017, FranceDuring the night, vandals sprayed "God is Dead -- Nietzsche" and an inverted cross on the outside of the church of Saint-Houardon in Landerneau.
Spanish Nuns Fined for Restoring Church Organ
November 18, 2017, SpainThe Andalusian government fined a convent of Spanish nuns 170,000 euros for having a priceless church organ repaired without the state's permission. After public outcry, the fine was reduced to 1,1710 euros on December 19, 2017.
Pro-ISIS Group Circulated Image of Beheaded Pope on Poster Called "Christmas Blood"
November 17, 2017, OtherThe pro-ISIS Wafa Media Foundation released a propaganda poster with an image depicting a jihadist standing over the torso of a prisoner in an orange jumpsuit while holding the head of the Pope. Written next to the Pope's head is "Jorge Mario Bergoglio."
ISIS Propaganda Called for Christmas Attack on Vatican
November 16, 2017, OtherDuring the week of November 16th, the pro-IS group Wafa Media Foundation released a propaganda poster depicting a jihadist armed with a rifle driving into St. Peter's Basilica in Rome with a written message warning of a Christmas attack.
Men Entered Convent Demanding Nuns Convert to Islam
November 10, 2017, FranceOn November 10th, two men rang the doorbell of the Carmelite convent of Verdum and asked to "discuss religion" and to tell them how Islam corrects the distortions of Christianity. During Vespers, the men prayed aloud in Arabic and told the nuns if they did not convert to Islam, they would "go to hell."
Art Stolen from Saint-Jacques Church in Dieppe
November 7, 2017, FranceEight works of art were stolen from the St. Jacques Church in Dieppe during the night between the 6th and 7th of November.