All cases
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.
"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.
Church Vandalized in Brittany
November 6, 2017, FranceThe Saint-Ouen parish church of Plouay was vandalized on November 6, 2018. The central altar stone was moved and and arm was broken off the statue of the Madonna and child and stolen.
Fifth Summit Cross Destroyed in Bavarian Mountains
November 5, 2017, GermanyThe 4-meter-high wooden summit cross on the Kotzen in the Karwendel mountians was vandalized during the weekend of November 5th. Police opened an investigation to determine if the series of incidents were committed by the same person.
Church Crosses Removed from Event Logo; Replaced after Complaints
November 4, 2017, RomaniaThe event logo for "Upgrade My City" in Timisoura, Romania depicted a skyline with church buildings, but with the crosses atop the steeples removed. After complaints, the crosses reappeared on the logos with an apology.
Church Devastated by Vandalism in Bremen-Lesum
October 29, 2017, GermanyUnknown perpetrators caused half a million euros in damage when they vandalized the St. Martini Church by filling two organs with construction foam, emptying a fire extinguisher, and pouring red acrylic paint on the floor in front of the altar and baptismal font.
Statue of the Virgin Mary Vandalized in Noyelles-lès-Seclin
October 28, 2017, FranceThe statue of Notre-Dame-de-Fatima was splashed with used oil during the night of October 27th to 28th. Adolescents confessed to the incident.
Graffiti on Church
October 28, 2017, FranceThe church of L'Ardoise was vandalized with anti-police graffiti by unknown perpetrators. The mayor condemned the act, calling it disrespectful and filed a complaint with the public prosecutor.
Court Rules Student can be Expelled for Quoting Bible on Facebook
October 27, 2017, United KingdomOn October 27, Felix Ngole, a Christian student who was expelled from university after posting on Facebook his support of Biblical teaching on marriage and sexual ethics, lost his case in a judicial review of the university’s decision.
Catholic Pro-Life Student Union President Ousted
October 27, 2017, IrelandStudents Union at University College Dublin, a university founded by Blessed John Henry Newman, voted to remove Katie Ascough, the Catholic pro-life president of their student union. This vote came after Ascough, on legal advice, stopped the Union from publishing information about the cost of abortion and information relating to abortion pills.
Christian Graves Vandalized in Arthon-en-Retz
October 27, 2017, FranceTwo teenagers were arrested for vandalizing at least a dozen graves in the cemetery in Arthon-en-Retz on October 27th. Flowerpots, vases, and crucifixes were broken, and at least one crucifix was planted upside-down in the ground.
Galway: Church Interior Found Devastated
October 26, 2017, IrelandOn the 26th of October, the Holy Trinity Church on Errislannan peninsula in Galway was completely desecrated by vandalism.