All cases
Fire Set to Catholic Church in Barcelona
March 23, 2011, SpainDuring the night of March 22th, early morning of March 23th, 2011, a group of radical feminists started a fire at the doors of San Vicenç Church, in the Sarriá neighbourhood, in Barcelona. According to the priest Manuel Valls this was the fifth attack against the church in the last three years.
Non-Muslim Religious Communities in Turkey Face Obstacles in Using Places of Worship
March 20, 2011, TurkeyNon-Muslim religious communities living in Turkey report difficulties opening, maintaining, and operating houses of worship. These groups may not build new churches because of the often arbitrary refusals to issue construction permits for places of worship. The reason behind this discriminatory behaviour is the fact that all unofficial meetings for religious minorities are considered potentially subversive.
More Than 50 Graves Desecrated in Séjalan
March 19, 2011, FranceMore than fifty graves have been vandalized: funeral ornaments, flower pots and crucifix have been broken. Windows were damaged and tagged with the satanic number «666».
(Italy) European Court of Human Rights' Ban on Crucifixes in Public Schools Overturned
March 18, 2011, European Institutions (EU, ECHR, et.al.)The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) had ruled on November 3rd, 2009, that the display of crucifixes in public schools restricted religious freedom. "The compulsory display of a symbol of a given confession in premises used by the public authorities ... restricted the right of parents to educate their children in conformity with their convictions." The judgment was overturned on March 18th, 2011.
Italian School Rejects Cardinal’s Visit
March 17, 2011, ItalyAn Italian school from Genova, Pertini-Diaz, rejected Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco’s visit. The spokesperson for Pertini-Diaz expressed concerns about the pastoral purpose of the visit, and the security staff that the cardinal would bring along with him. The Pertini-Diaz school would however welcome a non-pastoral visit.
Vandalism in Madrid Church
March 15, 2011, SpainThe Ascensión del Señor Church, located in the Madrid suburb of Carabanchel, a working class neighborhood, has suffered the loss of their most precious sacred items, the chalice with the Eucharist and the Holy Oils. The Church, build 60 years ago in a poor vicinity, has no item of value, and "the burglars knew about it", affirms Francisco Pérez, the church Pastor. Fr. Perez adds: "They only took the most precious treasure for our community, the body of Christ".
University Chapel Desecration at Complutense University in Madrid
March 11, 2011, SpainOn March 11, 2011, Paula Nieto, the President of the Students Union at the Complutense University in Madrid, reported incidents at the Moncloa campus law school chapel in a radio interview. According to Nieto, several students locked themselves in the chapel, smoked weed and drank beer, while making statements against the Catholic Church. Nieto argues the attacks come from an ultra-left student group named Contrapoder.
Desecration of University Chapel
March 10, 2011, SpainAt Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM) a group of 50 young people stormed the chapel of the Somosaguas university campus to protest against the Catholic Church.
Way of the Cross Vandalised in Castilla y Léon
March 10, 2011, FranceThe way of the Cross of the calvary of Bercianos de Aliste in the diocese of Zamora (Spain) was vandalised. Three ancient granite crosses were highly damaged. Father Lorenzo Martin, parish priest of San Mamed was shocked and filed a complaint.
Pharmacy Does Not Sell “Morning-After-Pill” - Windows Shattered
March 8, 2011, GermanyThe windows of a pharmacy in Berlin’s Neukölln district were shattered because the owner does not sell the so called “morning-after-pill” due to his catholic convictions.
Attempt to Silence Catholic Teacher
March 7, 2011, CroatiaCatholic catechism teacher of a Zagreb primary school was accused of homophobia for staying in line with the Catholic Church teachings during catechism classes.
Government Requires Foster Parents to Affirm Homosexuality Rules UK High Court
February 28, 2011, United KingdomExperienced foster parents lose rights to foster due to religious beliefs on homosexuality. Appeal to High Court lost.
Trespassing and Thefts in Tarcin
February 28, 2011, Bosnia and HerzegovinaOn February 28th, 2011, an unknown number of people broke in the parish house of Tarcin and stole various objects.
Christian Grave Vandalised in Montecastello
February 28, 2011, ItalyA marble grave stone was destroyed and the tomb opened.
Intolerance Against Christians in Serbia from 2008 to 2011: List of Incidents
February 28, 2011, SerbiaReport on Religious Freedom Issues in Serbia: Read here a list of incidents of intolerance against Christians from November 2008 to February 2011.
Tabernacle and Holy Communion Stolen in Moral de Hornuez
February 27, 2011, SpainMedia reports that the tabernacle containing the Holy Communion was stolen from San Cristóbal Parish in Moral de Hornuez (Segovia).
"Get Bishops Out Of Our Law-Making" Demands Journalist
February 25, 2011, United KingdomUnder the headline: “Get bishops out of our law-making”, journalist Mr. Hari hit out at the bishops for voting against measures within the highly controversial Equality Bill and for their stance on end-of-life issues.
Reporter Calls Church Homophobic Talking About the European Soccer Championship
February 23, 2011, PolandHomosexual Polish soccer fans are demanding that a separate seating section be created at the 2012 European Soccer Championship in Poland; they claim that gays and lesbians might otherwise be subjected to harassment and violence. Associated Press Sports Editor, Ms. Terry Taylor, reported about this plea with the following comment: "Homophobia also remains deeply embedded in Poland because of the legacy of communism which treated homosexuality as a taboo and the teachings of the church in the predominantly Roman Catholic country."
Christian Property Damaged in Sarajevo
February 23, 2011, Bosnia and HerzegovinaOn February 23rd, 2011 it was reported that someone had broken into a Christian parish house of Sarajevo and stolen property. A few days later, on February 28th, the same facts occurred in a Christian monastery of Sarajevo.
Thefts in Sarajevo’s Cathedral
February 23, 2011, Bosnia and HerzegovinaAn unknown number of people broke in the Cathedral of Sarajevo, stole various objects and damaged the interior of the Christian place of worship.