All cases
Blasphemous Theater Play “La Revelación” Performed in Different Spanish Theaters
September 30, 2006, SpainStage play “The Revelation” of author Leo Bassi ridicules the Christian faith, by portraying God as illogical and blood thirsty, believers as cruel, and the Church as power hungry.
Catholic Church Targeted by Government Representatives
September 18, 2006, SpainIn July 2005 the Spanish Socialist Youth political wing (JSE) has requested the government to appoint a commission to review the agreements between Spain and the Holy See. The JSE General Secretary and speaker, Herick Campos, emphasized the need to put the Catholic Church "in its place, without any privileges because the Catholic hierarchy has abused of its condition of majority to influence government affairs, specially in issues related to education and finance". This was supported by government leaders in 2006.
Paint Bomb Attack on Pope’s Birthplace
September 10, 2006, GermanyOne day before the visit of Pope Benedict XVI. in his hometown Marktl (Bavaria), unknown perpetrators threw two paint bombs unto the front of his birthplace at about 5 o’clock in the morning. The building had just been completely renovated. After the attack, the lower part of the facade had to be completely redone. The perpetrators were not found.
Birth Place of Pope Benedict XVI Vandalized
September 10, 2006, GermanyOn Sept 10th, unknown perperators vandalized the birth place of Josef Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict XVI, in Marktl in Germany, by throwing colour on the newly restaurated front walls.
Christian Arrested for Distributing Bible Quotes
September 1, 2006, United KingdomStephen Green, 55, national director of the evangelical organization Christian Voice, Christian Arrested for Distributing Bible Quotes Opposing Homosexuality in South Wales, UK.
Parish Vandalized in Valencia
August 31, 2006, SpainThe parish Asunción de Nuestra Señora, located in the Benimaclet neighborhood of Valencia, was vandalized and the walls painted with anti-Christian messages and images. The parish priest Juan Luis Orquín pointed out that anarchists and gays group have been attacking the Church on regular basis. The priest added that local authorities have not taken any measure to reduce the harassment and the threat to the church. The local newspaper El Levante reported that before the arrival of Benedict XVI to Valencia, a fire was started at the parish doors and the damage caused is still visible.
Anti-Christian Parade and Art Exhibit During Catholic World Family Forum in Valencia
June 30, 2006, SpainOn June 24th a LGBT parade targeted Valencia Cathedral where a priestly ordination mass was taking place. Protesters, holding anti-Christian signs and dressed in profane attire, were joined by the Secretary of Social Affairs, Pedro Zerolo. During the same days, an art exhibit was hosted at the University of Valencia. In order to mock the Catholic Church and sacred art, icons were used for profane images.
Fire-raising on Catholic School and Chapel
June 23, 2006, FranceFire-raising on Catholic School and Chapel in Montpellier, France.
Christian Symbol Forbidden to Students
June 1, 2006, United KingdomStudents Barred From Wearing Christian Chastity Symbol in Millais School, West Sussex; UK.
High-Ranking Politician Disregards Agreement with the Vatican
May 31, 2006, SpainThe Secretary of the State Department of Communications, Fernando Moraleda, declared that the Government will "not pay more attention to the catechism than to the [official] program". Moraleda´s statement came right after the Pope Benedict XVI requested the teaching of religion in the schools be conducted in similar conditions to other subjects and as it has been agreed to in an international treaty signed by Spain and the Vatican. These agreements are mandatory law for Spain. "The Government has a program and it cannot pay attention to the catechism", Moraleda added.
Crucifixes and Religious Symbols Removed from San Juan de la Cruz School in Jaen
May 31, 2006, SpainAfter 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.
Anti-Christian Controversy About a Catholic Becoming Equality Minister
May 9, 2006, United KingdomRuth Kelly, a devout Roman Catholic was made Minister for Women and Equality. Gay rights campaigners reacted with disbelief and stirred up a worrying debate whether a Catholic was fit for such a government position.
Anti-abortion Campaigner Jailed
May 1, 2006, United KingdomAnti-abortion campaigner jailed for sending abortion photo and video to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn, Norfolk, UK. He was subsequently denied urgently needed hip treatment.
(MTV) Cartoon Demeans Vatican
May 1, 2006, InternationalMTV Cartoon Series Popetown demeans and ridicules Vatican.
Christian Church Leader Imprisoned for Organizing Bible Study
March 30, 2006, BelarusSergei Shavtsov was arrested and jailed for 10 days for organizing a meeting on Christian history and Bible issues without an official permit.
Christian Couple Interrogated on Their Christian Convictions
March 19, 2006, United KingdomThe retired couple Joe and Helen Roberts were interrogated by police officers after they complained about their local council's gay rights policy on the grounds of their Christian belief that homosexual practices are morally wrong.
Painting Ridicules Catholic Solemn Service In Saint-Armand-Montrond
March 16, 2006, FranceA 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.
Woman Beaten Up - Accused of ‘Christianizing’ Muslim Girl
March 8, 2006, TurkeyA Muslim woman was attacked and beaten in her shop. The attacker accused the woman of “Christianizing” his daughter. The perpetrator was arrested and was tried on charges of willful infliction of injury. He was punished with a fine.
War Memorial Cross Removed
March 1, 2006, NetherlandsWar 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.
Christian TV-Spot Forbidden
March 1, 2006, SwitzerlandChristian media agency CAT is forbidden to show a TV-Spot for advertising their magazine, Baden, Switzerland