All cases
Abortion Supporters Disturb Church Service and Cause Turmoil
May 30, 2008, SpainA group of women gathered in front of Santa María del Pi Church in Barcelona for a pro-choice manifestation. Five of them entered the Church, interrupted the service, and in front of the mass attendees chained themselves to one of the church altars for "free and unrestricted abortions".
Formal Complaint for Government Participation in Catholic Funeral of Former President
May 20, 2008, SpainRepresentatives of the United Left (Izquierda Unida Republicana) of Asturias released a public announcement where they condemned the participation of civil servants in the funeral in Madrid by „not being able to distinguish public functions from private life.“ They requested that a laity protocol be applied in the future.
Atheist Complaint Against Catholic Service Announcements at Barajas Airport
May 20, 2008, SpainThe International Atheist Federation complained to President Rodriguez Zapatero requesting the immediate ending of the announcement of Roman Catholic services at Barajas airport, in Madrid.
Education Minister's Coming Guidelines May Ban Students from Wearing Crucifixes
May 16, 2008, IrelandEducation Minister Caitriona Ruane, a member of the Sinn Fein Party, is importing school uniform policies from London which led to schools being able to ban students from wearing crucifixes and Sikh religious bangles.
Catholic Bishop Before Parliament for Insisting on Crucifixes in Every Classroom and Truly Catholic Sex-Ed
March 14, 2008, United KingdomThe Catholic Bishop of Lancaster UK today gave a spirited response to accusations by secularist MPs in a Commons Committee who accused him of trying to establish religious "fundamentalism" in his schools. Bishop Patrick O'Donoghue told the Committee that schools in his diocese should see it as their prime duty to teach the Catholic faith and to evangelise and that this constituted neither "proselytism" nor "fundamentalism".
Police Tell Christians: "You can’t Preach here, this is a Muslim Area"
February 28, 2008, United KingdomA police community support officer (PCSO) told two church workers in Birmingham, “You can’t preach here, this is a Muslim area”. The incident happened as Arthur Cunningham and Joseph Abraham handed out Christian tracts on Alum Rock Road.
Anglican Bishop Fined £47,345 and Sent to "Re-Education" in Gay Employment Case
February 12, 2008, United KingdomThe Anglican bishop of Hereford has been ordered by a court to undergo "equal opportunities training" and pay a fine of £47,345.00, the equivalent of about Euro 63,540.00, for refusing to hire an active homosexual for a position of trust with young people. The ruling also stated that Hereford diocese staff "involved in recruitment should receive equal opportunities training". "The respondents discriminated against the claimant on the grounds of sexual orientation," said the ruling from the Cardiff Employment Tribunal.
Priest Given Suspended Sentence for Loud Bell
January 11, 2008, GreeceA Greek Orthodox priest was given a suspended 70-day sentence after residents complained he rang his church bell too loudly and too often.
Religious Activity Under Requirement of Government Permit Limits Small Christian Communities
November 18, 2007, SpainThe Parliament of Catalonia has passed a new law that increases the power of the government over religious organizations. Catholic and Evangelical churches, among others, have raised some concerns about the role of the state regulating activities that belong, originally, to religious organization. Under the new law, and from now on, a permit issued by the local City Hall is needed to carry out any religious activity, and the permit could be denied for security and health issues.
Law Upheld which Interferes with Church Affairs
November 14, 2007, Czech RepublicThe Czech Constitutional Court dismissed the proposal by a group of senators to abolish a controversial amendment to the church law that churches say limits their rights.
Catholic Airport Worker Suspended for Displaying a Picture of Jesus
October 10, 2007, United KingdomManchester, England - A Catholic airport worker was suspended for displaying an image of Jesus on a staff room wall after a Muslim colleague made a complaint against him.
Christian Foster Parents Forced to Retire From Fostering Children
October 10, 2007, United KingdomA Christian couple was being forced to retire from fostering needy children on conscientious grounds after the local council imposed rules requiring them to discuss homosexuality with the children.
Students of non-Islamic religions discriminated against in Turkey
October 1, 2007, TurkeyThe European Court for Human Rights requested Turkey to bring its education system and domestic legislation into line with Article 2 of Protocol 1 to the ECHR. What triggered this decision was the discovery that religious culture and ethics classes, mandatory in primary and secondary schools, provided exclusively specific instruction in the guiding principles of the Muslim faith and its rites.
Police Investigate Leaflet Advertising Church’s Easter Services
June 22, 2007, United KingdomChurch worker Julian Hurst, was handing out invitations for his church's Easter service. Police seized the literature after complaint by homosexual man that church should not be allowed to advertise.
Catholic Church Forced to Withdraw from Adoption
April 1, 2007, United KingdomNew gay rights law forces the Catholic Church to pull out of offering adoption services in the UK.
Regulations Barring Religious Schools from Teaching against Homosexuality
March 22, 2007, United KingdomRegulations Barring Religious Schools from Teaching Against Homosexuality Approved Sexual Orientation Regulations Pass House of Lords. Concerned Christians prayed outside of the Houses of Parliament.
Religion Teacher Mobbed At Madrid High School
January 26, 2007, SpainFernando Perez Crespo, teacher of religion at Carlos III High School, filed a formal complaint for mobbing. For the last four years, the schedule for his class had not been respected by the school authorities, parents who had requested religious instruction discovered that their children had been enrolled in other courses instead of Perez Crespo's religion class. At times Mr. Perez Crespo was compelled to use the school bathrooms or the smoking room to for teaching.
Girl Banned From Wearing Cross at School
January 10, 2007, United KingdomA British schoolgirl has been barred from wearing a crucifix necklace in class, the Daily Mail reported.
Christian Prayers Replaced By Quiet Moment
January 1, 2007, United KingdomTotnes Town Council replaced Christian prayers at the start of its meeting with a moment of silence.
Catholic School Vandalized in Pozuelo de Alarcon
October 31, 2006, SpainThe Catholic School Monte Tabor was vandalized just a few days before its inauguration in September 2006. Early in the morning, wearing gloves, four youths broke into the school and caused significant damage to the establishment, estimated in the amount of 20,000 Euro. Doors, windows, desks, and chairs were destroyed, and the walls painted with anti-Catholic expressions, as well as attacks to the PP, the PSOE political opponents.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Government Officials Threat to Boycott Spanish Budget to Defund Catholic Church
January 16, 2006, SpainMembers of the socialist party said that they would vote against the National Spanish Budget as long as the government continues the provision of funds to the Catholic Church. During an interview broadcast by the media Ser, MP Victorino Mayoral, a socialist representative, claimed that the Catholic Church funding is "dubious, not to mention unconstitutional". Mayoral says that the secular government of Spain cannot afford the funding of a religious organizations that "revives Franco's times“.
MSP Patrick Harvie Reports Archbishop to the Police for Defending Marriage
January 13, 2006, United KingdomMember of the Scottish Parliament asked Strathclyde Police to investigate remarks made by the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Glasgow. The Archbishop had defended the institution of marriage in a church service.
Religious Persecution Through Bureaucratic Obstacles
January 1, 2006, Russia(ongoing) Visa difficulties for religious personel; police failure to protect the faithful; administrational obstacles prevent religious services.
Several Cases of Discrimination of and Violence against Christians
January 1, 2006, Turkey(2000-2006) Several instances recorded. Christians faced violence including murders, threats, vandalisations and administrational difficulties.
Catholic Church Targeted by Government Representatives
July 18, 2005, SpainThe 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".
Spanish Officer Considers Catholic Teaching on Sexuality a Case of "Bad Education"
June 30, 2005, SpainThe official speaker for the PSOE on issues related to Education, Adolfo Navarro, has requested the intervention of the Education Council to reprimand another case of "bad education". The complaint submitted by Navarro refers to some material facilitated by the Ethics Professor of two students from Colegio de Jesus who requested it. The material contains traditional Catholic teachings on sexuality. Navarro says the material "only promotes homophobia and ignorance".
Calvinist University Sued for Dismissing Student Involved in Homosexual Promotion
June 15, 2005, HungaryKaroli Gaspar Calvinist University in Budapest was sued by the Hatter Support Group for Gays and Lesbians after the University had dismissed a student who was involved in promotion of homosexuality. The university declared that the religious school cannot let, conduct and promote homosexuality, because it is against its morals, beliefs and the way of teaching.
Notre Dame Cathedral Seized, Priest Hurt, Gay Mock Wedding Performed
June 5, 2005, FranceOn Sunday June 5th, priest Monsignor Patrick Jacquin was hurt in Notre Dame Cathedral when about twenty members of the association ‘Act Up’ burst into the cathedral, defying the security personnel, in order to perform a mock marriage of two lesbians.
Spanish Officer Calls the Catholic Church a "Public Enemy"
January 30, 2005, SpainThe former Spanish ambassador to the Holy See, Gonzalo Puente Ojea, affirmed that the Catholic Church is a public enemy nowadays. In the view of Puente Ojea, the Church is used to a privilege treatment and its bellicose tone towards the Spanish government is part of a power game.
Member of Parliament Sued for "Homophobic Insults"
January 26, 2005, FranceFrench member of parliament, Christian Vanneste, sentenced to payments for "homophobic insults"; three years later acquitted by last juridical instance.
Staff Sacked after Refusing Sunday Work
February 1, 2004, United KingdomStaff sacked after refusing Sunday work.
Christian Groups Listed as "Dangerous Sects"
January 1, 2004, France(1996 - 2005) Legal developments put religious freedom at risk. Christian groups listed as dangerous sects. State power to interfere with religious exercise established by law.
Pastor Charged for Preaching on Homosexuality
June 20, 2003, SwedenPastor Ake Green charged with committing a "hate crime" for preaching a sermon on homosexuality in Borghold.
Law Criminalizes Elements of Christianity
December 31, 2002, SwedenNew law prohibits criticism of homosexuality and makes biblical applications to today a criminal offence.
Preacher Arrested For Public Order Offence
April 1, 2002, United Kingdom(October 2001-April 2002) Evangelical preacher arrested and fined for displaying a sign in public saying ‘Stop Immorality’.
Conscientious Objection Denied
January 1, 1996, United Kingdom(1995/1996) Several instances have been collected in which staff were denied the right to conscientious objection and lost their jobs.
Church of Ayios Procopios, Cyprus Desecrated after the 1974 Turkish Occupation
July 1, 1974, CyprusAyios Procopios, a Byzantine church of the 11th or 12th century situated in the village of Synkrasi, in the Famagusta district, in the Republic of Cyprus, was desecrated after the military had occupied the region by force. The iconostasis was destroyed and the portable icons were stolen. The church is today a refuge for birds.
Wall-Paintings at Antifonitis Monastery in Cyprus Destroyed
July 1, 1974, CyprusAntifonitis Monastery, a Byzantine monastery, built at the end of the 12th century, was destroyed as a consequence of the Turkish invasion. The heads of the two Archangels in the apse of the church were ruined. Turkish illicit dealers in antiquities cut into pieces and removed from the walls the representations of the Day of Judgment and the Stem of Jesse, vandalising a large part of them.
UK Government Laywers Tell Christians: Leave Faith at Home or Find a New Job!”
January 1, 1970, European Institutions (EU, ECHR, et.al.)Government lawyers have told the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) that Christians should “leave their religious beliefs at home or move to another job” when faced with a clash between the requirements of their faith and their employment.