All cases

More Than 25% of Students in the UK 'Self-Censor' Their Opinions

November 21, 2020, United Kingdom

According to a new survey more than a quarter of students in the UK, 'self-censor' their opinions. They are afraid that their views will collide with the values promoted by the university. 40 percent do not express their opinion because they fear it could ruin their careers. Another sign of a free speech crisis is that 27 percent of students have stated they actively 'hidden' their opinions and further 40 percent restrained their views on ethical or religious affairs. The survey - conducted by Survation on behalf of ADF International, a faith-based legal advocacy organization - discovered that 36 percent, which is more than a third of students have legal opinions which would be considered as unacceptable by their student union. Free speech campaigners linked the dynamics on some campuses to 'Moist re-education campus', which are dominated by 'woke 'orthodoxy' and only the most liberal and Left-wing views are tolerated.

Vandals Smeared Facade of St. Jan Kanty Church in Warsaw

November 15, 2020, Poland

On November 15th the St. Jan Kanty church in Warsaw was smeared with accusations and the lightning symbol. The symbol is known as the sing of the women's strike. The parish was target by activists connected to the women's strike group before. After attempts of breaking into the church during holy mass, the parishioners took action themselves and hired a security guard.

New Norwegian Hate Speech Law Can Prosecute People for Remarks about LGBTQ made in Private Sphere

November 10, 2020, Norway

On the 10th of November, the Parliament of Norway has extended the hate-speech law to transgender and bisexual people, or generally "sexual orientation". People that are found guilty of hate speech could face up to one year in jail for private remarks and up to three years for public comments. This law could be conflicting with the freedom of speech for Christians, who preach the teachings of the bible.

Christian Councillor Removed for Refusing Funds For Pride Event Was Vindicated

November 10, 2020, United Kingdom

Mary Douglas, a Christian councillor at Wiltshire, was forced to step down from her role in November 2019, as she expressed her disapproval of the use of public funds to promote the "gay pride" event, as she did not agree with this "ideology and worldview". Accused of homophobia, she had to leave her role, but after an investigation the Wiltshire Council reversed the decision. The council admitted that her removal was an infringement of her "right to freedom of expression".

French Bishops Appeal to Lift Ban On Churches During 2nd Lockdown

November 3, 2020, France

The second Lockdown in France restricts people to only leave their homes for essential work or medical reasons. Schools and churches remain open but masses are not allowed to take place after the 1st of November. A group of Bishops and several other religious movements have appealed to the Council of State for the allowance of communal services of 90 minutes. This appeal was rejected on the 7th of November, but Vincent Neymon, President of the French Bishop's Conference will continue to seek an agreement.

New Covid-19 Lockdown Regulations for Churches in Europe and Religious Freedom

November 1, 2020, International

In response to the rising number of Covid-19 infections, most European countries have started to announce a new lockdown entering into force in November. The new measures led to a continuing of the discussion about the relevance of the church and the understanding of Freedom of Religion in various countries. After the first lockdown, a number of courts were held discussing the matter of Freedom of Religion, which is reflected in the diversity of new approaches amon European states. France, Belgium, Great Britain and Ireland have banned the celebration of masses, which has stirred up criticism from the churches, demanding proof of the necessity for these measures. Austria, Germany and Spain, as other countries like Poland, did not declare a stop of religious services, arguing that religious freedom is among the essential freedoms to be protected in a liberal democratic society. In these countries the criticism mostly comes from secular societies, claiming that religion is a private issue and should not be given priority over cultural or leisure activities. In Italy the allowance of masses depends on the cities, other European countries allow services although with very strong restrictions.

Christian Leaders Seek Hearing For Freedom of Religion Following Lockdown's Ban on Churches

November 1, 2020, United Kingdom

In the UK, a new lockdown was declared, which closes bars, restaurants and non-essential retail businesses. Churches are also ordered to cease gatherings and worship services. Leaders from different churches signed a pre-action letter to the government to take back the ban on worship services. As the government didn't respond, they now have launched a legal challenge led by Pastor Ade Omooba MBE and with support of the Christian Legal Center.

Christian Leaders Protest Against New Lockdown Regulations Closing Churches

October 23, 2020, United Kingdom

The First Minister of Walse, Mark Drakeford announced a new lockdown from the 23rd of October to the 9th of November, which includes the closing of churches. Christian leaders have raised their voice against the regulations made by the Welsh Government. The Christian leaders argue that the regulations are severely interfering with the rights to freedom of thought, conscience, religion and worship, which are protected under Article 9 of the Human Rights Act.

Wave of Attacks Against Churches in Poland by Feminist Group's After New Abortion Law Was Passed

October 22, 2020, Poland

On October 22nd, the polish Constitutional Tribunal decided that eugenic abortion is unconstitutional. This led to an outrage of the left-wing feminist organization "Women's Strike". among others, which started attacking churches across Poland and interrupting church services. The activists vandalized the facades of many religious buildings by tagging them with vulgar or insulting slogans. Among the attacked churches were the St. Magda Magdalena in Warsaw and the parish church St. Jakub in Warsaw, the St. Vincent de Paul church in Otwock and other Shrines and buildings. The police is investigating.

Bill Threatening Freedom of Speech and Religion Passes First Reading in the UK

October 19, 2020, United Kingdom

A new Bill is being passed rapidly in the United Kingdom, which would require extensive discussion on its moral standards. The Covert Human Intelligence Bill was presented on September 2020, and has already passed the first reading in the House of Lords (19.10.2020). It's regulations for the authorization of criminal activity for public bodies, like the police, to "prevent disorder" presents a threat to freedoms of speech and religion. The line is already very thin between "hate crimes" and "hate incidents" and the new Bill could give space to a targeted surveillance and use of executive power against Christians.

Christian Posters With Bible Verses Outside a Church Torn Off Several Times

October 15, 2020, Switzerland

On the 15th of October, it was reported that the two posters outside the Catholic Church at the Kreuzstrasse in Uster were torn off repeatedly. In the posters reads "God is faithful", "Pay attention to your thoughts" and "Avoiding evil is insight", which are taken from the bible. The campaign is run by an interdenominational Christian association.

Mayor Prevented the Blessing of a School Bus

October 14, 2020, Italy

In the Municipality of Bibiana, the mayor, Fabio Rossetto, prevented the parish priest of the village to bless a new school bus. He said that the vehicle is ‘secular’ and therefore, does not need the consecration. This issue has raised controversy in the town of Turin.

Government Announced Ban on Conversion Therapies

October 14, 2020, France

As requested by associations for the protection of LGBT groups, the government sought to ban conversion therapies. This has been included in the bill on separatism. Several deputies, including Laurence Vanceunebrock-Mialon, claim that conversion therapies are ‘dangerous’ religious practices.

Court Denied Asylum to Converted Refugees and Increased Risk of Deportation

September 30, 2020, Germany

In Germany, the asylum for refugees converted to Christianity has diminished significantly in the last years, according to the Organization Open Doors. The cases vary depending on the federal state and court. In the province of Bayern, the parishes have increasing problems with the state institutions regarding converted. The Administrative Court denies the refugees their decision of their faith being genuine and reject their asylum application. These Christians could face severe sentences including the death sentence for converting to Christianity if they are deported.

Sacred Silver Objects Stolen from St. Clemens Church in Grevenbroich

September 24, 2020, Germany

During the night of September 24 to 25, unknown perpetrators broke into the sacristy, forced open a tabernacle and stole the 100 year-old silver objects which had been used for baptisms for decades. The community published pictures, hoping that the meaningful objects would be found. This had been the third break-in since June.

Deportation of Convert Refugee Threatened with Death Penalty in Afghanistan

September 22, 2020, Germany

Naser R. is a refugee who converted to Christianity and threatened with death penalty in Afghanistan because of his conversion. He has been living in Hof since 2016 and visited St. Michael Church. He got baptized in the Church and since then, he became a member of the community. The young man is to be deported to Afghanistan, where he would face the death penalty. The Dean Günter Saalfrank and the honorary refugee commissioner of the Deanery of Hof wants to take action.

Increased Number of Thefts, Vandalism and Desecrations Leads to Closure of More Churches

September 18, 2020, France

On the occasion of the Heritage Days which took place from 19 to 20 September in Paris, RCF radio in France points out that the increase in theft, vandalism and desecration of churches in France prompts more and more priests to close their churches outside of services. For several months the churches have been attacked through theft of liturgical utensils, relics, desecration and even arson. In 2019, there were more than 1052 incidents registered, including 996 acts of vandalism or graffiti and 56 threats against persons.

Amsterdam Mayor Accused Hillsong Church of Intolerance against Homosexuals

September 18, 2020, Netherlands

Amsterdam mayor Femke Halsema linked the activities of the Hillsong Church with an increasing violence against gays during a council meeting in September and associated them with the promotion of gay healing and conversion therapy. To take action against the church's alleged intolerance, she announced her intention to approach the landlord of the Hillsong Church building. Both Hillsong Church and Christian parties in the council expressed their surprise and disappointment at the unfounded claims.

Christian Restaurant Owner Accused of Incitement for Displaying Bible Verses about Homosexuality

September 15, 2020, Germany

The prosecuting attorney's office in Berlin instituted preliminary proceedings against Park Young-Ai, a 71 year-old Christian who owns a Korean restaurant in the Berlin district Schöneberg. She was accused of incitement for displaying a bible verse critical of homosexuality in the window of her restaurant "Ixthys". She was subject to a house search and has been called to a hearing.

Repetitive Degradation of the Church of Saint Joseph de Audierne

August 10, 2020, France

On the 10th of August during the night, the Church of Saint Joseph de Audierne was degraded. It is written on the board message on the door that the church will be remain closed due to repetitive vandalism.