Christian Observatory reports on intolerance and discrimination
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Christian Observatory reports on intolerance and discrimination

Another presentation made at the monthly meeting of the UK Freedom of Religion or Belief Forum (25th June) was presented by Anja Hoffmann, MA, Executive Director of OIDAC Europe.  The report, “Monitoring Intolerance and Discrimination against Christians: Growing Challenges to Religious Freedom in Europe” covers European i

Responses to new French law on “fight against sectarian deviances”
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Responses to new French law on “fight against sectarian deviances”

One of two presentations made at the monthly meeting of the UK Freedom of Religion or Belief Forum on the 25th June covered the French law on “The Fight Against Sectarian Deviances”, and gives more insight and understanding on how and where this discriminatory law comes from and it’s potential impact. The presentation is a…

Parliament meeting highlights Christianity’s role in defending human rights
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Parliament meeting highlights Christianity’s role in defending human rights

Members of the All Faiths Network attended a dinner in the UK Parliament hosted by MP Brendan O’Hara and organised by Bellwether International and Roots of Humanity Foundation. Bellwether International responds to freedom of religion or belief in pre- and post- genocide communities and works to prevent or protect communities in these conditions. The meeting…

Tribunal usurps Catholic institution ruling
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Tribunal usurps Catholic institution ruling

In yet another indication where French judiciary appear to be pushing further into, and limiting, the religious ‘space’ in the country a civil court, the Tribunal of Lorient, judged against the Dominican Sisters of the Holy Spirit, a Catholic Institution, was determined to have wrongfully dismissed a Sister of that Order. After internal apostolic investigation…

New French law targets religious minorities
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New French law targets religious minorities

France has passed a shocking new law on 9th April, that targets religious minorities (though can be used against any religion) as well as certain natural health practitioners who have been recategorized as ‘cult leaders’ for not supporting mainstream medical treatments. The core of this new law now states that it is a criminal offence…

URI Conference at the New North London Synagogue
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URI Conference at the New North London Synagogue

Members of All Faiths Network (AFN) attended a conference organised by United Religions Initiative (URI) and hosted by the New North London Synagogue and Barnet Multi Faith Forum. URI organised this conference to better understand the interfaith scene in the UK and introduce itself to other groups. Executives from both URI International and Europe attended….

Finland: Misuse of ‘hate speech’ legislation
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Finland: Misuse of ‘hate speech’ legislation

When legislation can curtail freedom of expression Päivi Räsänen Päivi, a Finnish medical doctor, active parliamentarian, former Minister of the Interior, mother, grandmother, and Christian along with Bishop Pohjola were prosecuted for the crime of “agitation against a minority group”, under the section of “war crimes and crimes against humanity” in the Finnish criminal code….

Norway Jehovah Witnesses Deregistered
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Norway Jehovah Witnesses Deregistered

Oslo District Court removes the status of religious organisation from Jehovah Witnesses The Oslo District Court has removed the status of religious organisation and denied subsidies, previously received by the organisation for 30 years, and given to all registered religions. This is not a prohibition of their religion or practices as they can still practice…

Sweden: The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light
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Sweden: The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light

Not to be confused with the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light are a religious organisation which has been at the receiving end of discrimination in several countries outside of Europe and targetted because some Muslim-majority countries consider them “heretics” where they have been imprisoned, tortured and targetted by both state…

OIDAC Report Discrimination against Christians in Europe
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OIDAC Report Discrimination against Christians in Europe

The Observatory on Intolerance and Discrimination against Christians in Europe issued issued its annual report 2022/23 last November. The report finds an increase of anti-Christian hate crimes, rising to 748 cases in 2022. This matches the data of the new OSCE Annual Hate Crime Report, which documents 792 anti-Christian hate crimes in 2022. OIDAC Europe’s…