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Central Europe
Polish history book for high school sparks fierce debate
A Polish history textbook has caused outrage among teachers, parents, and even the nation’s political leaders. The textbook entitled, “History and the Present,” (historia i terazniejszosc) which was released on September 1st,, has resulted in finger-pointing from all sides of the political aisle, according to Euractiv.plcom. Written by Prof. Wojciech…
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Western Europe
Dutch parish cancels weekly eucharist because of priest shortage
The weekly celebration of the Mass used to be mandatory for parishes in the Dutch province of Limburg. However, this duty is removed, as not all churches can meet the requirement. The diocese admits so in a letter to the parishes in the province. Churches cannot celebrate Mass every week…
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Northern Europe
Debate on polyamory in Church also sparked in Norway
In several Scandinavian countries, the debate on polyamory has been ongoing. Theologians discuss whether group marriage is reconcilable with the Christian faith. Now, also in Norway, Christians are confronted with the question. Queer theologians argue that folk churches should allow polyamorous relationships. They see this form of cohabitation as the…
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Central Europe
“Judensau” Wittenberg stays
The so-called “Judensau” (Jew's Sow) will not be removed for the time being. Instead, the church council of the parish wants to present a new information board about the sculpture. That is reported by the German Protestant press agency Idea based on an article in Die Welt. According to a…
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Northern Europe
Swedish priest may lose job for opposing same-sex marriage
Several voices in the Church of Sweden argue that priests who do not want to seal a same-sex marriage should be fired. To that end, they will propose an addition to the Church Ordinance, the regulations of the Church of Sweden. The proposal is the initiative of the Social Democratic…
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Central Europe
Pro-life activist wins court case Germany
Prayer vigils are allowed to take place in front of offices of the Pro-Familia organisation. The Administrative Court in Mannheim decided so. According to the judge, prayer vigils are allowed to take place in front of the office of Pro Familia during opening hours, as long as it does not…
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European Union
UN accepts motion that calls for access to “safe abortions”
Last week, the United Nations General Assembly passed a document stating that access to “safe abortion” is part of promoting women's human rights worldwide. According to the resolution, safe abortions are part of the human rights and sexual and reproductive health rights of all women. Therefore, guaranteeing access and legalisation…
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Northern Europe
Doubts over possible headscarf ban in Denmark
Last week, a special government commission in Denmark proposed banning headscarves from primary schools. However, two members of the Commission seem to have changed their minds. They argue that banning a headscarf in primary schools is complicated when it comes to older girls who choose to wear a hijab. The…
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Southern Europe
Pope: Death penalty is a bridge too far
Pope Francis is mobilising “all people of good will” against the death penalty. He did so in his September prayer intention on Wednesday. The head of Vatican City called took an explicit stance against the capital punishment. This attacks the inviolability and dignity of the human person, the Pope argued…
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Northern Europe
Affirmation from Swedish government: Religious freedom is priority
The Swedish Foreign Minister, Ann Linde (Social Democrats), says that religious freedom is a priority for her party. Two experts are surprised, considering her apparent lack of interest in the issue. Right before the election in 2018, the previous Foreign Minister, Margot Wallström, also wrote an article that argued that…
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