Freedom
Faith Faces Test in European Courts
Faith Facts
- The European Court of Human Rights is reviewing a case on removing Christian symbols from Greek courtrooms.
- Legal advocates argue these symbols are expressions of heritage, not violations of rights.
- A previous court decision found that crucifixes in schools did not infringe on freedom of thought or religion.
Atheists in Greece have challenged the presence of Christian symbols in courtrooms, claiming these displays are discriminatory and compromise fairness.
The Greek courts denied the request, and the case is now before the European Court of Human Rights, which influences 46 European nations.
ADF International, a faith-based legal group, has spoken in defense of public Christian symbols, emphasizing their national and historical significance.
“The display of religious symbols in public spaces is in no way incompatible with human rights law. Public spaces should not be stripped of crosses, icons or other symbols with religious, cultural, and historical significance in the name of pluralism.”
ADF has argued that removing such symbols under “state neutrality” targets Christian heritage, a position supported by court decisions in similar cases.
“The Court has repeatedly affirmed that religious symbols, particularly those forming a country’s heritage, do not violate freedom of religion or the right to a fair trial.”
In a key previous ruling, the court declared that crucifixes in Italian schools were not indoctrination and did not infringe on religious freedom.
“The European Convention on Human Rights robustly protects freedom of religion. Culturally rooted religious symbols or artwork, such as centuries-old Orthodox Christian icons, do not impose a belief on anyone nor direct judicial decision-making.”
Stand firm for faith, family, and freedom—defending Christian heritage in the public square is vital for future generations.