“Do not be surprised if the world hates you.”
Violent attacks, threats, and church arson targeting Christians across Europe increased sharply last year. According to The Christian Post (CP), a recent report by the Vienna-based European Observatory on Intolerance and Discrimination Against Christians stated that 2,211 anti-Christian hate crimes occurred in 2024. Although the total number of cases decreased compared to 2023, the report noted that the nature of the crimes has become more violent.
The report showed that physical attacks against Christians increased from 232 cases in 2023 to 274 cases in 2024, while arson attacks targeting churches and Christian properties reached 94 cases, nearly double the previous year. Anti-Christian incidents were reported most frequently in France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, and Austria, in that order.
One representative case cited occurred in November at the Santo Espiritu del Monte monastery in Spain, where a man of Moroccan origin forced his way into the monastery, shouted, “I am Jesus Christ,” and assaulted the monks. As a result, a 76-year-old monk was killed, and seven others were injured. Another incident took place at the Church of Santa Maria in Istanbul, Turkey, where armed individuals linked to ISIS opened fire during Sunday Mass, killing one convert to Christianity.
The report also included the arson attack that completely destroyed the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Saint-Omer, France. Germany accounted for one-third of the recorded arson attacks, and the German Catholic Bishops’ Conference warned of the seriousness of church desecration, stating that “all taboos have been broken.” The most frequently identified motive behind these crimes was radical Islam, followed by radical left-wing and other political motives. In some cases, satanic symbols were used.
Beyond violent incidents, the report pointed to a rise in legal discrimination. In Finland, Member of Parliament Päivi Räsänen was repeatedly summoned to court for posting a tweet containing Bible verses. In the United Kingdom, an individual was arrested for silently praying near an abortion facility, accused of violating a buffer zone law.
The Observatory urged the European Union to respond more actively to anti-Christian hate crimes, recommending the appointment of a coordinator to address anti-Christian hatred, similar to those already in place to combat antisemitism and anti-Muslim hatred. (Source: The Christian Post, Edited Version).
Do not be surprised, my brothers and sisters, if the world hates you. We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love each other. Anyone who does not love remains in death. (1 John 3:13-14)
God, we ask You to be with the Church all the more in this time when violence and hate crimes against Christians are intensifying in Europe. Grant them grace to endure to the end, not finding it strange to be hated by the world, but standing firmly on the side of truth. Strengthen Your body, the Church, with the love of the Lord that covers a multitude of sins, so that they may show brotherly love by praying even for those who attack them. Through Your children who obey Your Word, let the gospel of the cross be proclaimed throughout Europe. May Your kingdom come into every heart, and may those dwelling in death turn and follow Christ.
Prayer 24·365
prayer@prayer24365.org
