Crimes targeting Christians in Europe are on the rise, with reports of vandalism, arson, threats, and even physical violence growing at an alarming rate.
In Germany alone, the number of these incidents doubled in 2023. Shockingly, one country stands out as the frontrunner in such attacks.
Disturbing Trends Across Europe
The Observatory for Intolerance and Discrimination Against Christians in Europe (OIDAC) has documented a troubling 2,444 cases of anti-Christian crimes across 35 countries in its annual report. These figures are based on data from police records and self-reported incidents where available.
The attacks span a variety of offenses, including arson, desecration, verbal insults, and physical violence. A staggering 62% of these crimes involve vandalism, while 10% account for arson, 8% involve threats, 7% are physical assaults, and 2% include attempted or completed murders. Alarmingly, converts from Islam to Christianity are particularly vulnerable to physical violence.
France Leads in Numbers, Germany Sees Sharp Increases
France reported nearly 1,000 incidents in 2023, making it the leader in anti-Christian crimes. These include numerous attacks on churches, cemeteries, and individuals. In the UK, 702 incidents marked a 15% rise from the previous year.
Meanwhile, Germany experienced a jaw-dropping 105% increase, with 277 hate crimes documented, up from 135 in 2022. Experts estimate over 2,000 instances of property damage to churches, many of which remain unaccounted for in police statistics due to the absence of a clear political motive. This estimate was derived from inquiries directed to individual state criminal offices.
A Broader Perspective: OSCE Data and Observations
The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) also reported rising violence against Christians. Its 2023 data identified 1,230 hate crimes across ten European nations, up from 1,029 in 2022. Reports from civilians expanded the scope to 26 countries.
Regina Polak, an OSCE Special Representative, emphasized the societal impact of these crimes, stating, “Anti-Christian hate crimes send a message of exclusion to victims and their communities, as well as to society as a whole. We can also see an increase in discrimination and hate crimes against Christians in Europe.”
Hidden Numbers and Unreported Cases
OIDAC’s managing director, Anja Hoffmann, noted that some countries, like France, do not share data with the OSCE, meaning the actual figures are likely much higher than reported. The organization also believes that countless incidents remain unreported, suggesting the true scale of anti-Christian hate crimes far exceeds the 2,444 cases documented.
This troubling rise in violence highlights the urgent need for awareness, stronger preventative measures, and robust reporting systems to combat the growing wave of hostility toward Christians across Europe.
