Increasing Discrimination Toward Christians in Europe Becoming More Prevalent
In a troubling development, the Observatory on Intolerance and Discrimination against Christians in Europe (OIDAC Europe) has released its 2024 Report titled "Intolerance and Discrimination Against Christians in Europe." The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the increasing incidents of anti-Christian hate crimes, discrimination, and restrictions on religious freedom across the continent.
Key findings from the report include:
- A total of 2,444 anti-Christian hate crimes were documented across 35 European countries in 2023, including 232 personal attacks such as harassment, threats, and violence.
- In Poland, nearly 50% of Catholic priests reported experiencing aggression in the last 12 months, mainly in the form of verbal, online harassment, and occasional physical or property damage, though most incidents go unreported.
- France has witnessed a significant increase in hate crimes against Christians, with estimates of 900 to 1,000 hate crimes in 2023, involving arson, desecration, theft, threats, and extensive vandalism of churches and cemeteries. Attacks on Christian persons numbered 84 in 2023.
- Germany experienced a 22% rise in anti-Christian hate crimes in 2025, according to data from the German Ministry of the Interior and Federal Criminal Police.
The report also highlights several notable cases of discrimination and hostility towards Christians. In the UK, a study showed that 56% of respondents said they had experienced hostility and ridicule at work because of their religious beliefs, rising to 61% among those under 35. Adam Smith-Connor and Isabel Vaughan-Spruce were accused of praying silently in a public area near an abortion clinic and faced legal consequences; Vaughan-Spruce received a payout from the police for wrongful arrest, but Smith-Connor was found guilty. OIDAC Europe also mentions the experiences of Scottish politician Kate Forbes and her colleague Tim Farron, who have reported feeling hostility and pressure in their political careers due to their religious beliefs.
In Finland, member of parliament Päivi Räsänen and Lutheran Bishop Juhana Pohjola have been on trial since 2019, accused of "hate speech." However, the Helsinki Court of Appeal cleared Räsänen of all charges, but the case has now been taken to Finland's Supreme Court.
The report calls for efforts to protect freedom of religion, including the freedom to openly and respectfully discuss different religious viewpoints without fear of reprisal and censorship. OIDAC Europe also advocates for the creation of an EU Coordinator combating anti-Christian hatred, similar to existing mandates on combating antisemitism and anti-Muslim hatred.
The most common forms of violence against churches were vandalism (62%), desecration (24%), arson attacks (10%), and threats (8%). The report mentions the ban of performing baptisms in the canton of Geneva and the removal of a religious statue in front of a church in Sables-d'Olonne as examples of restrictions on religious manifestations.
In conclusion, the report emphasizes the need for an open and peaceful climate in European societies and the importance of safeguarding religious freedom of Christians and all believers across Europe. The European Parliament has convened experts to address the rise of religious intolerance and explore protective measures. However, the report indicates a disturbing increase in anti-Christian hostility across key European states involving both physical and psychological violence, with significant challenges remaining for religious freedom and protection of Christian communities.
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