A recently released report highlights an alarming trend as attacks on churches reach an all-time high in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
The findings reveal a staggering 800% increase since 2018, with over 430 incidents documented in 2023 alone, marking a significant surge from the previous year.
This surge encompasses various forms of aggression, including vandalism, arson, bomb threats, interruption of worship, and gun-related incidents.
Disturbing Statistics: A Closer Look at the Church Attacks
Breaking down the data provided by the Family Research Council (FRC) report, the period from January 2018 to November 2023 witnessed a concerning number of incidents.
These include 709 vandalisms, 135 arson attacks or attempts, 22 incidents involving firearms, 32 bomb threats, and 61 cases of assaults, threats, and the interruption of worship services.
The scale of these attacks paints a bleak picture of the challenges faced by religious institutions across the nation.
A Growing Disdain: Director of FRC’s Center for Religious Liberty Speaks Out
Arielle Del Turco, the director of FRC’s Center for Religious Liberty and the author of the report, comments on the troubling findings.
She observes that the acts of hostility against churches may be indicative of a broader cultural trend showcasing a growing disdain for Christianity and its core beliefs.
The report suggests that such acts serve as a physical manifestation of societal sentiments towards Christianity.
Impact Beyond Damage: Psychological Effects on Congregants and Church Leaders
The report acknowledges the profound impact of these attacks on congregants and church leaders. Vandalism, beheadings of religious statues, and other hostile acts may instill feelings of disturbance and unease within the community.
It notes that, intentional or not, these acts convey a message that churches are not wanted or respected in their communities, potentially creating an atmosphere of insecurity for congregants and leaders alike.
Symbolic Vandalism: A Noteworthy Example from New York City
Examining specific instances, the report highlights symbolic acts of vandalism, such as the double attack on the Christmas crèche at St. Nicholas of Tolentine Parish in Queens.
Additionally, during January, suspects targeted St. Columba Church in Brooklyn, New York, breaking a stained-glass window and attacking a cross. These incidents underscore the symbolic significance of the vandalism, reflecting a broader trend of hostility against religious symbols and spaces.
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