The Observatory on Intolerance and Discrimination Against Christians in Europe (OIDAC) has reported a disturbing surge in persecution against Christians across the continent in 2024. This report highlights the significant escalation from previous years, raising concerns about religious freedom and safety for Christians in Europe.
Christianity is the most persecuted faith in the world; almost in every Islamic Country, Christians are facing severe Persecution because of their faith. Now, this trend has been growing in European and Western countries since 2015, when Europe opened its borders to the war victims from Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Sub-Saharan Africa; the number of Crimes against Christians has risen beyond proportion.
Documented Cases of Violence:
Since the beginning of 2024, OIDAC has recorded 25 cases of violence, threats, and attempted murder targeting Christians in several European countries. These incidents have occurred in Great Britain, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Austria, Poland, and Serbia, indicating a widespread problem across the region.
Increase in Hate Crimes:
The rise in persecution is not limited to violent attacks. OIDAC’s annual report for 2022/2023 showed a 44% increase in anti-Christian hate crimes compared to the previous year. In 2022 alone, there were 748 documented cases of such crimes. Particularly alarming is the 75% increase in arson attacks on churches between 2021 and 2022.
In some instances, entire Christian communities have been targeted. A notable example occurred in June 2024, when a Seventh-day Adventist congregation in Dijon, France, was attacked with tear gas during a church service, resulting in nine injuries and widespread panic.
Call for Protection:
OIDAC’s Executive Director, Anja Hoffmann, has emphasized the need for increased protection, particularly for Christian converts from Islam. These individuals often face severe threats and are viewed as apostates by extremists. Hoffmann has called on European governments to take decisive action to safeguard the right to religious conversion and protect vulnerable Christian communities.
Note:
This rise in persecution in Europe is part of a global trend. According to the Open-Door Foundation, there has been a massive increase in violence against Christians in Sub-Saharan Africa and India in 2024. The situation underscores the need for continued vigilance and proactive measures to protect religious freedoms and combat intolerance across the world.
As Europe faces this alarming rise in Christian persecution, it becomes crucial for governments, civil society, and religious leaders to work together to address the root causes of intolerance and ensure the safety and spiritual freedom of all communities.
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