According to a new report, there will be 436 hostile actions against Christians in the United States of America by 2023.
According to a Christian non-profit that has been tracking violence against U.S. Churches since 2018, anti-Christian hate is on the increase in the United States.
Last week, the Washington-based Family Research Council released its annual report on hostility against churches. The group found that in 2023 there were 436 hostile incidents, which is eight times more than in 2018.
The data available to the public was used by the group to track 915 hostile acts against churches in the last six years. The majority of these incidents involved vandalism. In the report, it is also stated that churches have been the victims of arson attacks, threats with bombs, and incidents involving guns.
At least 709 vandalism events occurred between January 2018 and November 2023. There were 135 arson attempts or attacks, 22 gun incidents, 32 bomb threat incidents, and 61 incidents involving assaults, threats, and interruptions of worship.
Lakewood Church shooting
A shooting occurred at Houston’s Lakewood Church in the first week of this month. Security guards who were not on duty shot and killed a gunman.
The report states that vandalism at churches is an indication of growing disrespect for Christian religions and places of worship.
“Americans seem more comfortable abusing church building. It is indicative of a larger social problem, the marginalization and degradation of Christian core beliefs. These include those that address hot-button issues such as human dignity and sexuality.
FRC President Tony Perkins stated that the Biden Administration’s hostility towards Christians is reflected by the increased persecution of Christians around the world.
Perkins stated in a press release that the increasing religious persecution overseas is linked to our government’s policy. The growing hostility towards churches in the U.S. comes from governments abroad who are indifferent to religious freedom.
California church shooting
A fatal shooting at the Geneva Presbyterian Church, Laguna Woods in California on May 15, 2022.
Some critics accuse President Biden of waging “a war against Christians” after the arrest in 2021 of several pro-life activists for violating federal laws by protesting outside an abortion clinic. These activists could face 11 years in jail.
FRC’s Arielle del Turco, an author with the FRC, said the incident documented showed a growing disdain for Christianity and Christian core belief in the United States.
No matter what the motives, religious intimidation can have a powerful impact. This is a sign that our society has become more hostile towards Christianity and Christian belief.
The White House has not responded to a comment request.