Report Highlights Rising Violence Against Christians and Churches Across Europe

The Observatory on Intolerance and Discrimination Against Christians in Europe (OIDAC Europe) reports a concerning trend of violence targeting Christian individuals and sites. In July alone, the organization documented 40 anti-Christian hate crimes, including incidents of arson, vandalism, and physical assaults, such as the stabbing of a woman in an Irish church. These figures align with monthly totals recorded throughout the first half of 2026.

While OIDAC noted a slight decrease in the total number of recorded incidents in 2024 compared to 2023, the severity of attacks has intensified. Personal assaults rose from 232 to 274, and arson attacks against churches nearly doubled year-over-year. Germany has seen a particularly sharp rise in politically motivated anti-Christian crimes, with government data showing a 22 percent increase in 2024 compared to the previous year.

OIDAC, a Vienna-based monitor, advocates for the protection of religious freedom and the right of Christians to practice their faith without fear. The organization notes that data collection remains challenging, as some countries, including France and the United Kingdom, have provided incomplete or unavailable statistics, potentially masking the full scope of the issue.