Hostility Towards Churches in the U.S. Remains High
Recent research from Christian organizations highlights an ongoing concern regarding hostility directed at churches across the United States. Since 2018, incidents of this nature have been monitored closely, revealing troubling trends.
The Family Research Council’s annual report, titled “Hospitality against the Church against Hostility,” noted that in 2024, there were at least 415 recorded incidents targeting 383 churches in 43 states. While this represents a decline from the 485 cases reported in 2023, it’s still more than double the number documented in 2022. Over the span of 57 months, the total incidents reported add up to a substantial 1,384 acts of hostility, a figure which may be understated as many events likely go unreported.
To break it down further, vandalism accounted for the highest number of incidents, totaling 284 cases, followed by 55 acts of arson, 28 gun-related incidents, and 14 bomb threats. This averages out to 35 attacks on churches each month in 2024. Some churches have faced devastating losses due to these attacks, including multiple cases of repeated vandalism and arson in southern Ohio, where four churches were completely destroyed.
Interestingly, gun-related incidents saw a noticeable uptick in 2024, doubling from the previous year. The issue of pro-abortionism has also sparked tensions, especially after notable Supreme Court decisions, leading to a disturbing environment for some places of worship. Meanwhile, incidents described as anti-LGBTQ-related have diminished slightly but still occurred in 33 cases, frequently involving the theft of pride flags.
The report suggests that while the hostility is evident, it is not always driven solely by anti-Christian sentiment. Factors such as declining church attendance and broader societal shifts might contribute to an atmosphere where attacks on churches are more tolerated. Data from Gallup indicates that church attendance in the U.S. has fallen from 42% to 30% over the past two decades, while approximately 80% of adults believe religion has less influence on American life now than in the past.
It’s worth noting that President Trump recently announced an executive order aimed at addressing anti-Christian bias. The order seeks to establish a task force dedicated to investigating and alleviating federal discrimination against Christians.
This move suggests a recognition, even at the federal level, of the growing hostility experienced by churches. The Human Resources Administration also directed federal agencies to ensure religious protections are upheld for employees in the workplace.
Tony Perkins, President of the Family Research Council, emphasized that freedom of religion is not passively maintained. He indicated that the trends reflected in the report pose a serious threat to religious freedoms, highlighting the need for ongoing vigilance and advocacy against such hostility.
