Report Highlights Rising Christian Persecution in Europe

A new report from the Observatory on Intolerance and Discrimination against Christians in Europe (OIDAC) reveals a troubling rise in anti-Christian hate crimes, documenting 2,444 incidents across 35 countries in 2023. The U.K. saw a 15% increase, with over 700 cases reported, including severe incidents like an attempted murder of a convert from Islam. Germany experienced an alarming 105% surge in incidents, highlighting vandalism and physical violence against Christians. Additionally, a cultural shift towards self-censorship among Christians in public life has been noted due to increasing discrimination. Pope Francis has emphasized the global nature of religious persecution, lamenting that millions face violence and discrimination for their faith, particularly in regions like Nigeria and India. This growing intolerance towards Christians contrasts with heightened attention to anti-Semitic attacks amid the Israel-Gaza conflict, raising concerns about the visibility of Christian persecution in the media.