Anti-Christian hate crimes, discrimination and restrictions on the religious freedom of Christians are increasing in many European countries, according to a new report by the Observatory on Intolerance and Discrimination against Christians in Europe (OIDAC Europe).

Using government statistics, police data and information from international and local organizations, OIDAC found 2,444 anti-Christian hate crimes documented by police and civil society in 35 European countries in 2023, including 232 personal attacks on Christians, such as harassment, threats and physical violence.

The report identifies three countries of particular concern: France, with nearly 1,000 anti-Christian hate crimes in 2023; the United Kingdom, where incidents rose to more than 700; and Germany, which saw a 105% increase in anti-Christian hate crimes from 2022 to 2023. In terms of church vandalism, German police recorded more than 2,000 cases of property damage to Christian places of worship in 2023.

OIDAC’s findings revealed widespread discrimination against Christians in the workplace, noting, “Traditional Christian beliefs, such as the conviction that God created [humans] as male and female for each other, may be labelled as ‘discriminatory’—even if the person has never been found to have discriminated against a colleague or client—and can lead to interrogation, suspension or even dismissal.” In light of this, many Christians, particularly younger people, self-censor or hide their beliefs in order to avoid discrimination at universities and in the workplace.

The report also highlights a number of restrictions on such things as public prayer, public expression of religious beliefs, religious autonomy, parental rights and conscientious objection to military service and certain medical procedures.

With the United Kingdom being identified as a country of particular concern, the report notes a number of examples of discrimination against Christians there. For example, a 2024 study found that 56% of respondents said they had experienced hostility and ridicule when discussing their religious beliefs, and that number rose to 61% for those under 35.

One male respondent in the study said: “My yearly assessment was lowered because I spoke of Christ.” A female respondent said: “I was bullied at my workplace, made to feel ‘less than,’ despite being very successful at my job in other settings, until I left. Another Christian was bullied out of her job for her beliefs and refusing to do shifts on Sundays so she could attend church. The management treated her badly until she left. We believe it was because of her faith.”

Public universities in Europe are seen as being particularly hostile to people with Christian or other “alternative” worldviews, OIDAC says. A 2023 study of four British universities found that Christian students were one of the groups most likely to report hostility and discrimination: “In particular, students with pro-life views across Europe have reported hostility and even death threats.”

Several countries, including Germany, Spain, Northern Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales have introduced national “buffer zone” laws that restrict certain actions near abortion clinics. The report calls Scotland’s buffer zone law “extreme,” noting that it extends to private homes and “could therefore criminalize conversations in private gardens if they are audible from the street, or the display of any sign perceived as ‘pro-life’ in one’s home if it is visible from the outside.”

In a press release announcing the publication of the report, Anja Hoffmann, executive director of OIDAC Europe, said: “These trends should alert us all to step up efforts to protect freedom of religion or belief, including the freedom to openly and respectfully discuss different philosophical and religious viewpoints on sensitive issues, without fear of reprisal and censorship.”

Above: A drone photo shows the ruins of a Protestant church in Großröhrsdorf, Germany, after it was destroyed by fire in August 2023. A 40-year-old man was arrested and later found guilty of arson and sentenced to nine years in prison.

Photo: dpa picture alliance / Alamy Stock Photo