More than 400 hostile incidents were committed against American churches in 2024, a report by the Family Research Council (FRC) found. The 415 recorded cases are down slightly from the 483 cases in 2023 but significantly higher than the yearly totals recorded in 2018-2022.
Analyzing reports, media coverage and open-sourced documents containing key words such as “church threats,” “church vandalism” and “church arson,” the report, Hostility Against Churches in the United States, found that such incidents occurred across 383 churches. Most of the incidents fell under the category of vandalism (284) and arson (55). There were 14 bomb threats, 47 incidents categorized as “other,” and 28 gun-related incidents.
Per month, the U.S. saw an average of 35 incidents, with June experiencing 22% of those. Across the 43 states in which incidents occurred, California experienced the highest number of incidents (40), and Pennsylvania experienced the second highest (29).
“This report clearly shows religious freedom faces substantial threats here at home,” said FRC President Tony Perkins. “The American woke Left has been intentional in spreading its hostility toward the Christian faith throughout every corner of America. We applaud the efforts of the Trump administration, but efforts must be taken at every level of government to protect and promote this fundamental human right. Christians must expect and demand more from their government leaders when it comes to prosecuting and preventing criminal acts targeting religious freedom.”
Four churches within two adjacent counties in Ohio were completely destroyed by arson over four months. Gun-related incidents jumped from 12 to 28 in 2024. One case involved a gunman who pointed a gun at a pastor during his sermon. However, his gun jammed, and a deacon tackled the gunman. In Texas, a woman with a long gun injured two people at Lakewood Church in Houston.
Arielle Del Turco, director of FRC’s Center for Religious Liberty, also responded to the report.
“No instance of vandalism or other crimes against churches is acceptable, and political leaders should be quick to condemn such actions and affirm the importance of religious freedom,” Del Turco said. “Religious freedom does not rely on legal protections alone, but also on cultural support. We must bolster cultural support for religious freedom and respect for our Christian heritage.”
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