The grand reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral is set for Sunday, but recent statistics raise serious concerns about safety at Christian sites in France and beyond. French authorities reported a staggering 24 percent increase in church thefts over the past two years, totaling 780 cases in 2024. This criminal activity includes not only the theft of sacred items like chalices and statues, but also collection funds. “These thefts demonstrate the growing risks that our religious institutions face,” remarked a concerned church representative.
In addition to theft, arson attacks on French churches surged by 30 percent in 2024, with nearly 50 reported incidents. Father Antoine Devienne of Notre-Dame d’Auteuil Church recalled prior theft attempts, including one that targeted a crown given to the Virgin Mary. In response, the church has taken strong precautionary measures, removing valuable items and installing surveillance systems. “We can’t afford to be vulnerable,” he stated. Doors are locked after services to keep unauthorized individuals out.
These incidents are part of a larger troubling trend. Across Europe, anti-Christian hate crimes reached 2,444 in 2023, including various forms of vandalism and property damage. In Spain, for instance, authorities arrested a 21-year-old Moroccan migrant accused of attempting arson at the Church of Santiago Apóstol. Local Islamic leaders condemned this act as inconsistent with their community’s values.
Germany faced a similar crisis, with reported church attacks increasing by 20 percent in 2024, tallying up to 111 crimes. Damage ranged from altar destruction to the vandalism of organs. These threats are compounded by a noticeable decline in church attendance. Austria saw approximately 85,000 Catholic members leave in 2023, leading to financial strains and asset sales. One such property, a church and rectory in Hirschwang an der Rax, has been put up for auction.
These dynamics pose enduring challenges for churches struggling to uphold their heritage amidst rising threats. Some conservative leaders argue that Europe must focus on safeguarding its Judeo-Christian legacy, cautioning that failure to address these issues may lead to the irreversible erosion of Christianity’s influence in European society. This potential loss is seen as not only tragic, but also avoidable.
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