Alarming Increase in Attacks Targeting Churches Across America
Written by Steve Watson for Modernity.news,
The year 2024 saw a significant rise in hostile incidents aimed at churches in the United States, with a total of 436 documented cases—a sharp escalation from 315 in 2023 and nearly doubling the 230 reported in 2022.
Data compiled by the Family Research Council (FRC) reveals a disturbing trend amidst broader societal changes, including a decline in regular religious attendance from 42% to 30% over the past two decades, according to Gallup polls.
The incidents encompassed various hostile actions across 43 states, with vandalism being the most prevalent, accounting for 284 cases involving property damage, defacement, burglary, and ransacking.
NEW: Data from the Family Research Council shows a stunning surge of attacks on churches in America.
Wow. Churches are under siege.
Instances of hostility [including vandalism] against U.S. churches are skyrocketing:
2024: 415 incidents
2023: 485 incidents
2018–2021 combined:… pic.twitter.com/CDOCpA76Wo
— The Vigilant Fox 🦊 (@VigilantFox) August 29, 2025
Arson followed with 55 events, including confirmed attempts and fires of uncertain origin, sometimes linked to individuals struggling with mental health.
Gun-related incidents rose to 28, more than doubling from 12 the previous year, involving threats, brandishing during services, and actual shootings. Bomb threats totaled 14, primarily hoaxes delivered via calls or emails.
JUST RELEASED: New edition of our Hostility Against Churches Report
Family Research Council identified 415 hostile incidents in 2024, affecting a total of 383 churches.
— Family Research Council (@FRCdc) August 11, 2025
Additionally, 47 other violent acts were recorded, such as assaults during church break-ins, like the incident at Zion Baptist Church in Kentucky. California led geographically with 40 incidents, followed by Pennsylvania at 29, and Florida and New York tied at 25 each.
The motives behind these acts varied widely, from unknown causes and financial theft (such as stealing copper wiring) to political disagreements on issues like sexuality, and even juvenile pranks.
Notably, instances of hostility driven by pro-abortion motivations plummeted to just 2 incidents, compared to 59 in 2022 following the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision that overturned Roe v. Wade.
Hostility related to LGBT issues persisted at 33 cases, a slight decrease from 42 in 2023, while satanic motives dropped to 1 from 12 the previous year.
The FRC, which has been monitoring these incidents, has been labeled as an anti-LGBT hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center.
As the religious landscape evolves, these findings highlight ongoing challenges faced by places of worship in America.
The findings come in the aftermath of a tragic shooting at a Catholic Church school in Minneapolis.
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Tyler Durden
Fri, 08/29/2025 – 21:45