Alarming Rise in Attacks on Christians in Europe
Christians are among the most persecuted religious groups worldwide. According to Open Doors, more than 360 million Christians in over 70 countries experience discrimination, violence, or religious oppression each year. Animals are also exceptionally vulnerable: every year, billions of animals around the world are mistreated, neglected, or killed, often in a systematic manner.
13 Christians are killed daily for their faith; every day for decades.
The Bible is banned, restricted, or dangerous to own in at least 52 countries, including North Korea, Iran, Saudi Arabia, China, and Somalia. In some nations, possession is a criminal offense; in others, distribution is forbidden or only possible through underground networks.
The Quran, by contrast, is virtually never banned. In many of the same countries, Islam is the state religion. While certain interpretations or translations of the Quran may be censored, a full ban—like that imposed on the Bible—is almost unheard of.
Matthew 5:5 Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Overview of Reports and Warnings:
French senators sounded the alarm in October 2025 over a disturbing increase in anti-Christian actions in France. They urged the government to better protect believers and places of worship.
A report from Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) highlighted a global rise in violence against churches, with nearly 1,000 attacks on churches in France and over 600 cases of vandalism in Greece in 2023. Spain and Italy also reported similar figures.
Open Doors Netherlands published its annual World Watch List in January 2025. While primarily focused on countries outside Europe, the report emphasized that 380 million Christians worldwide face persecution, including forms of discrimination and exclusion within Europe.
OIDAC Europe (Observatory on Intolerance and Discrimination Against Christians in Europe) reported that more than 2,400 anti-Christian crimes occurred in Europe in 2023. Although physical violence remains rare, intolerance and vandalism are on the rise.
Churches and Christian symbols across Europe (!!!) are facing a rising wave of attacks. In 2023 alone, 2,444 anti-Christian incidents were recorded in 35 European countries — including vandalism, arson, threats, and physical violence. In France, church arson cases surged by over 30% in 2024. This alarming trend has been acknowledged by the European Parliament and international organizations, who warn of a growing climate of hostility toward Christians and their faith.
How many places of worship from other religions have been set on fire by Christians? How many public events are protected out of fear of terrorist attacks by Christians? How many times have you seen Christians stab people while shouting "God is great"? By their fruits you shall know them. How many churches are under surveillance after being attacked? How much media attention is given to hatred against Christians? The silence has been deafening for decades, because the hatred toward Christ remains deeply rooted.
France's churches are burning – and no one seems to care
2025 - France's churches are under attack, yet the media and political establishment are pretending not to notice. Last year, we saw blazes at historic churches in Rouen, Saint-Omer and Poitiers – each one another grim statistic in an escalating crisis. For years, we've seen Christian places of worship targeted in acts of arson and vandalism. Yet, until now, official confirmation of the scale of the problem has been curiously absent. That has changed. The French territorial intelligence service has reported a 30 per cent increase in criminal church fires in 2024. That's not a handful of isolated incidents – it's a surge. And a deeply troubling one at that.
In 2023, there were 38 recorded cases of criminal arson against churches in France. In 2024, that number jumped to nearly 50.
The most affected regions are Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Île-de-France, and the Grand-Est.
These are not accidental blazes sparked by faulty wiring or an unwatched candle left flickering. These are deliberate acts. Yet there has been no outcry in response to this surge, no demand for action from the mainstream French press, just an unsetteling silence.
We are often told that all religions must be respected. We see swift condemnations of attacks on synagogues or mosques, but when it comes to churches, a strane silence descends. (source)
Vatican Library provides prayer space for Muslim scholars
In 2025, the Vatican Apostolic Library made a carpeted room available for prayer at the request of Muslim researchers. This was confirmed by Vice-Prefect Father Giacomo Cardinali in an interview with La Repubblica. The space is intended for individual use by visiting scholars and is part of the practical support offered to international guests.
A Moroccan immigrant causes damage and sets fire to a church in Granada, Spain
17/8/2025 (source) A young man of Moroccan origin deliberately started a fire in the Santiago Apóstol temple in El Pozuelo
The Granada hamlet of El Pozuelo experienced a very serious incident this Sunday that disrupted the usual tranquility of summer. The church of Santiago Apóstol, built in 1993–1994 and the center of local religious life, was the target of an attack that resulted in an intentional fire.
According to official sources, at around 2:00 p.m. a 21-year-old man of Moroccan origin forced entry into the church after breaking a stained glass window with a hammer. Once inside, he caused damage to the interior and subsequently started a fire with a lighter. The act prompted the immediate intervention of emergency services, including Motril Firefighters, the Civil Guard, and the Local Police.
Residents, some of them with hoses in hand, tried to contain the flames and assist the security forces. The rapid deployment made it possible to control the fire, although the material damage to the church was significant. The Archdiocese of Granada issued a statement in which it condemned the incident, describing it as "intentional" and denouncing a "attack on the most sacred aspects of Christian worship and the religious sentiments of the majority of its inhabitants".
It also expressed its gratitude to firefighters, the Civil Guard, and parishes, and called on the faithful to "make amends to God" in response to what happened. The Civil Guard cordoned off the area and the Judicial Police are keeping the investigation open. The incident, beyond its material consequences, represents a blow to coexistence and reignites the debate about the security of places of worship in a context of growing social tension, cultural challenges, and high levels of illegal migration in Spain.
Those Who Suffer: Christians and Animals in the Shadow of Injustice
Jesus is repeatedly mocked. Time and again, Jesus is ridiculed. Major superstars like Madonna bind themselves to the cross during their shows, and Jesus is depicted in blasphemous ways in popular films and TV shows. Lady Gaga provocatively uses religious symbols and Jesus imagery, for example in her song "Judas" and controversial videos, showing mockery and disdain. Rappers such as Kendrick Lamar, Lil Nas X, Lil Dicky, DaBaby, and Demi Lovato ridicule Jesus by depicting him with a crown of thorns or on the cross in inappropriate scenes. Cynthia Erivo, a bisexual and queer-identifying woman, plays Jesus in the musical Jesus Christ Superstar at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. Comedians like Sarah Silverman make statements such as "I hope Jews did kill the Christ, I'd do it again," while films like Habit portray a female character with a Jesus fetish, with Paris Jackson, daughter of Michael Jackson, playing Jesus in shocking, inappropriate scenes. Lil Nas X plays with religious symbolism, portraying himself as a sinner descending to hell; Ethan Klein bluntly says he would "crucify Jesus again."
Even in the Netherlands, Jesus is openly mocked—for example, in a 2020 NTR broadcast where the Sinterklaasnieuws series showed a fictional place called 'Kruisigem' with a cross in the background. The reference to the phrase "Crucify Him" as the arrival place of Saint Nicholas is a disrespectful nod to the Christian crucifixion story, while mocking the Prophet Mohammed is virtually unthinkable due to the threat of violence and societal sensitivity.
Netflix, already controversial for promoting pedophilia with the film Cuties (2021), continues this trend with the animated series Paradise P.D. In one episode, Jesus is depicted as an armed figure who comes down from the cross to kill his persecutors before engaging in sexual acts with two women. These crude and pornographic images are presented as anti-gun commentary but starkly contrast with the disrespectful mockery of Christianity. While even mild satirical depictions of Mohammed spark massive public outrage, accusations of racism, and fear of violence, this blatant blasphemy against Jesus goes largely unnoticed by the media and public.
Another example is Riccardo Simonetti, the European Union's LGBTQ+ goodwill ambassador, who posed as the bearded Virgin Mary on the cover of a queer magazine. In a queer reinterpretation of the Holy Family draped in transgender flag colors, Simonetti appeared with a thick beard, white robe, and blue veil, holding a baby doll representing Jesus. This photoshoot sparked strong backlash from Christians online.
This pattern is more than just a cultural expression; it is a form of bullying aimed at the meek—those who act out of love and patience. Jesus repeatedly becomes a target of bullying precisely because he is meek and embodies values that clash with a world full of conflict and cynicism.
Since Jesus declared Himself to be meek, some perceive Him as a sissy-type character. Nothing could be further from the truth. To many, "meekness" suggests the idea of passivity, someone who is easily imposed upon, spinelessness, weakness. In the Greek New Testament, "meek" is from the Greek term praus. It does not suggest weakness; rather, it denotes strength brought under control. The ancient Greeks employed the term to describe a wild horse tamed to the bridle. In the biblical sense, therefore, being meek describes one who has channeled his strengths into the service of God.
Males who perceive Jesus to be a sissy are often the same ones who will not join the French Foreign Legion to gain mental and physical strength. And lack of restraint (perversion, gluttony, pride, sloth) exposes them to be spiritually weak as well. Self-discipline is a trait that belongs to the strong.
"Being a Christian isn't for sissies. It takes a real man to live for God — a lot more man than to live for the devil." - Johnny Cash
An old school martial artist can be challenged by a thug but will not cause excruciating pain because he knows his strength. This is strength under control. It's about making honorable decisions and taking responsibility, bearing the solitude of leadership.
But the double standard is glaring: it seems 'safe' to bully Christians because their faith calls for tolerance and forgiveness, while mocking Islam is often seen as more sensitive due to sometimes violent reactions from that community. This bullying of Christians is a current reality built on a long history of mockery and persecution.
What stands out is that respect for Jesus and Christianity is treated very differently in many parts of the world compared to Europe. In countries like North Korea, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Libya, and Somalia, the Bible is completely banned; possessing or reading it can result in severe punishment. In other countries, such as China, Iran, Eritrea, Malaysia, Morocco, and Singapore, the Bible is strictly regulated and may only exist through official channels. This contrast becomes particularly striking when people from these countries come to Europe—coming from cultures where Christianity is prohibited—only to encounter a Western society in which it can be openly mocked and ridiculed. While Muslims often enjoy protected status regarding their holy texts due to fears of social backlash or violence, the Bible and the Christian faith remain vulnerable to ridicule, satire, and cultural contempt.
This highlights how deeply ingrained the double standard is: gentle convictions, whether concerning people or faith, are exposed to harassment and disrespect in many contexts, even when their source of strength and love lies precisely in protection and patienc
Bullying and Meekness Among Animals
It doesn't stop with humans. This tendency to bully also targets the most vulnerable animals—the meek who have no chance to defend themselves. Take the chicken, the most exploited animal on earth. Jesus also called himself a hen who gathers her chicks (Matthew 23:37; Luke 13:34), speaking of his meek, protective nature. Sadly, the meek—people who do not fight but love—are the hardest hit by bullying and injustice. Chickens spend their entire lives in overcrowded, dark cages with no daylight or space to exhibit natural behavior. Their existence is one long torment, from rubbing against each other in cramped spaces to having their freedom taken away.
Cows-gentle, meek animals-are subjected to harrowing practices. They are forced to become pregnant repeatedly, after which their calves are taken away shortly after birth so the milk can be used for human consumption. Many cows end up as so-called "downer cows," animals that cannot stand anymore yet are still slaughtered despite their suffering.
Lambs and calves, innocent and vulnerable, are separated from their mothers to serve the meat and dairy industries. This is pure bullying culture: the tormenting, mistreatment, and exploitation of the meek who have no voice.
A tragic example of meekness and injustice toward animals is the Falkland wolf, also known as the warrah (Dusicyon australis)
When English sailors landed on the treeless Falkland Islands in 1690, they encountered this gentle predator – who greeted them friendly and stole their food without showing fear. The animal, the only native land mammal on the islands, was seen as a menace and was easily killed by humans. Despite hundreds or thousands of years of evolution, it could not adapt to the sudden hostility of humans. Eventually, it was completely wiped out in 1876, just 43 years after Charles Darwin predicted its extinction. This wolf stands as a poignant symbol of how meek creatures become victims of human fear, misunderstanding, and bullying.
A Disturbing Political Compromise
On 7 May 2025, Ahmed al-Sharaa - former leader of Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and, since late 2024, interim president of Syria - was officially received in Paris by President Emmanuel Macron. What makes this visit all the more disturbing is that under his leadership, Christians in Syria are actively persecuted. There are confirmed cases of murder, intimidation, forced displacement, confiscation of Christian property, and attacks on churches. For example, on 22 June 2025, the Mar Elias Church in Damascus was struck by a suicide attack that killed several worshippers, and in parts of Idlib and Aleppo, Christian families were driven from their homes and their churches destroyed.
The Forgotten Persecuted Christians
It is also notable how many Christians passionately engage in conflicts such as Gaza and Ukraine, while giving no attention at all to the millions of Christians worldwide who are persecuted, discriminated against, and killed for their faith. According to Open Doors, about 340 million Christians face severe persecution annually. This means that every day on average 13 Christians are murdered for their faith, dozens are kidnapped, and hundreds are harassed or imprisoned.
This meek group of people is completely ignored in the public debate and remains in the shadows, while they are precisely the victims of bullying by extremists and authoritarian regimes.
A World Full of Bullies
What is at play here is nothing less than a culture of bullying: people who act from meekness and love are bullied and attacked, both in religious expressions and in the treatment of animals. We see it reflected in the way media, entertainment, and even public institutions mock Jesus. We see it in the way millions of animals are abused, confined, separated from their young, and mercilessly killed every day. And we see it in the ignoring of the suffering of persecuted Christians worldwide.
In short: this world is dominated by bullies—people and systems that oppress and belittle the meek. Whether it concerns mocking Jesus, ignoring persecution, or mistreating innocent animals, true strength lies with those who love and remain meek. Recognizing these facts and standing up for the meek is the first step toward true justice and respect.
Matthew 5:5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth
Christmas 2025 Europe
Christmas markets are being called winter markets, the Christmas events are guarded by the army or the police, and the stalls are either destroyed or made 'diversity‑proof' by the municipality. The entire tradition is being squandered and the faith erased.
Disrespecting Christians
A Baptist pastor told a Muslim to 'go away' after he tried to perform an Islamic prayer directly outside the front doors of a Christian church. It happened when a muslim decided to drive to the Christian church, pull out his mat, lay it down directly in front of the doors of the Christian church and planned to start praying. The is pastor being celebrated by people who are fed up with muslims imposing their belief systems on others.
Migrant responsible for killing 269 people in deadly bombings wins appeal after being refused asylum
2025 source - A Sri Lankan national who faced arrest in connection with the devastating 2019 Easter bombings has succeeded in his appeal against the Home Office's rejection of his asylum claim. The man, identified solely as 'YA', secured victory at the immigration Upper Tribunal in Birmingham after challenging the initial decision. The Islamic State-claimed attacks in Sri Lanka resulted in 269 deaths, with British nationals among the victims. Following the Upper Tribunal's intervention, the case must now undergo a fresh hearing.The asylum seeker had contested the fairness of the original proceedings, leading to the tribunal's examination of potential procedural flaws.
The man entered the UK in 2022 alongside his spouse, both asserting they had faced persecution in their homeland. Prior to his departure from Sri Lanka, authorities had detained him regarding the coordinated Easter Sunday attacks, which struck churches and hotels across the island nation in April 2019.
The bombings represented one of the deadliest terror incidents in Sri Lankan history.
Despite the couple's claims of persecution, the Home Office initially determined that YA did not qualify for asylum protection in Britain.
But Deputy Upper Tribunal Judge Claire Burns identified multiple legal errors in the initial determination, notably the failure to consider evidence of YA's release on bail after his arrest warrant. The asylum seeker had alleged judicial bias in the earlier proceedings, though Judge Burns rejected claims that previous judges were "highly prejudiced" against him.
Judge Burns determined that the errors warranted setting aside the entire ruling, necessitating a comprehensive re-examination of YA's case.The judge's ruling mandated a complete fresh examination of the asylum claim.
Judge Burns said: "I find there will need to be a complete rehearing wherein the Judge will make findings about the credibility of [YA's] account and given the nature and extent of the fact finding the appeal should therefore be remitted to the First-tier Tribunal. She added: "I determine that no facts should be preserved. "This will enable the new Tribunal to make a full assessment on the credibility of [YA's] account on full consideration of the oral and documentary evidence." The date for the new hearing has yet to be scheduled.
Sonja Nientiet: A German Nurse Held Hostage in Somalia – and the World Remains Silent
Sonja Nientiet, a German nurse working for the Red Cross, was abducted on May 2, 2018, in the Zoobe district of Mogadishu while she was carrying out her work to save lives. She has been held captive ever since, and nearly seven years later, she is still not free.
On March 27, 2025, a new video of Nientiet was released on a newly created YouTube channel. It is her first public appearance since her abduction. In the video, Nientiet—dressed in a black hijab and visibly older and exhausted—speaks calm English with a German accent. She wipes away tears and pleads, "I am asking for immediate help to save my life and to be brought back to Germany." Her words emphasize that her rescue is a matter of life and death.
According to reports, her captors are demanding a ransom of $20 million and have threatened to hand her over to ISIS if their demands are not met. Although the abductors claim to have no links to Al-Shabaab or ISIS, Nientiet references recent events in the video, such as the attack on the Somali presidential convoy on March 18, 2025. Background sounds suggest that she may be held in a residential area, surrounded by women and children.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) called the video a sign of hope for her release but also expressed deep concern over her health. A planned joint rescue operation by German and U.S. forces was reportedly canceled at the last moment due to safety concerns raised by the German Foreign Ministry.
Meanwhile, the official response in Germany remains silence. The Foreign Ministry continues to adhere to its policy of not commenting on cases involving German citizens held hostage. Unconfirmed reports also suggest that a local security guard at the Red Cross compound may have been involved in the abduction, though this has never been officially verified.
Nientiet's video has once again drawn attention to the serious risks aid workers face daily in Somalia. In a country where insecurity, kidnappings, and targeted attacks are common, the global audience often remains passive while victims like Sonja cry out for help. It is time to recognize that the lives of aid workers, who dedicate themselves to helping others, cannot be taken for granted.
Sonja Nientiet deserves our attention, our action, and a safe return home.
Deportation of Christian Workers from Turkey
Since 2020, more than 200 foreign Christian workers and their families have been deported or denied entry into Turkey. In total, around 350 individuals were affected — many of whom had lived in Turkey for years and were active in Protestant churches or Christian communities. These expulsions have raised international concerns about religious freedom in the country.
National Security as the Stated Reason
Turkish authorities cite security concerns as the reason for these deportations. The individuals were assigned security codes, such as N-82 and G-87, labeling them as "national security threats." As a result, their residence permits were revoked or they were barred from entering the country.
The Turkish government insists that religion has nothing to do with these decisions and that they are based solely on legitimate security assessments.
Human Rights Organizations Respond
Human rights organizations, including ADF International and the Stockholm Center for Freedom, challenge this explanation. They argue that the expulsions reflect a systematic pattern of religious discrimination against Christians. Their reports emphasize that no evidence of criminal activity has been presented, and that most of those affected were peaceful religious workers. These organizations claim that the "security threat" label is a cover for religious exclusion.
Some observers view these deportations as part of a broader ideological shift in Turkey toward political Islamism. A frequently cited example is the 2020 conversion of the Hagia Sophia back into a mosque — a decision that drew international criticism. For some, this symbolizes a renewed Islamic nationalism that manifests not only in religious symbolism but also in the marginalization of religious minorities.
The broader claim that political Islam has "erased cultures from North Africa to Persia" is historically complex and not directly verifiable. It reflects an ideological interpretation rather than a concrete policy.
Egypt's Use of Blasphemy Laws to Silence Christians
(2025, source) A Coptic Christian researcher in Egypt has been arrested as he spoke on YouTube defending Christianity."Dr. Augustinos Sam'an is an Egyptian researcher specializing in Christian apologetics and comparative religion. He runs a YouTube channel where he responds to the anti-Christian content widely circulated in Egypt. He has been arrested, accused of contempt of Islam and detained for 15 days 'pending investigation.'""In Egypt, many openly attack Christianity.
But if a Coptic Christian dares to respond and refute these attacks, they are accused of derision of Islam and imprisoned." Lord Jesus, we pray for Dr. Sam'an who has been recently imprisoned for defending Christianity. Protect him from harm. Keep his faith and health strong. We ask that he would receive good legal representation and that his case could come before a fair judge so he could be released. Your plans for Egypt continue no matter how much persecution takes place against Your followers. May the good news of salvation in Your name continue to spread widely across Egypt for Your glory. In Your name we pray. Amen."He delivers me from my enemies; surely You lift me above those who rise up against me; You rescue me from the violent man." – Psalm 18:48
Growing Pressure on Foreign Christians in Turkey
Since 2020, more than 200 foreign Christians and their families—around 350 people—have been expelled from or denied re-entry to Turkey after being labeled national security threats. The measures, applied through internal security codes N-82 and G-87, have largely affected pastors, missionaries, and long-term church workers.
According to ADF International, which is supporting over 30 legal challenges, most of those affected had lived peacefully in Turkey for years, serving local Protestant communities. These codes are issued without formal charges or court hearings, making it nearly impossible for those affected to defend themselves or return to their homes and ministries.
In June 2024, Turkey's Constitutional Court upheld the government's use of the N-82 code against nine Christians, ruling that their expulsion did not violate the constitution. The court decision publicly identified several of the individuals, which led to online hate speech and threats from extremist social media users.
The Association of Protestant Churches in Turkey reports growing hostility toward believers, including vandalism, public harassment, and even violent incidents—such as the 2024 shooting at an Istanbul church that left one person dead.
The association also notes that Protestant congregations continue to face restrictions in registering churches and operating theological training programs, while Islamic institutions enjoy full legal freedom.
These developments have raised concern among international observers and Christian advocates, who warn that Turkey's actions contradict its own constitutional guarantee of religious freedom. ADF International has taken several of the deportation cases to the European Court of Human Rights, seeking justice for those forced to leave.
For Turkey's small Protestant community—around 10,000 believers nationwide—the loss of experienced foreign pastors has left many congregations without spiritual leadership.
As one affected pastor said, "We love the people of Turkey. We only want to serve them. But now we are treated as enemies."
Christians in Niger are puting back the pieces of their lives after Muslims destroyed their homes and churches. But instead of seeking revenge, the Christians are offering forgiveness.
See the comments posted under this video on YouTube, in which people call for and glorify the burning of manor houses and express deep hatred toward Christians.
