Hostility Against U.S. Churches Remains Historically High in 2024, New FRC Report Finds
by Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Staff
(Worthy News) – The Family Research Council’s latest annual analysis reveals that while the number of hostile incidents targeting U.S. churches dipped in 2024–down from a record high in 2023–it remains alarmingly elevated compared to pre-2022 levels.
Key Findings
- Total Incidents: FRC documented 415 acts of hostility against churches in 2024, down from 485 in 2023 but still substantially above the annual figures recorded between 2018 and 2022.
- Cumulative Toll: Between January 2018 and December 2024, a total of 1,384 hostile acts were reported.
Types of Hostile Acts
- Vandalism remained the most common category, accounting for 284 incidents, including destruction of property, theft of items like A/C units or organ pipes, and repeated attacks on congregations.
- Arson incidents numbered 55, with some tragic episodes, such as the deadly fire at St. Mark AME Zion Church in Tennessee and multiple arsons in Ohio that destroyed four churches.
- Gun‑related threats or incidents surged, more than doubling from 12 in 2023 to 28 in 2024. These included armed intrusions, shootings at church buildings, and perilous showdowns during services.
- Bomb threats and hoaxes accounted for 14 incidents, including politically charged packages sent to Florida churches.
- The “other” category, covering violent intrusions and threats not fitting other types, rose to 47 incidents, ranging from hammer attacks during services to bizarre disruptions by costumed individuals.
Motive Trends
- Pro‑abortion‑motivated incidents dropped significantly, from 59 in 2022 and 11 in 2023, to just 2 in 2024.
- Satanic-related actions fell from 12 to a single incident.
- Anti‑LGBT targeting, while lower than 2023’s figures, remained a serious concern at 33 incidents–often involving vandalism of supportive churches.
Broader Context
FRC underscores that much of the damage, both material and emotional, stems from more than just physical destruction. Churches, particularly smaller congregations like Bethel Baptist in Portland, Oregon, have faced repeated vandalism and resulting despair.
The report also points to a cultural backdrop where religious participation is on the decline–with church attendance dropping from 42% two decades ago to 30% today–and 80% of Americans say religion is losing influence in public life, according to Pew Research Center.
What It Means
While 2024 marked a slight decrease from the previous year’s record, the level of hostility remains deeply concerning. The persistence of vandalism, arson, and armed threats suggests that religious tolerance in some communities is still fragile. FRC emphasizes the need for continued awareness and stronger measures to protect houses of worship and the right to religious practice.
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