#United States #Washington #Family Research Council #Religious Freedom #Hostility Against Churches

FRC's Findings on Hostility Against Churches

On August 11, 2025, the Family Research Council (FRC) published an updated edition of its "Hostility Against Churches" report. This edition chronicles significant acts of hostility directed towards churches across the U.S. during the year 2024. The FRC's commitment to bringing attention to these incidents has been a continuous effort since the first report was released in December 2022, analyzing data that goes back to 2018.

Increasing Incidents of Hostility

The data revealed in this latest report shows that the previous six years have seen a marked increase in hostility against churches, culminating in an alarming trend. The report breaks down the number of hostile incidents identified over the years:

• - 2018: 50 incidents
• - 2019: 83 incidents
• - 2020: 55 incidents
• - 2021: 98 incidents
• - 2022: 198 incidents
• - 2023: 485 incidents
• - 2024: 415 incidents

The year 2023 witnessed an exponential spike with 485 reported incidents, more than doubling those identified in 2022. However, in 2024, the figure declined slightly to 415, which, while lower than the previous year, still reflects a disturbing pattern of ongoing hostility toward churches in America. Notably, this number is close to the first report's total of 420 incidents over 57 months.

Geographic Distribution of Incidents

The report notes that California topped the list with the most reported incidents in 2024, totaling 40 incidents. Other states followed closely:

• - Pennsylvania: 29 incidents
• - Florida & New York: 25 incidents each
• - Texas: 23 incidents
• - Tennessee & Ohio: 19 incidents each

The nature of the incidents varied significantly, with 284 instances of vandalism, 55 instances of arson, and 14 bomb threats recorded. Alarmingly, gun-related incidents saw a significant rise, jumping from 12 in 2023 to 28 in 2024, highlighting an urgent need for attention.

Commentary from Leaders

FRC President Tony Perkins, who also chaired the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom under President Trump, emphasized that "religious freedom is seldom handed to the passive; it is claimed by those who exercise it even when a hostile culture says they may not." He pointed out that the findings in this report are a stark reminder of the looming threats to religious liberty in the U.S. He questioned the inaction of government leaders in addressing these pressing issues, urging them to take a stronger stand against crimes aimed at religious freedom.

Arielle Del Turco, Director of FRC's Center for Religious Liberty, expressed her dismay at the report's findings, asserting: "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." She noted that cultural support for religious freedom is as vital as legal protections.

Moreover, Travis Weber, FRC's Vice President for Policy and Government Affairs, warned that many Americans might not realize the growing threats to religious communities. He urged all who value freedom to pay close attention to the troubling trends documented in the report, stating, "The reality presented by this report may be surprising to many, as we are often accustomed to thinking of 'the West' as the place of freedom." He reiterated the need for government leaders to enforce protective laws for free exercise of religion and for cultural institutions to promote respect for religious heritage.

Ongoing Support for Religious Freedom

The FRC asserts that there is an ongoing need to advocate for forces that protect and promote the fundamental human right of religious freedom amidst rising hostility. According to the report, since January 2018, a total of 1,384 acts of hostility against U.S. churches have been recorded, painting a worrying picture of the current landscape for religious communities.

As this report reflects broader societal trends, it's imperative for communities, policymakers, and individuals alike to recognize and respond to such hostility. The full publication is accessible on the FRC website at FRC Hostility Against Churches Report.