Don’t expect to see any reports or op-eds about this issue on any left-leaning, legacy media outlets – it doesn’t quite fit the narrative our once-vaunted Fourth Estate wishes to promote. A troubling new report from the Family Research Council (FRC) shows an alarming increase in documented incidents of aggression against churches. In fact, the number of these attacks more than doubled in 2023, and raises concerns about the state of religious freedom and respect for religious institutions.

The report notes that “Over the past six years (2018-2023), FRC has identified 915 acts of hostility against churches in the United States” and that “Between January and November 2023, at least 436 acts of hostility against churches took place in the United States.”

These acts included “at least 315 occurrences of vandalism, 75 arson attacks or attempts, 10 gun-related incidents, 20 bomb threats, and 37 other incidents.”

There are several different reasons why hostility against churches is on the rise. The report suggests these attacks “may be symptomatic of a collapse in societal reverence and respect for houses of worship and religion.”

Although the motivations for many of these incidents remain unknown, the rise in crimes against churches is taking place in a context in which American culture appears increasingly hostile to Christianity. Criminal acts of vandalism and destruction of church property may be symptomatic of a collapse in societal reverence and respect for houses of worship and religion—in this case, churches and Christianity. Americans appear increasingly comfortable lashing out against church buildings, pointing to a larger societal problem of marginalizing core Christian beliefs, including those that touch on hot button political issues related to human dignity and sexuality. Attacks on houses of worship may also signal a discomfort with religion in general.

For congregants and clergy, acts of hostility against their churches can be intimidating. For example, when a statue of Mary outside of a Catholic church is beheaded, it is natural for congregants to feel disturbed and upset, and that may be the vandal’s aim. Acts of hostility against churches can send the message—regardless of whether it is the perpetrator’s intent—that churches are not wanted in the community or respected in general. This may cause congregants or church leaders to feel unsafe. In some instances, the goal of the hostility is undoubtedly to interrupt the normal work of the church.

These findings come after the Supreme Court’s ruling overturning Roe v. Wade, and the wave of firebombings and vandalism of pro-life organizations that followed. Many of these attacks were perpetrated against Christian groups.

The report’s revelations are even more disturbing given that the nation has seen yet another church shooting at Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, earlier in February.

Read: ALERT: Houston Police Confirm Shooter Dead, 2 Injured After Gunfire at Osteen Church During Service

It is worth mentioning that the report only details reported incidents of violence against churches. The authors note that “many acts of hostility against churches are likely not reported to authorities and/or are not featured in the news or other online sources.”

The spike in church-related violence is not happening in a vacuum, and coincides with a broader cultural and legal battle over religious freedom in America. Institutions across the country, including corporate America, higher education, the media, activist groups, and others have been a part of the battle over religious freedom.

There is also the issue of anti-gunner legislators doing their level best to prevent armed security in churches. New York’s state government is one of several that prohibits civilians from carrying firearms in places of worship.

This news should be a clarion call for churchgoers and religious leaders. If there is a rise in anti-Christian sentiment manifesting in violent attacks, it is even more important for believers to be aware of their right to defend themselves and the lawmakers who seek to infringe on this right. While many churches have law enforcement officers present to protect the congregations, many don’t, which makes it even more necessary for Christians to take their safety into their own hands.