A human rights expert has warned that anti-Christian hate crime is being fuelled by “religious illiteracy” among Western officials, as an intergovernmental report confirmed worsening discrimination across Europe. Source: OSV News.
“This lack of basic knowledge poses a major problem in how officials react to anti-Christian incidents,” Anja Hoffman, executive director of OIDAC, the Vienna-based Observatory on Intolerance and Discrimination against Christians, said.
“While no one in authority supports the vandalising of churches, anti-Christian rhetoric in the media and public sphere is playing into the general atmosphere. Many young people are now afraid to share their faith publicly, fearing this could damage their study and work opportunities.”
Ms Hoffman was speaking as the 57-country Organisation on Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), released its report for the August 22 International Day Commemorating Victims of Violence Based on Religion or Belief, established in 2019 by the United Nations.
She said data collection methods varied from country to country, but added that recent “shocking acts” against places of worship had confirmed a “worsening anti-Christian climate”, forcing churches across the continent to stay closed outside worship hours.
Church and human rights organisations have long warned of rising anti-Christian prejudice across Europe, fuelled by anti-religious groups and social media.
In its 129-page report, the OSCE said incidents ranged from “graffiti and vandalism to threats, physical assaults and murder,” and risked undermining “broader peace, security and stability,” but were usually “downplayed, under-reported or politically overlooked” and treated less seriously than other hate crimes.
Among recommendations, the report called for “comprehensive domestic education policies” and “awareness-raising campaigns” to address root causes of anti-Christian prejudice.
It also urged better data collection, training, legislation and policy development, with improved victim support systems and enhanced security and safety measures.
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Rights experts highlight rising anti-Christian hate crime in Europe (By Jonathan Luxmoore, OSV News)
