Published on September 9, 2024, 12:38 am

In an increasingly secular society that often seems to bristle against Christian principles, there’s no shortage of alarming instances that serve as a sober reminder of this widening gap. A stark indicator of this antagonism is perhaps most pronounced in France, a traditionally liberal country, where the self-proclaimed “Church of the Enlightenment” is now under fire—literally.

Recently, an unfortunate incident occurred at the historic Church of the Immaculate Conception in Saint-Omer in Northern France. The well-treasured sanctuary suffered extreme damage caused by flames that consumed its roof and bell tower during a grueling three-hour-long blaze. This destructive event wasn’t coincidental; it was deliberately conducted by one Joël Vigoureux—a convicted anti-Christian extremist with a record riddled with arson-related crimes targeting churches.

This particular incident may seem isolated, but unfortunately, it aligns with increasing reports concerning the sabotage of religious properties across Europe—with Christian establishments often directly at the firing line. Based on real news from Paris-based Observatoire du patrimoine religieux (Observatory of Religious Heritage), approximately one Christian church or monument faces destruction fortnightly. A staggering fact further illuminates these findings; for every new mosque erected in France—estimated to occur once every 15 days—a corresponding Christian church faces devastation.

The violence directed towards Catholicism isn’t confined to French borders either—it’s spreading throughout Europe like wildfire. Last month in Galway, Ireland, an army chaplain fell victim to a stabbing incident; In Germany, assailants targeted and destroyed a millennium-old church’s prized high altar. These acts increase alongside allegations tying European anti-Catholic hostility primarily to widespread immigration from Muslim-majority countries.

Meanwhile, across the Atlantic pond in the United States—the story transforms but remains just as disturbing. According to trusted news soruces like CatholicVote—nearly 450 Catholic Churches have been subjected to instances of desecration, vandalism and arson since May 2020, with over 280 of these cases materializing after the leaked U.S Supreme Court draft opinion reversed the Roe v. Wade decision.

The Catholic Church’s longstanding firm stance against abortion—classifying it as a severe moral evil—has made it a prime target for those who passionately advocate for the practice. This goes beyond just defending women’s rights or arguing for bodily autonomy; it transforms into a conflict between religious beliefs upheld by a Christian worldview and secular ideologies positioned in stark opposition.

Catholic strongholds like cathedrals and chapels are partial symbols of the Church but do not adequately encompass Christianity’s complete essence from a broader perspective. The true essence lies within each follower’s heart—a truth that does not waver, regardless of the encroaching onslaught on physical representations like churches.

With the escalating vandalism and destruction targeting Christian institutions, one might deduce that an existential war is currently being waged globally, under our very noses. On one side: noble spiritual righteousness, aiming to pave avenues towards eternal life. On the other: corrupt ideologies promoting practices diametrically opposed to Christianity, offering doorways to lasting misery.

These rapidly unfolding events bring crucial questions to our doorsteps—are we contributing towards furthering noble righteousness or succumbing to corruption?