Germany has witnessed a troubling rise in crimes targeting churches and Christian communities, according to recent data released by the Federal Ministry of the Interior and the Federal Criminal Police Office. The statistics reveal a 20% jump in attacks on church properties in 2024, with 111 such incidents officially recorded, as reported by CNA Deutsch.

The broader picture is equally concerning. Crimes against religious communities across the country rose sharply to 8,531 in 2024, up from 7,029 the previous year. Attacks specifically directed at members and representatives of religious groups also surged by 22%, increasing from 6,122 cases in 2023 to 7,504 in 2024.

Between January 1 and December 10, 2024, authorities documented 228 offenses classified as “anti-Christian,” which included one murder, 14 physical assaults, and 52 acts of property destruction. Additionally, 96 church-related crimes were reported during this period, with nearly half involving vandalism or damage to property.

The spike in such offenses has sparked concern among religious leaders and civil society groups, prompting renewed calls for stronger measures to protect places of worship and uphold religious freedom in Germany.