Arson is on the rise as religious sites go up in flame. These are due, largely, to churches, shrines, and other religious sites sitting empty over strict Covid-19 regulations. The latest victim to these arson attacks is Scotland’s national shrine to Our Lady of Lourdes.
Arson Attack at #Scotland's National Lourdes #Grotto Shrine Causes Damage but Doesn't Break Spirit of the Faithfulhttps://t.co/KM920L8TBg pic.twitter.com/S2cmWeV6gT
— Catholic News World (@catholicnews1) October 19, 2021
The damage done by the arson attempt has added to the shrine’s financial burden. Located in the Carfin Grotto just 15 miles outside Glasglows city limits, the shrine once welcomed over 70,000 pilgrims a year. Now it waits lonely, and disfigured by flames, a year short of its centennial celebration.
Arson Attacks on Churches Have Been on the Rise
Canada has seen a rise in arson attacks against churches since late last year. The Canadian Royal Mounted Police have not released a national tally of fires but, the media have reported on dozens of significant arson-related fires and vandalism against churches.
A Coptic church in British Columbia, Canada that was recently targeted in an arson attack was burned down this week. The church was used by those of African & Middle Eastern background. Churches have been destroyed in Canada recently by far-left activists. https://t.co/hAe1PqbyPE
— Andy Ngô 🏳️🌈 (@MrAndyNgo) July 20, 2021
European countries have also seen a rise in such heinous acts against religious sites. Over 500 hate crimes against Christians, including the act of arson, have been reported in Europe in 2019 alone. The attack on Scotlands National Shrine is the last on a long list. A list that sadly continues to grow.
The Oct. 10 vandalization of Denver’s cathedral basilica brought to 100 the number of incidents of arson, vandalism and other destruction that have taken place at Catholic sites across the United States since May 2020. https://t.co/HE9rP7D91n
— America Magazine (@americamag) October 19, 2021
There are many speculations on the cause of such hate crimes. Reasons for these attacks include mass immigration of hostile Muslim immigrants to European nations, the revelations of past sins by the Catholic Church, and the easy targets of vacant buildings due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Sadly, America is not exempt from such attacks.
The @NYPDHateCrimes unit is seeking a person of interest in an arson attack on a Jewish school. On 14 Oct., a black woman dumped gasoline at the Jewish institution in Brooklyn & set it ablaze. Security put out the flames before it spread. pic.twitter.com/iwlVLcbA5q
— Andy Ngô 🏳️🌈 (@MrAndyNgo) October 16, 2021
Hope In the Chaos
Although attacks against Christianity are on the rise, we as Christians shouldn’t be surprised by them. Jesus Himself proclaimed the world would hate those who follow Him. Our current culture has forgotten that the best parts of Western Civilization came out of Scripture and those who believed in it.
Our problems do not have simple solutions, but Scripture helps us understand when to take a stand for what is right and practical ways to await Christ’s return.https://t.co/fWVmV9q4xU
— David Jeremiah (@davidjeremiah) September 22, 2021
The freedoms that we take for granted today are created by God. The American Founders understood this because they read their bibles consistently and even fought for all citizens to have a copy of God’s word in their homes. This was radical in a time where the British ruling class dictated the teachings of the church.
Grateful our church @CanaanBaptistga hosted @DavidBartonWB & @ChadConnelly last night. Was greatly helped in learning what we as Christians & Preachers in #America can do to make a real difference in our nation’s trajectory:
Defend & vote in your community.
Preach the Word.— 𝐃𝐚𝐧 𝐈𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐢 (@ImondiDan) September 10, 2021
The fear and chaos in our world today would end if those who claim to be Christians would open their Bibles more than just on Sundays.
