Over 100 churches in Canada have been burned or vandalized since 2021, with many attributing the attacks to anti-Christian bigotry and historical controversies.
At a Glance
- 112 churches, mostly Catholic, have been attacked in Canada since spring 2021
- U.S. Vice President-elect JD Vance labels attacks as “anti-Christian bigotry”
- Conservative MP Jamil Jivani launches “Protect Christians in Canada” initiative
- Attacks linked to unproven claims about Catholic Church’s role in residential schools
- Government data shows an increase in arson incidents at religious institutions
Rising Tide of Anti-Christian Violence in Canada
Canada is witnessing a disturbing trend of violence against Christian churches, particularly Catholic ones. Since the spring of 2021, a staggering 112 churches have been targeted in attacks ranging from arson to vandalism. This surge in anti-Christian incidents has caught the attention of prominent figures on both sides of the border, including U.S. Vice President-elect JD Vance and Canadian Conservative MP Jamil Jivani.
Vance, a staunch defender of religious freedom, has been vocal about the situation in Canada. He recently took to social media to express his concerns, stating, “Canada has seen a number of church burnings in recent years thanks to anti-Christian bigotry.” This statement underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for immediate action to protect religious institutions.
Canada has seen a number of church burnings in recent years thanks to anti-Christian bigotry.
All over the world, Christians are the most persecuted religious group.
Jamil is speaking the truth. Shame on journalists who refuse to see what's obvious. https://t.co/LKq146gTGc
— JD Vance (@JDVance) December 6, 2024
The “Protect Christians in Canada” Initiative
In response to the escalating attacks, newly elected Conservative MP Jamil Jivani has launched the “Protect Christians in Canada” initiative. This campaign aims to raise awareness about anti-Christian bigotry and advocate for stronger measures to safeguard religious communities. Jivani, who won a byelection in Ontario’s Durham riding in March, is pushing for stiffer penalties for those who target churches with acts of arson or vandalism.
Jivani’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. JD Vance, a friend and former Yale law school classmate of Jivani, has thrown his support behind the initiative. Vance praised Jivani’s work, stating, “Jamil is speaking the truth. Shame on journalists who refuse to see what’s obvious.” This endorsement from a high-profile U.S. politician has brought international attention to the issue of Christian persecution in Canada.
Historical Context and Contested Claims
The surge in church attacks began in 2021 following controversial claims about the mistreatment of indigenous children in residential schools run by Catholic institutions. However, these allegations remain unproven and highly contested. Retired judge Brian Giesbrecht has criticized the Canadian government for misleading the public, asserting that historical records show children who died in residential schools received proper Christian burials.
Despite the lack of concrete evidence, the Trudeau government and some media outlets have suggested Catholic Church complicity in the deaths of indigenous children. This narrative has fueled anti-Catholic sentiment and may have contributed to the rise in church attacks. It’s crucial to note that spreading unverified information can have serious consequences, potentially inciting violence against innocent communities.
Recent Incidents and Government Data
The attacks on churches have not abated. Recent incidents include the destruction of Notre-Dame-des-Sept-Allégresses in Quebec and St. George’s Church in Saskatchewan. These are not isolated events but part of a broader pattern of violence against religious institutions in Canada. Government data confirms an increase in arson incidents at religious buildings from 2020 to 2021, highlighting the urgent need for action to protect places of worship.
While some critics, such as a columnist from the National Observer, have accused the conservative movement of promoting a sense of victimhood, the hard data and ongoing attacks tell a different story. The reality is that Christian communities in Canada are facing a real and present danger, and their concerns deserve to be taken seriously by both the government and the media.
