Christian churches in Florida, Massachusetts, and Arizona are reeling from recent arson attacks, prompting fears among faith communities nationwide.
In Orlando, the Incarnation Catholic Church faced its second suspected arson attack in just over a year. The early morning fire damaged the altar despite firefighters’ efforts to contain it quickly. Frustration is mounting among parishioners, who point to last year’s unresolved incident as evidence of insufficient action by authorities.
Incarnation Catholic Church in Orlando was burned down by arson. The fire was so hot metal in the building melted. Nothing was left inside but ash. Except one thing was left. Where the altar once stood, on the ground and covered in ash, they found a monstrance with the Holy… pic.twitter.com/FoTYuwGmlO
— Royce Hood (@RoyceHood) July 14, 2024
In Massachusetts, St. Mary Church in Franklin was also targeted. A fire broke out in the rear sacristy, filling the historic church with smoke. Though firefighters managed to control the blaze, the damage was extensive. The state’s fire marshal’s office, along with the ATF, is investigating the attack. They have announced a $10,000 reward for information that could help lead to an arrest and are asking the public to assist with any relevant details.
Arson investigation:
Call the number in pic below, if you have any info about the fire at St. Mary Catholic Church in Franklin
Church members were in tears describing the scene from last night; they’ll now be unable to worship here for 4-6 weeks pic.twitter.com/BG6iOUcF9z
— Darren Botelho (@DarrenBotelho) October 24, 2024
St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Arizona experienced a fire under similarly suspicious circumstances. The incident occurred as the state prepares to vote on Proposition 139, which would expand abortion rights. The church has publicly opposed the measure, leading some parishioners to suspect the attack might be linked to their activism.
Father Ariel Luston noted the extensive damage and the suspicious timing of the fire. The ATF is investigating, though no specific connection has been confirmed.
Horrible!
The crucifix at the altar of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Arizona, which was destroyed by fire last week
Since May 2020, 462 attacks have been reported on Catholic Churches in the United States, according to the CatholicVote tracker pic.twitter.com/oxk1QImpUf
— Sachin Jose (@Sachinettiyil) October 27, 2024
Tommy Valentine from CatholicVote emphasized that attacks on churches have been on the rise in states debating abortion measures. He urged for increased protection and for authorities to recognize these incidents as deliberate threats against Christian communities.
Christian leaders and parishioners across the country are demanding answers and justice. They want these attacks to be treated as serious acts of persecution, calling for law enforcement to act swiftly to protect their places of worship.
