Christian churches are being targeted by arsonists in multiple states, causing widespread fear among faith communities.

In Orlando, Florida, the Incarnation Catholic Church has suffered its second suspected arson attack in just over a year. Early Wednesday morning, firefighters arrived at the scene and contained the blaze, but the damage was already significant, especially to the altar. Despite last year’s attack, authorities have yet to confirm an official cause, leaving parishioners feeling vulnerable and frustrated.

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

A similar incident occurred in Franklin, Massachusetts, where St. Mary Church was also targeted by a fire. The flames broke out in the rear sacristy, filling the church with smoke. Firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze, but the smoke damage spread throughout the building. The ATF, state fire marshal’s office and local authorities are investigating, offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. Investigators are urging anyone with knowledge of the incident to come forward.

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

In Arizona, the historic St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church was damaged by a suspicious fire last week. The incident coincides with the state’s upcoming vote on Proposition 139, a measure that would expand abortion rights. The church, known for its vocal opposition to the proposition, suffered extensive damage to its sanctuary. Father Ariel Luston has not ruled out the possibility that the attack is linked to the church’s stance on the amendment. Authorities are investigating the fire as suspicious.

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

With these targeted attacks affecting Christian churches across the nation, faith leaders like Tommy Valentine from CatholicVote are calling for more security measures. Valentine emphasized that incidents like these have become increasingly frequent where abortion debates are on the ballot, highlighting the need for urgent action from authorities.

Christian communities nationwide are demanding justice as they face the reality of these attacks. Parishioners are urging law enforcement to take these threats seriously and ensure that their places of worship are protected.