Christian churches in Florida, Massachusetts, and Arizona have been struck by arsonists, leaving faith communities deeply shaken.
In Orlando, Incarnation Catholic Church suffered its second fire in 16 months. The early morning blaze, which occurred at their new Edgewater Drive location, caused significant damage to the altar despite efforts by firefighters to control the flames. Parishioners are frustrated, citing a lack of progress in last year’s investigation, which did not produce any arrests or clear conclusions.
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 Franklin, Massachusetts, St. Mary Church faced a similar arson attack. Flames broke out in the rear sacristy, and although the fire was extinguished quickly, smoke filled the church, causing extensive damage. Authorities, including the ATF and local fire officials, have launched an investigation. They are offering a $10,000 reward for information that could lead to an arrest, urging the public to come forward with any helpful 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
Arizona’s St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church also experienced a suspicious fire, coinciding with the state’s consideration of Proposition 139. The church has taken a strong stance against this measure, which would expand abortion rights, and parishioners suspect that their activism may be linked to the attack. Father Ariel Luston expressed his concern over the extent of the damage, which includes the sanctuary and stained glass. The ATF is treating the fire as suspicious but has not confirmed any direct connections.
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
Faith communities are growing increasingly concerned over these incidents. Tommy Valentine from CatholicVote highlighted that violence against churches has risen in areas where abortion measures are contested. He urged authorities to provide greater security for Christian places of worship and to treat these incidents as acts of persecution.
Parishioners are demanding justice and protection, insisting that law enforcement take these threats seriously. With multiple churches targeted, they are seeking transparency and action to ensure the safety of their communities and places of worship.
