Churches are burning across Europe. But why?

Deliberate arson attacks on churches are part of a wider increase in hate crimes against Christians. But who is to blame? Heather Tomlinson investigates

A symbolic resurrection will take place in Paris in two weeks’ time when the Notre Dame Cathedral reopens, five years after the historic building was destroyed by fire.

This medieval icon is just one of hundreds of churches across the world to be engulfed in flames in recent years. There is growing evidence that some have been targeted due to hatred and bigotry towards Christians – even in Western countries. Known attackers include political extremists on both the left and right, Islamic radicals, and even satanists.

Of course, church fires have occurred throughout history due to war or the inevitable faults in old buildings with wooden construction. The 2019 blaze that destroyed the Notre Dame Cathedral was officially declared accidental, while York Minster’s flames in 1984 were started by a lightning strike.

But concern is growing about deliberate arson, particularly in France, where a number of attacks have…