EU Parliament Makes History: Christianophobia Officially Recognised as 380 Million Suffer in Silence

European Parliament Officially Recognises Christianophobia for the First Time in History

The European Parliament has made history by formally recognising "Christianophobia" as a specific form of religious discrimination for the first time in its institutional existence.

On January 21, 2026, MEPs adopted resolution TA 10 2026 0014 on "human rights and democracy in the world," which explicitly names and condemns the global persecution of Christians. The resolution states that Christianity remains "the most persecuted religion in the world today, with more than 380 million people affected."

The landmark measure was championed by a coalition of MEPs including Bert Jan Ruissen of the Netherlands (ECR group), Davor Stier of Croatia (EPP group), and lead rapporteur Francisco Assis of Portugal (S&D group). Support came from the European People's Party (EPP), European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR), Patriots for Europe (PfE), and members of Renew Europe.

Article 83 of the resolution is particularly significant. It demands that the European Commission appoint a dedicated coordinator to combat Christianophobia, matching the institutional resources already allocated to fighting antisemitism and Islamophobia.

The Parliament not only acknowledges the global scale of anti Christian persecution but also highlights an institutional asymmetry within the EU's existing anti discrimination architecture.

This statement came from the Observatory on Intolerance and Discrimination Against Christians in Europe (OIDAC), which welcomed the Parliament's recognition.

The resolution also draws attention to the plight of Christian communities in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, noting that these "among the oldest in the world, continue to face severe persecution, discrimination, forced displacement and restrictions on their freedom of religion or belief."

The Commission of the Bishops' Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) has since encouraged the European Commission to act swiftly on appointing the coordinator, interpreting the mandate as both a political and moral obligation.

Why the EU's Recognition of Christian Persecution Matters for Believers Worldwide

Not everyone supported the measure. Radical left groups and some Green members voiced concerns, arguing that focusing on one religion could create a "hierarchy" among victims of discrimination. Despite this opposition, the resolution passed with broad support from centre right and conservative factions.

Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) collaborated with MEPs on the provisions, providing data on the scale of Christian persecution globally. The resolution will serve as the basis for the EU's external human rights action throughout 2026.

The Crusader's Opinion

For decades, the European Union has had a coordinator to combat Islamophobia while 380 million persecuted Christians received nothing but silence. Let that asymmetry sink in. The same institution that lectures the world on human rights couldn't even bring itself to name the persecution of the world's most targeted faith. This resolution is a long overdue first step, but make no mistake: words on paper mean nothing without action. The Commission must appoint that coordinator immediately. Every day of delay is another day where Christians in Nigeria, Iraq, and China suffer while bureaucrats deliberate. The left's objection that this creates a "hierarchy of victims" is absurd. You don't stop naming cancer because other diseases exist.

Take Action

• Contact your MEP directly through the European Parliament website and urge them to push the European Commission to appoint the Christianophobia coordinator without delay.
• Support the Observatory on Intolerance and Discrimination Against Christians in Europe (OIDAC) by visiting intoleranceagainstchristians.eu and sharing their reports with your church community.
• Donate to www.TheShepherdsShield.org to support persecuted Christians worldwide through direct aid and advocacy.
• Support Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), which worked directly with MEPs to bring this resolution forward.
• Share this story with your congregation and on social media. The mainstream media will not amplify this victory for persecuted Christians unless we do it ourselves.