EU Report IGNORES Non-Christian Extremism!!

Report on Religious Advocacy in Europe Stirs Debate Over Ideological Double Standards

Story Snapshot

• A prominent EU report singles out Catholic and conservative Christian groups for alleged “religious extremism,” a characterization that has drawn criticism.
• Christian organizations challenge the report, accusing it of bias and a selective focus that threatens religious liberty.
• The controversy highlights deepening divides over abortion, religious freedom, and secularism in European politics.
• Funding transparency, lobbying practices, and ideological neutrality of advocacy networks are under fresh scrutiny.

EU Abortion Lobby Report Singles Out Catholics, Ignites Backlash

In 2021, the European Parliamentary Forum for Sexual and Reproductive Rights (EPF) published a report titled, “The Next Wave: How Religious Extremism Is Reclaiming Power.” The report alleges that a powerful bloc of conservative Christian organizations and wealthy donors is steering European policy to restrict abortion and reproductive rights. The document warns about the influence of Catholic and Christian pro-life groups, framing them as a growing threat to secularism. The report has drawn criticism for its heavy focus on Catholicism while largely omitting discussion of other religious or ideological influences shaping policy.

EU Report Ignores Muslim Violence to Label Catholics ‘Religious Extremists’ https://t.co/EBitX0tMmm

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Christian advocacy groups quickly responded, accusing the EPF of using the “extremism” label to silence ideological opponents. Organizations such as Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) International described the report as an attempt to delegitimize religious voices in public debate by associating mainstream Christian activism with extremism. They argue that the report’s selective focus on Catholic and Christian organizations shows a broader agenda: to undermine religious freedoms and paint faith-based opposition to abortion as a threat to democracy.

Selective Focus and Allegations of Double Standards

Media outlets and Christian leaders have highlighted that the EPF report largely ignores incidents of violence, lobbying, or influence by other religious groups, including Islam. Critics argue that this one-sided treatment not only distorts the landscape of religious advocacy but also fosters suspicion towards Catholic and Christian communities. They warn that such selective reporting risks fueling further polarization, eroding trust in public institutions, and endangering the principle of equal treatment for all faiths in Europe’s pluralistic societies.

At the heart of the controversy are claims of “dark money” and transnational lobbying. The EPF alleges that Christian advocacy networks are bankrolled by wealthy donors, while Christian organizations counter that the EPF itself is funded by major foundations, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Open Society Foundations. This mutual finger-pointing over funding sources has intensified scrutiny on both sides, with calls for greater transparency and accountability in how advocacy groups—secular and religious—operate and influence policy.

Escalating Tensions and the Battle Over Values

The debate triggered by the EPF report is emblematic of a broader struggle across Europe over the role of religion in public life and policy. As legislative battles over abortion and sexual rights continue, both secularist and religious factions are mobilizing resources and networks to shape outcomes. The immediate effect has been heightened tensions, with Christian communities feeling targeted and advocacy groups pushing back against what they see as ideological overreach. This escalation threatens to entrench polarized advocacy networks and politicize religious identity further.

Long-term, experts warn that the fallout from this controversy could have significant consequences for religious freedom, democratic participation, and the future of reproductive policy in Europe. New regulations on lobbying transparency and funding disclosures may emerge, but the fundamental divide over whether faith-based advocacy is a threat or a cornerstone of democracy is unlikely to be resolved soon. As advocacy groups on both sides professionalize and expand across borders, the struggle over who defines “extremism” and whose voices are legitimate in public debate will shape European policy for years to come.

Expert Reactions and Broader Implications

EPF leadership, including Executive Director Neil Datta, continues to warn of “anti-gender” movements gaining power and eroding sexual liberty. In contrast, figures like Felix Böllmann of ADF International accuse the EPF of ideological bias and funding hypocrisy. Academics and analysts note that both pro-life and pro-choice advocacy networks have become increasingly transnational and professionalized, with growing resources and influence. The selective focus and potential for disinformation in such reports have drawn concern from multiple quarters, underscoring the need for balanced approaches to research and policy. Ultimately, this episode reflects deeper societal tensions over the intersection of secularism, religious freedom, and the evolving landscape of rights and values in Europe.

Sources:

Christian rights group challenges ‘extremism’ claims in EU abortion lobby report
Christian rights group challenges ‘extremism’ claims in EU abortion lobby report
Review: Christian extremists are overtaking power in Europe, new report claims
3 Questions to Neil Datta, Executive Director and Founder European Parliamentary Forum
EU Report Ignores Muslim Violence to Label Catholics ‘Religious Extremists’