Christian Right influence in Europe

Experts and religious institutions have raised concerns regarding the growing influence of conservative and right-wing populist movements within European religious and political spheres.

In Austria, theologians and political scientists have warned of rising extremist tendencies linked to (neo)integralism. These movements are described as well-funded, international alliances that seek to align state politics with religious authority while rejecting democratic values such as human rights and religious freedom. Reports suggest that ultra-conservative Christian think tanks have spent over one billion US dollars on initiatives targeting feminism and queer movements.

In Germany, a working group within the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD) issued a warning about potential infiltration by followers of “authoritarian right-wing populism.” A report led by Hans Michael Heinig noted that approximately 20 percent of EKD members support the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. While membership in the AfD is not considered sufficient grounds for removal from church office, the report warned that endorsing positions hostile to the church or contemptuous of humans poses a significant threat, particularly in regional youth work and church boards.