Survey: Reported Christian "martyr" deaths doubled in 2013

[cbayer]

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/survey-reported-christian-martyr-deaths-double-in-2013/

REUTERS January 8, 2014, 9: 42 AM

LONDON -- Reported cases of Christians killed for their faith around the world doubled in 2013 from the year before, with Syria accounting for more than the whole global total in 2012, according to an annual survey.

Open Doors, a non-denominational group supporting persecuted Christians worldwide, said on Wednesday it had documented 2,123 "martyr" killings, compared with 1,201 in 2012. There were 1,213 such deaths in Syria alone last year, it said.

"This is a very minimal count based on what has been reported in the media and we can confirm," said Frans Veerman, head of research for Open Doors. Estimates by other Christian groups put the annual figure as high as 8,000.

The Open Doors report placed North Korea at the top of its list of 50 most dangerous countries for Christians, a position it has held since the annual survey began 12 years ago. Somalia, Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan were the next four in line.

more at link

[hrmjustin]

1. Heartbreaking!

[cleanhippie]

2. It should be pointed out that these people were not killed because of their religion...

But because of their killers' religion.

There is a difference.

[Leontius]

3. Okay are we to understand that to you Muslim = killer.

[cleanhippie]

4. Is that what you think I said?

Id try to elaborate but something tells me it wouldn't make a difference to you.

[Leontius]

6. That's exactly what you said and I gave you a chance to explain.

It's up to you, let it stand that you think Muslim = killer or not.

[cleanhippie]

7. No that's exactly what you said.

That's not even close to what I said.

But keep trying.

[Leontius]

8. Fair enough if you're going to stand with your saying Muslim = killer that's up to you.

No need to explain yourself. I think we got it and you'd probably just be digging a deeper hole if you tried with or without the cute little smileys.

[cleanhippie]

10. What would Jesus do? Would he intentionally misrepresent another?

Stay classy, pal.

[trotsky]

11. That's really dishonest, disrespectful, and insulting.

Is that what Jesus would want you to say?

It is patently clear that what is meant here is that some Christians aren't killed *because* they are Christians, but because they aren't a member of the religion of their killers. An atheist in that situation would likely be killed too, but no atheist is ever a "martyr."

[pinto]

5. My Syrian catholic friends still have family there. They try and check in with them daily.

Apparently all live in a "safe" enclave, but feel it won't last as things deteriorate further. All are working on getting to Europe.

[cbayer]

9. I hope that they are safe and able to travel soon.