Extremism against Christians

by THE CHRISTIAN INSTITUTE

November 2015

Christians are currently the primary victims of extremism around the world. This briefing highlights the global harassment, intimidation and violence Christians face at the hands of extremists, both religious and non-religious. 

It demonstrates why so many Christians are fleeing the land of their birth. It shows how core freedoms – of speech, religion and the freedom to raise a family – are denied to Christians in numerous countries around the world, including some in receipt of UK aid. It also shows that a level of anti-Christian extremism is already present in the UK. 

Government counter-extremism policy needs to recognise that Christians are the victims and not the perpetrators of extremism.

Freedom of Speech

“Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas” (Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Art. 19)

Overseas... 

Sudan

Sudan is dominated by Islamic law and the state is openly hostile to its Christian minority, especially since the secession of the mainly Christian south in 2011.[1] President Bashir’s Government condones and takes part in the targeted killing of Christians to maintain his Islamist power base.[2] At least 11 churches have been attacked in the last few years and, at the end of 2014, 37 people were arrested in Khartoum for protesting against one such attack.[3] The state also harasses Christians through strict Islamic law, imprisoning a significant number for ‘blasphemy’.[4] 

Iran 

Although tolerated in Iran, Christians are very much second-class citizens.[5] The country’s strict conversion laws make almost all Christian activity illegal, especially if it is in the majority Persian languages.[6] Christians who declare their faith to Muslims, including through written material or preaching, risk prison, where they are likely to be assaulted and beaten.[7] 

The bipartisan US Commission on International Religious Freedom found that, since 2010, over 500 Christians have been arrested and detained because of their faith. It also reported an increase in assaults in prison.[8] The Government has long used its religious laws to silence critics.[9] 

Pakistan 

Pakistan is a leading recipient of UK aid but its repressive blasphemy laws are frequently used to attack Christians.[10] Dozens of new cases were filed against Christians in 2014 and the Government has ignored calls to amend the law.[11] Blasphemy carries a possible death penalty.[12] 

The Government turns a blind eye to vigilante attacks which follow allegations.[13] Christians must act with caution to avoid being accused.[14] 

In the UK... 

Oversensitivity 

Christians in the UK are sometimes accused of ‘causing offence’ simply for expressing mainstream Christian teaching. 

Two church workers were told by a police officer not to share their faith in a part of Birmingham, because it was ‘a Muslim area’.[15] 

Hotel owners Ben and Sharon Vogelenzang were prosecuted and taken to court after a Muslim guest complained that she was offended by comments made during a discussion about religion.[16] Despite being vindicated in the court ruling, they lost contracts over the case and had to close their business.[17] 

Christian street preacher Dale Mcalpine was arrested in 2010 after describing homosexuality as a sin during a conversation with a PCSO.[18] Gay rights activist Peter Tatchell defended his right to freedom of speech and said he should not have been arrested and charged.[19] The CPS later dropped the charges. 

Police in Lancashire told the owner of a Christian café to stop displaying Bible texts on a video screen on his premises. Jamie Murray was showing the New Testament verse-by-verse, yet officers told him to stop because it was ‘offensive’ and breached public order laws.[20] After the police actions were exposed in the media, no action was taken against Mr Murray.[21]

Freedom of Religion and Worship

• Up to 10,000 Christians killed each year, according to expert estimates. 
• 4,344 confirmed deaths of Christians for faith-related reasons in 2014.[73] 
• 80% of acts of religious discrimination worldwide are against Christians.[74] 
• 2.7bn of UK taxpayers’ money being given to countries where Christians are suffering serious persecution.[75]
• 200m Christians face discrimination[76]

“Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.” (UDHR, Art. 18)

Overseas... 

Iraq and Syria 

Christians are among the groups that have suffered the worst abuses as a result of the advance of Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. When IS invaded Mosul in June 2014, they issued an ultimatum to Christians: convert to Islam, pay a high tax, or be killed. Over 100,000 residents fled the city, and many were robbed as they left.[22] 

This pattern is repeated throughout IS-controlled areas. Christians are frequently attacked, abducted and killed and the Christian population has virtually disappeared.[23] 

IS forbids public gatherings not organised by them, while churches have been demolished or turned into jails, stables and Islamic centres.[24] 

North Korea 

The pervasive anti-Christian indoctrination in North Korea creates a climate of hatred and mistrust, and Christians especially are seen as public enemies.[25] 

No deviation is allowed from the official atheist state ideology.[26] Those who secretly engage in Christian activities, or merely own a Bible, risk imprisonment, torture and even execution.[27] Of the estimated 200,000- 300,000 Christians living in North Korea, tens of thousands are held in terrible conditions in labour camps, where they are expected to remain until they die.[28] 

In May 2014, a South Korean was sentenced to life imprisonment of hard labour for attempting to set up churches, and 33 North Koreans who associated with him were reportedly executed.[29] 

The Chinese Government deports Christian refugees who have fled to the relative safety of China back to North Korea.[30] On their return they can expect imprisonment, torture and possible execution.[31] 

China 

The atheist Government in China continues to severely restrict religious freedom, in an effort to dominate every aspect of life.[32] The US Commission on International Religious Freedom noted that persecution of Christians, in both registered and unregistered churches, appears to be on the rise. Leaders in particular have faced increased harassment and arrests.[33] 

In some regions Christians face several years in prison if they are caught meeting together in secret house churches. Leaders of these churches are classified as ‘cult’ leaders by the state.[34] 

Government-sanctioned churches have also faced an increase in state hostility. In 2014 more than 400 church buildings were forcibly demolished or had crosses removed.[35] 

Saudi Arabia 

Saudi Arabia’s strict Islamic law makes conversion to any other religion punishable by death. Saudis who choose to become Christians must keep their faith completely secret.[36] 

Hamoud Bin Saleh was arrested after he wrote a blog post explaining why he had converted from Islam to Christianity. He was released after two months but has limited freedom.[37] There is a significant number of Christian migrant workers in Saudi Arabia who are frequently threatened and abused to force them to become Muslims.[38] 

Saudi Arabia has no church buildings at all. House churches are raided, including those made up of expat workers.[39] In 2014, 28 Christians were arrested whilst worshipping together in a house in the town of Khafiji.[40] 

Somalia 

Somalia is a hotbed of Islamic radicalism and suspected Christians may be killed on the spot. The Government is neither able nor willing to tackle the violence, so attackers can commit atrocities against Christians without fear of arrest. The militant group al-Shabaab states it wants to rid Somalia of all Christians.[41] 

Even owning a Bible is dangerous and meeting together in a church building is completely out of the question. The country’s constitution is strictly Islamic and converting from Islam is illegal. [42] 

Terrorists also cross the border into Kenya, carrying out deadly attacks on Christians.[43] 

In the UK... 

Hostility to converts 

Muslims who convert to Christianity in the UK can experience serious harassment and violence. 

Channel 4 Dispatches related the case of Nissar Hussain, who received death threats after he became a Christian. He was rejected by his parents and siblings, had his house and property repeatedly vandalised, and his family were intimidated.[44] 

Muslim women who become Christians in the UK are often pressured to leave Christianity. Some are made to attend mosque instead of church, physically abused, or threatened with divorce and having their children taken away. 

Dispatches also highlighted congregations run by the Church of England, which specifically support Christians from Muslim backgrounds fearing reprisals if their new faith was known. The pastor of one such church said members of his congregation have been attacked for leaving Islam.[45] Dispatches further revealed that in one UK mosque, women and children were taught that Muslims who convert to another faith should be killed.[46] 

In 2008 in Gateshead, a 16-year-old foster girl from a Muslim background was baptised as a Christian. Rather than support her freedom to change religion, the Council was concerned that she had endangered her safety by breaching Sharia law and said she should stay away from church for six months. Her foster carer was struck off the fostering register but successfully appealed to the High Court.[47] 

Clergy and churches attacked 

In 2014, police figures from 25 forces in England revealed 200 incidents against clergy in a fiveyear period.[48] The main church insurance provider stresses the need for church workers to have a ‘personal safety plan’ in which they are advised to always know how to escape quickly and to have a personal attack alarm.[49] Ecclesiastical Insurance also report an increase in arson against churches and say it is a major threat for church communities.[50]

Freedom to raise a Family

“The family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society and is entitled to protection by society and the State ... Parents have a prior right to choose the kind of education that shall be given to their children.” (UDHR, Arts 16(3) & 26(3))

Overseas... 

Nigeria 

Jihadist group Boko Haram claims to have set up an Islamic state in parts of northern Nigeria, and seeks to expel all Christians from the area. It was blamed for nearly 4,000 killings in 2014, most of whom were Christians.[51] 

As well as violent atrocities, in the Muslim north Christians also experience the squeeze of a strongly Islamic culture. They are often denied any access to secondary schools and higher education, as well as other amenities like safe drinking water.[52] 

Boko Haram – whose name means ‘western education is sinful’ – deliberately attacks soft targets such as schools. The kidnapping of over 200, mostly Christian, schoolgirls in 2014 brought these injustices to the world’s attention. It is reported that the girls were forced to convert to Islam and wear Islamic dress.[53] 

India 

Violence against Christians increased dramatically after the election of the radical nationalist BJP in May 2014. Extremist attacks against Christians doubled to over 15 per month, creating a climate of fear.[54] Hindu nationalists operate with near impunity and police sometimes encourage Christians to simply move from an area or hide their faith.[55] 

The pressure has been felt by Christian families. For example, in May 2014, Christian families were denied ration cards for not contributing to Hindu festivities in their village.[56] 

In February 2014 extremists stopped the construction of a Christian school in the Kameng district and demanded that all Christian activities in the area should be stopped.[57] 

Egypt 

The growth of radical Islam in Egypt since 2013 has led to an upsurge in anti-Christian mob violence and discrimination. Many churches and schools have been attacked, and there is a rising cultural opposition to Christians, who make up around 10% of the population.[58] 

In education, Christians are treated as second-class citizens, especially girls. They are often made to sit at the back of the class or ignored by teachers, and are bullied for their faith in the playground. Many leave school without basic skills.[59] 

In the UK... 

Insult, ridicule and exclusion 

Anti-Christian activity in several state schools in Birmingham was revealed by official investigations. 

In some of these ‘Trojan Horse’ schools, children were encouraged in anti-Christian chanting, Christmas was banned, teachers called Christians ‘ignorant’ or ‘liars’, and pupils had to teach themselves Christian RE. In some schools there was evidence of entryism – certain individuals were seeking to use their position to further an extremist agenda.[60] 

The results of the largest ever consultation by the Equality and Human Rights Commission, in 2015, revealed widespread discrimination against Christians, including parents saying their children are ridiculed for their faith at school.[61] 

Christian couples seeking to foster and adopt children often face difficulties because of their beliefs. In one case parents had their adopted children taken away because of their views on taking children to church.[62]

Recent massacres of Christians 

Kenya

In April 2015, al-Shabaab militants from Somalia attacked a college in Garissa, eastern Kenya. They separated the Muslims from the Christians, and murdered the Christians. 148 people died in the attack.[63] At the end of 2014, 36 quarry labourers at a camp were also killed, with gunmen deliberately targeting non-Muslims. This came less than a fortnight after a similar massacre, where 28 non-Muslim passengers on a bus to Nairobi were separated from Muslim passengers and killed.[64] 

Nigeria 

Churches and predominantly Christian villages are frequently under attack from Boko Haram. At least 30 people were killed in June 2014 when Boko Haram gunmen burst into four churches near Chibok during Sunday services and opened fire before then setting the churches alight.[65] In another attack on a village in Borno state, three churches were set on fire and at least 27 residents killed.[66] Christians were the victims of the majority of the 4,000 deaths Boko Haram was responsible for in 2014.[67]

Pakistan 

In September 2013, two Islamic suicide bombers attacked All Saints Church in Peshawar, Pakistan. As people were leaving the historic church, the militants blew themselves up, killing over 80 people and wounding over 100 others.[68] 

The Islamist group Jundullah claimed responsibility for the attack, stating: “They are the enemies of Islam, therefore we target them.”[69] 

Libya 

In February 2015, IS militants released a video showing the beheadings of 21 kidnapped Egyptian Christians in Libya. The video caption, which referred to the hostages as ‘people of the cross’, made clear the Coptic Christians were targeted because of their faith.[70] Another video two months later apparently showed a further 30 Ethiopian Christians being shot or beheaded.[71]

A targeted, proportionate response is required

The UK Government rightly recognises that violent extremism threatens British security and freedoms. It is not just a problem beyond our borders. 

Yet there is a dangerous confusion at the heart of the Government’s counterextremism strategy. Law-abiding citizens, such as Christians, could be caught by the wide definition of extremism. 

Any objective analysis would recognise the anti-Christian nature of much extremism in the world today. Counter-extremism policies so broad-brush that they catch churchgoers are a waste of resources. Christians are the victims of extremism, not the perpetrators. 

The Government has displayed moments of clarity. The Prime Minister has told the UN that “the biggest problem we have today is that Islamist extremist violence that has given birth to Isil”.[72] Unfortunately this belief is not filtering down into the Government’s counterextremism strategy, which lacks proper focus.

References

1. World Watch List: Sudan, Open Doors UK, see http://www.opendoorsuk.org/persecution/worldwatch/sudan.php as at 12 November 2015 and Annual Report 2015, United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, 2015, pages 65-66
2. World Watch List: Sudan, Open Doors UK, see http://www.opendoorsuk.org/persecution/worldwatch/sudan.php as at 12 November 2015
3. Annual Report 2015, United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, 2015, page 66
4. Annual Report 2015, United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, 2015, page 65
5. Freedom of Religion and the Persecution of Christians: The Open Doors Report 2015, Open Doors, January 2015, page 11
6. Freedom of Religion and the Persecution of Christians: The Open Doors Report 2015, Open Doors, January 2015, page 17
7. World Watch List: Iran, Open Doors UK, see http://www.opendoorsuk.org/persecution/worldwatch/iran.php as at 12 November 2015
8. Annual Report 2015, United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, 2015, page 47
9. Annual Report 2015, United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, 2015, page 45
10. The Daily Telegraph, 11 August 2015 and Annual Report 2015, United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, 2015, page 111
11. World Watch List: Pakistan, Open Doors UK, see http://www.opendoorsuk.org/persecution/worldwatch/pakistan.php as at 12 November 2015
12. Annual Report 2015, United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, 2015, page 111
13. Annual Report 2015, United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, 2015, pages 109 and 111 and World Watch List: Pakistan, Open Doors UK, see http://www.opendoorsuk.org/persecution/worldwatch/pakistan.php as at 12 November 2015
14. World Watch List: Pakistan, Open Doors UK, see http://www.opendoorsuk.org/persecution/worldwatch/pakistan.php as at 12 November 2015
15. The Sunday Telegraph, 1 June 2008
16. BBC News online, 9 December 2009, see http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/merseyside/8404212.stm as at 12 November 2015
17. Liverpool Echo, 29 March 2010
18. BBC News online, 17 May 2010, see http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/cumbria/8687395.stm as at 12 November 2015
19. Peter Tatchell Foundation, 17 May 2010, see http://www.petertatchellfoundation.org/religion/cps-drop-case-against-street-preacher as at 12 November 2015
20. BBC News online, 27 September 2011, see http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lancashire-15072408 as at 12 November 2015
21. The Mail on Sunday, 25 September 2011; BBC News online, 27 September 2011, see http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lancashire-15072408 as at 12 November 2011 and Daily Express, 28 September 2011
22. Mail Online, 19 July 2014, see http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2698114/Thousands-Iraqi-Christians-pour-Mosul-ISIS-jihadis-deadline-convert-pay-face-death.html as at 12 November 2015 and Open Doors UK, 9 June 2015, see http://www.opendoorsuk.org/news/stories/iraq_150609.php as at 12 November 2015
23. Freedom of Religion and the Persecution of Christians: The Open Doors Report 2015, Open Doors, January 2015, page 8 and BBC News online, 24 February 2015, see http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-31601451 as at 16 November 2015
24. World Watch List: Iraq, Open Doors UK, see http://www.opendoorsuk.org/persecution/worldwatch/iraq.php as at 12 November 2015
25. North Korea, Christian Solidarity Worldwide, see http://www.csw.org.uk/our_work_profile_northkorea.htm as at 12 November 2015 and World Watch List: North Korea, Open Doors UK, see http://www.opendoorsuk.org/persecution/worldwatch/north_korea.php as at 12 November 2015
26. World Watch List: North Korea, Open Doors UK, see http://www.opendoorsuk.org/persecution/worldwatch/north_korea.php as at 12 November 2015
27. Annual Report 2015, United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, 2015, pages 51-52 and World Watch List: North Korea, Open Doors UK, see http://www.opendoorsuk.org/persecution/worldwatch/north_korea.php as at 12 November 2015
28. World Watch List: North Korea, Open Doors UK, see http://www.opendoorsuk.org/persecution/worldwatch/north_korea.php as at 12 November 2015; Annual Report 2015, United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, 2015, page 52 and correspondence received from the Center for the Study of Global Christianity
29. Annual Report 2015, United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, 2015, page 52
30. Annual Report 2015, United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, 2015, pages 36 and 52
31. North Korea, Christian Solidarity Worldwide, see http://www.csw.org.uk/our_work_profile_northkorea.htm as at 12 November 2015 and Annual Report 2015, United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, 2015, pages 52-53
32. Annual Report 2015, United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, 2015, page 33
33. Annual Report 2015, United States Commission on international Religious Freedom, 2015, pages 33 and 35
34. World Watch List: China, Open Doors UK, see http://www.opendoorsuk.org/persecution/worldwatch/china.php as at 12 November 2015 and Annual Report 2015, United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, 2015, page 35
35. Annual Report 2015, United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, 2015, pages 34-35
36. World Watch List: Saudi Arabia, Open Doors UK, see http://www.opendoorsuk.org/persecution/worldwatch/saudi_arabia.php as at 12 November 2015
37. Middle East Concern, 5 February 2009, see http://www.meconcern.org/index.php/en/prayer-requests/48-two-incidents-in-riyadh-saudi-arabia as at 12 November 2015 and Middle East Concern, 14 April 2009, see http://www.meconcern.org/index.php/en/prayer-requests/32-update-on-saudi-blogger-arrested-in-january as at 12 November 2015
38. World Watch List: Saudi Arabia, Open Doors UK, see http://www.opendoorsuk.org/persecution/worldwatch/saudi_arabia.php as at 12 November 2015
39. World Watch List: Saudi Arabia, Open Doors UK, see http://www.opendoorsuk.org/persecution/worldwatch/saudi_arabia.php as at 12 November 2015 and Annual Report 2015, United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, 2015, page 57
40. International Christian Concern, 18 September 2014, see http://www.persecution.org/2014/09/19/saudi-religious-police-release-28-christians/ as at 12 November 2015
41. World Watch List: Somalia, Open Doors UK, see http://www.opendoorsuk.org/persecution/worldwatch/somalia.php as at 12 November 2015
42. World Watch List: Somalia, Open Doors UK, see http://www.opendoorsuk.org/persecution/worldwatch/somalia.php as at 12 November 2015
43. BBC News online, 3 April 2015, see http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-32169080 as at 12 November 2015
44. Unholy War, Channel 4: Dispatches, 17 September 2007 and Safe Haven, see http://www.safe-haven.org.uk/victims-stories/nissar/ as at 16 November 2015
45. Unholy War, Channel 4: Dispatches, 17 September 2007
46. Undercover Mosque: The Return, Channel 4: Dispatches, 1 September 2008
47. The Mail on Sunday, 8 February 2009
48. Telegraph online, 5 January 2014, see http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/10525676/Dog-bites-gang-attacks-and-beatings-in-church-all-in-the-life-a-21st-Century-vicar.html as at 12 November 2015
49. Personal Safety Plan for Church People, Ecclesiastical Insurance, see http://www.ecclesiastical.com/ChurchMatters/Images/Personal%20safety%20plan.pdf and Personal safety, Ecclesiastical Insurance, see http://www.ecclesiastical.com/churchmatters/churchguidance/churchhealthandsafety/personal-safety/index.aspx as at 12 November 2015
50. Arson advice for churches, Ecclesiastical Insurance, see http://www.ecclesiastical.com/churchmatters/churchguidance/fireguidance/arson/index.aspx as at 12 November 2015, and Risk Management Advice, Ecclesiastical Insurance, see http://www.ecclesiastical.com/fororganisations/riskmanagement/risk-management-advice/places-of-worship/index.aspx as at 13 November 2015
51. Annual Report 2015, United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, 2015, page 102 and Freedom of Religion and the Persecution of Christians: The Open Doors Report 2015, Open Doors, January 2015, page 15
52. World Watch List: Nigeria, Open Doors UK, see http://www.opendoorsuk.org/persecution/worldwatch/nigeria.php as at 12 November 2015 and Freedom of Religion and the Persecution of Christians: The Open Doors Report 2015, Open Doors, January 2015, page 6
53. Christian Solidarity Worldwide, 30 September 2013, see http://www.csw.org.uk/2013/09/30/press/1581/article.htm as at 12 November 2015; Open Doors UK, 14 April 2015, see http://www.opendoorsuk.org/news/stories/nigeria_150413_1.php as at 12 November 2015 and The Guardian, 28 July 2015
54. Hate and Targeted Violence Against Christians in India, Report 2014, Evangelical Fellowship of India and Alliance Defending Freedom India, pages 7 and 10 and World Watch List: India, Open Doors UK, see http://www.opendoorsuk.org/persecution/worldwatch/india.php as at 12 November 2015
55. Annual Report 2015, United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, 2015, page 150
56. Hate and Targeted Violence Against Christians in India, Report 2014, Evangelical Fellowship of India and Alliance Defending Freedom India, page 13 and The Washington Post online, 27 May 2015, see https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/religion/indias-christians-concerned-about-growing-attacks-on-religious-minorities/2015/05/27/708c54c0-04a3-11e5-93f4-f24d4af7f97d_story.html as at 12 November 2015
57. Hate and Targeted Violence Against Christians in India, Report 2014, Evangelical Fellowship of India and Alliance Defending Freedom India, page 31
58. World Watch List: Egypt, Open Doors UK, see http://www.opendoorsuk.org/persecution/worldwatch/egypt.php as at 12 November 2015
59. World Watch List: Egypt, Open Doors UK, see http://www.opendoorsuk.org/persecution/worldwatch/egypt.php as at 12 November 2015 and 2014 November Magazine, Open Doors UK, page 16
60. Report into allegations concerning Birmingham schools arising from the ‘Trojan Horse’ letter, Peter Clarke, House of Commons, July 2014, HC 576, pages 14, 36, 43, 52; Investigation Report: Trojan Horse letter, Ian Kershaw, July 2014, page 27 and The Daily Telegraph, 30 July 2015
61. Religion or belief in the workplace and service delivery: Findings from a call for evidence, NatCen Social Research and the Equality and Human Rights Commission, March 2015, page 81 and ECHR consultation, 12 March 2015, see http://www.equalityhumanrights.com/largest-ever-consultation-reveals-widespread-confusion-over-laws-protecting-religion-or-belief as at 12 November 2015
62. The Sunday Times, 25 January 2015
63. The Sunday Times, 5 April 2015
64. The Daily Telegraph, 3 December 2014 and Telegraph online, 2 December 2014, see http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/kenya/11267049/Gunmen-kill-dozens-of-workers-in-attack-on-Kenya-quarry.html as at 12 November 2015
65. Telegraph online, 29 June 2014, see http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/nigeria/10934291/Boko-Haram-kill-Christian-worshippers-and-burn-churches-in-latest-Nigeria-attack.html as at 12 November 2015
66. Open Doors UK, 16 July 2014, see http://www.opendoorsuk.org/news/stories/nigeria_140716.php as at 12 November 2015
67. Freedom of Religion and the Persecution of Christians: The Open Doors Report 2015, Open Doors, January 2015, page 15
68. The Guardian, 24 September 2013
69. The Guardian, 23 September 2013
70. BBC News online, 15 February 2015, see http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-31481797 as at 12 November 2015
71. The Guardian, 28 July 2015
72. Speech, Prime Minister on ISIL at UN General Assembly, 29 September 2015, see https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/prime-minister-on-isil-at-un-general-assembly as at 12 November 2015
73. Freedom of Religion and the Persecution of Christians: The Open Doors Report 2015, Open Doors, January 2015, page 24. Thomas Schirrmacher, from the International Society for Human Rights, says that while there is no good research on it at all, their best guess at the moment is to start at about 7,000 to 8,000 Christians killed for their beliefs worldwide, see BBC magazine online, 12 November 2013, see http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-24864587 as at 12 November 2015; Frans Veerman, Director of the World Watch List agreed that the estimate of between 7,000 and 8,000 Christian martyrs was about right, World Watch Monitor, 13 November 2013, see https://www.worldwatchmonitor.org/2013/10/2815601/ as at 12 November 2015 and Christof Saure, of the International Institute for Religious Freedom, puts the figure at 8,000 to 9,000 a year in Christian Today, 25 June 2014, see http://www.christiantoday.com/article/70.million.christians.martyred.faith.since.jesus.walked.earth/38403.htm as at 12 November 2015.
74. The Spectator, 5 October 2013 and The Independent on Sunday, 27 July 2014
75. The Daily Telegraph, 11 August 2015
76. The Guardian, 28 July 2015