Report: In 2016, a Christian Was Killed Somewhere in the World Every Six Minutes

The Center for Study of Global Christianity releases tragic statistics on Christian persecution.

The Center for Study of Global Christianity released a report of the persecution of Christians in 2016. The findings are tragic:

  • In 2016, about 90,000 Christians were killed for their faith.
  • Every six minutes, a Christian was killed somewhere in the world.
  • 63,000 died in tribal conflicts in Africa.
  • Most refused to take up arms for reasons of conscience.
  • 27,000 died in terrorist attacks, the destruction of Christian villages and government persecution in nations, including North Korea.
  • More than 500 million Christians cannot freely profess their faith.
  • Christians are now the most persecuted religious group in the world.
Palestinian Christians celebrate Easter Sunday Mass at Holy Family Church in Gaza City on March 31, amid the ongoing battles Israel and the Hamas militant group.

People Explain ‘Why I Go to Mass’

‘Why go to Mass on Sundays? It is not enough to answer that it is a precept of the Church. … We Christians need to participate in Sunday Mass because only with the grace of Jesus, with his living presence in us and among us, can we put into practice his commandment, and thus be his credible witnesses.’ —Pope Francis