ICC Note: The situation for Christians in the Middle East is heart-breaking. It is so bad that we’re debating over whether it is only the religious version of “ethnic cleansing” and “crimes against humanity” or if it is “genocide.” Whatever the label, it is clear that many are suffering simply for their faith. As we reflect on Christmas – the Advent of Jesus – it reminds us that for many embracing that message has cost them dearly. It should urge us to stand with them and to work on their behalf to make all free to follow their faith.

12/20/2015 Middle East (NY Times) – As we celebrate the holidays, let’s remember that this is one of those savage epochs when some families must choose between their faith and their lives. It is an echo of when Nero burned Christians alive, or when self-described Christians unleashed pogroms against Jews.

Partly because of allergies about religion, the international response has been utterly ineffective. Liberals are sometimes reluctant to champion Christians who are persecuted for their faith. And conservatives are too quick to champion only Christians, neglecting other religious minorities — such as the Yazidis — who suffer even worse fates.

The Islamic State in October released a video that is a stomach-wrenching glimpse of the worst kind of religious repression. Three Syrian Christian men, one a doctor, are made to kneel in the desert in orange jumpsuits and state their religion. Behind each is an executioner who then uses a handgun to fire a bullet into the back of each Christian’s head.

Some Christian leaders in America want President Barack Obama to declare that a genocide is underway against Christians in the Middle East. I don’t think I’d call it a genocide, but it is absolutely the religious version of an ethnic cleansing.

In 1910, Christians made up 14 percent of the population of the Middle East. Today, they are about 4 percent, the result of emigration, lower birthrates — and religious repression that threatens the viability of Christianity in much of the region where it was born.

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