Christianity was born in Bethlehem, in what's now the West Bank. Places like Qatar and Bahrain have seen their Christian ranks surge from basically nothing a century ago to 10% and 13% of their respective populations.

Assyrian Christian minority was the target, says Syrian Human Rights group based in London. “I feel so helpless. Cannot do anything for them but pray,” say relatives.

"This act of terrorism is outrageous and unforgivable violence. I feel strong anger and firmly condemn it," Japanese prime minister Abe told reporters Saturday, he also demands the immediate release of Goto.

Kenji Goto Jogo, one of the two Japanese hostages taken by Islamic State in Syria, is a Christian who “has a strong sense of justice”, according to former pastor H. Tamura.

United Nations refugee Commissioner alerts on worst crisis in 60 years. “More than a quarter of the population of Lebanon is now Syrian”.