Watchdog: 2015 most violent year for Christians in modern history

Christian persecution is spreading.

Last year was the most violent year for Christians in modern history as they faced extreme persecution unparalleled in recent memory. This is according to a watchdog group that monitors Christian persecution.

LOS ANGELES, CA (California Network) - Open Doors is an organization committed to monitoring Christian persecution. According to their data, 2015 saw "the most violent and sustained attack on Christian faith in modern history."

Furthermore, Christian persecution is "continuing to increase, intensify and spread across the globe," said Open Doors CEO David Curry.

The worst place for Christian persecution remains North Korea with anywhere between 50,000 to 70,000 Christians in labor camps. This is the 14th consecutive year North Korea has held that distinction.

Muslim nations are hotbeds of Christian persecution. The report stated, "Islamic extremism is by far the most significant persecution engine." Of the 50 countries on the World Watch List, 40 are beset by Islamic extremism.

Iraq came in second behind North Korea, largely due to the Islamic State's genocide of Christians there.

FAST FACTS:

-322 Christians are killed each month for their faith.
-214 Churches are destroyed each month.
-772 Forms of violence are committed against Christians each month.

(Averages via Open Door)

Recently, the UN finally admitted on record that mass genocide has been taking place in Syria and Iraq. This genocide includes thousands of Christians who have disappeared.

Christian persecution commonly takes the form of murder with Christians shot, beheaded, bulldozed alive, being burned to death, and thrown off high buildings.

Christian persecution is not simply killings, but it is also forcing Christians to flee their homes, stifling their speech, and depriving them of their God-given rights. Even in the United States, Christians are facing an increase in soft persecution as secularists and others attack Christian traditions in the public realm. However, such persecution is trivial compared to the open threats and shameless murder of Christians around the globe.