Condemn the violent targeting of Syrian Christians by extremists

No person should have to suffer simply because of his or her faith or beliefs. Unfortunately, this is happening today to Christians in Syria. Thousands of Melkite Christians in Aleppo, Syria have fallen victim to persecution simply because of their faith. They are systematically targeted with violence and kidnapping by extremist rebels, and their houses and churches are being destroyed. In fact, since the fighting started in 2011, the Melkite population in Syria has been reduced by nearly one-third due to death and dislocation. We cannot stand by silently and let this happen. We, as freedom loving people, need to make sure the world knows that this is happening and strongly condemn this type of violence.