The west African nation has a history of religious tolerance, but there has been a spate of anti-Christian attacks this year.

To end hatred, self-destruction and fratricidal conflict is the main challenge for all involved in interfaith dialogue.

Christians in Quaryatay have been living in fear of IS since May this year, when Fr Jacques Mourad, the Syrian-Catholic priest responsible for Mar Elian convent, was kidnapped.

Militants blow up ancient Chaldean Catholic Church known as the Mother of Aid in Mosul.

"We are cut off, like an island, surrounded by jihadists from all sides", Syrian Catholic Archbishop relates, as ISIS lays siege to town.

The conflict in Syria could come to an end much more quickly if the US would pressure its allies to stop aiding extremist groups: Archbishop Jean-Clement Jeanbart of Aleppo.

Some 11.4 million people forced from their homes by the conflict which has resulted in more than 220,000 deaths.

Amnesty International warns that Boko Haram has deliberately targeted civilians through raids and bomb attacks, both of which have been increasing in frequency and severity.

Concerns that female prisoners being held in St George’s monastery are being abused there.

Rebels linked to Jabhat Al-Nusra blamed for kidnappings close to Turkish border.

Forty people trapped for over two weeks by fierce fighting between the Syrian army and rebels.