JULY-OCTOBER 2015
Response Your insight into religious freedom
#setthemfree Read more on page
See inside:
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In depth: North Korea and the UN
The Chairman visits Egypt
Making a lasting impact
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Page 3
Page 6
www.csw.org.uk
/Cswuk
@csw_UK
Continued from page
Country in focus
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SUDAN
PastOrs may face death penalty in Sudan This time last year, thousands of you were campaigning for the release of Meriam, the Sudanese Christian woman who had been imprisoned for her beliefs. One year on, our team is working on another case in Sudan – two pastors who are on trial. Sadly, the situation for Christians in Sudan is still very precarious. But with your help we’re fighting for the freedom of everyone in Sudan to hold and practise their beliefs freely. We’re working towards the day when all Sudan’s citizens are recognised as equal before the law, no matter what their beliefs, in a just and democratic society. As we go to press, the judge in the case of the two pastors has decided to proceed on all charges. They’re also being denied access to their lawyers – the judge told them they can have just 15 minutes with their legal team before the next hearing. Their chief counsel, the head of their legal team, was imprisoned on 1 July, charged with ‘obstructing a public servant from performing the duties of his office’.
Did You Know
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KHARTOUM
Speech to church ‘offended’ officials Reverend Yat Michael was arrested last December after speaking at a church which has been embroiled in a land dispute with private investors who are supported by the government. Sudanese security officials say they were offended by his speech encouraging the church to stand firm. Reverend Peter Reith was detained less than a month later, after writing a letter asking where and why Rev Yat was being held. Until recently they were held in chains, in solitary confinement. The pastors are facing serious criminal charges, two of which carry the death penalty or life imprisonment if the pastors are convicted. The prosecution has so far set out only weak evidence against the pastors. In June the pastors were moved to Kober Prison, a high security prison where they’re not allowed to receive visitors. Initially they were held in chains, and in solitary confinement.
Christian women arrested on public indecency charges Meanwhile, other Christians in Sudan are facing oppression in various ways. In early July we received disturbing reports that twelve women aged between
SUDAN: THE FACTS Population
Est. 40M
Capital
Khartoum
Area
718,723 square miles
Religions
Sunni Muslim 70% Christian 5% indigenous beliefs 25%
Languages Arabic (official), English (official), Nubian, Ta Bedawie Diverse dialects of Nilotic, Nilo-Hamitic Sudanic languages
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18 and 23, who were dressed in skirts and trousers, were arrested on public indecency charges after leaving a celebration service at the El Izba Baptist Church in Khartoum. The women were taken to a police station and forced to remove their clothes, which were submitted as evidence to the prosecutor. Two girls have since been released without charge. The remaining ten, who were charged with indecent or immoral dress, have been released on bail and are awaiting hearings.
Speak up for justice! Your amazing support for Meriam last year overwhelmed her and her family as well as us! The mother who was forced to give birth in chains in prison was set free, her death sentence overturned, after a huge wave of international support made headlines around the world. And now we want to show Sudan that the world is watching, and demanding justice for Reverend Yat and Reverend Peter. Write to the Sudanese embassy in your country, asking them to set the pastors free unconditionally.
Go to www.csw.org.uk/2015-sudan-pastors to contact the Sudanese embassy
The inside track:
Fundraising In every issue we want to give you an insight into how we work behind the scenes! This time we caught up with Bill Lowe, Head of Fundraising… Could you tell me about your working life before CSW, and why you joined us? I worked for various banks for over 30 years. I was mainly involved in asset finance, e.g. funding trains for South West Trains. I then felt called to respond to what Christ has done for me and spend more time working for Kingdom values. My passion for religious freedom has definitely developed since joining CSW. What does your average day look like?
“I was on death row in Sudan last year because I am a Christian. I am free now because you prayed and protested for my release. Now we must use our voices for Rev Yat Michael and Rev Peter Reith, who are on trial because they spoke up to encourage a church in Sudan which is under pressure from the government. They are being prevented from seeing their families and lawyers, and are being held in a high security prison. Please remember the pastors in your prayers. I am using my voice to ask the Sudanese government to release them NOW, please do the same. Thank you.”
Meriam Ibrahim
My average day normally includes meeting potential donors, discussing future plans with advocates and colleagues in Communications, reviewing the gifts which have arrived that day, and thanking donors by letter or email, or in person. And finally – what’s the one thing coming up in our fundraising work in the next few months that you’re most excited about? We’re just entering that part of the year where I’m excited about hearing the plans of my colleagues in advocacy for the next three years! My role is to secure support to enable them to carry out those plans, as I know they’ll make a real difference to those suffering for their faith in so many countries.
Bill Lowe Head of Fundraising
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N U e h t nd a a e r o hK t r o N : In depth
lling to en trave e w t e b onths. In the next st few m king on r la o e w been h y t s r u en b they’ve m ove e t a b a e h T e w ’v ia y s o A ents, the sight int our East re’s an in engagem time for e g H y s . in a k u a e b r e a p North Ko public s It’s been orea to edom in d doing e n r a f n s u io North K g io d g l li o e r h the re r o rk fo forts t f our wo their ef ! n phase o t o x s e n n d what’s ed Natio ations up to an the Unit m o r f ommend ord? c s c re w e e r d n n s a t t es ort ity and righ the lat their rep t human human s d e r in s o a a g o a le What’s p re ). The es ir f Inquiry ourt (ICC for the ting crim o C it t l n n a m u io in m s o o c is c im m ac gime is tional Cr UN Com er Korean re ber, the e Interna wpap m th th e r o to m l N n rights a re NK Ne a e r r y e m th a fe e u t r m h a re F u : n a th As yo Photo cluded th Korea o forward n of Nor to push They con we’ve als io r. il s n c a s e e n u y u c th t o is s e C c d la urity nda. Sin r formal e UN Sec e ICC. first eve their age ir n e o y urged th th ll d rral to th ia a c fe h ffi re il c o a n r w u o Co calling fo and it’s n Security solution ristmas, re h a C s s re a fo p just be ssembly eneral A G e th n see a formal proving p? p e a t s il c t n x u e t can Co ’s the n thing tha Security e N m U o s e ’t So what th s isn r this to g toward ately this the UN fo in n k r in tu o h r it w fo , w n Inquiry tu ort imately cal supp e ICC. Bu ission of ti th m li Well, ult o m to p o e C d d il a cacy and to be ma ed to bu ning for referral ing, advo campaig nd we ne n s a r ig t, a a e h p y ig m n n upport f ca eve over uilding s period o b re than s happen g d o n n m a lo t g a n e in of We sp of lobby the fruit happen. xt stage – it was e n d e e h e th s s li into t to e. tab moving to be es l we wan e a r ’r r e fe w re w hen? ICC o no efore t d to the a b prayer. S le N U ly e te ultima from th rea both that will North Ko e action t n e o r r c u n te co or st last ce see any ation. Ju cial Rapp d e e n p w e S l m d il n m CSW giving eviden rights But w l reco n quiry a a a r r In m f fe u o h re n a s on the mmissio e the ICC g and at the North Kore will focu ! The Co alongsid onitorin h ly s m ic te n h n o lu e w ti o a a s th of d Ab men Commission l streng outh Kore er recom office wil ffice in S ld o e n fi a made oth is d e th n that Enquiry in 2013 e UN ope e aim is h T . . a n o month th re Ko ts situati in North rea? man righ u h nal situation e orth Ko th f N o n n o ternatio o e In ti r e ta u h n s t e s e in m r docu of our ding role up the p xt stage ing a lea e to keep k n a g t e , in h s t o n d p referral, atio elo CSW r an ICC a to dev r organis fo e e t ’s What is r r h o t o K o p p h h t u wit th Korea ds Nor eep Nor working s to buil anity in k u n m s o o u u t d H n lp t ie e s e r p r ho can h es Again routes o We’ve ca world w dvocacy e Stop Crim a h o t e t h d n t n u io ll t a Coali ents aro be using rea? governm n. We’ll m ig o a r f p orth Ko s N m e a n c iv t o a . t k t n r h g represe SW’s wo he spotli gether meeting g up in C tion in t in a u m it o s c to put to s t t ’s c h t je a ig o r h r p n w h of We’re huma r researc review h Korea. jo t p a r k o m a N a e in n n o North as situation unch of mbarked give us m la e o u e e d o h ’v e t y e e r n m w f s , o s Ca dvocacy ars on fr warenes religiou to-day a e of the raising a 7, ten ye r 1 y n u a 0 t o d 2 ic r p r p e u in u e o e t so cts to k loser to r release up-to-da As well a ese proje ring us c report fo ive and h b l t s l n f ia il t e o w n h h a e t e t r o s ak a comp e’ll use b rds a sub ion we t Each act to Act. W ing towa . k ll y r a il o C a w d A o als nswer, mmitted Case to A being co s e s u b Korea: A a hts uman rig ea! of the h orth Kor N e e r f a f vision o
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On the FrontLine Earlier this year CS W’s Chairman, David Taylor, visited E is like for Christiangypt to see what life reflection on what s there. Here’s his he saw and heard.. .
“I visited Cai ro with CSW to meet with life is like fo Christian lead r Middle Eas ers and thro te rn Christians. background ugh them fin The main thin of terrible su d out what g I wanted to ffering amon whether the know, against g Christian co se leaders h a mmunities in ad a sense o the region, w f God at work as through it al In answer to l. this prayer I heard, while I have ever h w e w e re there, one eard. of the most powerful se rmons In Acts 16 w e read about Paul and Silas jail doors fle in prison. As w open thro a result of th ugh a mighty culture in Eg eir prayer an e ar thquake. In th ypt through d praise, the e same way, an earthquak it. It is God’s God is chang e like the one earthquake. ing the in Acts whic Quakes are su are still shak h shook the dden and un jail and collap ing. predictable. sed The foundat ions in Egyp Traditional b t eliefs are be ing question President M ed like neve orsi and the r before, par recent action ticularly afte s of Daesh (I r the rule of sl amic State). The doors ar former e opening an d th e chains are executed by falling off. Th Daesh in Lib e noble deat ya backfired they were era h of 21 Egyp li ke th rowing Christ dicating Chri tian Copts ians to the li stianity, and but actually ons. Daesh th th at Egyptian M it had the op ought uslims would posite effect world, just li support them . God used th ke the discip e in se this, 2 1 les in the Ne very ordinar w Testamen y people to t. impact the The leaders we met belie ve some doo as long as th rs are still lo e Church is p cked; so the raising and p quakes will co raying like P ntinue – aul and Silas They feel Go did in jail. d has saved Egypt amid th because it h e regional tu as the Churc rmoil h that can reac the broken co h out to untries arou nd it. They o the prophecy ften cite all those cen turies ago in 19:25, ‘Bless Isaiah ed be Egypt my people’. As they are fi nding God is at work and so nothing is sovereign, predictable. God is indee d a God of su rprises, and far beyond o works in way ur understan s d ing as the st Middle East ory of the shows. So, amidst th e terrible ne ws coming o East, let’s rem ut of the Mid ember that G dle od is most de finitely at wo rk.”
a visits r o l y Ta David Egypt n i h c chur
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Get
INVOLVED My concern for Christians living under persecution was first sparked when I spent some time in Eastern Europe as a student, and was impressed by the courage of the believers living under Communist regimes. That was in the 1980s and it led me to CSW, where I worked as the UK Director for five years from 1987 to 1992. During that time, I was privileged to meet believers whose bravery and witness in suffering was very humbling. I still remember the joy of meeting some of those we worked to free from prison.
YOUR WORDS CAN CHANGE THE WORLD! We all know that our words have the power of life or death and can make a huge impact on the people hearing them. But have you ever thought about the power your words have in changing the world? No? Read on to find out how becoming a speaker for CSW will mean your words have the power to change the world...
“When Mervyn Thomas came to talk to us recently he told us about a lady he visited overseas. Every day, she takes out a card that she has received from CSW supporters and prays for the person that wrote to her. That really struck me as something quite amazing. If you want to be prayed for, write a card to somebody else that needs your prayers.”
I’ve seen the difference CSW makes to people’s lives…
That’s why I am going to remember the work of CSW in my will. Of course, I will provide for my family, but I want my concern for the persecuted to continue beyond my lifetime and to bring freedom to those who still suffer for their faith. So next time you update your will, please join me in remembering the work of CSW. Together, we can help set captives free and break the chains of oppression.
Barbara, Connect & Encourage lunch club, Ash
MBASSADOR
Join us. Stand up. Speak out.
Simon George
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persecuted Church “I love speaking on behalf of the e awareness of for CSW as it’s my passion to rais ers around the the plight of our brothers and sist God has called me world, to the churches in Wales. has laid on my to be ‘a voice for the voiceless’ and ted Church higher heart a passion to see the persecu g out, praying, up the UK Church’s agenda, speakin alf of ‘those who providing and petitioning on beh cannot speak for themselves’.” Paul, CSW Ambassador
“People were really moved and asked lo ts of questions. They were shocked by what they heard bu t keen to respond. Issues that seem so far away were brou gh t to life and people are now hu ngry for informatio n. The visit from CSW was a great en couragement and ch allenge to us as a church... CSW’s visit clearly impact ed members of the ch urch who were motivated to respon d in practical ways .” Andy, Associate Minister, Slough Baptist Ch urch
Inspired to speak up for religious freedom by becoming a CSW speaker?
Call geni johnson on 07948 185629 or email genijohnson@csw.org.uk to tell us you’re interested, find out more and receive everything you need to speak on our behalf!
Retuning hate speech in Pakistan
Will you join me?
To talk to our Fundraising team about leaving a legacy to CSW, simply tick the box on the back of the Freepost envelope enclosed, call 020 8329 0020 or email billlowe@csw.org.uk
Emma, St George’s Church, Ashtead
“Speaking on behalf of the suffering Church is really clo se to my heart. It is an enormous privilege to share with church es what CSW is doing to speak up for those who cannot spe ak for themselves in the places of power in our world.” Keith, CSW Ambassador
Today, my support for CSW carries on through serving as a trustee, and I’m constantly struck by how God uses this organisation to bring hope and freedom to oppressed Christians around the world. I have seen the work of this fantastic charity for over 25 years, as well as the difference it makes to individual lives.
…that’s why I’m remembering CSW in my will
“It was such a privilege to hear F and his wife speak about what life is like for Christians in Iran. We were really moved hearing about what they go through to follow their faith – something that we so often take for granted. We’ve kept on praying for them, and the situation in Iran, since they came to speak to us.”
They’re here at last! It was a proud moment when the first delivery of textbooks arrived, but there’s lots of work ahead for Starfish Asia to distribute the books.
This is a first for CSW – the first time we’ve worked through partners in Pakistan to provide unbiased textbooks to students in schools supported by Starfish Asia. We believe this is a vital step in countering the biased curriculum which reinforces prejudice towards religious minorities.
Promoting religious harmony in schools in Pakistan will help build a future where tolerance and peace replace discrimination and fear. It’s an exciting prospect, but needs plenty of prayer!
Providing unbiased education is just one way we’re tackling hate speech in Pakistan. You can play your part by signing our petition to Pakistan’s Prime Minister urging him to stop hate speech. www.csw.org.uk/retune 7
JUSTICE PRAY persecuted for the
Come to a Pray Justice event near you! Register youR free PLACE at
www.csw.org.uk/prayjustice
Monday 9 November St George’s Church, Ashtead, Surrey
Friday 13 November St George’s Tron Church, Glasgow
Tuesday 10 November St Mary’s Church, Guildford, Surrey (students and young adults)
Saturday 14 November Perth Baptist Church, Perth
Wednesday 11 November Elim Church Selly Oak, Birmingham
Sunday 15 November Edinburgh (tbc)
Order your Pray Justice pack to get your church pRaying for the persecuted Church this November! About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken.
Acts 16:25-26
Find out more, register or order a pack at
www.csw.org.uk/prayjustice Christian Solidarity Worldwide is an organisation working for religious freedom through advocacy and human rights, in the pursuit of justice. PO Box 99, New Malden, Surrey, KT3 3YF, United Kingdom T: +44 (0)845 456 5464 F: +44 (0)20 8942 8821 E: admin@csw.org.uk www.csw.org.uk @csw_uk www.facebook.com/cswuk Registered Charity No. 281836