Response May–June 08
Issue 152
Bumps in the road Hints and tips for effective lobbying
A Rep’s story
How one CSW Rep is raising awareness of our work
Behind bars The truth about Cuba’s prisons Be a voice for the voiceless www.csw.org.uk
“Sometimes we don’t always know if what we have done has made any difference, but other times we hear how prayer and campaigning have changed a situation. I believe every small thing we do can make a big difference.” – Pippa Pritchard, CSW Rep
Welcome Unintentionally, a pattern seems to have emerged from the articles featured in this issue of Response, namely, images of shoes, journeys and travelling. Reading through them, the poem “Footprints in the Sand” immediately springs to mind. This is the poem where a man looks over his life and sees two sets of footprints in the sand, knowing the Lord has walked with him. But he notices that during the most trying periods of his life, there was only one set of footprints. Dismayed, he asks God why he had been abandoned in his lowest moments. God replied, “During your times of trial and suffering when you saw only one set of footprints; that was when I carried you”. What I dare to ask is that there not only be one, nor two sets of footprints in the sand, but I’m asking for hundreds, thousands, even millions of sets, where Christians walk together with those that are suffering. So, as you read through different paths and journeys in this issue of Response, will you be the one to take the first step?
Mervyn Thomas, Chief Executive
Editor’s comment Many thanks to everyone who has sent in constructive comments about the new size and design of Response. We are delighted to have received such positive feedback. Please do continue to write to us regarding anything in Response at letters@csw.org.uk. You can also see how some readers feel about the new look on p23. Sally Draper, Publications Editor
contents
Contents Get in touch! Christian Solidarity Worldwide PO Box 99 • New Malden • Surrey KT3 3YF T 0845 456 5464 F 0208 942 8821 E admin@csw.org.uk • www.csw.org.uk
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Behind bars
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News update
Revealing the truth about Cuban prisons
Bringing you the world’s latest
Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) is a human rights organisation which specialises in religious freedom, works on behalf of those persecuted for their Christian beliefs and promotes religious liberty for all.
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All God’s children need travelling shoes
UK registered charity number 281836 Company number 1536426
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The forgotten trail
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Housebound
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Bumps in the road
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Sanusi’s shoes
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A Rep’s story
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Noticeboard
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Over to you
Chief Executive Mervyn Thomas President Jonathan Aitken Patron Baroness Caroline Cox Chairman of the Board Franklin Evans Board of Reference (partial listing) Lord Anderson of Swansea The Rev Preb Richard Bewes The Rev Lyndon Bowring Alastair Burt MP The Rev Dr Yonggi Cho The Rt Rev Lord Carey of Clifton Gerald Coates David Coffey (President of the Baptist World Alliance) The Rev John Coles (New Wine) David Drew MP Roger Forster Andy Hawthorne
The Rt Rev and The Rt Hon David Hope KCVO Simon Hughes MP Canon J John The Rt Rev Thomas McMahon (RC Bishop of Brentwood) The Rev Mark Melluish (New Wine) The Rt Rev Patrick O’Donoghue (RC Bishop of Lancaster) The Most Rev Dr John Sentamu (Archbishop of York) Phil Wall Paul Weaver
Response Magazine Editor Sally Draper Contributors Sally Draper, Penny Hollings, Pippa Pritchard Design Wild Associates Print Active Colour Copyright © Christian Solidarity Worldwide 2008. All rights reserved. Reproduction of this text permitted solely for CSW promotional use. For all other uses, please contact us.
SGS-COC-004432
This magazine is printed on paper from sustainable forests Packaged in biodegradable polywrap
Walking in the footsteps of Eritrean and Burmese refugees
How old wounds are still affecting Christians in Laos
One Chinese Christian’s story
Hints and tips for effective lobbying
A close escape for one Nigerian convert
How one CSW Rep is raising awareness of our work
Events and resources to keep you informed
Your letters
May–Jun 08 Response 3
campaign
Behind bars Words Penny Hollings
Cuban prisons are notorious. And with as many as 230 political prisoners facing dire treatment, we decided it was time to make their voices heard.
The phone connection crackles relentlessly, but after three long beeps a familiar voice comes on the line. “Hola Elsa, cómo estás?” Despite her situation, you can hear the determined positivity in Elsa’s voice. “Sí Sí! estoy bien.” Even though the phone line might not be secure, she is keen to let us in on the truth behind Cuban prisons. After all, her family has firsthand experience. Vic tor Elsa’s husband, Víctor Rolando Arroyo Carmona, is an independent journalist
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and a devout Catholic. His 26-year sentence was one of the longest given after ‘Black Spring’, when 75 people were arrested as part of a crackdown on alleged dissidents in March 2003.
Like Victor, many have been left to rot in Cuban prisons, housed in tiny cells with no air or natural light and with limited water. Some have been put in ‘tapiadas’ – solitary cells in total darkness which are not big enough for prisoners to stand up or lie down in. The only water source is a trickling spout which must also be used to wash away their excrement. Physical health deteriorates quickly here, and medical care is often denied. Elsa fears for her husband, both physically and spiritually, but she works hard to keep her spirits up, knowing she has to be his rock. “If it were not for my
campaign
faith in God and the strength He gives me, I would not have been able to endure any of this.” She reflects, “Faith is also of the utmost importance to Victor.” But Victor, like many others imprisoned in Cuba, has often found there to be little respect for his Christian beliefs. Knowing what kind of emotional strength their faith gives them, prison officials often punish Christian prisoners by confiscating Christian literature and denying visits by a priest. In Victor’s case, he is allowed to keep his Bible, but other religious books brought to him by his wife were soon confiscated. He is also only allowed access to a government-appointed priest once every three months. Spiritual fellowship is also prohibited, making prison life almost unbearable.
Seeking out the truth Over eight months, CSW interviewed former prisoners and the families of current prisoners, many of whom told stories of Bibles and other literature being confiscated, of visits from priests being refused and of being denied the opportunity to meet with other prisoners for prayer, worship or Bible study. We then launched our findings in a report in March, coinciding with the fifth anniversary of Cuba’s ‘Black Spring’, which can be accessed at www.csw.org.uk/cubareport. Demanding justice At CSW, we are determined to help people like Elsa see their loved ones treated with dignity and respect while in prison. And with a total of around 230 political prisoners in Cuba, this is no mean feat.
What you can do Through your letters, you can not only ensure the plight of Christian prisoners in Cuba is addressed, you can also bring warmth and encouragement into the lives of prisoners and their families. Please use the model letter overleaf to write to the Cuban Embassy in London to encourage Cuba to abide by the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners. You could also encourage other members of your church to send the letter by copying it for them.
Please also write to Victor, Elsa, and other prisoners and their families to offer your support. Get a copy of Connect and Encourage, or use the information on p 6–7. Don’t worry about writing in English – CSW has been told that prison officials are ordered to translate the letters into Spanish before giving them to the prisoners. So pick up your pen today. You never know the impact it may have.
May–Jun 08 Response 5
campaign
H.E Rene Mujica Cantelar Ambassador Embassy of Cuba in the United Kingdom 167 High Holborn London, WC1V 6PA UK Your Excellency, I am writing to express my concern over
the treatment of political prisoners in Cuba. I understand that many prisoners are house d in tiny cells with no air or natural light and with limited water. Some have been put in ‘tapiadas’ – solitary cells in total darkn ess which are not big enough for prisoners to stand up or lie down in, with only a trickle of water which must also be used to wash away excre ment . Medical care is often denied to the sick. In addition, many Christian political priso ners have their Bibles and other religious literature confiscated as a form of punis hment. Visits from priests are irregular despite the requests of prisoners, and can be cancelled at short notice. Prisoners are also denied the oppor tunity to meet together for prayer or Bible study. These conditions are in contravention of the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners. Section 6 of these guidelines insists that “it is neces sary to respect the religious beliefs and moral prece pts of the group to which a prisoner belon gs”, with more details of how to implement this given in sections 41 and 42. I would urge the Cuban government to comm it to the implementation of these guidelines and allow all prisoners who profess a faith the oppor tunity to practise it peacefully. Yours respectfully,
Prisoners
lez iscet Gonzá ton w La ent of the
Oscar Elías B
Presid Occupation: s Foundation ht ig Human R years olic who Sentence: 25 Details: Cath ly had his nt has freque ated and Bible confisc ed the has been deni t with right to mee a pr iest . ndez H orejón erná 8va y 9na, Wife: Elsa M costa #464 e/ A s: es dr ad Family Havana Octubre, La Lawton 10 de
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ntúnez rcía Pérez A er a G is u L e rg Jo rights defend ation: Human Occup years Sentence: 17
olic Details: Cath er who is a form was d an er on pr is year. released last edly He has repeat and had his Bible nfiscated. s mater ials co ou gi li re r he ot especially that he was CSW ld to e H d letters he the cards an l al by ed ov m children. a received from Placetas, Vill a del Sur #6, 7m : ss re dd A Clara, Cuba
campaign
Normando Hernández González
Alfredo Rodolfo Domínguez Batista
Occupation: Independent Journalist Sentence: 25 years Details: Catholic, whose health is very poor. Although there have been requests for Normando’s early release so that he can be treated, these requests have been repeatedly denied. He is allowed a Bible but denied access to a priest and is isolated from other prisoners. He does manage to exchange small pieces of paper as a way of communicating with others. Normando has been transferred to a prison on the other side of the country from his wife, making it very difficult for anyone to visit him even when allowed. Wife: Yarai Amparo Reyes Marín Family address: Calle Buena Esperanza #18, e/ H y Luz, Reparto Piñerúa, Vertientes, Camagüey
Occupation: Member of the Christian Liberation Movement Sentence: 14 years Details: Catholic whose Bible and other religious books were confiscated last summer and have not been returned. Can access a priest but has to ask for it repeatedly. The last scheduled visit was refused. Prisoners cannot meet together but Alfredo meets with them individually and shares his faith. Wife: Melba Santana Ariz Family address: Calle 61 #25 e/ 32 y 34, Delicias, Puerto Padre, Las Tunas
Víctor Rolando Arroyo Carmona Occupation: Independent Journalist Sentence: 26 years Details: Catholic who is allowed to keep his Bible but has had other religious books confiscated. He is allowed one visit every three months from a priest who is assigned by the government. He is not allowed any type of spiritual fellowship with other prisoners and they do not allow the priest to hold a group mass for the prisoners to attend. Wife: Elsa América González Padrón Family address: Adela Azcuy #10 e/Gerardo Medina y 1ro de Mayo, Pinar del Río
Dr José Luís García Paneque Occupation: Head of the independent news agency, Libertad Sentence: 24 years Details: Catholic who takes great comfort from his Bible which he has been allowed to keep with him in prison. For some time, the prison authorities refused to allow him to meet with a priest, but have now changed the policy and are allowing a meeting once every two months. His health is very poor, and last year other prisoners reported that he had been given psychotropic drugs. During one period he was heard crying and banging his head against a wall. When CSW spoke to his wife recently, she said that although his physical health continues to suffer, his spiritual health is strong. Wife: Yamile de los Angeles Llanes Mother: Moralinda Paneque Family address: Avenida Sergio Reinó #101, Municipio Amancio, Reparto La Carretera, Las Tunas, Cuba
May–Jun 08 Response 7
News NeWS
A welcome amendment CSW has welcomed reports that an amendment to the ‘anti-conversion law’ in Gujarat state has been officially withdrawn, but called for the original law to be repealed. The amendment, entitled ‘Gujarat Freedom of Religion (Amendment) Bill, 2006’, redefined the term, ‘convert’, as excluding conversions from one denomination to another. Although the amendment has been withdrawn, the original ‘Gujarat Freedom of Religion Act, 2003’, remains on the statute books. This law stipulates that anyone converting another person must take prior permission from the district magistrate. However, the law cannot be officially implemented or challenged in the courts until the state legislature frames a set of ‘rules’ about how the law is applied.
A great loss Christian Solidarity Worldwide has expressed its “deep shock, sadness and outrage” at the assassination of the General Secretary of the Karen National Union (KNU), Padoh Mahn Sha, in Thailand on Thursday 14 February. Mahn Sha, one of Burma’s most prominent ethnic leaders, was shot dead at his home on the Thai-Burmese border. It is believed that the murder was ordered by Burma’s military regime. A delegation from CSW had met with Mahn Sha and other KNU leaders in his home just three days earlier, on Monday 11 February.
T went y-one imprisoned in China Twenty-one prominent Christian leaders have been sentenced to re-education through labour in what China Aid Association (CAA) describes as the largest mass sentencing of house church leaders in China in 25 years.
others detained with them were fined and released in the intervening period. The leaders were accused of holding an “illegal religious gathering” and the 21 labelled as members of an “evil cult”, a term which Chinese authorities arbitrarily applies to unregistered religious groups.
The Linyi City Re-education through Labour Commission in Shandong Province simultaneously sentenced 17 male and 4 female church leaders to re-education through labour for fifteen months to three years, according to news released by CAA.
The mass sentencing follows a significant increase in persecution against the house churches in China last year and a level of expulsion of foreign Christians not seen since the 1950s, according to CAA’s annual report.
The 21 were detained during a mass arrest of 270 Christian leaders on 7 December 2007 in Hedeng District, Linyi City as they gathered for leadership training. The 8 Response May–Jun 08
news violence in sri lanka Christians in Sri Lanka have seen a “dramatic” increase in violence recently, according to reports from the National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka (NCEASL). On 3 March the Zion Mount Prayer House in Mulaitivu District was set on fire. The pastor, his wife, child and two other people were inside at the time, although it is believed they were able to escape. The previous day a mob of 200 people surrounded a local pastor’s home in Udugama, Galle District, and told him to leave the village or face death. The crowd
also referred to the ethnicity of his wife, who is a Tamil, and warned that his church, Opma Bible Ministry, could be accused of complicity with terrorism. These attacks are the latest in a series of incidents since the beginning of February. In addition to violence, Christians are facing other forms of harassment. On 3 March, the ‘Pradeshiya Sabhawa’ (Provincial Council) in Kelaniya, Gampaha District revoked approval for the construction of a new church building. The Foursquare Gospel Church had received approval for the new building, but was then ordered to stop construction immediately. No reason was given.
Arrests in Belarus More than eighty protesters have been arrested at a rally in Minsk, Belarus, which was intended to mark the 90th anniversary of the establishment of the Republic of Belarus as an independent country. Among those detained is human rights defender, Zmitser Dashkevich, who was released in January 2008 after spending more than a year in prison. Protestors used the celebrations on 25 March, also known as ‘Freedom Day’, to speak out against President Alexander Lukashenko’s rule and the human rights abuses taking place in the country. Many of these protesters were brutally beaten and detained by police, and some former political prisoners who had recently been released following negotiations between the EU and Belarus were re-arrested. Most received a15-day prison sentence and were charged under Article 23.34 of the Administrative Code for “violating the order of organising or holding mass events”.
Tragedy in Iraq CSW has expressed deep sadness and outrage at the news that Archbishop Paulos Faraj Rahho has been found dead in Mosul, Iraq. The Chaldean Catholic Archbishop was abducted on 29 February by an unknown group who killed his driver and two companions during the kidnapping. His death adds yet another name to the increasing list of Christians and clergymen who have been murdered, kidnapped for ransom or forced to leave Iraq. Since the fall of Saddam Hussein’s regime, Christians in Iraq have been victims of violence and pressure from Sunni and Shiite militias, as well as Islamist jihadists and Kurdish nationalists. May–Jun 08 Response 9
All God’s children need
travelling shoes
isaac and Ray Kaw may live on different continents, but they share one thing in common. Both have been forced to flee their homes to find refuge in other countries. Here, we travel a mile in their shoes along a difficult and dangerous path. Isaac's shoes were made for walking. First worn by the Eritrean freedom fighters in their 30-year struggle for independence, these basic sandals have already made the most epic of journeys. And similarly, sixteen years on, the soles of Isaac’s own sandals are showing no sign of wearing thin. But as Isaac tugs on the very sandals which have come to epitomise independence and liberation, he prepares for an altogether different journey. Far from walking in his forebears’ footsteps, Isaac is walking for refuge, not victory. His journey takes him nearly 100 miles from Asmara, Eritrea, to the very country from which Eritrea's independence had been achieved at so high a price. The journey is long and arduous. Isaac crosses one of the most heavily mined borders in the world,
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carefully avoiding army patrols. Eventually he arrives at the Shimelba refugee camp in Ethiopia, run by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Fleeing for faith Isaac’s reasons for leaving Eritrea are not uncommon. A charismatic Christian, he is unable to gather with others to worship, and fears the government is after him. Also, as the economy crumbled and basic necessities became almost unaffordable, Isaac, like many young Eritreans, avoided mandatory military service and worked to help support his family. However, the government had begun a crackdown, and fleeing was the safest option. Isaac knows what would have awaited him had he been caught. Once a Christian is sent to prison, the authorities deliberately write
Once a Christian is sent to prison, the authorities deliberately write only their date of entry on the case files. only their date of entry on the case files. They face unlimited detention until they agree to deny their faith. A difficult realit y But the alternative is by no means an easy option. The refugee camp that Isaac now calls home lies in a bleak, arid and dusty landscape, sandwiched between the two opposing armies. Life here is tough.
Refugees build their own shelters: rows of basic structures fashioned with pieces of wood and scrap materials in the wilderness. But Eritrean towns are renowned for being extremely clean and tidy, and in true style the refugees have worked hard to make the unbearable habitable. Entering the shelters, the contrast is striking. Beautifully clean interiors with painted beds and mattresses. But the reality of the outside world is unremitting. Every day is a struggle for survival. Living in limbo, Isaac has no idea whether he will ever return home.
The great escape Hundreds of miles away, another journey has taken place. Ray Kaw once called Burma his home. Just 25 years old with a young wife, Ray Kaw, a Chin, had his whole future ahead of him. But then one day the soldiers came. They forced him to cultivate land using the two cows he owned. Toiling endlessly in the blistering heat, Ray Kaw and his cows eventually grew tired, so he stopped to rest. The soldiers objected, beating Ray Kaw and shooting one of his cows. Soon after he was arrested and taken to a nearby army camp. Risking his own life, Ray Kaw’s brother crept into the camp and helped him escape, closely pursued by soldiers who shot at them. Ray Kaw knew his journey hadn’t ended. So he fled. First through Thailand and then on to Malaysia. Vulnerabilit y Separated from his family, Ray Kaw knows his journey has been bittersweet. The jungle camp in Malaysia where he now lives is far from being a safe haven. Having already been attacked and raided by the officially sanctioned vigilante force, the RELA, it is vulnerable to future raids. The camp consists of 61 Chin refugees, living in desperate conditions, sheltered only by a sheet of tarpaulin and a basic bamboo structure. Most are not working and are not able to go into the city in search of employment for fear of being arrested, detained, caned, and deported.
Shimelba refugee camp, Ethiopia.
As many as 40,000 Burmese refugees have fled to Malaysia, escaping the tyrannical rule of a military regime which is responsible for gross human rights abuses against its people. Yet finding refuge does not
May–Jun 08 Response 11
Finding refuge does not automatically result in a bet ter life.
automatically result in a better life. The refugees, all of which are registered with the UNHCR, face tremendous trials in Malaysia. Living in cramped, squalid urban flats or jungle camps with no access to healthcare or other services, they are in grave danger of being raided or arrested. Ray Kaw’s future is uncertain. If he is caught, he will face appalling conditions in detention. Caning, beatings and ultimately deportation. If deported, he may then be returned to Burma by the Thai authorities. If he is able to pay traffickers on the Malaysian side of the border, he may be able to return, but in doing so he will become vulnerable to abuse and exploitation. The UNHCR has designated 16–22 June as National Refugee Week
A journey’s end? At CSW, we continue to work on behalf of people like Isaac and Ray Kaw to ensure that their journeys lead to safety and comfort. Last year, we visited refugees in Malaysia, Kenya and Ethiopia, to listen to their stories and to offer our support and solidarity. The UNHCR has designated 16-22 June as National Refugee Week, providing the perfect opportunity to support refugees living in vulnerable and dangerous circumstances. So instead of just standing with people like Isaac and Ray Kaw, why not walk with them too?
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Go the extra mile Pray Please pray for Eritrean and Burmese refugees among others using p9 of the enclosed Prayer Diary. In addition, we will be holding a prayer concert for Eritrea on Saturday 31 May from 2-7pm. Please see the back page of our Prayer Diary for more information. Protest Please write to your MP, asking them to request that the British government makes representations to the Government of Malaysia, the UNHCR office in Malaysia, and ASEAN, to urge them to uphold their obligations under international law to ensure the protection of the Burmese refugees. Provide CSW continues to advocate on behalf of Eritrean and Burmese refugees, but we desperately need your support. By making a donation to CSW, you can help us make a real difference in the lives of Christians and others who have been forced to flee their homes. Please call the office on 0845 456 5464 or visit our website at www.csw.org.uk to make a donation. Alternatively, you can fill out the enclosed carrier sheet and return it to us with your donation in the freepost envelope provided.
The forgotten trail Market stalls selling strange exotic fruits, workers toiling in vast waterlogged rice paddies and gold statues dripping with brightly coloured jewels. Westerners have always been fascinated by the so-called mysteries of the Orient. So much so in fac t that tourists are now flocking to the region to experience the cultural treasures of countries like Vietnam and Thailand. And squeezed between these two imposing neighbours, another mystery is quickly being unravelled. Laos, with its beautiful landscapes and meandering Mekong River, is now as much of an allurement to Lonely Planet-wielding tourists as its deserved reputation for being one of the most laidback countries in the world. But Laos also harbours a much more sinister reputation for being the most heavily bombed country in history. And while it’s difficult to forget how the Ho Chi Minh trail once trickled down the eastern side of the country; it’s easy to miss the scars that remain.
churches. Protestants, especially among the unregistered churches and ethnic minorities, are treated with suspicion by village shamans and government authorities alike, for destroying the harmony of the community. This suspicion often leads to incidents of devastating persecution. Behind the scenes, we are working hard to ensure that Christians in Laos can enjoy full religious freedom. And none of this would be possible without faithful supporters like you – helping us to close old wounds to start tomorrow anew.
Among those who feel these scars are members of the Protestant Church, as Protestantism continues to be seen by many of Laos’ communist officials as an American religion – the religion of their old enemy, and therefore not to be trusted. Christians in Laos suffered a time of very heavy persecution in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with pastors being routinely imprisoned and churches being closed down. Most Christians now report that things have become easier for them in the past couple of years, especially since Laos hosted the 10th summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2004. However, to be a Protestant Christian is still far from easy, particularly in newer
Pray Please pray for Christians in Laos using p5 of the enclosed Prayer Diary. Protest In order to protect victims of persecution, it is often necessary to keep details of specific incidents discreet. However, please still write to your MP or MEP to request that the UK and EU continues to monitor religious freedom abuses and to raise them with the Lao government. May–Jun 08 Response 13
preview
Housebound For seventeen years, Hua Huiqi has been a Christian. Over that time he and his family have offered hospitalit y to many Christians from across the country. As a result he has of ten faced persecution, threats, beatings and detention. Then one day, Chinese police arrested Hua on “suspicion of interfering with the execution of public duties.” Sometime after, his 77-yearold mother, distraught by her son’s detention, went to the government office and demanded Hua’s release. However, she fell prey to a police plot and was arrested and sentenced to two years in prison. Hua himself was sentenced to half a year in prison. After Hua’s release in July 2007 officials visited his house several times to scare him, demanding a list of all the Christians that had stayed in his house. Hua refused. “The leaders in the Municipal Public Security Bureau are detaining your mother as a hostage,” he was told. “Now everything depends on your actions.” On 1 October policemen came to Hua’s house and took him by force. He was threatened and terrorised. “If you cooperate with us, your mother will be released. Otherwise, you’re going to have a tough time,” they said.
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The next day Hua was dragged by policemen to a house rented by his father. “You are not allowed to go anywhere. The moment you try to go out of here, we will beat you. After the beating, we will carry you to the local police station. We won’t give up until you cooperate with us.” On 11 October Hua was beaten unconscious by the police. He had to be hospitalised and did not recover consciousness for three days. He was discharged from hospital two days later but was beaten up again the very next day. While brave Chinese Christians like Hua suffer terrible violence for their faith and all that springs from it, we can easily use our freedom to speak up for the persecuted Christians in China. With the Beijing Olympics fast approaching, now’s the time to bring China’s human rights record into the forefront. Will you be the one to stand with us in helping China’s victims?
Keep updated Pray Please consider booking a slot in your church to pray for the Beijing Olympics. We will be producing prayer and protest resources in the near future. Keep an eye on our website, www.csw.org.uk, and look out for more information in the next issue of Response. Protest Please use your voice to speak out for the oppressed and for religious freedom by contacting the Chinese authorities and your MP/MEPs to urge for full religious freedom to be guaranteed in law and practice in China.
Trek the Great Wall of China 11–19 October 2008 Are you up for a challenge? Scale the heights of the magnificent Great Wall with CSW during this demanding trek, taking in the rich history, epic scenery and spectacular autumn colours of this amazing country. We’re looking for 25 participants to join this exciting trek and raise funds to help CSW shine a spotlight on human rights and religious freedom in China and campaign for persecuted Christians around the world.
Cost: £1,400 approx (Includes flights and accommodation) £250 Deposit (non-refundable) not including insurance, airport taxes and visas Your sponsorship target: £1,500 To find out more or book your place, please contact: Esther Priest Christian Solidarity Worldwide PO Box 99 • New Malden • Surrey KT3 3YF T 0845 456 5464 • E challenge@csw.org.uk
Don’t miss out! Book your place today to enjoy the adventure of a lifetime!
Conquer Ben Nevis 26–28 September 2008 Ever dreamed of climbing the highest mountain in Britain? At 4,406 ft, Ben Nevis attracts hardy climbers and walkers from all over the world and on a clear day at the summit you can see breathtaking views over the Highlands and Western Isles. This strenuous 6–8 hour climb is a great personal achievement everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime!
Cost: £190 (£215 if joining in Glasgow) per person, £15.59 Personal Travel Insurance (Includes: 2 nights Bed & Breakfast, Guides, Packed lunch on Saturday)
CSW is looking for up to 40 participants to climb Ben Nevis with us and help raise funds to broaden our work and enable us to be a voice for all voiceless Christians around the world.
Esther Priest Christian Solidarity Worldwide PO Box 99 • New Malden • Surrey KT3 3YF T 0845 456 5464 • E challenge@csw.org.uk
Sponsorship target: £1,000 To find out more or book your place, please contact:
Don’t miss out! Book your place today to enjoy the adventure of a lifetime!
Be a voice for the voiceless www.csw.org.uk
lobbying
Bumps in the road At CSW, we rely on the thousands of let ters writ ten by you; strengthening and reiterating our voice in defending the rights of persecuted Christians. But writing campaign let ters isn’t always that simple, as one CSW supporter found out.
“My present Conservative and previous Labour MP both refuse to act for me on behalf of persecuted Christians outside the UK and Europe. Both MPs said they were unwilling to act as postmen for the Foreign Office, and my present MP considers it is not right for him to interfere in the affairs of other countries. In addition, one of my MEPs has sent several replies complaining about the number of letters I send him, and only occasionally takes action on my behalf. I do have one MEP who tries to respond to each request and is sympathetic, and another who often puts down questions in Parliament. So it’s not all bad news, but it can be discouraging, even to the point of not bothering to write in future. Any advice?”
Tips & tricks from CSW’s Campaigns & Media Manager, Penny Hollings Unfortunately, a number of CSW supporters receive responses like this from their elected representatives, and sometimes it may just be a case of persevering. However, there are a couple of things you can do to avoid being perceived as a nuisance. Try tailoring your letter around some of the objections raised. For example, you could ask your MP to request action from the relevant government department. If your MP refuses to do this, follow up the letter by asking them to forward your request to the Foreign Spokesperson for their party (if they are not a Labour representative) or table a Parliamentary Question on the issue, which the relevant minister must then respond to. As your MP appears to be unreceptive to information about countries outside Europe,
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highlight some of the cases closer to home, such as Turkey which is looking to become a member of the EU. You could also raise cases in countries like Bulgaria and Belarus as they arise. With MEPs, you can adopt the same principle of requesting that they ask the relevant department to act, this time directing requests at the European Commission. In addition, you will have more than one MEP, so if you find one representative reluctant to help you can try contacting another. Also, take note of any committees or subcommittees to which they belong, so you can tailor your letters to their interests. Finally, try not to swamp your MP or MEP with too many letters in a short space of time. You could reduce the frequency by writing about several issues in one letter.
Extra help CSW has produced a new Lobbying Guide, which includes guidelines for effective letter writing, steps to take when meeting your MP or MEP, and tips on how to use your local media. For your copy, please contact the office on 0845 456 5464 or email admin@csw.org.uk. You can also download this resource at www.csw.org.uk/ protestresources.htm.
Useful websites www.writetothem.com www.theyworkforyou.com www.upmystreet.com www.europarl.org.uk/uk_meps/ MembersMain.htm
Sanusi’s Shoes
When jewellery and a pair of trainers were thrust into her hand, Halima began to weep. She looked up and saw a familiar face. “This is all that’s lef t of your son,” Salisu said. Halima’s problems started when her husband, Ali, converted to Islam. Their home is Katsina state, Nigeria, one of eleven states that has instituted the Shari’ah penal code, effectively creating a state religion in defiance of the secular constitution. When Halima and Ali’s eldest child and only son, Sanusi, decided to become a Christian, he never guessed what would happen next. Promptly thrown out of school, Sanusi had no idea what to do, so he met with the pastor of a local church, the Rev. Saidu Audu. The Pastor asked Sanusi why he wasn’t in school. Sanusi explained that his father was angry about his conversion and refused to help with the costs. The Rev. Audu told Sanusi that becoming a Christian was not going to be easy.
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May–Jun 08 Response 17
>> Sanusi’s Shoes He should expect persecution and prepare for the worst. Sanusi upheld his decision and became a Christian in February 2008.
Sanusi was told that Christianity should unite families, not separate them, and to humble himself before his faith by kneeling down and respectfully requesting to return to school. Wounded for faith The very next day, Sanusi went to do just this. But as he began talking to his father, his uncle, Salisu, asked Sanusi if he had been to the mosque that day. When Sanusi replied that he hadn’t, Salisu began beating his nephew. People gathered around, including the Assistant Village Head, but no one helped. And when Sanusi’s legs buckled under the strikes and he fell to the ground unable to defend himself, still no one helped. Finally Pastor Yunusa Gargari came to the scene. “Why do you continue to beat him so severely when he is clearly already incapacitated? Are you trying to kill him?” “Yes,” replied Salisu. “And do you think that you can continue to live a normal life in the village if you do kill him?” the Pastor asked. “Of course,” Salisu replied. “As far as I’m concerned this entire village can go to hell.” Sanusi survived the beating that day, but Pastors Gargari and Audu decided to complain to the Village Head that the Assistant Village Head had not intervened. They wrote a letter, stating that if anything untoward were to happen to Sanusi, the responsibility would ultimately lie with him.
18 Response May–Jun 08
On the up On 14 February, Sanusi’s mother, Halima, asked the two Pastors to visit Sanusi, who was severely injured. The clergymen encouraged and ministered to him. When asked if he would be continuing with school, Sanusi replied that because his hands had been injured in the assault and were very painful, he would wait until they were better before returning. The following Monday morning, things were looking up. Sanusi visited the pastors and told them he would be returning to school. But at 6pm, Sanusi turned up at the Rev. Audu’s door. “Why are you not at school Sanusi?” the pastor asked. Sanusi explained that on the way there he had been stopped by the Assistant Village Head, his uncle Salisu and another man that he did not identify. The Assistant Village Head had complained that he had been reported to the Village Head and said that the Village Head wanted to see Sanusi. Sanusi went to the meeting. The Village Head asked Sanusi if he was now a Christian. Sanusi responded that he was. Sanusi was then told he would have to attend another meeting with the District Head, the Assistant Village Head, his father, his grandfather and his uncle Salisu The Reverend Audu encouraged Sanusi. “Be courageous and stand your ground no matter what happens,” he said. The pastors tried to meet with the District Head in advance of the meeting that Sanusi was supposed to attend. The District Head was
not around, and they instead met with his assistant. The pastors advised the assistant that the church was closely monitoring proceedings, was aware of his role in the matter, and would be taking it further should Sanusi be harmed in any way. The Assistant District Head assured the pastors that he would not allow anything bad to occur, nor would he allow any harm to come to Sanusi. He also said the District Head would meet with them himself once he returned to the area. A turn for the worst But on the morning of 19 February, Sanusi’s uncle, father, grandfather and the Assistant Village Head surreptitiously left the village, taking Sanusi with them. That evening, all returned except Sanusi and Salisu. A worried Halima visited the Reverend Audu to tell of her son’s disappearance, terrified that he may have been killed. The Reverend Audu attempted to encourage her, hiding his own growing anxieties. A day passed without any sighting of Sanusi or his uncle Salisu. On the evening of 21 February, Salisu returned to the village alone. A ray of hope When Halima was handed Sanusi’s trainers and jewellery, her world fell apart. But hope still remained. After the case began to receive increasing attention, his abductors bowed to the growing pressure and Halima was taken to see her son, confirming he was still alive. However, he was clearly being held against his will: his hands and feet had been tied and he was being kept in a filthy room. She appealed for the release of her
son on her return to the village, but as a result she was strangled by her husband and left in a comatosed state. The matter has since been taken to court. Life for Christians doesn’t have to be this way. CSW’s work is helping to change the lives of people like Halima and Sanusi, before it’s too late. With your help, we can ensure Christian converts from all over the world can enjoy the freedom and security to celebrate their faith. Why don’t you help change the course of the future?
what you can do Sanusi’s testimony is just one featuring in our new report on apostasy, No Place to Call Home, which will be available to download from our website from May. Pray Please pray for Sanusi’s family and others like them, using p6 of the enclosed Prayer Diary. Protest Please write to you MP and MEPs, asking them to read this report on apostasy and make representations to the UK Government and European Union. You may also wish to request that your representative asks a Parliamentary Question on this matter. Provide CSW’s new report has the potential to make a lasting impact on the lives of Christian converts. With your help, we can make our work go even further. Please consider making a donation. Visit www.csw.org.uk, phone 0845 456 5464 or fill out the enclosed carrier sheet and return it in the freepost envelope provided.
May–Jun 08 Response 19
interview 35-year-old Pippa Pritchard from Stratford, East London, has been a supporter of our work for seven years. Having worked as a CSW Representative for the past t wo years, she has now taken the plunge to become a Regional Representative, reaching out to churches in her area and supporting other CSW reps.
A Rep’s story How did you become aware of CSW’s work? I first became aware of modern-day Christian persecution through reading about the teaching and life of Watchman Nee in China, the story of Brother Andrew and the autobiography of an American evangelist, Sammy Tippet, who had worked in Eastern Europe before the Berlin wall came down. It was staggering to find out what was really happening and how uninformed the Church is about persecution. I am particularly interested in CSW because of its campaigning and advocacy focus in defending the right to freedom of faith and worship for our persecuted brothers and sisters.
Have you had a CSW speaker visit your church? A CSW speaker has been to our church more than once. The first time was a small midweek evening meeting, where a number of house groups joined together. On this occasion, we heard generally about issues of persecution. Last year, CSW came to a morning service, and spoke more specifically about the situation in India. At both meetings people were surprised by what they heard and it opened their eyes to what is happening. CSW staff brought resources and lots of people signed up to
20 Response May–Jun 08
receive Response magazine. Once we had agreed to have a speaker, it was really easy to arrange – just a case of filling in a speaker request form. There are lots of different speakers available.
How is your church involved in CSW’s work now? The church supports CSW as one of its mission and charity links. I try to attend the prayer days and conferences, and there are others who also come along to these. Issues of persecution are often included in church intercessions. Church members often sign petitions and send campaign postcards. Connect & Encourage is advertised and made available at different times of the year, and the church’s Women’s Group has recently agreed to use this to write to prisoners and their families. We are just starting a Prayer and Letter Writing Group, which we hope to hold once a month after the Sunday morning service, where we can pray for a particular country and encourage one another to write campaign letters.
Tell us about your role as a CSW Representative. I have been a Rep for over two years, after seeing the Church Rep pack at a CSW event, and realising that I was already doing a lot
interview
of the things listed in the job description. In my role I ensure the prayer days and conferences are advertised, make the church aware of petitions and postcard campaigns, and encourage people to sign them, mobilise people to use Connect & Encourage, and attend prayer days and special events, such as the launch of the Burma report last year. I have also arranged activities in our church, such as a screening of the DVD, India’s Hidden Slavery. Recently I became a Regional Representative for the East London area, which involves supporting and encouraging other Church Reps in the local area, and making more churches aware of CSW’s work.
Earlier this year you at tended our Reps Conference. How did you find it? I really enjoyed the Reps Conference. It is always encouraging to meet with others who share the same enthusiasm for the issues. The great thing about Reps getting together is being able to share ideas and also the difficulties. Frustrations are often solved when Reps share a simple idea that really works in their church. CSW staff members had lots of information, resources and support available for different aspects of the role. I always find it a really happy time getting together with the CSW family.
How do you see your role with CSW developing in the future? As a Church Rep, I am encouraged to see more people becoming involved and I hope we will be able to develop our Prayer and Letter Writing Group. As Regional Rep, it would be wonderful to meet locally as reps and maybe even hold joint prayer events. It would be great to get local churches together to pray and introduce more churches to the work of CSW.
“I believe every small thing we do can make a big difference.”
What does it mean to you to help persecuted Christians? Sometimes the scale of the problem seems so overwhelming, I think I can do nothing; but this underestimates the power of God to work in all situations. Sometimes we don’t always know if what we have done has made any difference, but other times we hear how prayer and campaigning have changed a situation. I believe every small thing we do can make a big difference.
Inspired? If you are interested in becoming a Church Rep, or having a CSW speaker visit your church, please give our Supporter Development Officer, Liz Pruett a call on 0208 329 0021 or email lizpruett@csw.org.uk.
May–Jun 08 Response 21
Dates for your diary
noticeboard
Noticeboard Global Week of Prayer for North Korea
Please join CSW and thousands of Christians worldwide for The Global Week of Prayer for North Korea, which will run from 23 to 29 June. Remember, if you’re planning to get your church or house group involved in this special week of prayer, CSW has a variety of resources you can use. Why not order our Suffering in the Secret State presentation in DVD, video or PowerPoint format? Suffering in the Secret State is a powerful documentary which exposes the violence, cruelty and oppression perpetrated by the North Korean regime against Christians and encourages viewers to pray for change in this nation. The presentation is an excellent resource for house groups and prayer meetings, as well as for church and individual use. Shop online at www.csw.org.uk/booksmusicanddvd.htm or call 0845 270 2160 to order over the phone from St Andrew’s Bookshop. PowerPoint CD £4.00. Video PAL/NTSC £5.00. DVD PAL/NTSC £5.00.
Saturday 31 May
eritrea prayer concert
2pm–7pm CSW invites you to attend our London-based prayer event for Eritrea at Regent Hall, The Salvation Army, 275 Oxford Street, London, W1C 2DJ (nearest tube Oxford Circus). Friday 27 June
north korea prayer evening
7pm–9.30pm Come along to our London-based prayer event for North Korea at Raynes Park Methodist Church, 195–205 Worple Road, Raynes Park, SW20 8ET (nearest train Raynes Park).
Alternatively, call or email the CSW office to request resources in order to pray with your house group, congregation or to run your own meeting during the global week of prayer for North Korea.
new resources lobbying guide CSW’s new Lobbying Guide is packed with tips and tricks on how to campaign for our work. For your copy, call the CSW office on 0845 456 5464 or email admin@csw.org.uk. Alternatively, you can download this resource at www.csw.org.uk/protestresources.htm.
outcry The new Outcry youth resource pack, Clamour, will be available from the end of May. Phone the office on 0845 456 5464 or email admin@csw.org.uk to pre-order your copy. 22 Response May–Jun 08
Saturday 19 July
colombia day of prayer
11am–3pm CSW invites you to attend our London-based prayer event for Colombia at Iglesia Cristiana de Newham, River Christian Centre, Vincent Street, Canning Town, London E16 1LZ (Nearest tube: Canning Town). If you are unable to attend any of these events, why not hold your own event or bring the subject to the attention of your house group or wider church congregation? If you would like resources or more details about any of these events please email events@csw.org.uk or call 0845 456 5464.
out and about In the coming months CSW staff and representatives will be giving talks about our work in the following locations: May 4 London (SE9) 11 Rotherham 18 Rushden 21 Sunderland 25 New Malden June 22 West Croydon July 6 Lewes, Harlow 8 Cumbria 13 Birmingham 17 East Horsley For more information on these speaking events, please contact Liz Pruett on 0208 329 0021 or by emailing lizpruett@csw.org.uk. Please note that all dates are subject to change.
father’s day
letters
Over to you Many thanks to everyone who has contacted us about the new Response Magazine. Here are just a few of your thoughts. Get in touch! Christian Solidarity Worldwide PO Box 99 • New Malden • Surrey KT3 3YF E admin@csw.org.uk • www.csw.org.uk
your views “Just wanted you to know how much I appreciate the new image for the CSW Response magazine - the size is perfect and easy to hold, paper quality good and the clarity of the text and publication, excellent.” – Audrey Eley “Thank you for the recent issue of Response. I love the new size, which makes it more easier and convenient to move around. I also like the new look. “ – Paul Boyce “Just received your new look magazine. Absolutely excellent. Love the new layout and feel.” – Jarrod Cooper
Surprise your dad this Father’s Day, 15 June, with a present from CSW’s Unique Gift List! From a day of advocacy training for human rights defenders to rebuilding churches destroyed by religious violence, CSW’s unique gift list is the perfect way to make your dad’s day. Browse through our range of gifts online at www.csw.org.uk/alternativegiftlist.htm and select a present for your dad. Then call us on 0845 456 5464 to make your purchase. We’ll send you a lovely gift card to give to him and 100% of the gift will go to help persecuted Christians.
“Your new Response magazine came quite as a surprise. It is not only cleaner and fresher but much easier to read.” – Jeanine Bishopp “We do like your new magazine format. Excellent! Usually it is too harrowing to read and I dread opening it, but this time I was able to read it all the way through and felt an overall view of the wonderful work you are doing. And the successes too!” – Pamela Lucas
Correction Last issue, we attributed a quote from the field to Somali Christians in Kenya (Issue 151, p 22), when in fact it was a message of thanks from Eritrean refugees in Ethiopia. We apologise for any confusion. May–Jun 08 Response 23
Your father is unique! father’s day So why not surprise him with a one-of -a-kind present from the 15 june CSW Unique Gif t List this Father’s Day?
Caring for Orphaned Refugee Children: Thai-Burma border With this gift you can contribute to the running of an orphanage for vulnerable refugee children in Thailand for one day.
Gift Amount: £5
The ethnic minorities of Burma are cruelly persecuted by the brutal Burmese regime. As a result, hundreds of thousands of ethnic people have fled their homes and villages and now live on the run in the jungle or in refugee camps in India, Bangladesh or Thailand.
How do I purchase a gift? Call us on 0845 456 5464 to make your purchase over the phone or complete the coupon below and send it back with your payment to: Unique Gift List, CSW, PO Box 99, New Malden, Surrey, KT3 3YF.
This gift provides one day of vital care for the children in these orphanages, including food, shelter and clothing.
We’ll send you a lovely gift card to give your father which contains information about the gift. 100% of the gift goes to help persecuted Christians! Please allow 7 days for fulfilment of your order. Last order date before Father’s Day: 7 June
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Your Details
gift list Gift Caring for Orphaned Refugee Children: Thai-Burma border
Many children have been orphaned or separated from their parents and are often left destitute and severely traumatised. CSW supports two orphanages which look after many of these children.
Qty £5
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Your Name and address: (BLOCK CAPITALS)
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Please return this form and your payment to: Unique Gift List, CSW, PO Box 99, New Malden, Surrey, KT3 3YF.
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