Mission Partner: Christian Solidarity Worldwide

Authoritarian governments around the world have continued to use the Covid pandemic as a cover for suppressing and persecuting religious minorities. Whilst many of these minorities comprise Christians, Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) advocates for all such minorities of whatever faith and none.

CSW played a central role in last July’s International Ministerial Conference on Freedom of Religion and Belief (FROB). CSW is also accredited with the UN, the EU and the UK government to advocate for FROB causes giving it huge influence on the global stage. CSW can only do this because of its extensive network of in country correspondents who feed information, often at great risk to themselves, to the regional advocacy teams in CSW’s offices.

The latest edition of “Connect and Encourage” features 54 specific cases where there is acute need for prayer and support. This year’s Christmas Card campaign starting on Sunday 6 November will focus on some of these. Christmas cards will be available to write messages after the services on 6 and 13 November.

igeria’s government is increasingly losing its grip on security in the centre and north of the country with murderous attacks continuing, particularly on Christians, by both Boko Haram and Fulani tribesmen. Leah Sharibu remains in Boko Haram captivity nearly five years after her abduction.

Cuba continues to supress any form of dissent following human rights protests in July 2021.

“Unofficial” protestant churches are targeted as their pastors tend to speak out. Several, along with their congregations, have seen church demolitions, family harassment, arrests and sometimes long, prison sentences. Some pastors have been forced into exile in the US.

In China, Xi Jinping’s increasingly autocratic government brutally suppresses any kind of independence of thought, especially if religiously driven, which is seen as threatening Communist Party authority. Consequently, unregistered churches, their pastors and congregations are frequently targeted. The situation for the Muslim Uyghurs in Xinxiang has been well publicised and CSW was one of the first organisations to advocate for them.

Please pray for the ongoing work of CSW, their workers’ safety and that, eventually, all shall bow the knee to King Jesus.