No Way Out: Campaigning for change in Egypt

Long before the “January Revolution”, CSW had been inspired to focus our campaigning efforts in 2011 on bringing hope and change for Egypt’s Christians in the face of increased religionrelated attacks. Bringing together advocacy, campaigning, media advocacy, awarenessraising and prayer, CSW has been working to assist those who will shape Egypt’s future...

CSW’s cutting edge human rights training headed to Egypt

CSW’s in-depth advocacy training, which has already seen a great impact in other countries, made a real difference to Egyptian Christian leaders this autumn. Training them in human rights, media and advocacy techniques, the training was very well received. Many participants said CSW’s training gave them the tools to be an effective advocate for religious freedom at a time of great uncertainty.

Advocating for change in the international political arena

Throughout 2011, CSW’s advocacy team has been regularly briefing members of the UK and US governments, the EU and the UN on the religious freedom situation in Egypt, and on emerging developments there. As the number of religion-related attacks have increased, we have ensured that key international figures are informed, and made recommendations for action.

21,000 campaigners call for an end to the violence

As the campaign toured the UK and gathered international support online, over 21,000 people signed the No Way Out petition, urging the Egyptian authorities to take steps to end religion-related attacks. The petition will be delivered at an appropriate time as the political situation develops.

A year of prayer

Launching with a prayer day which saw 500 people gathered to pray in London in the midst of January’s Revolution, CSW and campaigners supported Egyptian Christians in prayer throughout 2011. Through monthly prayer events, an Easter devotional series and mobilizing local churches to pray, we prayed into the changes taking place in the nation, sowing the seeds for a new future for all Egyptians.

Seeds of hope

Although Egypt’s future is far from assured, there have been signs of hope. We were greatly encouraged to see hopeful signs emerging when Egypt’s Supreme Administrative Court upheld the right of reconverts to Christianity to change their religion on their official identity cards. Also, after four years of legal disputes and advocacy intervention, seventeen-year-old brothers Andrew and Mario Ramsis were finally recognized as Christians by state authorities. And seeds of hope are being planted by Egypt’s young people – Christians and Muslims uniting to launch initiatives which will strengthen communities and build bridges.