Christian Solidarity Worldwide 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. As an advocacy organisation, CSW aims to influence governments and other bodies on religious freedom issues to ensure that the voice of the persecuted is heard in the international arena. Through its various resources, events and initiatives, CSW also aims to mobilise the general public to pray, protest and provide on behalf of persecuted Christians. By doing so, CSW and its supporters stand in the gap to provide solidarity and support to those in need.
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Meet CSW >>> more |
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Meet CSW
Last year...
...over 2,000 Christians were detained in Eritrea without charge or trial in centres where human rights abuses occur routinely;
...more than 4,000 homes were destroyed as a result of anti-Christian violence in Orissa, and 50,000 Christians were forced to flee their homes;
...approximately 250 political prisoners, many of whom were Christians, were held in Cuba, mainly on charges of "disseminating enemy propaganda" or "dangerousness".
These cases are just the tip of the iceberg.
Around the world, millions of individuals face persecution on a daily basis because of their religious beliefs. The price they pay for following their faith can range from discrimination, harassment and imprisonment to torture and even death.
We believe we have a responsibility as Christians to "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves" and to "Defend the rights of the poor and needy" Proverbs 31:8-9
That is why Christian Solidarity Worldwide exists.
Who we are
We are a human rights non-governmental organisation (NGO) that specialises in freedom of religion. Our purpose is to be a voice for the justice, pursuing religious freedom for all.
What we do
We exist to address the injustice faced by those who are discriminated against or persecuted on religious grounds and to stand in solidarity with those who are persecuted for their faith.
God has a heart for justice and for the oppressed, and we believe that it’s crucial that Christians and churches in the UK get involved in human rights issues - especially where they relate to religious freedom.
How we work
CSW is a unique organisation whose primary work is advocacy, which means that we seek to be a ‘voice for the voiceless’ and take seriously the mandate of “speak[ing] up for those who cannot speak for themselves”. Our highly-skilled advocates make regular fact-finding visits and produce expert briefings and reports that are used to influence the legislation, policies, attitudes and behaviours which reinforce religious discrimination and persecution. Through this, we aim to bring about lasting cultural, social and political change.
How do we do this?
1. We document and raise awareness of religious persecution.
2. We influence key decision-makers whose policies or actions affect the oppressed.
3. We empower victims by giving them a voice and training them to advocate effectively for themselves.
4. We offer support and solidarity to the persecuted.
Rather than simply fixing the surface problem, our work goes right to the heart of the issue, seeking to change the policies and laws that hinder or prevent religious freedom. As a ‘voice for the voiceless’, we partner with many other organisations who bring practical aid to the countries in which we work. While these aid organisations take care of immediate needs, we work for justice and seek to bring about long-term political change. We believe that both advocacy and aid are necessary in order to see change happen.
“CSW continues to fly the flag for a better future for people who are suffering grievously on a daily basis, with scant protection and precious little active help – something that cannot be right and must change”. - John Bercow, MP
What we do works
In the past year we have seen clear evidence of the impact of our advocacy work and the difference it made in the lives of countless individuals facing religious persecution.
Here are just a few examples:
...In February 2008, we asked our supporters to send letters to their MEPs highlighting the imprisonment of Tian Min-ge and Su Dean, leaders of the Fangcheng parent house church in China. Following supporter letters, both were released and the charges against them were dropped.
...Earlier this year, our perspective and recommendations were closely echoed in the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief’s report on her mission to India – a visit which CSW and partners in India helped to arrange.
...In December 2008, Christmas Day was declared a national holiday for the first time in Nepal, where CSW has worked for over twenty years to promote full religious freedom.
...As a result of lobbying from our Cut the Chains campaign, the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office gave assurances that prisoners of conscience around the world are a priority for the British Government.
...Because of letters written to MEPs asking them to submit written questions to the European Commission about CSW cases, Pastor Omar Gude Pérez in Cuba received regular weekly phone calls from EU representatives to monitor his case.
It’s important to remember that tackling injustice is not something that can be done in a day. It requires long-term commitment and a strong belief that, with God’s help, we can make a difference. Most of the successes we see are the product of years and years of lobbying and working closely with partner organisations on the ground. If you notice, most – if not all – of the successes above happened as a result of supporters partnering with us in one way or another.
However, there are still millions of people around the world who live in fear of persecution or who face discrimination, torture, imprisonment and even death on a daily basis because of their faith – a reminder that our work is far from over.
In partnership
Our vision for the future is that every individual will be able to believe what they want and to practise their faith without fear of discrimination or persecution. We cannot achieve this without your help.
Often, change happens simply because enough people decide to take action. Your decision to be involved means that, together, we will be more effective as we press for change. Our advocacy department begins with research, fact-finding visits and political lobbying; we count on you to add energy and impact by praying, protesting and providing. Together, we make a difference.
“You just need to be a flea against injustice. Enough commit ted fleas biting strategically can make even the biggest dog uncomfortable and transform even the biggest nation”. - Marian Wright Edelman, rights activist
While the thought of being a flea may not be particularly appealing, the idea is a valid one – and the reason why we want you to play a part in the work that we do. Clearly, two voices are stronger than one. Ten voices make a bigger impact than two. Imagine the impact of hundreds – or thousands – of voices crying out against injustice!
“Please use your liberty to promote ours.” - Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, Nobel peace prize winner and rightfully elected leader of Burma who is currently under house arrest
Get involved
You have an important part to play in the struggle for religious freedom around the world. As an active supporter, you will automatically be signed up to receive Response magazine and Prayer Diary four times a year. By supplying us with your email address, you will also receive our weekly Relay newsletter, containing news of urgent cases and immediate actions you can take to help. But why not consider going a bit deeper and doing one (or more) of the following?
Pray
You can pray for the work that we do, using the Prayer Diary or other prayer resources that we produce. Since we firmly believe that we can do nothing without God, we would especially appreciate your partnership in this important task.
Protest
The easiest way to sign up to take action is by joining one of our campaigns. We run two or three high profile campaigns each year, focusing on a country or issue of particular concern.
Provide
Please consider whether you could support us financially as we work to end religious persecution. By doing so, you could help us expand our work to cover even more countries and cases than we are currently able to.
Spread the word
Help us spread the word by becoming a CSW Representative and being the link between your church and CSW.
To sign up, simply visit our Join us page.
Get your group involved
Are you a church leader or member of a small group? You, too, have a crucial role in ending religious persecution.
As a part of a group, you are in a unique position to help us spread the word.
Small group
Use our support group resources to create a small group or use your existing group to pray for and take action on behalf of those who are persecuted for their faith. We have a variety of resources to help you get started.
Church
Use our church resources to hold a special service on key dates (such as the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church) or display CSW information in your church. To raise awareness of religious persecution, invite one of our inspirational CSW speakers to give a free talk. Having a speaker is one of the best ways to get your church interested and involved in justice and religious freedom issues.
Youth group
If you are a youth or student worker, visit www.outcry-uk.org to sign up for our free downloadable youth leader resource called Clamour. Each issue includes case studies, Bible studies, suggested activities and ways to take action and can be adapted for use with fourteen to 25- year-olds. You will also receive our monthly email updates so you can keep up-to-date on cases of religious persecution around the world and get your young people involved.
In addition, you can help us in campaigning and lobbying by getting the members of your group to add their voices to yours!