October 12 2004

DON'T STAND IN SILENCE – 2004 INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN HUMAN RIGHTS CONFERENCE

Westminster Chapel, Buckingham Gate, London, SW1 on Saturday November 6 from 9.30 to 5pm

The 2004 International Christian Human Rights Conference is an event sponsored by Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Premier Christian Radio and Release International. Speakers from China, Colombia, Sri Lanka and Eritrea will give first-hand accounts of the persecution of Christians. Some 1,500 delegates are expected to attend the conference entitled Don't Stand in Silence.

Speaker Peter Xu founded one of the largest Christian groups in China, numbering many millions and is described in Brother Yun's 'The Heavenly Man' book as 'my father in the faith'. During his seven years in detention, he was forced to hang in a crucifix position for hours in excruciating agony. Xu's courage was typified in his response to his torturers, thanking them for helping him understand Christ's suffering on the cross. The church in China continues to be persecuted by the Communist Party. Three mass arrests of more than 100 house church Christians have occurred in the last three months.

A speaker from Colombia will be sharing her first hand experience of battling for human rights. There is a murder every 20 minutes in Colombia and the church often gets caught in the crossfire – in the past three years, 120 Protestant pastors have been assassinated along with Catholic priests and bishops who have spoken out for peace.

Godfrey Yogarajah is General Secretary of the National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka. 130 churches have been attacked in Sri Lanka in the last two years, with 140 forced to close. There is also a proposed law to make Buddhism the state religion. Dr Berhane Asmelash is an Eritrean church leader who will tell delegates of the estimated 375 Christians imprisoned in Eritrea since the government banned all but three denominations in 2002.

Director of Share Jesus International, Rev Dr Rob Frost will be speaking, devotions will be led by Rev Greg Haslam, Minister of Westminster Chapel and worship will be led by David Hind of Nottingham Christian Centre.

A CD of songs for the persecuted church will be launched. Delegates will also be invited to pledge their support for the persecuted church. Those who wish to buy conference tickets or require further information on the Don't Stand In Silence project, should call the Information Line on 0845 456 5464 or visit www.dontstandinsilence.info as tickets will not be available on the door.
Mervyn Thomas, Chief Executive of CSW, said: "The International Christian Human Rights Conference represents a unique opportunity for people in the UK to hear authentic, first hand evidence from the members of the persecuted Church. This is our 15th annual conference and having been involved in them all, I can truthfully say I have yet to meet anyone who has not been inspired and challenged by the faith and courage of those who speak. By teaming up again with our friends at Release International and Premier Christian Radio we hope to send a very clear signal that Christians need to work together to raise awareness of religious freedom and the persecuted church to as broad an audience as possible."

Eddie Lyle, Chief Executive Officer, Release International, said: "I have always had a problem with the phrase 'the silent majority'. We have been too quiet too long as a church and it's time now to redress that abdication of responsibility. Don't Stand in Silence is a clarion call for words and action. It's time for us to make our position clear. We stand with the persecuted church and we urge the church in the UK to do the same."

Peter Kerridge, Chief Executive, Premier Christian Radio, said: "Premier is totally committed to supporting this important conference. It's my prayer that Christians here in the UK may be encouraged to become much more aware of the plight of their brothers and sisters who suffer for their faith. Around the world there are some terrible situations and thousands of advocates are needed to become a voice for the voiceless."

It will be possible to arrange interviews with the speakers on the day or during the week before or after the conference, subject to availability.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

The conference sees the launch of Don't Stand In Silence, a joint project of Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Release International and Premier Christian Radio.

The Don't Stand In Silence initiative is aimed at those who are unaware of the extent of religious persecution around the world. Its website, www.dontstandinsilence.info takes an interactive approach to explaining the plight of the persecuted church through quizzes and downloadable resources. In addition, Premier Christian Radio will be creating a 'Click To Commit' campaign to encourage those visiting the site to tell others about the persecuted church. Further campaigns are planned under the Don't Stand In Silence banner, including books, CDs and roadshows.

Prayer In The Square, a prayer event for the persecuted church led by some of the speakers above, will take place on November 5 at St Michael's Church, Chester Square, London at 7pm. Worship will be led by Dave Bilbrough.

Regional conferences will take place at Bradnich Baptist Church, Exeter on October 30, Findlay Memorial Church, Glasgow on November 13 and City Temple, Cardiff on November 20.