Tuesday 9 October 2007
Emmanual Centre
9-23 Marsham St
London
SW1P 3DW

A new book challenging Christians to put human rights advocacy at the heart of Christian mission will be launched on 9 October at an event hosted by Christian Solidarity Worldwide.

The book, 'On the Side of the Angels: Justice, Human Rights and Kingdom Mission', co-authored by Benedict Rogers and Joseph D'souza, argues that for too long Christians have failed to fulfill their biblical mandate to speak up for justice and to see human rights campaigning as a part of mission.

Benedict Rogers is a journalist and CSW Advocacy Officer for South Asia. He is author of 'A Land Without Evil: Stopping the Genocide of Burma's Karen People' (Monarch, 2004). Dr D'souza is founder and president of the All India Christian Council (aicc) – one of the largest interdenominational coalitions of Christians dealing with human rights in India.

'On the Side of the Angels' examines the biblical basis for activism and includes real-life stories of crimes against humanity, religious persecution, torture, discrimination, and injustice. The book draws on the authors' first-hand experience of places of persecution and oppression, including Burma, East Timor, and India, along with their work of advocacy in the United States, United Kingdom, European Union, United Nations, and other forums. It also offers practical ideas for ways in which Christians can be involved in advocacy.

The book launch will start at 7pm and is hosted by Lord Alton, with guest speaker Bishop David Pytches. 'On the Side of the Angels' has already received critical acclaim. Author and former UK Cabinet Minister, Jonathan Aitken, said the book "deserves to become a classic of human rights literature", and the Founder of Oasis Global, Steve Chalke, called it "deeply challenging and compelling".

Speaking ahead of the book launch, Benedict Rogers said: "Our Christian mission must have justice at the core. In the book of Proverbs, the bible teaches us to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, and to defend the rights of the poor and needy. We have written this book in the hope that concrete examples of how to stand up for justice and inspiring examples of great Christian human rights activists, past and present, will motivate and challenge readers to be advocates of God's love and justice."

Dr Joseph D'souza added: "God is calling His Church worldwide to raise the banner for justice. And He is also pouring His Spirit to move His children to involvement in justice issues as part of their mission on earth be it for the sake of the Burmese people, the people of Sudan, the children of the world or the Dalits."

For more information, please contact Jo Didier, Events Manager at Christian Solidarity Worldwide on 020 8329 0014 or email [email]jodidier@csw.org.uk[/email]