Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) is pleased to announce the appointment of former Bishop of Chelmsford John Perry as chairman of the Board. 

He brings to the role a wealth of experience in Christian leadership and governance, not least as executive chairman of the Board of the Lee Abbey Movement, a post he held for a number of years. He has been a valued member of the CSW Board since 2003, and served as deputy chairman. Before joining the Board he was a strong supporter of CSW in his Episcopal and other appointments.

Bishop John Perry replaces Franklin Evans, who occupied the chair with great distinction for the last ten years, investing a huge amount of his time, energy and expertise in the work of CSW both in this country and overseas. His commitment, vision and infectious enthusiasm gained him widespread respect and affection. He vacates the chair in the knowledge that the organisation is now one of the most respected NGOs of its kind in the world. He will remain as a Board member and continue to serve on the executive committee.

After paying a warm tribute to his predecessor at a recent meeting of the executive committee, Bishop John Perry said, "It is humbling to be even more closely involved in CSW's highly important work on behalf of those who face adversity and persecution for their faith. In turn, we have so much to learn from them about Christian discipleship."

The new deputy chairman will be Oxford-based former diplomat David Taylor, who has been a CSW trustee for the last five years and an advisor to its advocacy department for many more.

CSW would also like to welcome another key appointment, Andrew Johnston, to the role of advocacy director.  Andrew was formally the chief executive officer of the Mudchute Association in East London, and a senior manager in both the Council for World Mission (London Missionary Society) and the International Youth Hostel Federation.

Andrew said of his appointment, "I am delighted to join CSW at this exciting time. Defending religious freedom in our global village has never been more important and I feel privileged to be asked to lead a team with such an outstanding track record expressing a 'voice for the voiceless'."

Speaking of these changes Chief Executive Mervyn Thomas said, "We read in the Book of Ecclesiastes there is a time and a season for everything and that goes for CSW too.  God has blessed our work in the past and I believe these appointments mark the start of a new chapter in CSW's history. We have a rich heritage here at CSW but I believe we are on a journey which will see us become an even stronger and more effective voice for those persecuted for their faith around the world"

For further information or to arrange interviews please contact Kiri Kankhwende, Press Officer at Christian Solidarity Worldwide on +44 (0)20 8329 0045 / +44 (0) 78 2332 9663, email kiri@csw.org.uk or visit www.csw.org.uk.

CSW 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.