Our salvation is a free gift from God that we receive through faith, not something we earn. Yet the apostle James tells us, ‘Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.’ (James 2:17) At CSW we recognise the importance of combining faith with concrete action. Our faith is the inspiration behind everything we do - the knowledge that the Bible commands us to ‘Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.’ (Proverbs 31:8-9)

Faith is fundamental

‘He replied, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you.”’ Luke 17:6

Throughout his ministry, Jesus devoted a considerable amount of time to emphasising the great importance of faith. We are taught that with faith and prayer, the impossible can become a reality.

Works are not worthless

But it is also important to note that Jesus did not underestimate the significance of taking action. Indeed, he constantly calls on his followers to do good: not to judge others but instead to show mercy (John 8:7); to help our neighbours, whoever they may be (Luke 10:30-37); and even to love our enemies (Matthew 5:43-45).

Perhaps his clearest exhortation to us to do good works came when he spoke of the Last Judgement. Christ’s message could not be plainer:

‘Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ (Matthew 25:34-36)

Recognising the value in both

This message is at the heart of everything CSW does. The very premise of our organisation - advocacy founded on prayer - is evidence of this. We follow God’s injunction to use the talents and expertise he has gifted us with and the mechanisms available to assist those unable to speak for themselves.

It is because of our conviction of the importance of taking action that we lobby governments, organise protests, train human rights defenders, and share the stories of those suffering injustice because of their religious beliefs - and we invite you to join us in this work, which is inspired by faith.