Rev Philip Evans is the associate vicar of Moulton Parish Church in Northamptonshire, and a long-term CSW supporter. He shares how his church decided to take action following a visit from one of our advocates.
How long have you been supporting CSW?
I first heard of CSW at a conference some 25 years ago, when the late Bishop Richard Hare was speaking. I admired him greatly, so when he said that, if there was only one charity he could support, it would be CSW, my ears pricked up! I signed up as a CSW supporter to receive news and information about Christians persecuted for their faith – for whom I was deeply concerned.
Through my 11 years as vicar of Whitefriars Church in Rushden, CSW was one of our mission partners, supported by our giving. Two or three times we were blessed by visits from the amazing Stuart Windsor (CSW’s National Director at the time). Stuart riveted our congregation with his first-hand stories from around the world about Christians standing up for their faith in difficult circumstances. He became a good friend, and his death in 2017 saddened us all.
What happened when you invited a speaker?
In February we welcomed Cecil, CSW’s Asia Deputy Team Leader, to our two morning services, also to talk with parishioners over lunch. Once again, I saw how his first-hand experience and deep knowledge gripped our congregation’s attention. His visit was spoken of for a long time after – it left a deep and lasting impact.
We learnt a great deal about discrimination towards religious minorities in Pakistan – Christians in particular, but also Ahmadiyya Muslims.
Cecil told us how the education system discriminates seriously against non-Muslims in Pakistan. Islamic studies are compulsory, and there is insufficient provision for courses which could be an alternative. Minority students are often forced to take Islamic studies, either because an alternative is not available, or because pursuit of an alternative course (typically Ethics) would result in lower grades being given.
How did you respond?
Recognising that a proportion of UK overseas aid goes to Pakistan, many in our church spoke of how this support needed to be reflected in fair treatment of Christians and other religious minorities.
Our church council wrote to our two local MPs, asking for these concerns to be put to the Secretary of State.
Since then, Stuart Andrew MP most helpfully replied to say he shares our concerns about these serious challenges, noting that the misuse of blasphemy laws and the lack of fair and inclusive access to education are matters of significant concern. It is so important to keep advocating and raising awareness.
I have seen, time and again, that when local churches engage with CSW, especially welcoming a guest speaker, they become better informed and more able to pray. It helps us all as Christians to become more committed and active in defending the fundamental right to freedom of religion and belief for all.
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