Mervyn Thomas CMG, Founder President

Our Founder President needs little introduction. Mervyn founded CSW over 40 years ago and has been engaging parliamentarians, government ministers and church leaders ever since. 

He is also passionate about sharing how freedom of religion or belief is a message – and a call to action – for every Christian. 

Scot Bower, CEO

Scot has been a part of CSW for over seven years, and moved into his appointment as CEO in 2020. He is passionate about building on CSW’s 40-year legacy; listening to and being guided by our teams on the ground; and continuing to be a powerful ally for all who face injustice because of their religion or belief. 

He lives in Sheffield* with his wife, two children and grandchild.    

*Scot is well-located to speak at any northern churches.

Anna-Lee Stangl, Joint Head of Advocacy and Americas Team Leader*

Anna Lee is based in Washington DC, is the joint Head of Advocacy and also leads the Latin America Team.*

She has been with CSW for over 20 years and led our EU Liaison office in Brussels for the first 11 of those. In her spare time, she loves to write, garden and cook. 

*Available for pre-recorded, online meetings or in the USA due to location.

Neil Corner, Partnerships Manager

Neil became inspired by freedom of religion or belief in 2005 when he first encountered the suffering of religious minorities in India.

Now based in the Cotswolds, he passionately believes the Church must continue to stand with those individuals who are most vulnerable.

Kiri Kankhwende, Press and Public Affairs Team Leader*

Kiri leads the Public Affairs team which engages stakeholders in the media, UK, European Union and at the UN. She is a journalist, political analyst and public speaker whose work has been featured in international news outlets. 

Kiri is a one-time champion of the CSW Fantasy Football league, and loves rollerblading and the theatre - her record is seeing 76 plays in one year.

*Kiri is currently on maternity leave.

Jonathan Downing, CARE Intern

Jonathan splits his time between Public Affairs and Fundraising. He studied Politics and International Studies at the University of Warwick before taking up his role here as CSW’s newest team member. Having grown up abroad, he is motivated by a desire to see the UK care for the unheard and the marginalised around the world. 

He is a massive politics nerd and a keen cyclist.

Ruth Donaldson, Church Engagement Team Leader

Based in Scotland, Ruth has worked with CSW for eight years. Ruth helps churches and their communities across the UK explore why it is important for as Christians to stand up for all faiths and none, and the practical application of this.

 Ruth’s hobbies include finding new lochs across Scotland where she can go paddleboarding. 

Specialist Advocate

We have a team of specialist advocates who work on countries and regions - from Latin America to the Middle East to Sub-Saharan Africa. 

Due to the need for security profiles, please select a country of region you are particularly interested in hearing from and we will do our best to accommodate you. 

Jonathan De Leyser, Europe Liaison Officer*

Jonathan de Leyser is CSW’s Europe Liaison Officer. Based in Belgium, he has worked in and around European policy for nearly nine years, specialising in trade, human rights, and foreign policy. 

Jonathan’s hobbies include fly fishing and winter climbing.

*Available for pre-recorded, online meetings or in Brussels due to location.