Mervyn Thomas a 46 year old businessman has been appointed Chief Executive of Christian Solidarity Worldwide (formerly known as CSI) with effect from April 1999.
With affiliated offices in the USA, Hong Kong, the EU in Brussels and at the UN Human Rights Commission in Geneva, the last two years have seen considerable growth in CSW’s activities as an international campaigning organisation for religious liberty for persecuted Christians worldwide. CSW’s mandate, based on Proverbs 31: 8 & 9 is to be a ‘voice for the voiceless’, raising awareness, encouraging informed prayer and action on behalf of the suffering Church.
Mervyn Thomas was a founder member of CSI(UK)/CSW, and served as it’s Chairman from 1983 before voluntarily stepping down earlier this year to be considered for the new post. Of his appointment Mr Thomas said “I know God has called me to this ministry. He has been preparing me for it since 1979 when I first heard of persecuted Christians. With God’s help I see my role as helping CSW develop into a truly worldwide organisation, fully equipped to speak out in solidarity for those who have no voice”.
CSW Chairman Franklin Evans commented “No one has been more actively committed to prayer, lobbying and campaigning for persecuted Christians over the past 20 years than Mervyn Thomas. His spiritual leadership and practical experience make him the ideal choice for this strategic new job, as CSW prepares for ministry in the century now dawning.”