CSW supports art exhibition on Egyptian Christians

Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) is pleased to bring the display of a remarkable art installation on the experiences of Egyptian Christians to Methodist Central Hall on 11 June as part of the Pentecost festival in central London.

The unique images have been created for CSW by artist Lorna Buchanan as part of CSW’s No Way Out campaign, which is calling for Christians in Egypt to be able to practise their faith freely, without fear of violence or discrimination.

At 11:45am and 3pm there will be an opportunity to hear CSW’s Advocacy Director, Andrew Johnston, and CSW’s Team Leader for the Middle East and Sub-Saharan Africa, Dr Khataza Gondwe, discuss the situation for Christians in the Middle East and the challenges for advocacy and religious freedom in the region.

Artist Lorna Buchanan uses a wide range of techniques in her work including painting, drawing, rubbings, sculpture, film and sewing. Her works are often site-specific and vary in scale from small hand-held pieces to large public spaces. She draws inspiration from landscape, memory, and social history.

“The work is inspired directly from testimonies brought out of Egypt within the past 12 months. The outward bleakness of the drawings is coupled with the power and hope of their Christian faith. I have made these drawings with the intention of provoking reflection and discussion.”

“As I read through their testimonies, I have been challenged by the depth of faith of the Coptic Christians and Muslim converts to Christianity alike in the face of institutionalised persecution. It’s inspirational to see their faith in action and has been an honour to work on this project,” she said.

Another art installation by Lorna Buchanan for CSW will be displayed in the prayer room at Cafe Eterno in Covent Garden between 6am and 6pm daily during the Pentecost Festival. CSW will be leading reflections on the persecution of Christians on Tuesday 7 June between 12.30 and 1.30pm, Wednesday 8 June between 5 and 6pm, and Thursday 9 June between 12.30 and 1.30pm.

CSW’s Advocacy Director Andrew Johnston said, “CSW is pleased to partner with Lorna Buchanan as part of our No Way Out campaign to bring her thought-provoking art installations, focusing on Egyptian Christians, to the Pentecost Festival. We hope that visitors are stirred to find out more about the injustices faced by Christian communities in Egypt and the Middle East, to reflect on their situation and remember them in their prayers.”

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.

Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) is a Christian organisation working for religious freedom through advocacy and human rights, in the pursuit of justice.

Notes to Editors:

1. The art installation in Methodist Central Hall will be displayed on 11 June between 11am and 5:30pm.

2. The art installation at Cafe Eterno will be displayed every day between 6am and 6pm from Monday 6 June to Saturday 11 June.

3. For more information on CSW’s No Way Out campaign for Egyptian Christians, please visit www.csw.org.uk/nowayout

4. Photographs are available from the Press Office.