Our Public Affairs team is at the forefront of CSW’s public advocacy. Working at the UK Parliament, the EU, the UN and other international arenas, team members interact with some of the world’s most powerful decision makers, encouraging them to use their positions to promote freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) around the world. They also work with the media, sharing our latest news and research on the situation of FoRB in the countries we work on. Raising awareness, speaking truth to power, inspiring action – the work of the Public Affairs team is central to everything we do.

Sunday 27 October

Today is International Religious Freedom Day in the US commemorating the passing of the 1998 International Religious Freedom Act. A few weeks ago CSW held an event in Parliament to update MPs on our latest research on FoRB around the world. Pray that those who attended would not forget what they heard, would take decisive action, and remain engaged.

Monday 28 October

In March we were privileged to hear a moving first-hand testimony about life as a North Korean Christian during an event we co-hosted at the UN Human Rights Council. Pray that the UN representatives who heard Heyeona Ji’s testimony would be moved to decisive action on North Korea.

Tuesday 29 October

Our work with the press depends on good relationships with journalists. Pray today that these relationships will go from strength to strength and that new ones will blossom.

Wednesday 30 October

Pray that the work of the Public Affairs team will be rewarded by discernible change in the media landscape, and that the media would report accurately and thoroughly on FoRB violations wherever and whenever they occur.

Thursday 31 October

In the April issue of Response, Alessandro Pecorari, our EU Liaison Officer, explained how the UK’s departure from the European Union would impact our work. Today is the day the UK was meant to leave the EU, although as we go to print we don’t yet know whether this will happen. Pray that whatever happens, MEPs remain committed to the promotion and protection of FoRB and continue to work closely with CSW.

Friday 1 November

‘Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.’ Ecclesiastes 4:9a NLT. Pray this verse over the Public Affairs team today.

Saturday 2 November

Heavenly Father, thank you so much for the talented staff you have blessed CSW with. Today we ask for a special blessing on the Public Affairs team, who work hard to promote CSW’s work among journalists, in parliament and in the international arena. Open doors for them wherever they go, we pray, and give them a double measure of strength in everything they do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.