A Voice for the Voiceless

This month, at St Paul’s, we are praying for religious freedom in the whole world. In particular, we are supporting the work of Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW). Only too often, in many countries, people are stopped from worshipping in the way that they choose. CSW works to find ways to give them that choice.

CSW works in over 20 countries across Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America, defending everyone’s right to freedom of religion or belief.

Three quarters of the world’s population lives in countries with severe restrictions on their religious freedom – in fact, it’s one of the most widely-violated human rights in the world.

Our vision is of a world where everyone is free to choose their beliefs.

CSW gives one example all the way that the right to belief is violated (among many:

Three innocent men are on trial in Sudan as the result of an act of kindness. They are Rev Hassan, a Sudanese church leader, Mr Jašek, a Czech humanitarian worker and Mr Abdumawla, a Sudanese activist. All three helped raise money to treat a badly burned young man who had taken part in a student protest.
For this act of kindness they have been on trial since 14 August 2016. Rev Kuwa, whose only ‘crime’ was being Rev Hassan’s friend and a Christian leader, was also arrested and put on trial: however, he was released in January 2017 after the judge found no evidence against him on charges brought by the prosecution. The three men face several charges, including two national security crimes that carry the death penalty.

They’ve done nothing wrong and they desperately need our prayer and support. And we commit ourselves to support all those in their situation.