ResponseThe newsletter of Christian Solidarity Worldwide

AUTUMN/WINTER 2013

CSW has been working for religious freedom in China for over ten years.

In that time, some reports seem to indicate that persecution of some religious groups has intensified, with evidence of Christian human rights lawyers, such as Gao Zhisheng (pictured here with his son), and church leaders being imprisoned. There is also evidence of churches being raided. Meanwhile, other Christian sources celebrate that religious persecution in China is at an all-time low. In reality it’s a mixed picture. CSW’s East Asia advocacy officer reveals more details...

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CHINA: A MIXED PICTURE

Iran: A glimmer of hope Page 4

CSW’s Indonesia assignment in picturesPage 3

Prayer posterback Cover

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CSW’s East Asia advocacy officer explains more about the situation for Christians in China:

‘In terms of freedom of religion or belief, China really is a mixed picture. Christians in China are shaping their society, reaching out through social welfare programmes and charitable projects. God has opened doors for some urban churches to be able to rent meeting rooms in hotels, to buy and sell foreign and Chinese Christian resources, and even engage in low-profile evangelism. This growth of the Chinese church, under difficult conditions, is in a large part a result of prayer and the faithfulness of Chinese church ‘uncles’, such as Zhang Rongliang, whom CSW campaigned for after he was sentenced to seven and a half years in prison.

‘At the same time, however, we cannot ignore the problems. Religious minorities, including Christians, still face many restrictions on their religious freedom. Churches are raided, property confiscated, and leaders are still detained and questioned and, in some cases, imprisoned for months or years. No-one knows this better than the human rights lawyers who work so tirelessly to defend the rights of religious minorities.

I am so inspired by these lawyers’ courage, commitment and self-sacrifice – even when they are disbarred, disappeared, locked up or beaten, they remain faithful in their pursuit of justice. Many of them are Christian, and say their faith is what motivates them to “speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves” (Proverbs 31:8). They also need our prayers.’

In China’s cities there is a lot of church growth, and fewer overt cases of religious oppression. In the mainly rural provinces, there are some areas where churches are able to operate, and others that still demonstrate how respect for religious freedom has not yet permeated Chinese society. For example, in April 2012 police detained 54 Christians, including a one-year-old infant, at a Bible study class organised by a church in Dianying village, Henan Province. After a public hearing in December 2012, Ye County People’s Procuratorate charged seven of the Christians with “using a cult organization to undermine law enforcement”.

By far the worst areas for religious freedom are those where Beijing’s political authority is contested – for example, in the autonomous regions of Tibet and Xinjiang.

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Country in focus

China

CHINA: A MIXED PICTUREXinjiang

Alim Yimiti, a Christian leader, was arrested and imprisoned in this remote region. CSW has been leading an advocacy campaign to have him released. Gao Zhisheng, a well-known Christian human rights lawyer was

also transferred to prison here after being tortured. Being so far from Beijing, imprisonments in this part of China highlight the Government’s

efforts to keep prisoners away from the international limelight, which in many cases gives them a degree of protection.

Shanxi

There was a raid on Linfen church in Shanxi in 2009, and several of the church’s leaders are still in prison. CSW has collected information and

featured this case in briefings to policymakers and the media.

Wenzhou

Popularly named ‘China’s Jerusalem’, this city has a very high Christian population and is also famous for its entrepreneurial success.

Restrictions on Christian activity do exist, but in general the local government takes a more lenient approach than elsewhere in China.

THE EDITORIALby mervyn thomas

chief executive

Hope is at the heart of the christian message. We’ve heard it again and again. But what do we hold onto when the situation looks hopeless?

For me, Romans 8:38 is one of the most hopeful verses in the Bible. It reminds us that whatever happens, absolutely nothing can ever separate any of us from God’s love, shown to us in Jesus.

In your prayers, please remember people who sometimes struggle to hold onto hope, as they face harassment, torture, and imprisonment because of their faith, These people are the reason for everything we do here at CSW.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all that you have helped us to achieve in 2013. With your help, we’ve seen a Cuban family persecuted for years find safe refuge, the start of a groundbreaking UN inquiry into human rights in North Korea, and many high-ranking politicians informed about the realities of religious persecution. Plus, thousands of you have joined our Operation 18 campaign for the right to choose your faith.

Most importantly, your prayer and generous support are giving hope to millions who suffer for their beliefs.

May you and your loved ones have a truly blessed rest of 2013.

CSW’s analysis is that it’s difficult to generalise about religious freedom in China. This is exactly why it’s essential for CSW to gather extensive evidence in the way that we do – it allows us to advocate accurately and effectively. We cannot afford to be complacent, and we must continue to speak truth to power, ensuring that where religious freedom is being violated in China it does not go unquestioned in the international community.

Please do pray for our work in China usingthe Prayer Diary with this issue of Response.We always welcome donations to our workon China too, so if you feel prompted to give,please fill in the gift form enclosed.

Order your copy of Connect & Encourage and consider writing to encourage Chinese human rights lawyers over the advent season. Call us for a copy on 0845 456 5464.

Inner Mongolia

In Inner Mongolia, a group of Protestant evangelists providing free medical care were detained in August 2012; the Chinese authorities are especially wary of evangelism in ethnic minority areas.

Shanghai

Thaddeus Ma Daqin, auxiliary bishop of Shanghai, has been under house arrest since announcing his resignation from the Catholic Patriotic Association in July 2012. The Chinese Government and the Vatican remain divided over a number of issues, including the appointment of bishops.

Beijing

Migrant churches are thriving in Beijing and surrounding areas, but rural-to-urban migrants generally live a precarious life in the cities because they lack the appropriate household registration documents.

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IRAN: A GLIMMER OF HOPE Dr Khataza Gondwe, CSW’s Africa and Middle East Team Leader, explains why things might

be about to change in Iran

Q There’s been an election in Iran recently.

What Happened?

President Hassan Rouhani was elected in June 2013

with a majority of the popular vote. He gained strong

support after running on a moderate platform, which

saw him gain the backing of two reformist former

presidents as well as support from the 2009 Green

Movement. He has promised to free political prisoners

and has spoken on behalf of women and religious

minorities, citing the need for “reconciliation” and

“moderation”. It should, however, be remembered

that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei retains

absolute power over key decisions meaning that

very little has changed yet, but we can be cautiously

optimistic and be praying that the glimmer of hope

becomes a reality.

Q CSW often uses the phrase ‘political

prisoners’ to describe Christians who are

in Iranian prisons because of their faith.

Why do you do that?

Because most Christians are imprisoned in Iran on

trumped up political charges. For example, Shahin

Lahouti, a musician, was arrested along with seven other

Christians during a raid on a prayer meeting in October

2012. They faced political charges, but were really

arrested because of their conversion to Christianity.

While the others were released on bail, Shahin remains

in prison. It’s people like Shahin Lahouti and Behnam

Irani, an Iranian church leader for whom many of our

supporters have been praying, that we very much hope

will be released if President Rouhani keeps his pre-

election promise to free political prisoners.

Q What sort of problems do religious

groups face in Iran?

Despite Christianity being recognised in the Iranian

constitution, a campaign of arrests that initially targeted

the house church movement has been extended

to the government-sanctioned Assemblies of God

denomination, with hundreds of Christians detained in

raids in cities across the country and the forcible closure

of churches. This persecution has coincided with a rise

in religious hate speech from senior official figures that

has also targeted Iran’s Baha’i community, which does

not enjoy official recognition despite constituting the

largest religious minority.

In his March 2013 report on the human rights situation

in Iran, UN Special Rapporteur Dr Ahmed Shaheed,

concluded there had been “an apparent increase in the

degree of seriousness of human rights violations in the

Islamic Republic of Iran” over the last two years.

Q What is CSW doing to advocate for

change in Iran?

CSW undertakes regular advocacy assignments,

including to countries where Iranians who have fled

persecution now live. These allow us to gather detailed

first-hand evidence of the violations people have faced,

ensuring our ongoing briefings to policymakers and the

media are accurate and timely. As part of the Operation

18 campaign we’re now asking supporters to write to

President Rouhani to ask for the release of ‘political’

prisoners like Shahin and Behnam.

in september several ‘political’ prisoners

were released, But not Shahin and

Behnam. Please write to President Rouhani

asking him to release further ‘political’

prisoners as he has promised to. Visit

www.csw.org.uk to take action online.

Please also write to Shahin and Behnam in

prison using the latest edition of Connect

& Encourage. Call us on 0845 456 5464 and

we’ll send you a copy.

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Shahin Lahouti

2013Campaign

UPDATE

We’re almost halfway through the first year of our Operation 18 campaign and it’s time to take stock.

Since March, we’ve had nearly 10,000 petition signatures from you – you’ve been taking a stand online through our email campaign, and you’ve signed the petition postcard at events, festivals and church services where we’ve spoken with you!

We’ve just heard that in only one weekend, over 870 of you took an Operation 18 mini-action, by emailing the Iranian president to release political prisoners like Behnam Irani and Shahin Lahouti, both of whom where imprisoned they chose to convert to Christianity. What an overwhelming response!

Professor Bielefeldt, (pictured below right) the UN’s Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief - a UN expert on the issue, - has generously accepted invitations from CSW, giving empassioned public lectures in London, and engaging with religious freedom activists from CSW’s network across South Asia.

Now, we’re gearing up to hand in your first round of petitions to Baroness Warsi at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office. We know that getting thousands of petitions from you will underline to her just how important this campaign is: the right to choose your religion or belief is universal, and we’re standing up to protect it!

In a response letter to Richard Snow, a CSW supporter who had written to his MP in Norfolk, Baroness Warsi made the following statement:

“Since taking up my position at the Foreign and Commonwealth office I share Mr Snow’s concerns about those who are persecuted around the world because of their religion or belief […] I trust that my reply has reassured you and Mr Snow that we attach great importance to promoting and protecting freedom of religion or belief as one of the UK’s key human rights priorities.”

We’re so thrilled that you are taking things a step further – like writing personally to your MPs about the issues that Operation 18 highlights. And we’re confident that Baroness Warsi, the British Government’s brief-holder for religious freedom issues worldwide, is taking your concerns seriously.

Thank you for all of your hard work in campaigning with CSW so far – and let’s keep up the momentum by gaining those 30,000 petition signatures we’re looking for! don’t forget to ask others to pray for Operation 18 on the 18th of every month. See the Prayer Diary for further details.

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TAKINGstockupholding the right to

choose YOUR RELIGION

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The International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP) is approaching, and we’re excited because we know that waves of prayer will be unleashed on that day!

We’d love you to get fully involved in prayer, so we’ve organised a number of IDOP events for you to come to. There are fourteen venues across the country where you will be informed and inspired to pray about the persecuted Church and the wider issue of religious freedom.

If you haven’t already thought about it, then get hold of an IDOP pack for your church. Tell your youth worker, children’s worker and other church leaders too, because there are lots of helpful resources in the pack that could help them plan a service around praying for people who experience persecution. The pack even contains children’s activities, bible study resources and a sketch you can perform! We’ve tried to make it incredibly easy for you to engage your congregation in prayer for people who suffer because of their faith.

You don’t have to pre-register for the IDOP events, but do turn up in good time at the event to avoid disappointment

It’s not too late to download your IDOP pack either! Download it online today at www.csw.org.uk/idop Or give us a call on 0845 456 5464 and we’ll pop one in the post to you

1. NorthamptonFri 25 OctoberKingdom Life Church

2. NewcastleSat 26 OctoberNewcastle Evangelical

3. SurreySun 27 OctoberChessington Evangelical

4. BristolMon 28 OctoberThe Sanctuary, Staple Hill

5. CardiffTue 29 OctoberGlenwood Church

6. SurreyWed 30 OctoberRCCG, Mitcham

7. LondonThurs 31 OctoberAll Souls, W1B

Giving thanks for those who make sure

their faith, beliefs and passions live onOver the summer we were humbled to receive an extremely generous Legacy gift from the estate of a lady who had passed away.

She had been a faithful supporter of CSW’s for many years, but we had no idea that she would make such a generous final gift.

“It was a truly humbling reminder that the resources we have on earth are God’s and we are called to use them wisely” said Bill Lowe, CSW’s Head of Fundraising. “When people leave

their last possessions and funds to us, it’s an incredible responsibility and a privilege. We’ll be doing all we can to ensure that this faithfully donated money is spent effectively.”

This legacy donation will allow CSW’s unique advocacy work to develop, prolonging the presence of a discerning, loving Christian voice in the international political arenas of the world, speaking out for justice on behalf of those who suffer because of their beliefs.

If you are considering leaving a gift in your will to CSW please get in touch with Bill. Call him on 0845 456 5464 or email admin@csw.org.uk to ask for a legacy information leaflet.

Palti Panjaitan (left) is a church leader that CSW has supported with visits and advocacy for several years. In 2012 we told you how his church held regular worship meetings outside their forcibly closed building. However, in response to increasing hostilities from the local community - including a mob at Palti’s home – the church decided to stop publicly worshipping in this way.

CSW’S INDONESIA ASSIGNMENT IN PICTURESThis summer, CSW visited Indonesia in preparation for a significant report that we’re releasing early next year. Here’s what CSW’s East Asia Team Leader, Ben Rogers, found.

Please pray for Indonesia’s religious freedom using the Prayer Diary with this issue

“It was a truly humbling reminder that the resources we have on earth are God’s and we are called to use them wisely”

International Day of Prayer: 3 november

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Jill CoombeSupporter Relationship Manager

What’shappening

8. St AndrewsThurs 31 OctoberChurch of the Holy Trinity

9. GlasgowFri 1 NovemberTemple-Anniesland Church

10. LondonSun 3 NovemberEmmanuel Evangelical, SW1P

11. LondonSun 3 NovemberEmmanuel North West, HA8

12. HertfordshireSun 3 NovemberChristchurch Chorleywood

13. BirminghamWed 6 NovemberSelly Oak Elim Church

14. StocktonWed 6 NovemberStockton Baptist Tabernacle

CSW Nigeria visits the UK for two weeks only: coming to a church near you!Reverend Yunusa Nmadu is a man with incredible insight and strength. For several years, he’s headed up CSW Nigeria, our sister organisation. He’s been on hundreds of visits to villages and towns where attacks have taken place.

He’s comforted victims whose churches have been burnt to the ground, and he’s documented heartbreaking human rights violations on a regular basis.

And on top of that his own church has been attacked ten times. Yet he still continues to pioneer reconciliation work between Muslim and Christian communities.

“I look forward to sharing with the UK church how prayer has sustained me in difficult times of persecution.” Reverend Yunusa Nmadu

Reverend Nmadu is coming to share his wealth of experience and faith in the midst of persecution in Nigeria on a speaking tour of churches in the UK. CSW is bringing him here this October and we really want you to be inspired by his stories, and faith, and to take back prayer needs to your churches. We want to make sure that the Church in Nigeria is not forgotten.

Don’t miss this opportunity to have your faith stimulated! Places are free, just turn up in good time to get a seat

CSW visited hundreds of displaced Shia Muslims who have been living in this sports hall for over a year. Houses were burnt down and one person died when Sunni Muslims carried out attacks against them in Madura, East Java.

Around 200 people from the persecuted Ahmadiyya community have been living in this camp in Lombok for the past seven years. As you can see, living conditions are basic. The government has made no attempt to resettle them.

This is Alex Aan (right), imprisoned due to his public expression of atheism. CSW’s East Asia Team Leader, Ben Rogers (left), has made several visits to Alex in prison, and ensured that his case is raised at the international level.

International Day of Prayer: 3 november

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FOR I AM CONVINCED that neither

DEATH NOR

LIFE, NEITHER ANGELS nor DEMONS, NEITHER the PRESENT nor the FUTURE, NOR any POWERS, NEITHER HEIGHT nor DEPTH, NOR ANYTHING ELSE in all creation,WILL BE ABLE TOseparate US FROM THELOVE OF GOD

that is in CHRIST JESUS OUR LORD

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

PO Box 99, New Malden, Surrey, KT3 3YF, United Kingdom T: +44 (0)845 456 5464 F: +44 (0)20 8942 8821 E: admin@csw.org.uk

www.csw.org.uk www.facebook.com/cswuk @csw_uk Registered Charity No. 281836

ROMANS 8:38

www.csw.org.uk www.facebook.com/cswuk @csw_UK

PrayerDiary

AUTUMN/WINTER 2013

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PrayerDiary

AUTUMN/WINTER

These were the words that inspired Christians across the world to remember that others in the body of Christ were suffering simply because of their faith. Today CSW exists to see an end to religious freedom violations, not only for Christians, but also those of other faiths.

We hope and pray that you will be inspired to continue praying for those who find themselves

suffering because of their faith.

Please make use of our special advent activities - you’ll see

them in this Prayer Diary and in our Connect & Encourage booklet, download IT at www.csw.org.uk/

connectandencourage

Vickie Mbogo Prayer Coordinator

“Remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.” Hebrews 13:3

Week 1 3-9 November

Sixteen years ago, a coalition of Christian organisations decided that the global Church could no longer be silent. They were appalled by the knowledge that more people had died for their Christian faith in the twentieth century than in all the previous centuries combined. They pledged to end “our own silence in the face of the suffering of all those persecuted for their religious faith” by holding a special day of prayer.

Churches from all over the world now pray together annually for the millions of fellow Christians who suffer harassment, torture, imprisonment or even death simply because of their beliefs. And sixteen years on, we’ve seen some amazing answers to prayer as a result of IDOP. This year, it’s being marked in the UK on 3 November. Join us to pray for the global Church!

International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP)

•Prayforchildrencaughtupinreligiousconflict;prayfortheirstrength,protectionandgrowth;

•Prayforthosewhohavefledreligiouspersecution;forrefugeeswhohavehadtofleetheirhomenation,andforinternallydisplacedpeople(IDPs)whohavefledinsidetheirownborders;

•ThankGodfortheworkofCSWinadvocatingforfreedomofreligionorbelief;praythatheextendsthisworkforhisglory;

•Prayforallchurchleadersacrosstheworldthatworkindifficultcircumstances;prayfortheirfamiliestoo;

•PrayfortheglobalChurch;askGodtobringcomforttothepartsofhisChurchfacingoppressionbecauseoftheirfaith;

•Prayforreconciliationinitiativessuchasinterfaithdialoguesbetweenreligiouscommunities;askGodtobringhissupernaturalpeaceintotheserelationships;

•Takeapsalmanduseittoguideyourprayerforthosefacingpersecutionfortheirfaith.AgoodexampleisPsalm23.Readeachverseandusethattoinspireaprayerforthosefacingpersecution.

Throughout this week please:PleasePray

Use the IDOP pack (downloadable from csw.org.uk/idop) to inspire further prayer in your small group and congregation.

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Week 10-16 November2

LaOSThe landlocked south-east Asian nation of Laos doesn’t get a lot of attention in the international media. Nevertheless, Laos is home to a small but growing number of Christians. About 150,000 worship at state-recognised churches belonging to the Roman Catholic Church or the Lao Evangelical Church, with at least 100,000 more Protestants attending unregistered churches. Most of the majority-Buddhist population is tolerant of other religions, but some local officials see Christianity as a ‘foreign religion’ and a threat.

Christian converts have suffered forced eviction, confiscation of land and livestock, harassment and discrimination. CSW has also received reports of new converts being forced to take part in animist rituals in order to make them abandon their faith. In extreme cases, Christians have been known to ‘disappear’.

•PrayforthesafetyofChristianswhohave‘disappeared’;

•GivethanksforthereleaseofthreepastorswhoweredetainedearlierthisyearformakingcopiesofaChristianDVD;

•PrayforcourageandcomfortforChristianconvertsunderpressuretogiveuptheirnewfaith;

•GivethanksforthereleaseoftwoChristiansfromKhammouanProvincewhoweredetainedin2012forholdingaChristmascelebration;

•PrayforCatholicsinthenorthernpartofthecountrywhoselegitimatereligiousactivitiesarestillrestricted;

•Givethanksthatsomepartsofthecountryhaveseenadropinthenumberofenforceddisappearances;

•PrayforChristiansinremoteareaswhoarebeingpressuredtoleavetheirhomes;prayforpastorstobeabletovisitthemsafelyandencouragethem.

This week please:PleasePray

Week 17-23 November3

IRANShahin Lahouti was arrested, along with seven other Christians, during a raid on a prayer meeting in October 2012. False political charges were brought against them to cover up for the fact that they were really arrested because of their conversion to Christianity. They were sentenced to 18 months in prison; but while the others were released on bail, and their appeals are pending, Shahin is still in prison.

Shahin is a talented musician and well known for his generous heart – he’s played concerts for autistic children, and regularly performs for charity. So despite the dangers he knew he faced after becoming a Christian last year, he decided to stay in Iran so he could continue helping people through his music. Please join us in prayer for him.

•PrayforChristianconvertsinIran,astheyareparticularlyvulnerabletoarrestanddetentionfortheirfaith;

•PrayforShahinLahoutiasheserveshisunjustsentence;

•AskGodtosustainShahin’sfamilyatthisdifficulttime;

•PrayforsuccessfulappealsforthesevenotherChristianschargedwithanti-stateactivities;

•PrayfortheinternationalcommunitytoholdIrantoaccountfortheviolationsoftherightsofreligiousminorities;

•PraythatthegovernmentendsitspolicyofimprisoningChristiansandotherreligiousminoritiesonfalsepoliticalcharges;

•PrayforCSWaswecontinuetohighlighttheissueofconversionattheinternationallevel.

Throughout this week please:

make sure your church has access to Connect & Encourage (downloadable at www.csw.org.uk/ConnectandEncourage) and to this Prayer Diary- they include some practical advent activities you can do together as part of your church life!

PleasePray

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Week 1-7 December5

ChinaOver the years China has been infamous for its persecution of Christians. Many will remember the work of all the ‘uncles’ of the Chinese Church as they served with endurance. But the situation today is much more complex.

Depending on which part of the vast country they live in, Christians may live in relative freedom or face gruelling oppression. Many Christians in major cities like Beijing are able to buy Christian literature and participate in low profile evangelism, generally with little opposition from the authorities. In other parts of China where political control intersects with religion, minority faiths such as Christianity face oppression and hardship. There are things to thank God for; however, much more needs to be improved.

•PrayfortheeffortsofChristiansinChinawhoareworkingtohaveapositiveimpactontheircommunitiesthroughsocialandcharitywork;

•InparticularprayforChristianlawyers,whosefaithinspiresthemtostandupfortherightsofothers;

•ThankGodforthe‘uncles’ofthefaith,andallthosewhohavetirelesslyprayedandcontinuedtoworkforfreedominChina;

•PrayforreligiousminoritiesinXinjiang,TibetandInnerMongoliaastheycontinuetopractisetheirfaithdespitetheresistancetheyfacefromgovernmentofficials;

•ThankGodfortherelativefreedomenjoyedbymanyChristiansinmajorcitieslikeBeijing;

•PrayforCSW’sworkinChinaaswecontinuetobringthetruthaboutreligiousfreedominallofChinatolight;

•PraythattheinternationalcommunitywillcontinuetoholdChinatoaccountwhenincidentsofreligiousfreedomviolationsarereported.

This week please:PleasePray

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Week 4 24-30 November

Violations of freedom of religion or belief are regular occurrences in some parts of Mexico. This is mostly due to the government’s reluctance to involve itself in religious disputes or situations of religious intolerance, even when these result in violations of fundamental human rights protected in the Mexican Constitution. These violations range from exclusion from school, to violence and forced displacement.

Recent years have seen a worrying rise in the number of violations of freedom of religion or belief across the country, specifically threats against and attacks on religious leaders by criminal networks.

Mexico

•AskGodtoprotectreligiousleaderswhohavebeenthreatenedbycriminalnetworks;

•Prayforindigenouscommunitieswhohavebeendisplacedbyviolence;

•Prayforchildrenwhoseeducationhasbeenhamperedastheyhavebeenexcludedfromschool;

•PrayfortheinternationalcommunitytoholdMexicototheinternationalagreementsithassignedupto;

•PrayforCSWaswecontinuetodocumentandhighlightthereligiousfreedomviolationsandlobbykeypolicy-makers;

•Prayforreligiousleaderswhohavespokenoutaboutthereligiousfreedomviolationstheyface,oftenriskingarrest;

•PraythattheMexicanGovernmentwouldactivelyprotectreligiousfreedom.

Throughout this week please:

PleasePray

Get ready for advent: make sure your church has access to Connect & Encourage and to this Prayer Diary- they include some practical advent activities you can do together as part of your church life! (downloadable at www.csw.org.uk/ConnectandEncourage)

EritreaJohn* is an Eritrean Christian refugee. He was completing his compulsory military service when he was found worshipping in the desert along with eight others. He was arrested, sentenced to six months in a military prison, and finally released. The military police told him they would only let him live if he left his faith. He was also warned not to sing, gather with other Christians, or read the Bible, and asked to sign a letter attesting to this. But John refused to do so.

He then endured years in underground prisons, facing unspeakable torture and harassment. Over the years CSW has recorded many testimonies from refugees like John, ensuring that the Eritrean Government’s violations of the right to freedom of religion and belief are addressed by the international community.

*Names have been changed for security reasons

•PrayforhealingandsafetyforEritreanslikeJohnwhohavesufferedappallingmistreatmentonaccountoftheirfaith;

•AskGodtocomfortandprovideforthefamiliesofChristiansandthousandsofothersunjustlyimprisonedinEritrea;

•PrayforGodtobringcomforttothosewhosefamilymembersandfriendsinunknownlocations;

•PrayfortheworkoftheUNSpecialRapporteuronEritrea,thatshewillkeepreceivinginternationalsupportasshecontinuestohighlightEritrea’sterriblehumanrightsrecord;

•On18December,insolidaritywiththeOperation18campaign,praytogetherwithyoursmallgrouporfamilyforpeoplelikeJohnwhohavesufferedforrefusingtorenouncetheirfaith;

•PrayforCSW’sAfricaandMiddleEastTeamastheyworktobringcaseslikeJohn’stotheattentionofgovernments;

•Prayforgovernmentsacrosstheworldwhich,likeEritrea,arecomplicitinviolationsofhumanrightsoftheircitizens.

Please stand with us in prayer:

Find out more about the Operation 18 campaign - call us on 0845 456 5464 to receive a campaign guide outlining the issues around religious conversion.

PleasePray

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Week 7

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15-21 DecemberWeek 6 8-14 December

Since South Sudan became independent in 2011, the situation for Sudan’s religious minorities has become increasingly difficult. President Omar al-Bashir, who has been indicted for war crimes by the International Criminal Court, vowed that the country’s new constitution would be based on Shari’a law alone, making Christians even more vulnerable.

Christians face harassment, surveillance and arrest. The government has expelled around 100 foreign workers, closed several Christian-affiliated schools and training centres, and earlier this year announced that no new church licences would be issued. It has bombed civilians in Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile States, obstructs aid to these areas, and has undermined efforts to monitor fighting in Darfur and to protect and provide for civilians there.

Sudan

•PrayforencouragementforChristiansinSudan,thattheywouldreceivepeace,strengthandboldness;

•Prayforchurchleadersastheysteertheircongregationsthroughgreatuncertainty;

•PrayforChristianstudentswhoarefrequentlyarrestedandmonitoredinSudan;

•AskGodtoprotectChristianconvertswhoareincreasinglyunderpressure;

•PraythatthegovernmentofSudanwouldholdwiderconsultationsasitdraftsanewconstitution,andthatthedocumentwouldreflectthenation’sethnicandreligiousdiversity;

•Prayforanendtorepressionofcivilsocietyandforfreedomofexpressionandopiniontoberespected;

•PrayforpeaceinthetroubledareasofSouthKordofan(particularlytheNubaMountains),Darfur,andBlueNile;andforapeacefulfutureforthedisputedAbyeiregion.

This week please:PleasePray

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Week 22-28 December8

•PrayforchurchleaderssuchasPaltiPanjaitan,whosecongregationhasbeenforcedfromtheirplacesofworship.AskGodtogivethemstrengthandwisdom;

•PrayforAhmadiMuslimswhofaceincreasingpressurefromotherMuslimgroupsandtheauthorities;

•AskGodtoguideIndonesia’sleaderstoruleforthegoodofallIndonesians,regardlessoftheirreligiousbeliefs;

•PrayforAlexAan,anatheistimprisonedafterexpressinghisbeliefsonFacebook;

•PrayforChristianswhoarelivinginthemidstofhostilecommunities,suchasinEastJava.AskGodtogivethemstrengthtoshowlovetotheirneighboursdespitethecircumstances;

•PrayforShiaMuslimswhohavebeenattackedbySunniMuslimsinEastJava;

•ContinuetoprayforCSW’sworkinIndonesiaandtheupcominglaunchofournewIndonesiareport.

Join us in prayer this week for Indonesia:

PleasePray

PrayerDiary

AUTUMN/WINTER

Week 9 29 December-4 January

Indonesia is the world’s largest Muslim nation and has a history of tolerance of other faiths. But in recent years militant Islamists have pushed through a number of measures which could have serious, long-term implications for religious freedom and minority rights.

CSW has visited Indonesia and in particular a number of Christian communities and Shia Muslim groups who have been attacked, often having to flee their homes. We also met Alex Aan, an atheist who was imprisoned because of his beliefs.

IndonesiaIran recently elected a new president, Hassan Rouhani. He is seen to be more progressive and reformist than his predecessor, and has expressed a wish to improve the country’s international image. While there are grounds for being cautiously optimistic that the dire situation for religious minorities may improve, power to bring about change still lies in the hands of Iran’s Supreme Leader.

Political charges have increasingly been used against Christians, and a fatwa was issued by Ayatollah Khamenei describing the Baha’i movement as a “deviant and misleading sect”. In August, Ataollah Rezvani, a prominent member of the Baha’i community, was murdered in what could be the first religiously-motivated killing of an Iranian Baha’i in fifteen years.

Over your Christmas break, please consider writing to Iranian prisoners using our Connect & Encourage booklet. Call us on 0845 456 5464 to receive a free copy.

IRAN•PraythatPresidentHassanRouhaniwillprovetobemoremoderatethanhispredecessor;

•Praythatthechangeofpresidenttranslatesintofreedomandjusticeforreligiousminorities;

•PrayforChristians,Baha’isandSufidervisheswhoareimprisonedinIran,andforpeaceandcomfortfortheirfamilies;

•PraythatthekillersofAtaollahRezvaniarebroughttojustice;

•PrayforthesevenBaha’ileaderswhohavebeeninprisonforfiveyearsfortheirbeliefs;

•AskGodtogivewisdomtotheinternationalcommunityasitcommencestheprocessofeasingeconomicsanctionswhilestillholdingIrantoaccountforitshumanrightsrecord;

•Praythattheplightofprisonersofconscienceisnotforgottenastheinternationalcommunityseekstomakeprogressonthenuclearquestionandotherimportantinternationalissues.

Throughout this week please:

PleasePray

Week 12-18 January11CubaThe right to enthuse others peacefully about your beliefs is regularly violated in Cuba, despite government statements guaranteeing freedom of religion for all. At the end of February 2013, the Full Gospel Church in Havana Province was forcibly closed. Cuban authorities closed the church and confiscated everything inside it, leaving more than 200 people without a place of worship.

Pastor Jesus Hernandez appealed to the authorities to resolve the matter, and was informed that there was a dispute regarding the ownership of the church. However, it’s believed that the church was targeted because of Pastor Hernandez’s friendship with leaders of the Apostolic Movement, a rapidly growing church movement that the government has openly and aggressively worked to eliminate in recent years.

•ThankGodforCubanChristianswhoholdontotheirfaithdespitethechallengestheyface;

•PrayforstrongrelationshipsbetweendifferentdenominationsintheChurchinCuba;

•PrayfortheFullGospelChurchinHavana,astheytrytofindanotherplacetoworship;

•PraythatChristiansinCubawouldbeallowedtoenthuseotherspeacefullyabouttheirfaith,withoutfearofattack;

•AskGodtogivewisdomtoChristianleadersastheyworkwiththeauthoritiesandleadtheircongregations;

•PrayforfavourforCSW’sLatinAmericateamastheyworktobringtolightcasesofreligiousfreedomviolations;

•Remembertoprayonthe18thforthosearoundtheworldfacingharassmentastheyexercisetheirrighttopeacefullysharetheirfaith.

Please stand with us in prayer:

Thanks for praying on the 18th. in your new 2014 diary, please mark the 18th of each month for prayer for the operation 18 campaign.

PleasePray

upholding the right to choose YOUR RELIGION

upholding the right to choose YOUR RELIGION

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Week 10

PrayerDiary

AUTUMN/WINTER

5-11 January

Egypt continues its turbulent journey to democracy following the fall of President Hosni Mubarak in 2011, after 30 years in office. Since then, widespread protests and harsh crackdowns by successive regimes have left thousands dead or injured. Christians and other religious minorities have experienced increasing harassment and violence at the hands of Islamist extremists, particularly following the removal of President Morsi. An interim government is currently in the process of drafting a new constitution to lay the foundations for a united, peaceful future for all Egyptians, whatever their religion, beliefs or gender.

Egypt

•PrayforpeaceandprotectionforCopticOrthodoxChristiansastheyholdtheirChristmascelebrationsthisweek,andforprotectionforPopeTawadros;

•Praythattheinterimgovernmentwouldrulejustlyduringthistransitionalperiod,upholdingtherightsofallcitizens,includingitsopponents;

•Prayforanendtothecontinuousviolence,whichhasseenaround1,000peoplekilledandmanymoreinjuredinclashesbetweenMuslimBrotherhoodsupportersandsecurityforces;

•PrayforeffectiveprotectionforChristiancommunities,manyofwhichhavesufferedattacksandextortionbyMuslimBrotherhoodsupporters;

•AskGodtogivecouragetoChristians,enablingthemtorebuildtheirlivesafterover130churchesandhomes,businessesandestablishmentswereattackedanddestroyed;

•PrayforpeaceinthetroubledSinairegionamidsttheriseofextremistIslamistgroups;

•PrayforwisdomfortheinternationalcommunityasitconsidersitsroleinhelpingEgypttowardsapeacefulfuturecharacterisedbyequalityofcitizenship.

Throughout this week please:PleasePray

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AspartofyourAdventprayersthisyear,usetheworldmaptoprayforadifferentregioneachweek.

Advent Prayer Guide

PrayerDiary

AUTUMN/WINTER

Pray for

LoveIn latin americaUsethescriptureonthebackcovertoreflectonthepowerofGod’slove.

On the first days of Advent, as we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, pray for those CSW works with in Latin America. Pray for Christians across the region, that they would know the power of God’s love made known through Christ Jesus despite the challenges they are facing.

Pray for

PeaceIn africa and the middle east“GlorytoGodinthehighestheaven,andonearthpeacetothoseonwhomhisfavourrests.” Luke 2:14

In this second week of Advent, pray for Africa and the Middle East. Ask God for his peace in the region over the holy advent season. Pray in particular for countries that have experienced war and civil unrest, that God’s peace would be known.

Pray for

JoyIn south asiaButtheangelsaidtothem,“Donotbeafraid.Ibringyougoodnewsthatwillcausegreatjoyforallthepeople.” Luke 2:10

Pray for the people CSW works for and with in South Asia. Meditate on the scripture above and ask God to take away fear and fill them with his joy. In particular, pray for relationships between the different faith groups across the region.

Pray for

HopeIn east asia“MaytheGodofhopefillyouwithalljoyandpeaceasyoutrustinhim.”Romans 15:13

In this last week of Advent, pray for those CSW works with in East Asia. Ask God to bring hope for those who have been worn with disappointment. In particular pray for Christians in the region, that they would know the reality of the hope we share in Christ.

Week 4Week 3Week 2Week 1

FOR I AM CONVINCED that neither

DEATH NOR

LIFE, NEITHER ANGELS nor DEMONS, NEITHER the PRESENT nor the FUTURE, NOR any POWERS, NEITHER HEIGHT nor DEPTH, NOR ANYTHING ELSE in all creation,WILL BE ABLE TOseparate US FROM THELOVE OF GOD

that is in CHRIST JESUS OUR LORD

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

PO Box 99, New Malden, Surrey, KT3 3YF, United Kingdom T: +44 (0)845 456 5464 F:+44 (0)20 8942 8821 E: admin@csw.org.uk

www.csw.org.uk www.facebook.com/cswuk @csw_uk Registered Charity No. 281836

ROMANS 8:38