Release International

Tearfund's Andy Dipper to take over from Eddie Lyle

Release International, which supports the persecuted church, has appointed a new CEO. Andy Dipper from the relief and development organisation Tearfund has been named successor to Eddie Lyle, who has taken over the helm of Open Doors UK.

Andy, who's 36, is currently the Operations Manager for the Tearfund Disaster Management Team covering north and south Sudan. He brings with him a wealth of experience as a strategic leader and manager in the UK and overseas.

Years of living in Afghanistan and Nepal give him first-hand experience of the persecuted church and its needs. He says: 'I have lived with the reality of the persecuted church in Muslim, Hindu and post-communist nations, so I can empathise with how it feels to live as a Christian in a climate where freedom is restricted.

'I want to serve the persecuted church by speaking up on their behalf and providing assistance - but to also bring their hard-earned insight and understanding to the church in the UK. I recall a Chinese Christian recommending that all pastors go to prison for a while to learn about focusing on God! When all is stripped away what matters is our relationship with God and our dependence on him.

‘Release International can reach out hands to the churches in the UK and overseas and bring them together in a new way. I believe we must raise the profile of the persecuted church and stand alongside them in their pain and suffering.'

The chairman of Release International’s trustees, Peter Ewins, says: ‘The trustees were very struck by Andy's heart and passion for the persecuted Church. His experience of living in countries where Christians are oppressed gives him an exceptional insight into how we can best support them, and his previous work means he brings considerable management experience.’

Rob Frost, Release International’s President, adds: ‘I'm so delighted that Andy Dipper has been appointed Chief Executive of Release International. He takes the helm at a time when the needs of the persecuted church seem to be rising, and when organisations such as RI have an ever more crucial role to play in caring for them and making their needs known. I have every confidence that he will guide Release International into the next phase of its pioneering ministry.’

Andy Dipper will begin his new role of CEO of Release International in March. His first job, he says, will be to listen and learn.

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