Release International
United Call to Action for Persecuted Christians Worldwide |
| Apr 16 2010 |
For the first time in Ireland a united call is to be made to the churches to stand shoulder to shoulder with persecuted Christians around the world.
Three ministries working with the persecuted church are to stand together in a Call to Action at Belfast Cathedral (St Anne’s) on 1 May 2010, with the purpose of mobilising the church in Ireland in support of persecuted Christian worldwide.
‘The three are speaking as one,’ says Mervyn Thomas of Christian Solidarity Worldwide. ‘If ever there was a cause that should create unity, our persecuted Christian family is it.’
Persecution is intensifying in many countries, from militant Islam and communism, to the Hindu and Buddhist worlds. Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Release International and Open Doors have been working closely to support persecuted Christians.
‘We want to inspire people with a message for their local churches that will drive us to our knees in prayer, then back up on our feet to take action,’ says Eddie Lyle of Open Doors.
‘This is a message that has to get out,’ says Andy Dipper of Release International. ‘Many of us are blissfully unaware of the intensity of the persecution so many of our Christian brothers and sisters are facing. They need our prayers – and they need our practical support.’
The service at St Anne’s Cathedral will run from 7.30pm to 9pm. The keynote address will be given by Release patron Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali, a passionate defender of Christian values in the House of Lords and in the media, and a determined supporter of Christians facing persecution.
Worship will be led by Alistair Hamill and band, and a persecuted Christian from Iran will tell her story on video. A joint declaration will be made by the three CEOs of Open Doors, Release and CSW urging that persecuted believers be placed high on the agenda of every church in Ireland.
Earlier in the day, ten prayer areas are being set up in the Cathedral from 10am to 4pm, devoted to the strategic areas of the world where Christian faith and witness are under great pressure.
Christians are invited to come along, even for a short time, to pray for the members of their Christian family worldwide who are suffering for their faith. New resources, including packs for women, youth and church leaders, will be available as a focus for prayer and to offer guidance on practical action to speak up against religious persecution.
Trained staff and volunteers will be available at each prayer focus area to provide support and advice. Care has been taken to make sure that each area will be appropriate for young people and those new to the Christian faith.
An offering will be taken to cover expenses and to support the persecuted church.
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITOR
This news release is issued on behalf of:
Mervyn Thomas, CEO Eddie Lyle, CEO Andy Dipper, CEO
Christian Solidarity Worldwide Open Doors Release International
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