In a historic move, fifteen key organisations that work with the persecuted church around the world have launched a global network to improve international collaboration.

Meeting earlier this month in Amsterdam, Holland, the group formed the Religious Liberty Partnership (RLP), with charter organisations that include Christian Solidarity International, Open Doors International, Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Voice of the Martyrs (Canada), and the Religious Liberty Commission of World Evangelical Alliance.

"In this complicated world, where the persecuted church is still growing, we need to work together to accomplish the task," said Johan Companjen of Open Doors International. "It will take commitment and dedication, but if we want to be good stewards of the Lord's money, partnering with other groups is the way to go forward."

The partnership will meet annually while a leadership team of five will oversee the work during the year.

Mervyn Thomas from Christian Solidarity Worldwide in UK was named as chair of the RLP leadership team. The new partnership will attempt to coordinate joint activities, share information and avoid duplication of work. Two ongoing working groups were established for 2007 to address advocacy issues and to identify common "Best Practices".