The UK-based mission agency, Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), today announced that the 2004 International Christian Human Rights Conference will be held on Saturday 6th November in Westminster Chapel, London from 9:30am to 5:00pm.

The conference sees the launch of Don’t Stand In Silence, a joint project between Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Release International and Premier Christian Radio.

The Don’t Stand In Silence initiative is aimed at those who are unaware of the extent of religious persecution around the world. Delegates will also be invited to pledge their support for the persecuted Church.

This year’s conference features major international speakers who will give first-hand accounts of the persecution of Christians, so that delegates can be well informed about the current situation. They will also take the opportunity to support the persecuted brothers and sister by praying together.

Mervyn Thomas, Chief Executive of CSW, being involved in all the previous conferences, expressed his pleasure at organising the 15th annual conference. He shared truthfully, “I have yet to meet anyone who has not been inspired and challenged by the faith and courage of those who speak. By teaming up again with our friends at Release International and Premier Christian Radio we hope to send a very clear signal that Christians need to work together to raise awareness of religious freedom and the persecuted Church to as broad an audience as possible.”

Eddie Lyle, Chief Executive Officer of Release International, described the project as a “clarion call for words and action” as the churches have been too quiet too long in the midst of persecution. He said, “It’s time now to redress that abdication of responsibility... It’s time for us to make our position clear. We stand with the persecuted Church and we urge the Church in the UK to do the same.”

Chief Executive of Premier Christian Radio, Peter Kerridge showed the Radio’s full commitment to support the important conference.

Around the world, there are some terrible situations and thousands of advocates are needed to become a voice for the voiceless. Kerridge prayed that Christians in the UK may be encouraged to become much more aware of the plight of their brothers and sisters who suffer for their faith.

Some 1,500 delegates are expected to attend the conference. Speakers from China, Colombia, Sri Lanka and Eritrea have been invited.

The first highlighted is Peter Xu, described in Brother Yun’s “The Heavenly Man” book as “my father in the faith”. Under the authority of the Communist Party, the churches in China are continuously being persecuted. Xu has been detained in prison for seven years for the sake of the Gospel and has suffered greatly for his love in Christ. Despite all constrains, Peter Xu has become the founder of one of the largest Christian groups in China with millions in its congregation. His testimony will undoubtedly move the heart of many.

A speaker from Colombia will be sharing her first hand experience of battling for human rights. Colombia is another country which experiences serious human rights hazards. In the past three years, 120 Protestant pastors have been assassinated along with Catholic priests and bishops who have spoken out for peace.

Representing Sri Lanka is Godfrey Yogarajah, the National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka. Recently, Sri Lankan Christians are being threatened by the proposed law which suggests making Buddhism the state religion. Christian Churches are frequently attacked by Buddhist extremists. 130 churches have been attacked in Sri Lanka in the last two years.

Dr Berhane Asmelash is an Eritrean church leader who will tell delegates of the estimated 375 Christians imprisoned in Eritrea since the government banned all but three denominations in 2002.

Amid testimony sessions, David Hind of Nottingham Christian Centre from UK will lead the worship and praise. Director of Share Jesus International, Rev Dr Rob Frost will be speaking, and devotions will be led by Rev Greg Haslam, Minister of Westminster Chapel.

On 5th November, one day before the conference, a prayer event called “Prayer In the Square” for the persecuted Church, led by some of the speakers above at St Michael’s Church, Chester Square, London will take place at 7:00pm. Some other regional conferences out of London will also be held.

For booking a ticket for the conference, please visit the Don’t Stand in Silence website or call Information Line on 0845 456 5464.