After serving six years as Chief Executive Officer at Release International, Eddie Lyle will take up his new position to head Open Doors UK, a Christian persecution charity based in Oxfordshire. Release International, a ministry which serves persecuted Christians around the world, and Open Doors UK, have grown significantly in the past years.

"This has been one of the most challenging decisions that I and my family have been faced with in recent years, and I’m very sad to be leaving RI," said Eddie Lyle. "But I believe this to be the Lord’s timing and that God has called me to this new position. With my whole heart I want to serve the Lord, and I must be obedient to what I recognise to be the guidance of the Holy Spirit."

RI Chairman Peter Ewins said, "Eddie has made an enormous contribution and we are sad that he is leaving, But we respect his sense of calling. God has provided wonderfully for the growth of RI’s ministry. Now we are looking to Him to guide us to Eddie’s successor."

"We believe firmly that Eddie has been called by God and that this is a Kingdom appointment," adds Release President, Rob Frost. "The persecuted church will continue to be well-served by this charismatic and passionate leader."

The interim National Director of Open Doors UK, Alan Hall, welcomes Lyle to the team. "We are immensely impressed with the integrity, dedication and professionalism of Eddie Lyle, and have no doubt that Eddie will be an excellent leader and communicator on behalf of Open Doors UK and our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world."

While RI and Open Doors UK have distinctive identities and ministries, both are involved in supporting Christians around the world and supplying Christian literature and Bibles. The recent move is apt to strengthen links between both organisations. "Eddie’s appointment was a unanimous decision and one that we believe has been clearly ordained of God," said Bob Dalton, Chairman of the board of Open Doors UK.