Prayer Diary: April - July 2019

40 years of standing against injustice

prayer diary April-July 2019

Welcome

Your prayers are needed for our EU work.

Over the last months we’ve seen unprecedented change, both in the UK and here in Brussels, where I work. It’s always difficult to face times of change, especially when things seem so unclear. It’s part of the human condition to want to see into the future and know precisely how things will turn out. And in such times of uncertainty, it’s only natural to look for something secure to cling on to.

Thankfully, at CSW we know that there are two constants which we can always rely on.

“WE ALWAYS THANK GOD FOR ALL OF YOU AND CONTINUALLY MENTION YOU IN OUR PRAYERS.” (1 THESSALONIANS 1:2) Your faithful prayers throughout the past 40 years have seen prisoners released, unjust convictions overturned and unfair laws changed. Your daily perseverance has in turn inspired perseverance in the staff team, and given us renewed hope that justice can and will be done.

“JESUS CHRIST IS THE SAME YESTERDAY AND TODAY AND FOREVER.” (HEBREWS 13:8) No matter what changes and uncertainties we face, we can be confident that God will always remain constant. We may not be able to predict the future. We may struggle to envisage an end to the suffering of those we pray for. But we know that God, who himself sees and directs the big picture, has and never will fail us.

I encourage you to use this Prayer Diary with confidence, remembering that our God is unchanging in his goodness, mercy and wisdom.

Alessandro Pecorari Europe Liaison Officer 2

Week 1: 14-20 April The European Union provides CSW and other NGOs with an open forum to address human rights issues worldwide. The right to freedom of religion or belief is guaranteed in Article 10 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and, as a result, the EU is an essential platform for raising awareness of religious freedom violations around the world, and defending freedom of religion or belief for people of all faiths. As we enter Holy Week, join us in praying for CSW’s continued effective work at the EU following Brexit.

Sunday 14 April There remains some uncertainty about precisely what the impact of Brexit will be on the operational side of CSW’s work at the EU. Pray for our team of staff in Brussels who will be getting to grips with the new status quo over the coming weeks and months; for clarity of vision, resourcefulness and trust in God’s provision.

Monday 15 April The European elections are taking place next month. CSW looks to MEPs as defenders of human rights, given their European and international platform to speak out against injustice. Today, pray that God would place within the European Parliament people of compassion, integrity, intelligence and fairness.

Tuesday 16 April To operate effectively at the EU, it is crucial that CSW maintains strong relationships with MEPs. Pray that solid relationships

would allow the UK to continue to champion human rights around the world.

Friday 19 April

would be formed between CSW and the incoming MEPs, and that the new parliamentarians would have a real concern for religious freedom.

Today pray the following verse over the future relationship between the UK and EU member states: ‘Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult.

On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.’

(1 Peter 3:8-9).

Wednesday 17 April

Saturday 20 April

With recent political developments, the atmosphere within the EU is likely to be somewhat tense.

Pray that members of the new parliament would strive to work together in a spirit of tolerance, understanding and peace.

Loving heavenly Father, we lift the EU to you in prayer today. We ask that, despite the changes following the UK’s recent departure and the uncertainty surrounding the upcoming parliamentary elections, the EU would continue to prioritise the promotion of religious freedom. We ask you to bless CSW’s work at the EU in the coming months and years, so that we might continue be an effective advocate for justice in this influential international arena. Amen.

Thursday 18 April The nature of the UK’s future relationship with the EU and its various bodies is still not entirely clear. This is of particular importance with regard to the European Court of Human Rights, an essential body for CSW’s work in the promotion of religious freedom. Pray for guidance for the UK government and the 27 EU member states, as they find a viable way forwards; and that the final settlement

This week please pray for Vietnam.

Week 2: 21-27 April Vietnam continues to be a dangerous place for some ethnic and religious minorities. CSW has continued to receive reports of beatings, harassment, forced eviction, extra-judicial killings and more against communities belonging to every major religion or belief in the country, while a new law that came into effect in January 2018 continues the system of mandatory registration of religious organisations and activities (e.g., churches and church events). Religious communities, lawyers and activists have criticised the law for interfering in the internal affairs of religious organisations, and using vague and ambiguous language regarding ‘national unity’ and ‘traditions’, which could be used to reject or hinder registration applications.

Sunday 21 April ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’

Jeremiah 29:11 Pray this verse over Vietnam today.

Monday 22 April Earlier this year, Vietnam’s human rights record was reviewed at the UN –pray that this international scrutiny will lead to increased protection of human rights, especially freedom of religion or belief.

Tuesday 23 April Today, pray for God’s protection over ethnic minority Christians in the

Central Highlands region, who often face increased discrimination because of their location in a remote area of the country. They are often denied access to government support (such as rice allowances or housing grants), and are subject to beatings, torture and sexual abuse.

Wednesday 24 April Though human rights lawyer Nguyen Van Dai was released into exile in Germany last year, he still views Vietnam as his home and is committed to keep on defending religious freedom there any way he can. Please pray for Nguyen Van Dai to be equipped with the earthly and spiritual resources he needs.

Thursday 25 April In addition to his role as a church leader, Pastor Nguyen Trung Ton is a human rights activist who has been fearless in his calls

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Your prayers are needed for Mexico. for freedom of religion or belief in Vietnam. His family and church have been repeatedly and violently attacked by local authorities and police. In April 2018, he was sentenced to 12 years in prison for ‘carrying out activities aimed at overthrowing the government’. Pray that he would be unconditionally released and exonerated of all charges.

Friday 26 April Legal advisor and Hoa Hao Buddhist, Nguyen Bac Truyen, was sentenced at the same time as Pastor Nguyen Trung Ton. He has been a particular target for harassment from the authorities because he provides free legal assistance to religious communities facing persecution, to families of political prisoners and to victims of land grabs. He was sentenced to 11 years in prison – pray for justice in his case, and for protection for all of Vietnam’s human rights defenders who courageously speak up on behalf of others.

Saturday 27 April Lord God, we lift the nation of Vietnam to you in prayer and ask that the recent reviews of Vietnam’s human rights record, and the recommendations arising from them, would lead to real and lasting change for ordinary citizens. Amen.

Week 3: 28 April-4 May Mexico’s constitution includes strong protections for freedom of religion or belief, but regular violations of this right take place in many parts of the country. In most cases this is a result of local authorities attempting to enforce religious conformity in their town or village. Designed to protect indigenous customs, Mexico’s Law of Uses and Customs allows many communities to self-govern; however, this law is often misused to force minority members of communities to conform to majority religious beliefs. Consequently, some members of villages in states such as Chiapas, Guerrero, Hidalgo, Oaxaca and Puebla, can have their access to basic supplies such as electricity and water cut off and their children denied schooling.

Sunday 28 April Mexico’s president, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, was sworn in on 1 December 2018.

Pray that President López Obrador would continue his commitments to peace and unity, as well as religious freedom for all Mexicans.

of our Faith and a Future campaign. Pray for courage as they share their testimonies with government bodies and foreign embassies, that they would be taken seriously and that their stories would raise awareness of and result in action for religious minority children in Mexico.

they owned was destroyed and they had to escape from their village with only the few things they could carry. Now they live, along with several other families, in a temporary shelter.

Pray that Alma would be able to resume her education soon.

Monday 29 April

Wednesday 1 May

In December 2018 Jorge Lee Galindo was appointed as Mexico’s new Federal Adjunct Director General of Religious Associations. We’ve partnered with Jorge and Impulso 18, the organisation he founded that responds to freedom of religion or belief violations in Mexico, for many years. Commit Jorge and his work to God in prayer.

The town of San Miguel Chiptic, Chiapas State, has a history of attempting to expel local Seventh Day Adventists from their homes. Most recently, two men were arrested in May 2018 and charged with ‘preaching the gospel’. Though the men were later released, six families have been forced out of San Miguel Chiptic to date. Pray that they would be allowed to return to their homes, that the hostility against them would cease and that the children would be able to resume their education.

Mexico is the most dangerous country in Latin America to be a Catholic priest, according to the Catholic Multimedia Centre (CCM). Ten religious leaders were killed in 2018. Most recently, an attempt was made on the life of Jesuit priest Father Raúl Cervera Millán when two people tried to shoot him as he drove home. Today, pray for protection for Mexico’s religious leaders, and better reporting of attacks against pastors.

Tuesday 30 April On Mexico’s Children’s Day, pray for children travelling to Mexico City today as part

Thursday 2 May Pray for Alma, 17, and her family. They were forced to flee Tuxpan de Bolaños in Jalisco State in December 2017 after village leaders tried to force them to renounce their beliefs, and they refused. Everything

Friday 3 May

Saturday 4 May Lord God, we ask for your protection over those who have been displaced from their homes and communities in Mexico. Grant them safety and a place to rest, Lord.

Amen.

Download our Sunday school resource on Mexico at faithandafuture.com/ sundayschool 5

Pray for Bittersweet stories.

Week 4: 5-11 May We recently talked to two members of our Advocacy team about how they deal with stories from our work where there have been both good and bad results; for example, when we rejoice that a prisoner has been freed, but they live under continued restrictions. This highlighted the need for continued prayer, even for cases that seem ‘closed’ or to have come to a happy conclusion.

Sunday 5 May Today, pray for Vietnamese human rights lawyer Nguyen Van Dai, asking God to meet his needs to enable him to continue his human rights work from exile in Germany.

He was imprisoned for his work fighting injustice, and was released into exile in 2018.

Monday 6 May Pray for protection for Asia Bibi and her family following the dismissal of the blasphemy charges against her. Asia Noreen, better known as Asia Bibi, was falsely accused of blasphemy in 2009 and had been on death row in Pakistan since 2010. Her acquittal at the end of 2018 prompted widespread protests in Pakistan and an appeal against the verdict – praise God that her acquittal was upheld by Pakistan’s Supreme Court in January.

Tuesday 7 May Mario Felix Lleonart Barroso and his wife Yoaxis are Cuban human rights activists who were forced to move to the US for the safety of 6

their family. They’re still very active in campaigning for religious freedom in Cuba: pray that God would continue to bless their efforts and provide them with the resources they need.

Wednesday 8 May Some of our Advocacy staff told us that they pray, ‘Heavenly Father, be with us as we use our skills to help this person and be what they need at this point in time. Bring them through this experience and end the injustice, for them and for others like them who face similar discrimination, hostility and persecution.’ Join them in committing their cases to God with this prayer.

Thursday 9 May When we focus on the bittersweet nature of the news we sometimes receive, it’s important to remember to thank God for his provision

Your prayers are needed for Iran. and goodness. Today, thank God for the ways in which he’s blessed CSW’s work in 2019 so far.

Week 5: 12-18 May For 40 years Iran’s religious and ethnic minorities have been suffering human rights violations at the hands of successive governments. The country is party to a number of international agreements guaranteeing its citizens the right to religious freedom. Despite this, religious minorities continue to be treated as a threat to the government’s strict interpretation of Shi’a Islam. Christians, Baha’is, Sufi Dervishes and Sunni Muslims have been executed, tortured, imprisoned or generally harassed on account of their faith.

Friday 10 May ‘You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.’ Psalm 32:7 Pray this verse over all those we work with today.

Saturday 11 May

Sunday 12 May

Tuesday 14 May

Heavenly Father, thank you that you are sovereign even when the news we receive isn’t exactly what we’d hoped.

We pray for your hand over the outcomes of all our cases, and for your protection and guidance over all the people we work with. Amen.

Christians continue to be convicted on unfounded national security-related charges. Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani, Mohammadreza Omidi, Yasser Mossayebzadeh and Saheb Fadaie are each serving ten-year prison sentences for ‘acting against national security’. Pray for protection and hope for all Iranian Christians unjustly imprisoned on such spurious charges, and for their release.

Today pray for continued courage and perseverance for Fatemeh Bakhteri who was sentenced to a year in prison on the same charges as Mr Fadaie. For over a year prior to the sentencing, she had been subjected to harassment by security agents, and on 25 May 2017 several people were arrested during a police raid on her home. She too refused to renounce her Christian faith during the appeal hearing in January.

Monday 13 May In September 2018 Saheb Fadaie was sentenced to an additional 18 months in prison for ‘spreading propaganda about the regime’. He had taken part in theological discussions, held at house churches, about the supremacy of Christ and of the Bible. These discussions were deemed to be attacks on Islam. During an appeal hearing on 15 January Mr Fadaie was asked to renounce his faith, but refused to do so.

Pray he would know Christ’s presence and peace today.

Wednesday 15 May Iran’s Baha’i community is particularly targeted by the authorities. Over 300 Baha’is are currently imprisoned on account of their religious beliefs, nearly half of the total number serving prison sentences on religious grounds.

Pray for their unjust sentences to be overturned and for their immediate release.

Thursday 16 May In November and December 2018 there was an unprecedented wave of arrests of Christian gatherings in private homes. During the course of a single week, 114

Christians were reported to have been arrested. Pray that all those unjustly detained would be immediately released, and that Christians throughout Iran would be able to gather in peace and safety.

Friday 17 May Babak Hosseinzadeh and Behnam Akhlaghi were arrested at a church service in Rasht on 23 February. A third Christian, Mehdi Khatibi, was also arrested that day following a summon order by the secret police. Pastor Haghnejad was arrested on 10 February; since 2006 he has been arrested and tried on several occasions.

Two other Christians, Hossein Kadivar (Elisha) and Khalil Dehghanpour, were arrested on 29 January. Pray for them today.

Saturday 18 May Almighty God, we know that with you nothing is impossible. Forty years on from Iran’s revolution, we humbly ask you to bring true and lasting change for the country’s religious minorities.

In place of fear, intimidation and violence, may they be met with openness, love and peace. Amen.

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This week please pray for Eritrea.

Your prayers are needed for India.

Photo: Marcus Perkins/CSW

Week 6: 19-25 May

Thursday 23 May

In October 2018 Eritrea was elected to serve as a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), despite having one of the worst human rights records in the world.

The systematic and far-reaching human rights abuses of the last few decades – which include enslavement, imprisonment, enforced disappearance, torture, persecution and murder – amount to crimes against humanity and have caused around 12% of the country’s population to flee. Alongside the many other severe violations, religiously-motivated repression remains rife throughout the country.

Sunday 19 May

Tuesday 21 May

Six prominent Christian leaders have been detained incommunicado and without charge for over a decade remain imprisoned. Reverend Haile Naizge, Dr Kuflu Gebremeskel, Dr Futsum Gebrenegus, Dr Tekleab Menghisteab and Reverend Gebremedhin Gebregiogis have been held since 2004; Reverend Kidane Weldou has been detained since 2005.

Pray that they would know God’s comfort and protection today, and be swiftly reunited with their families.

Members of other religious groups are also detained without trial. There are currently 53 Jehovah’s Witnesses in detention, and an unknown number of Muslim detainees. Haji Ibrahim Younis, a Muslim elder, died in January. Today, pray for all people of faith who are unjustly imprisoned on account of their religious beliefs; ask God to strengthen and console them, and return them to their loved ones.

Monday 20 May

In July 2018 a well-known Ethiopian televangelist was filmed preaching to a crowd in Asmara. By late August 48 people had been identified from video footage of the televangelist, and arrested.

Some of those arrested were non-Christians who had simply been passing by and had stopped briefly to watch.

Pray that the government would allow people to practise their faith in public and in private without fear of arrest.

These six church leaders represent only a tiny proportion of the total number of Christians detained in Eritrea.

Sources confirm that 345 church leaders and officials are currently imprisoned without charge or trial, while estimates of detained laity range from 800 to over 1,000. Pray that all Christians detained without charge would be released immediately.

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Wednesday 22 May

In 2017 a UN Commission of Inquiry found that crimes against humanity have been committed in Eritrea in a ‘widespread and systematic manner’ since 1991. However, the government has consistently refused to cooperate with the Special Rapporteur and has not actioned any of the recommendations made by the Human Rights Council.

Pray that those in authority would have a profound change of heart and seek justice and truth.

Friday 24 May Eritrea was elected to serve as a member of the UN Human Rights Council in October 2018.

It is currently working hard to end the Special Rapporteur’s mandate in June, and has gained support among several African and European states.

Pray that efforts to end the mandate are unsuccessful, and that the Council would continue to hold the nation to account and to monitor its human rights situation.

Saturday 25 May Everlasting Father, we bring before you today the nation of Eritrea. We ask you to comfort and protect all those suffering grievously on account of their faith, whether their whereabouts are known to us, or known to you alone.

Wherever they may be, may they know the warmth of your presence and your allconsoling peace in this very moment. Amen.

Week 7: 26 May-1 June Though India’s constitution includes protections for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief, the reality is that many religious minorities in India are subject to daily harassment and violence, against a backdrop of rising Hindu nationalism. The Christian minority in particular is experiencing an uncertain and frightening future in which their fundamental rights to worship, observe, practise and teach their religion or belief are under threat.

Sunday 26 May Seven Christians from Kanyakumari District were verbally abused and physically attacked while distributing gospel tracts to local people.

They were reportedly approached by a group of young Hindu men who told them that if they returned to the area they would be killed. They then had sacred ash and saffron powder (two ritual substances important for blessings in the Hindu religion) forcibly applied to their foreheads. Pray that God would protect them from any further attacks.

Monday 27 May Today, please ask God to bless the work of human rights activist Tejaswi Ravinder, who told us that India needs leaders who will understand and protect religious rights.

Tuesday 28 May Churches in the state of Uttar Pradesh are beginning to see law enforcement interrupt Sunday services on a regular basis. Over the last 24 months, this has escalated to a larger number of churches and is occurring more frequently.

Pray for the protection of these churches, and that these interruptions would cease.

Wednesday 29 May In one example, Pastor Sunil from Good Shepherd Church was dragged out of the building by Hindu hardliners during a Sunday service and verbally and physically abused until the police arrived. Pray that Pastor Sunil would recover from his ordeal, and that Good Shepherd Church will be able to conduct future services in peace.

Thursday 30 May On 13 January, the police blockaded Parisutham Zion Deva Shaba church in Tamil Nadu in order to prevent the Sunday service from happening.

When the church’s leader, Pastor Jenson, attempted to file a complaint, he was verbally abused by the Superintendent Inspector. Thankfully, local groups intervened and the police did allow Pastor Jenson to file his case, which is currently being heard at the local High Court. Pray that the prayer meetings and Sunday services can continue, and that justice will be done.

Friday 31 May At times, the authorities will side with the perpetrators of religious freedom violations, making it difficult for the survivors to receive help quickly or even at all.

Survivors of communal violence in Gujarat in 2001 and Kandhamal in 2008 have yet to receive any kind of justice. Civil rights activist and writer John Dayal told us ‘The state has seen one hundred or more cases of violence against Christians at prayer meetings or in churches and institutions.

Police are either complicit or unconcerned.’ Today, pray that the police and other authorities would act with justice and mercy.

Saturday 1 June Loving Heavenly Father, we lift each person named on this page to you, along with those we haven’t named, and ask that you would protect them from further attacks. Give them the courage to stand strong against violence and harassment, and help them to lay their fears at your feet.

Amen.

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Pray for Cuba.

Your prayers are needed for the Central African Republic.

Week 8: 2-8 June CSW has continued to receive reports of a rising number of religious freedom violations in Cuba. In 2018 alone, Cuban human rights defenders documented 151 separate violations of freedom of religion or belief, from everyday harassment to being denied the right to attend religious services. In addition, a new constitution undermines the protections for freedom of religion or belief laid out in Cuba’s legal system.

Sunday 2 June On 24 February, Cuba voted to approve a new constitution that will severely weaken protections for freedom of religion or belief. Religious leaders were pressured to urge their congregations to vote yes; however, many spoke out publicly for the ‘No’ campaign. Now, they’re being harassed and threatened by the government for their opposition. Thank God for the unity shown by the Church in Cuba, and pray for his protection over them now.

Monday 3 June In 2018 the government continued to try to control religious groups and religious expression for all faiths.

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Leaders have been harassed and intimidated, and members of religious groups have had their access to education and employment restricted.

Pray that God would provide religious groups and human rights defenders with the earthly and spiritual resources to stand firm against this continued harassment.

Tuesday 4 June Give thanks that religious leaders in Cuba have become increasingly outspoken in calling for freedom of religion or belief, and in particular for the inter-denominational campaign calling for stronger protection for religious freedom in the new constitution.

Wednesday 5 June Over the past year, we’ve seen an increase in religious leaders being harassed in parallel with the churches’ outspokenness on the new constitution. Christian leaders across all denominations report frequent visits from state security agents and Cuban Communist Party (CCP) officials. Such visits seem to be intended to intimidate them and make them aware that they are under close surveillance. Pray for strength

and protection over all those religious leaders who have spoken up to defend the rights of their communities.

Thursday 6 June Baptist Pastor Reverend Daniel Josué Pérez Naranjo has been waiting for over a decade for his denomination to be re-registered and legalised.

Without registration, Reverend Naranjo cannot carry out vital repairs on his church (which is also his home) or start new churches in his local area.

Pray that Reverend Naranjo would be able to register his denomination soon.

Friday 7 June Even when a church is registered, it must apply for permits to carry out a number of activities such as owning and operating a vehicle or holding a public event. Permits are frequently withheld as punishment for not complying with official orders: for example, refusing to expel church members who are journalists or human rights activists. Pray for wisdom and grace for churches facing this difficult situation.

Saturday 8 June Father God, we lift the nation of Cuba to you in prayer, especially those who risk their safety defending human rights, including freedom of religion or belief. We thank you for their tireless work and ask that you provide them with the earthly and spiritual resources they need to keep going in exceptionally trying circumstances. Amen.

Week 9: 9-15 June

Thursday 13 June

The conflict in the Central African Republic (CAR) broke out between the Bozizé government and the Seleka armed alliance in 2012, and the group seized power in March 2013, resulting in one of the most tumultuous periods of conflict in the country’s history. The current government, led by Faustin-Archange Touadéra, was elected in 2016 after two years of a transitional government; however, the country continues to be marred by violence as armed groups control significant parts of the country.

Violations of freedom of religion or belief and the targeting of civilians based on their religious or ethnic identity continues.

Most alarmingly, the armed groups have targeted their attacks on church-run Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps.

Sunday 9 June Between 15 November 2018 and 4 December there were two unprecedented attacks on church-run internally displaced persons (IDP) camps. More than 40 people were killed in an attack on the Sacred Heart Catholic Cathedral in Alindao Town.

Another IDP camp run by a local Catholic church in Ippy town was attacked on 4 December, and two children were killed. Pray for comfort for those affected by these attacks, and for the churches across the country who continue to support vulnerable communities.

Monday 10 June The IDP camp at Sacred Heart Catholic Cathedral had capacity for 20,000 IDPs and was open to all people, regardless of their ethnicity or religion. After the attack the UN Humanitarian Coordinator, Najat Rochdi, visited Alindao and told journalists that ‘Everything was burned and [there is] a level of despair which is really heart-

breaking.’ Ms. Rochdi reported that the newly displaced community have vowed never to return to the site. Pray for the thousands of IDPs who have once again been displaced and forced to hide in the bush or seek refuge in other camps.

Tuesday 11 June ‘The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.’ (Psalm 34:18). Pray that all those affected by religiously-motivated violence in the CAR would be reminded of this profound truth today.

Wednesday 12 June On 6 February seven armed groups signed a new peace agreement negotiated by the African Union. This is the seventh peace agreement to be signed in seven years and includes signatories from the armed groups that attacked churches in Aliando and Ippy. Pray that this peace deal would hold, that armed groups would comply with the agreement and that the people of CAR would know true peace.

The recent peace agreement crucially did not include amnesties for armed groups, meaning that perpetrators of serious human rights abuses and violations of humanitarian law, such as the targeting of IDP camps, can be brought to justice. Please pray that the relevant authorities in CAR would work efficiently and effectively to bring justice for all the victims.

Friday 14 June On 24 December at 11pm Holy Trinity Parish Church in the capital Bangui’s 3rd district was burnt to the ground by a fire of unknown origin. On 8 February an IDP camp in Kaga Bandoro, north of the capital, was razed to the ground by unknown assailants. Pray for the communities that were devastated by these incidents, and that the authorities would find and bring to justice those responsible.

Saturday 15 June Lord Jesus Christ, you are the Prince of Peace. We cry out to you on behalf of all the people in the CAR constantly fearing for their lives. Send your Spirit of peace upon them and on the whole nation today. Amen.

Your prayers are needed for Burma.

Week 10: 16-22 June In 2015, Burma held its first openly-contested democratic elections for 25 years. Despite this promising change, the country remains in many areas a restrictive and closed-off nation. The rights to freedom of religion or belief and freedom of press are being gravely and persistently violated; and the government appears determined that the human rights abuses and humanitarian crises should remain hidden from the world.

Behind the closed doors are hundreds of thousands of people throughout the country who are desperately suffering on account of their various faiths and ethnicities.

Sunday 16 June

Tuesday 18 June

On 7 December three Kachin Christian activists were sentenced to six months in prison for taking part in a peaceful protest. Lum Zawng, Nang Pu and Zau Jet had called on the Burmese government to grant access to humanitarian aid to the thousands of internally displaced civilians forced to flee attacks by the Burma Army. Pray God’s peace over them today, and that they would be swiftly released.

Today pray for Christians in the Wa region of Shan State.

Since 13 September they’ve experienced increased targeting: pastors have been detained, churches destroyed or shut down, and religious schools forcibly closed. Within the space of a month 20 Catholic clergy and laypeople were expelled from the region.

Monday 17 June In November 2018 a delegation of religious leaders and activists from northern Burma visited London and Brussels, calling for an end to crimes against humanity.

Representatives of the Kachin, Shan and Ta’ang ethnic nationalities spoke out about the grave humanitarian situation and of the desperate need for genuine political dialogue to ensure peace in the region. Thank God for the bravery they’ve shown in addressing this issue publicly.

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Wednesday 19 June The Burmese government is refusing to engage with the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Burma. Yanghee Lee has been prevented from entering the country since December 2017 and most recently was denied a visa in January 2019. Pray that God would inspire the government to change its stance and allow a thorough and fair review of the situation to be undertaken.

Thursday 20 June Two Reuters journalists are currently serving a seven-year prison sentence after exposing a massacre of Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine State.

Pray for FoRB and trade.

Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo Xxxxx xxx xxx were charged after carrying out an investigation into the killing of ten Rohingya men by the Burma Army and Rakhine Buddhist villagers.

Their appeals were rejected in January of this year. Ask that God would encourage these brave men and use them to inspire others to speak out for the truth.

Week 11: 23-29 June

Friday 21 June

Sunday 23 June

The Rohingya crisis – which has seen hundreds of thousands flee to Bangladesh, thousands killed and a host of other atrocities – continues to this day. The situation has been termed a ‘textbook example of ethnic cleansing’, yet Aung San Suu Kyi and her government have consistently refused to acknowledge the severity of the crisis or cooperate with those seeking its end. Pray that those in power in Burma would take immediate, decisive and effective action.

With the countless new trade agreements to be negotiated, Brexit will provide the UK with the perfect opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to human rights. Pray today that the UK government would prioritise the human rights of people around the world in all its trade negotiations.

Saturday 22 June Heavenly Father, we lift up to you all the peoples of Burma. We pray for all who are prevented from practising their faith freely, and especially those denied access to basic humanitarian aid because of their religion.

We ask that you guard and strengthen them, and fill them with hope for a genuine change in their country. Amen.

Wednesday 26 June

As the UK prepares to leave the European Union, the government will be negotiating new trade agreements with countries around the world. International trade agreements are not only important from a commercial perspective; they also operate as a crucial means of ensuring that fundamental human rights, including religious freedom, are upheld. It is paramount that the UK uses its departure from the EU to do the right thing – both economically and morally – ensuring that new trade deals protect the right to religious freedom for all.

Monday 24 June Research consistently shows that protecting religious freedom and other human rights creates a setting which is favourable for business. In countries where human rights are upheld, there is greater stability, and with greater stability comes an increase in foreign investment and economic

growth, and improved conditions for the countries’ own citizens. Pray that all those involved in negotiating the new UK trade agreements would be mindful of this, and make prudent decisions.

Tuesday 25 June In September 2018 the House of Commons published a report entitled ‘Global Britain: Human rights and the rule of law’. The report recognised that the UK government would face conflicting priorities in its upcoming trade negotiations, but also clearly stated that prioritising human rights would be in the country’s long-term commercial and moral interests. Pray that the report’s recommendations would be implemented.

Pray for wisdom and perseverance for all the ministers and civil servants involved in the UK’s departure from the European Union. Ask God to grant them strength and wisdom in this time.

Thursday 27 June Egypt has seen a progressive deterioration in human rights since the 2011 Revolution, and in 2016 the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office identified it as a country of concern. Yet the UK continues to export goods, including arms, to Egypt. Pray that the UK government would continue to press for human rights improvements in Egypt.

Friday 28 June ‘But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.’ (Matthew 6:33) Pray this verse over all those involved in negotiating the UK’s future trade deals.

Saturday 29 June Lord Jesus Christ, we pray today for all those involved in negotiating future UK trade agreements. We ask that you grant them wisdom, understanding, compassion and a profound awareness of the dignity and rights of all people, both in the UK and abroad. In all their discussions, may they be mindful of their moral obligation to uphold human rights for all. Amen.

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This week please pray for Chile.

Pray for China.

Week 12: 30 June-6 July

Week 13: 7-13 July

Since December 2015, at least 40 churches or church-related buildings such as seminaries have been partially or completely destroyed in the La Araucanía and Bío Bío regions. The most recent target at the time of writing was a Catholic church, burned down on 8 January 2019.

The current crackdown on churches in China, including Early Rain Church, Zion Church and Living Stone Church, has been described as the worst since the Cultural Revolution.

Hundreds of Christians have been detained and some have been charged with national security crimes, while others have been ‘disappeared’. When released, they are often under house arrest or surveillance of some kind.

Sunday 30 June Following Chile’s Universal Periodic Review (a process whereby every UN member state has its human rights record reviewed by other member states every four years) in January, pray that the recommendations are accepted and implemented by the Chilean government to improve human rights in the country.

Monday 1 July Though the government launched an investigation into the arson attacks in 2016 and some people were arrested, the attacks have continued. Pray that the Chilean government would proactively identify congregations at risk and provide protection and

reconstruction assistance to churches whose buildings have been burnt down.

Tuesday 2 July Handwritten notes, signs and pamphlets have been found at many of the sites of the attacks, the content of which indicates that churches are a specific target. Leaflets found at the sites of two of the churches included a threat to burn ‘all the churches’. Pray for protection over churches in La Araucanía and Bío Bío.

Wednesday 3 July The continuing attacks have sown fear among Christians in La Araucanía and Bío Bío, with many congregations worried that their church or church buildings might be the next target. Pray for

God’s protection over the churches left standing, and for courage and peace for the congregations.

Thursday 4 July The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. Proverbs 18:10. Pray this verse over Chile today.

Friday 5 July Many of the targeted churches have members from very low income backgrounds, and they now face a very difficult situation to rebuild their churches after the complete destruction of the building and contents.

Pray that these congregations would find somewhere else to worship or teach in safety, and that God would provide a way for them to rebuild.

Saturday 6 July Heavenly Father, we continue to commit the attacks on churches in Chile to you. We ask you to guard the churches in La Araucanía and Bío Bío from further harm, and fill their congregations with your spirit and strength. Amen.

Sunday 7 July Ask God to watch over the congregation of Early Rain Church in Sichuan, which has been the victim of a harsh crackdown beginning with a spate of arrests in December 2018. At the time of writing over ten church members are still in detention (including Pastor Wang Yi and his wife Jiang Rong), and many of those released are under effective house arrest.

Monday 8 July Despite the intense pressure and targeting, we are still receiving stories of extraordinary faith from Early Rain Church, such as this update from one church member: ‘While inside, as soon as I thought about my wife and family (everyone in the church is family), I thought about us spreading the gospel in one accord. I couldn’t help but suddenly start praying out loud for them and thanking God for them. I was not afraid of anything.

Photo: Early Rain Covenant Church

‘The officer said, “Security is more important than anything.” I responded, “The value of a soul is greater.”

Join us in thanking God for the incredible courage and faith of the church congregation at this time.

Tuesday 9 July Over one million Uyghurs are now estimated to be confined in‘ re-education’ camps, where conditions are dangerously unsanitary and detainees are subject to beatings, sleep deprivation and solitary confinement. Although the mass detentions seem to be mainly driven by ethnicity, they have a clear religious element.

Witnesses report detainees being required to renounce Islam and promise not to follow religion. Today, pray for an end to the government’s crackdown on religious minorities in China.

Wednesday 10 July Pastor Su Tianfu of Living Stone Church was sentenced to one year of prison suspended for two years in April 2018.

This means that currently, he is living at home under strict surveillance and with limited political rights – if the government feels that Pastor

Su has violated the terms of this sentence after two years have elapsed, he will serve the oneyear prison sentence. Pray that Pastor Su will not have to serve this additional sentence.

Thursday 11 July On 26 December human rights lawyer Wang Quanzhang was put on trial for ‘subversion of state power’. He had spent over three years in incommunicado detention. His wife, Li Wenzu, was put under house arrest to prevent her from attending the trial. On 28 January 2018 the court found Wang Quanzhang guilty; he has been sentenced to four and a half years’ in prison and five years’ deprivation of his political rights.

Friday 12 July In 2018, new Regulations on Religious Affairs came into effect that have further restricted freedom of religion or belief, and there has been a ban on minors attending church in some regions. Pray that these unnecessarily harsh restrictions would be lifted.

Saturday 13 July Lord God, the situation in China seems increasingly bleak, but we know that you are watching over that country and its people, and so we commit them faithfully to you. We ask that you especially watch over those in detention who have been disappeared: that they would know your presence as an unfailing source of comfort and strength. Amen.

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Our manifesto #13

We believe in the power of prayer to bring change.

CSW is a human rights organisation advocating for freedom of religion or belief. As Christians we stand with everyone facing injustice because of their religion or belief.

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