CSW conference to hear from persecuted believers

Christians will have the opportunity to hear first hand accounts of persecution against fellow believers at Christian Solidarity Worldwide's annual conference in London on Saturday.

Guest speaker Michael Oluwasesin will tell CSW supporters of how his wife was brutally murdered in 2007 for confiscating a paper used by a Muslim student to cheat in an exam. She was stoned, stripped, beaten, mutilated and burned beyond recognition.

The event will also feature a first hand account of anti-Christian violence which has afflicted Orissa state in India from Dr Sam Paul of the All India Christian Council (aicc.) Dr Paul has just returned from a trip to Orissa, where he met victims and visited relief camps and villages ravaged by the violence.

Visitors to CSW's London conference will see a live video link-up with Helen Berhane, a former prisoner and gospel singer from Eritrea. Helen was imprisoned in May 2004 for being an active member of a banned church. She was forced to endure confinement in metal shipping containers without ventilation, light or sanitation. On several occasions Helen's legs and arms were bound together for long periods of time in a notoriously painful torture position known locally as "the helicopter". CSW was actively involved in securing asylum for Helen following her escape from Eritrea.

The one-day conference is intended to equip CSW supporters to stand in solidarity with those suffering persecution worldwide, as well as providing an insight into CSW's work this year and vision for the future. Other key speakers include Assad, a Christian convert from Islam who was forced to flee his strict Pathan family in Pakistan, and Cindy Kent from Premier Christian Radio's inspirational breakfast team, who will present the day.

Speaking ahead of the conference, CSW's Chief Executive, Mervyn Thomas, said: "We are extremely honoured to have Dr Sam Paul, Michael Oluwasesin, Assad and Helen Berhane sharing at our conference. We hope those listening will be encouraged to take a stand on behalf of all who are persecuted for their beliefs around the world."