Christian Solidarity Worldwide urges UK Christians to pray for North Korea

The persecution of Christians in this isolated Communist nation is among the worst in the world. North Korean authorities have in the past ruthlessly killed Christians for their faith. Believers are forced into labour camps where they are abused to death. The need for prayer is urgent for the believers there.

In response to this escalating problem, Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) has produced resources of evidence which describe the silent horror in North Korea. These include house group resources, CSW's human rights report and sample campaign letters. Also available from CSW is a self-running PowerPoint presentation, the CSW video on North Korea, and copies of the BBC programme Access to Evil.

Last year's prayer for North Korea has shown significant developments in the troubled country. Bill Rammell, Foreign Office Minister for North Korea, visited North Korea on 11 September to discuss human rights and the nuclear issue. The Foreign Office delegation was provided with materials by CSW on human rights and a list of prisoners.

"The needs in North Korea could not be greater. The darkness could not be more intense, the persecution more chilling and the need to pray more compelling," said Mervyn Thomas, CSW's Chief Executive. “We urge Christians to seize this opportunity to intercede on behalf of their forgotten brothers and sisters in North Korea and the whole nation, cut off from the light and love of God by brainwashing and brutality. Please join us to bring light where there is darkness, hope where there is fear and love where there is such violence."

A special prayer event hosted by international leadership trainer Phil Wall will take place on 25 September at St Michael's Church, Chester Square, London from 7pm.

"The plight of the suffering church in North Korea is truly family business for the Church in the West. They are our responsibility, our brothers and sisters and our co-workers in Christ. Please come and join us to do family business together as we pray for North Korea," said Wall.




Jenny Lee
Ecumenical Press