UK Christians stand by Persecuted Church

On Saturday 29 September 2007, two national UNITE events will see hundreds of people put their name to the UNITE declaration to safeguard religious freedom for Christians.

Led by Brother Andrew, founder of Open Doors persecution watchdog and author of the UNITE declaration, they will be pledging their unity with the persecuted church for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Four agencies representing the persecuted church - Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), Jubilee Campaign, Release International and Open Doors UK & Ireland - have joined together to launch a Living Book of Remembrance.

The book will bear the names of those who, by affirming their dedication, have indicated their intention to unite together and stand with God's family across the world. The Living Book of Remembrance will be open for all to sign. As its pages grow it will be a dynamic representation of a spiritual truth: One God, One Family, One Church.

The pages of the Living Book of Remembrance will be opened to the leaders and members of the Persecuted Church to bring encouragement. Its pages will also be opened to political leaders here and around the world to remind them of the strength of the church in the UK and Ireland and challenge them to end oppression and protect freedom.

Eddie Lyle, CEO Open Doors UK & Ireland, said: "Two hundred years ago Christians joined a battle for freedom, to end the transatlantic slave trade. We have the opportunity to do something similar in our generation. We cannot let it pass us by.

"Unity is not an abstract concept - it is a call to action. Members of our Christian family are facing immense pressures. We can - we must - unite with our brothers and sisters: in prayer, in encouragement, in support and in taking action."

The UNITE declaration says:
"We believe:
Every Christian has the right to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ, just as every person has the right to hear it
Every Christian who suffers for their faith should be remembered and supported by other Christians
Every Christian has a right to know how oppressed fellow Christians are being treated
Every Christian is a member of His body: if one part suffers, every part suffers with it."

The UNITE events on 29 September at the Bethel Convention Centre, West Midlands, will include a day forum on persecuted Christians, featuring speakers such as Brother Andrew, author of God's Smuggler and founder of Open Doors, and the Rt Rev Dr Michael Nazir-Ali, Bishop of Rochester, both speaking on Muslim-Christian relationships.

The Day Forum will also feature worship, prayer, inspiring talks and interviews about Christians who have given their all for Christ and insightful lessons on how we can learn from their example and apply the lessons to our lives.

The evening youth event will issue a call to a generation to rise up and become radical, obedient cross-shaped disciples inspired by the message of the persecuted church. It will be a fast-moving introduction to the persecuted church with lively worship and prayer.

UNITE is being presented by Open Doors and the following partner organisations: Christian Solidarity Worldwide, CityLinks, Jubilee Campaign, Release International, The Message Trust, United Christian Broadcasters, WEC, Youth for Christ, Urban Saints, WYnet UK, Premier Radio, and Christian Today.

For tickets and more information please visit: www.opendoorsuk.org/unite