Our mission
CSI works to promote religious freedom and the dignity of every human being. Our mission is twofold: to bring tangible aid to the persecuted, and to be a voice on their behalf.
With your help, CSI…
- campaigns for religious liberty and human dignity and on behalf of the persecuted
- reintegrates freed captives in their communities or provides them with a place of refuge
- provides emergency aid to victims of religious violence and terrorism
- protects vulnerable children and assists their families
- shines a spotlight on governments and groups that persecute Christians and other vulnerable peoples
- liberates people who are abducted, enslaved or imprisoned because of their faith or for criminal financial gain
- offers legal assistance to victims of religious persecution and campaigns for the release of prisoners of faith
- helps persecuted Christians and other religious minorities to build secure livelihoods
- calls for protests and prayer and gives a voice to religious minorities
- advocates on behalf of the persecuted with Western governments and international institutions
Vision and principles
Every person should be able to practise their faith freely, and without fear. Since its foundation, CSI has derived its vocation from two biblical texts and the UN Declaration of Human Rights:
Biblical and human rights principles
- “For we are all baptised by one Spirit so as to form one body… If one part suffers, every part suffers with it.” 1 Corinthians 12: 13, 26
- The Parable of the Good Samaritan: Luke 10: 25-37
- The UN Declaration of Human Rights, Article 18: “Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public of private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.”
Our Identity
CSI-USA is an affiliate office of Christian Solidarity International (CSI).
CSI is an interconfessional Christian human rights group, campaigning for religious liberty and human dignity, and assisting victims of religious persecution, victimized children, and victims of catastrophe.
CSI is an NGO with consultative status at the United Nations Economic and Social Council.
Our History
For over 40 years, CSI has been campaigning for religious freedom and human dignity around the globe - assisting those whose lives are threatened and whose rights are abused.
Our history timeline
Founding of CSI by Rev. Hansjürg Stückelberger in 1977 following silent marches for persecuted Christians. In Switzerland, 15,000 take to the streets.
CSI focuses on public relations, interventions and protests on behalf of people suffering religious persecution, especially in communist countries.
CSI flies food and medicines into the Christian-Armenian enclave of Nagorno Karabakh. Under great danger, CSI saves many from starvation.
CSI investigates allegations of human rights violations in the Sudanese civil war – including taking women and children as slaves to the north in large numbers. CSI initiates a programme to redeem those enslaved.
CSI begins to engage extensively to help victims of religious persecution in Iraq, Syria, Pakistan, and Nigeria.
In India, a programme to help victims of human trafficking is set up.
The liberation of enslaved Christians and other minorities from South Sudan continues.
CSI looks to expand into Southeast Asian countries where national religious extremism is spreading rapidly.
CSI continues to help victims of religious persecution. It is estimated that over 160,000 South Sudanese have been liberated from slavery through CSI’s efforts.
Persecution and the Unity of Believers
Inspired by Cardinal Koch’s 2015 lecture, “The Persecution of Christians and the Ecumenism of the Martyrs,” this essay series will bring together reflections on Christian solidarity from Christian leaders from a range of church backgrounds and nationalities.
Leadership
Dr John Eibner
CSI-USA President and CSI International President
Board of Trustees
- Neil Bourhill
- Sam Mason
- John Eibner
- Markus Weber
