The Very Stones Cry Out: The Persecuted Church: Pain, Passion and Praise

Description

According to the World Evangelical Alliance, over 200 million Christians in at least 60 countries are denied fundamental human rights solely because of their faith. Many face widespread and systematic persecution. The Very Stones Cry Out is a passionate challenge to the rest of the Church, and all advocates of religious freedom, to break their silence on this issue. Baroness Cox presents graphic photographs and survivors' accounts as testimony to widespread destruction, and provides powerful documentary evidence of contemporary persecution. Featuring contributions from those with on the ground experience of the nations concerned, this book details the impact that sustained persecution has on individuals, families and communities. In doing so, it provides a moving account of resilience in the face of destruction, and joy in spite of trials, making this a book that is as much about celebration as it is about challenge.

Baroness (Caroline) Cox was created a Life Peer in 1982 for her contributions to education and has served as a Deputy Speaker of the House of Lords from 1985 to 2005. Lady Cox now sits in the Lords as a crossbencher and is a frequent contributor to Lords debates on Sudan, India, Nigeria, Uganda, and Burma. She is the Chief Executive of HART (Humanitarian Aid Relief Trust); Founder Chancellor of Bournemouth University, 1991-2001 and now Chancellor of Liverpool Hope University and Vice President of the Royal College of Nursing. She was a non-executive director of the Siberian Medical University and a founder Trustee of MERLIN (Medical Emergency Relief International). Lady Cox is the Chairman of the Executive Board of the International Islamic Christian Organisation for Reconciliation and Reconstruction (IICORR), a charity which promotes stronger relationships between Muslims and Christians. She is the chairperson of the British Armenia All-Party Parliamentary Group and the vice chairperson of the UK North Korea All-Party Parliamentary Group. In recognition of her work in the international humanitarian and human rights arenas over the past twenty years, she had been awarded the Commander Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland; the prestigious Wilberforce Award; the International Mother Teresa Award from the All India Christian Council; the Mkhitar Gosh Medal conferred by the President of the Republic of Armenia; and the anniversary medal presented by Lech Walesa, the former President of Poland, at the 25th anniversary of the Polish Solidarity Movement. Lady Cox has also been awarded an Honorary Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons of England and Honorary Doctorates by universities in the United Kingdom, the United States of America, the Russian Federation and Armenia. Baroness Cox's humanitarian aid work has taken her on many missions to conflict zones, allowing her to obtain first hand evidence of the human rights violations and humanitarian needs. Benedict Rogers is a writer and human rights activist, working with Christian Solidarity Worldwide. He is the author of several books including Than Shwe: Unmasking Burma's Tyrant (Silkworm Books, 2010) and co-author with Joseph D'souza of On the Side of the Angels: Justice, Human Rights and Kingdom Mission (Authentic, 2008). A regular speaker in churches, schools, universities and conferences around the world, he is also a contributor to international media, and an Associate of the Institute for Religion and Society in Asia.

So often we take our hard won liberties and freedoms for granted. All too easily we can overlook the suffering of those who enjoy none of our privileges. With years of first hand knowledge and experience to guide them, Baroness Cox and Ben Rogers tell the story of those who suffer for their faith and encourage us to be a voice for voiceless people. This is a book which everyone should read. -- David Alton (Prof.Lord Alton of Liverpool) We all owe Caroline Cox and Benedict Rogers our gratitude for their tireless efforts to maintain awareness of the issues facing the persecuted Church, which transcend so many of our preoccupations with issues of secondary importance. The Very Stones Cry Out chronicles events and records what is happening now, which challenges us to support our brethren who suffer. -- Abba Seraphim, Metropolitan of Gastonbury In this harrowing and shocking story of persecution, Western Christians can learn so much from the witness of courageous followers of Jesus Christ. -- George Carey (Lord Carey of Clifton), former Archbishop of Canterbury Reviewed in The Catholic Herald Featured in the "new titles just published" section in Church Times.