Mission & History
CSI is an international Christian human rights organization, campaigning for religious liberty and human dignity, and assisting victims of religious persecution, victimized children and victims of catastrophe. CSI was founded in 1977 in Switzerland by Rev. Hans Stückelberger, following peaceful demonstrations in support of persecuted Christians.
Our Work
Christian Solidarity International works in various different countries and on a variety of projects.
CSI is currently the only organization working to liberate Christians and other South Sudanese forced into slavery by government-backed forces during the Sudanese civil war.
Read about CSI’s unique slave liberation program.
CSI delivers food assistance, medical treatment, and other lifesaving aid to victims of religious terror and natural disaster in Iraq, Syria, Egypt, Nigeria, South Sudan, Pakistan, and other hotspots around the globe.
Read about our field projects.
On the political front, CSI works to document and publicize violations of religious freedom. Through congressional testimony, media outreach and direct lobbying, CSI works to pressure the U.S. and other governments to take a stand for religious freedom.
Inspiration
CSI's objective is worldwide respect for the God-given right of every human being to choose his or her faith and to practice it, as stipulated in Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights:
“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 or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.”
At the same time, CSI is built on biblical foundations:
“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed.” Isaiah 1:17
“The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound.” Isaiah 61:1
“If one part suffers, every part suffers with it.” I Corinthians 12:26
Timeline
A History of Standing with the Persecuted
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1970’s
Founding of Christian Solidarity International (CSI) by Rev. Hansjürg Stückelberger following silent marches for persecuted Christians. In Switzerland, 15,000 take to the streets.
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1980’s
CSI focuses on public relations, interventions and protests on behalf of people suffering religious persecution, especially in communist countries.
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1990’s
CSI flies food and medicines into the Christian-Armenian enclave of Nagorni-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 program to redeem those enslaved.
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2000’s
CSI begins to engage extensively to help victims of religious persecution in Iraq, Syria, Pakistan, and Nigeria.
In India, a program to help victims of human trafficking is set up.
The liberation of enslaved Christians and other minorities from South Sudan continues.
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Today
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 100,000 South Sudanese have been liberated from slavery through CSI’s efforts.
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Staff
Christian Solidarity has a diverse staff that works on a variety of projects and initiatives
Senior Leadership
Dr. John Eibner,
CEO, Chairman of the Board
Dr. Joel VanderSpek,
Executive Director
Support Staff
Patty McClain,
Chief Operating Officer
Franco Majok, Projects Coordinator South Sudan, Program Manager Nigeria
Joel Veldkamp,
Executive Assistant to the CEO
CSI-USA Board of Directors
- Dr. John Eibner, Chairman of the Board
- Herbert Meier, Secretary
- Markus Weber, CFO
- Rev. Gerald Bell
- Valentina Sawelenko
Global Presence
CSI-USA and other CSI national affiliates are represented on CSI’s International Council, presided over by the International President, Herbert Meier. In addition to the United States, CSI has affiliates in the following countries: the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, South Korea, and Switzerland.
Contact CSI-USA
Use the form in the expand area below to contact CSI
