Bishop Joe Aldred, Secretary for Minority Ethnic Christian Affairs with Churches Together in England and Chair of the Council of Black-led Churches said, "I thoroughly endorse the work that organisations such as Open Doors are doing.
"The UNITE events provide a unique opportunity for Christians of all ethnic and faith backgrounds to stand with their persecuted brothers and sisters across the world."
A number of speakers will bring fresh insights into the reality of persecution. Eritrean-born Berhane Asmelash will speak of the 2,000 Eritrean Christians bravely refusing to renounce their faith despite imprisonment in appalling conditions in Berhane's home country, bordering Sudan and Ethiopia. Christians here practised their faith in freedom until a new religious decree was issued just five years ago.
Joy and Alexander from central and eastern Asia will explain how God is bringing many Muslims to follow Jesus despite the consequences, which can include beatings, imprisonment and loss of homes or incomes as they flee for their lives.
Brother Andrew, founder of Open Doors 52 years ago, will speak from a life devoted to Jesus and to his brothers and sisters in Christ across the world, while the Rt Rev Dr Michael Nazir-Ali, Bishop of Rochester, will address listeners on Muslim-Christian relationships.
Worship will be led by singer/songwriter, Andy Flannagan and Laurence Sharman of the World Prayer Centre.
The UNITE Forum on the Persecuted Church takes place from 10am - 5pm and is followed by a Prayer Celebration from 7pm - 9.30pm.
Both events take place at the Bethel Convention Centre, West Bromwich, B70 7JW. For more information people should visit www.opendoorsuk.ord/unite or call the ticket hotline on 08450 55 66 22.
