2020 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20006
202-546-0054
ChristianNewswire.com
209 W. 29th Street, Suite 6202
New York, NY 10001, USA.
212-290-1585
StandardNewswire.com
209 W. 29th Street, Suite 6202
New York, NY 10001
212-290-1585
CatholicWireService.com
Religion Newswire
2020 Penn. Ave., NW, Suite CCN
Washington, DC 20006
202-546-0054
2020 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20006 U.S.A.
NEWS PROVIDED BY
Open Doors
Jan. 3, 2023
SANTA ANA, Calif., Jan. 3, 2023 /Christian
Newswire/ -- Open Doors, which for more than 65 years has supported
persecuted Christians worldwide and awakened the global church to "strengthen
what remains," has appointed Lisa Pearce as Interim CEO of the U.S. national
base. Pearce assumes the role immediately following the departure of the
previous CEO, David Curry, who is now heading up a separate unaffiliated
organization.
"The persecuted church is a gift to the global church," said Pearce. "Together
we are the body of Christ, and we are meant to be connected. They have much to
teach us, as well as desperately needing our prayers and support. And I am
passionate about freedom of religion – that anyone, wherever they live, should
have the right to choose any faith or none. That is part of what it means to be
human, and we all need to do all we can to protect that freedom."
Today Open Doors is a global ministry working in over 70 Field countries and 24
support countries. The mission and vision of Open Doors remain unchanged – fully
dedicated to the calling of its late founder Brother Andrew to serve persecuted
Christians. Open Doors works with churches and local partners to provide Bibles,
Christian materials, training, livelihood skills and advocacy and aims to
encourage and raise up people in every nation to pray, support and speak up for
Christians around the world who suffer for their faith.
"Open Doors' ministry is rooted in our world-class research and most importantly
the realities of both the visible and the underground church," says Pearce.
"This is thanks to 65 years of courageous and often perilous work by brothers
and sisters in the most dangerous countries to be a Christian. We have always
done whatever is necessary to be present with the most persecuted Christians –
to carry their burdens, to pray with them and encourage them and let them know
they are not forgotten. That commitment is unwavering."
Pearce began her career in business development working for Reuters and Virgin
Media before joining Open Doors. She previously served as CEO and Board Member
of Open Doors UK and Ireland before moving into leadership with the global team
to serve as Chief Development and Advocacy Officer. In that role, Pearce
traveled extensively to volatile regions, including Sudan's Nuba Mountains at
the height of the region's violence, to encourage and support persecuted
Christians. She also met with UK prime ministers and leaders to advocate for
persecuted Christians worldwide, particularly raising the visibility and voices
of persecuted women.
Under Pearce's leadership, Open Doors US will partner closely with Open Doors
International, the world's largest network serving the persecuted church. Open
Doors US will continue to strengthen its support for persecuted Christians
globally, including through the annual World Watch List, which unveils seismic
changes in religious freedom conditions worldwide.
The 30th anniversary of the World Watch List will be released on Jan. 18; Lisa
Pearce and the founder of the list and former Open Doors global field director
will present the key findings of this ground-breaking and authoritative research
– along with key Field staff. For more information, visit
OpenDoorsUS.org.
About Open Doors
Since 1955, Open Doors has worked in the world's most oppressive and restrictive
countries for Christians. Open Doors endeavors to equip and encourage Christians
living in dangerous circumstances with the threat of persecution and to mobilize
the Western church to pray and advocate for the persecuted. For more
information, visit OpenDoorsUS.org.
SOURCE Open Doors
CONTACT: Kristin Cole,
kristin@alarryross.com