Fifteen key organizations that work with the Persecuted Church around the world launched a global network in order to cooperate more intentionally together. Meeting in Amsterdam, Holland, the group formed the Religious Liberty Partnership (RLP), with charter organizations that include Christian Solidarity International (CSW), Open Doors International, Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Voice of the Martyrs (Canada) and the Religious Liberty Commission of the World Evangelical Alliance. The partnership will meet annually while a leadership team of five will oversee the work during the year. Mervyn Thomas from CSW in UK was named as chair of the RLP leadership team. The new partnership will attempt to coordinate joint activities, share information and avoid duplication of work. Two ongoing working groups were established for 2007 to address advocacy issues and to identify common best practices. “Obviously, the great winners in this important partnership are our suffering brothers and sisters,” said Johan Candelin of the WEA. “It sends a very strong, positive signal to the global church and is a historical milestone, much needed to be able to serve those who are under growing pressure for their faith in Christ.” (Christian Solidarity Worldwide)