Christian Solidarity Worldwide is very pleased to announce the appointment of Reverend Joel Edwards as its Strategic Adviser.
Joel will work with CSW’s Strategic Leadership Team, Board and staff to explore the relationship between the persecuted Church, freedom of religion or belief and wider human rights. He will also represent CSW at public gatherings and on media platforms.
In addition to his extensive professional experience spanning over a decade as General Director of the Evangelical Alliance UK and in leadership at Micah Challenge International, Joel Edwards has served on a number of government bodies. These include as a Commissioner on the Equality & Human Rights Commission UK, on the Advisory Board on Human Rights and Religious Freedom with the British Foreign & Commonwealth Office, and the Metropolitan Police’s Independent Advisory Group (IAG).
He is also freelance broadcaster with the BBC, a published author and international speaker on a wide range of areas including current affairs, religious freedom, biblical teaching, issues of justice and leadership, and a faith-based response to human rights.
Announcing the appointment, CSW’s Chief Executive Mervyn Thomas said: “Reverend Joel Edward’s background in working with government, the Church and the media will strengthen CSW’s expert voice and public profile in a unique way and I am delighted that he has joined CSW as our new Strategic Adviser. He is already a tremendous asset to and a friend of CSW, who will help us in our work tackling the growing challenges faced by people for whom religious freedom is far from being a reality.”
Reverend Joel Edwards said: "I have long been an admirer of CSW's work. The combination of prayerful support for those experiencing persecution and prophetic advocacy for human rights at the highest levels is inspiring. I am looking forward to being a part of this outstanding team which has so much to offer to the church and civil society in God's mission for freedom and human dignity."
Reverend Joel Edwards’ biography:
Reverend Joel Edwards is strategic adviser with Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), a Christian organisation working for religious freedom through advocacy and human rights, in the pursuit of justice. Reverend Edwards is also a doctoral student with St John’s College, Durham where he is a Visiting Fellow.
He is also freelance broadcaster with the BBC, a published author and international speaker on a wide range of areas including current affairs, religious freedom, biblical teaching, issues of justice and leadership, and a faith-based response to human rights. Joel is also involved in a small number of consultancies and personal mentoring.
Joel’s wide range of experiences includes 12 years as a probation officer, pastoral experience, 11 years as general director of the Evangelical Alliance UK and ten years leadership in Micah Challenge International, a global faith-based response to extreme poverty. In addition, he has served on a number of government bodies including Commissioner on the Equality & Human Rights Commission UK, the Advisory Board on Human Rights and Religious Freedom with the British Foreign & Commonwealth Office, and the Metropolitan Police’s Independent Advisory Group (IAG).
Currently, he is an honorary Canon at St Paul’s Cathedral, a Vice President of Barnardos, an advisory member on faith at the Tony Blair Faith Foundation and a Visiting Fellow at Spurgeon’s College. Joel has been awarded three honorary doctorates including St Andrews University.
He is married to Carol and they have two children and five grandchildren.
He describes himself as a failed golfer and football fanatic but tries to make up for it with occasional trips to the gym and cinema for relaxation as well as secret solitaire when he probably should be studying.