CSW’s Founder President Mervyn Thomas CMG has been elected as the new chair of the UK Freedom of Religion or belief Forum (UKFF), succeeding the Bishop of Truro, Philip Mounstephen. The UKFF brings together over 70 civil society groups, faith or belief organisations, and human rights NGOs to advance the cause of freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) around the world.

The UKFF hosts regular stakeholder meetings attended by the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief, and other government and parliamentary officials concerned with international FoRB issues.

Mervyn has worked extensively on issues related to freedom of religion or belief worldwide, and testified in hearings at the UK Parliament, the European Parliament, the US Congress and the UN Human Rights Council.

Mervyn Thomas said: “I would like to thank the Bishop of Truro for his tremendous achievements over the past year, in setting up and leading the UK FoRB Forum, and am incredibly honoured to have been selected to succeed him. Restrictions on the right to freedom of religion or belief persist across the world, with religious and belief communities in different countries facing varying challenges, either from state or non-state actors. I look forward to working closely with the UKFF stakeholders, and the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy as we continue our efforts towards ensuring this important right becomes a reality for all.”