Stefanus Alliance USA

Stefanus Alliance exists because hundreds of millions of people live in fear of persecution and discrimination because of their religion or belief. We believe it is our duty as Christians to address this complex problem through raising awareness, advocacy and assistance.

Stefanus Alliance USA was established in 2023, as a satelite office of Stefanus Alliance International (based in Oslo Norway, founded in 1967). We are a Christian mission and human rights organisation, with a special focus on freedom of religion and belief as expressed in §18 of the UN Human Rights Declaration.

Our basis

Stefanus Alliance has its Christian basis in the Bible, and the Apostolic and the Nicene Creed.

Stefanus Alliance's work for freedom of religion or belief is in line with international human rights and the UN Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, with particular emphasis on Article 18's definition of the right to freedom of religion or belief. 

Our objectives

1. Under the motto "together for the persecuted", Stefanus Alliance helps and supports people who are oppressed for their faith, with particular emphasis on Christians in countries where freedom of religion or belief is violated.
2. Stefanus Alliance sees the struggle for religious freedom for all as a Christian responsibility. We strive for increased respect for and adherence to the right to have a faith, change faith, and exercise one’s faith.
3. Based on the Bible’s Great Commission, Stefanus Alliance will aid in the proclamation of the Gospel through words and actions in countries where freedom of religion or belief is severely restricted.
4. Stefanus Alliance puts freedom of religion on the agenda. We challenge and mobilize authorities and civil society for engagement and action.
5. Stefanus Alliance challenges and inspires individuals, congregations, and groups to intercede, support, and engage in activism for those who are oppressed because of their faith.
6. Stefanus Alliance creates community between Christians in the West and Christians who are persecuted and discriminated against, for unity and mutual enrichment of their faith life.

What is unique about Stefanus Alliance?

Missions and freedom of religion or belief for all

Stefanus Alliance is a missions and human rights organization with a particular focus on freedom of religion or belief. Stefanus Alliance acknowledges the dynamic and enriching tension between Christian mission and the imperative to defend the right to freedom of religion or belief for all.

Ecumenical and voluntary

Stefanus Alliance is an interdenominational, independent, and voluntary organization. Stefanus Alliance is financed mainly through voluntary donations.

Partnerships and networks

Stefanus Alliance cooperates with churches, organizations, individuals, and networks. Stefanus Alliance works via local, national, and international partners, and does not send out representatives to be based permanently in project countries.

What we mean when we say:

The Church

The term 'Church' refers to the various forms of Christian faith communities, ranging from small, clandestine gatherings to large, established denominations. The Church is the body of Christ on earth, a global community of believers united by the Holy Spirit.

A strengthened Church

A strengthened Church is one that is equipped for outreach and ministry, on the path to becoming sustainable and resilient. The Church's vitality is not solely measured by numerical growth, as we acknowledge the paradox that suffering and persecution can actually strengthen its life and work.

Freedom of religion or belief for all

We use the terms freedom of religion or religious freedom as a shorthand for the broader concepts of freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, as outlined in Article 18 of the UN Declaration of Human Rights. We take a holistic approach to human rights, recognizing that the right to freedom of religion or belief is closely linked to other human rights. When a wide range of human rights are respected, freedom of religion or belief is also better protected. As Christians, we have a responsibility to stand up against injustices committed against both Christians and people of other faiths. We are called to love our neighbours, regardless of their faith or belief, and to respond to injustice and abuse, regardless of who is affected.

Article 18

Article 18 of the UN Declaration of Human Rights states the following: Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.

Persecution

We understand persecution as violence or threats of violence against a person, their family, or property. Believers are often persecuted due to government restrictions or social hostility. Persecution can be divided into three phases: disinformation, discrimination, and violent persecution. Over time, hate speech can lead to violence or threats of violence, as well as systematic discrimination and unequal treatment.

Christian Mission

Our understanding of mission is based on God's mission, which involves sending Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit into the world to liberate all creation from the forces of death and decay. Mission takes place where faith is lived out, communicated, and where people are invited to receive the gift of faith from the Holy Spirit. In this manner, individuals can be summoned in various ways to participate in God's holistic ministry around the world.

Cultural sensitivity

When God became man in Jesus Christ, it emboldens us to demonstrate that the Gospel is relevant and powerful in all settings and cultures. We aim to promote the Gospel while interacting with cultural roots and various local communities. To ensure the Church's presence and growth in countries with restricted freedom of religion, it is best for it to be locally rooted and relevant in the given context, rather than appearing as a foreign, Western religion.

The UN Sustainable Development Goals

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) consist of 17 goals aimed at eradicating poverty, fighting inequality, and stopping climate change by 2030. One of the main principles of the SDGs is to ensure that no one is left behind, prioritizing the most vulnerable people. To achieve these goals, it is important to recognize the right to freedom of religion or belief as a significant premise.