Until it’s safe to believe

Stefanus Alliance exists to strengthen the persecuted Church and promote the right to freedom of religion or belief – for everyone.

Today, hundreds of millions of people around the world live in fear of persecution and discrimination because of their faith – or for their lack of faith. As Christians, we have made it our job to address the issue through raising awareness, advocacy and direct assistance for those who need it most.

Expanding global impact

After many years as a trusted leader on the issue of freedom of religion and belief, Stefanus Alliance opened a US office in 2023.
The graphic below highlights the way we work toward freedom of belief for all and a strengthened Church – at the same time:

From Bible smuggling to human rights initiative

Stefanus Alliance USA was established in 2023, as a satelite office of Stefanus Alliance International (based in Oslo Norway, founded in 1967). 

Stefanus Alliance International originated in Norway, November 1967, as Mission Behind the Iron Curtain. The aim was to support Christians in the Soviet Union and other heavily Communist nations, with Bibles, aid, and advocacy. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1989, the organization was renamed ‘Norwegian Mission to the East’, and the scope of the ministry expanded to new countries and contexts. In the years since, Stefanus Alliance has become a go-to organization for both the Norwegian government and the United Nations, on the issue of Freedom of Religion and Belief (FoRB) around the world.

Since 2012, the organization has carried the name og the first martyr of the Christian church, St. Stephen – in honor of all those who suffer or die for their faith today. In 2017, Stefanus Alliance celebrated its 50th anniversary.

What sets us apart

Christian missions and the freedom of religion or belief, for all

We believe Christ wants us to be free to choose Him, and that “it is for freedom He set us free” (Galatians 5:1).

Stefanus Alliance works via local, national, and international partners, and does not send out representatives to be based permanently in project countries. While not all our projects are public due to security concerns, you can read about many of them here.

Stefanus Alliance is an independent and interdenominational organization, supported by a broad range of individuals and faith communities and financed mainly through voluntary donations. We rely on your support.

To best support those facing persecution, Stefanus Alliance cooperates with a range of churches, organizations, individuals, and networks around the world. Some are local, some are national, others again are international. We would love to tell you about them, and you can hear more by signing up for our regular newsletter. Stefanus Alliance does not itself send long-term missionaries or representatives.

Stefanus Alliance is, at the very same time, a missions and human rights organization – with a particular focus on Freedom of Religion or Belief, as enumerated in Article 18 of the Human Rights Declaration. We acknowledge the dynamic tension between Christian mission and defending the right to freedom of religion or belief for all, and make it an explicit goal to educate politicians, civic leaders, and others on the intersectionality – or points of connection – of Freedom of Religion or Belief with other human rights. Many of our academic publications can be accessed under ‘Resources’.