Hi,Last week I shared about the brutal pattern of violence facing religious leaders in Colombia. Today, I want to show you just how much your support can achieve when we refuse to look away and speak truth to power. For months, no one knew the fate of Carmen and Lesbia after they were detained in Nicaragua. These Roman Catholic lay leaders were targeted as part of a wider crackdown on fundamental freedoms – including freedom of religion or belief. There were no charges, no trial, no proof that these women were even alive. Someone needed to speak out and make sure they were not forgotten. The CSW community swung swiftly into action. Because of you – through your giving, campaigning and prayers – MPs, members of Congress, the EU and the UN Human Rights Council all heard about Carmen and Lesbia through our advocacy, and applied pressure in the right places. And it worked. A few months ago – 15 months after they had disappeared – we learned that the women are alive! There’s still more to do. Carmen and Lesbia are still under house arrest, and we want to see them fully free. Yet their story shows beyond doubt: your persistent, brave support makes a difference. If you can bring hope in Nicaragua, you can do it in Colombia and elsewhere too. | 
