Mervyn Thomas, founder of the charity Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), has been appointment a Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George (CMG).
Speaking with Premier, he said: "All the honour and glory must go to God...
"Anything that I could have achieved personally I could not have achieved without the committed, loyal, talented and incredible team around me."
Mervyn Thomas' involvement in religious freedom issues sees him advise the foreign secretary as a member of Jeremy Hunt's Human Rights Advisory Group. He has also spoken in Parliament and during congressional meetings on Capitol Hill.
He works with MPs and peers belonging to the All Parliamentary Group for International Freedom of Religion or Belief (APPG FoRB).
CSW's Honorary President Jonathan Aitken said: "Mervyn Thomas has been a brave and persistent fighter in the cause of human rights and freedom of religion or belief for all faiths for the past 40 years.
"He has been through 'many dangers, toils and snares' across the world's continents when battling for this cause. He richly deserves this honour."
We're so proud of our Founder & Chief Executive @mervthomas being appointed a Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George (CMG) in the 2019 #NewYearHonours. We're giving thanks to God for this amazing honour. Congratulations Merv! pic.twitter.com/1H2JGCH66w
— CSW_UK (@CSW_UK) December 29, 2018
CSW has become increasingly recognised as an authoritative voice on issues concerning religious freedom, since its inception 40 years ago.
The organisation advocates at the United Nations and engages in dialogue with the UK and US governments, as well as the European Union.
The CMQ recognises service in a foreign country, or in relation to foreign and Commonwealth affairs.
Click here to listen to Premier's Alex Williams speaking with Mervyn Thomas:
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