In 1975, Stuckelberger was impressed by the willingness of a Russian Baptist pastor, George Vins, to suffer for his Christian commitment. Vins was facing a third prison sentence, and in response, Stuckelberger arranged some peaceful demonstrations, marches and services in Zurich and Berne, as an expression of solidarity with Vins and all persecuted Christians. Around this time, Gleb Yakunun was instrumental in developing a blueprint for relations between the free church and the persecuted church.

David Wauchope with his wife Jan. David was National Director of the organisation from 1997 until 2003

The overwhelming support, numerically and financially, enabled Stuckelberger and his associates to found a ministry for the persecuted body of Christ. On April 15, 1977, an interdenominational group of Christians from various countries established Christian Solidarity International in Zurich.

In 1994, Christian Solidarity International began in Australia under the directorship of Dr Martin Panter. Following a separation from the parent body, CSI, the Australian branch became Christian Solidarity Australasia.

In 1997, the organisation moved to the national capital, Canberra, under the leadership of then-National Director, David Wauchope.
In 2003, David Wauchope resigned as National Director. James and Elizabeth Scott were appointed in October 2003 as full-time joint national directors with a mandate to grow the organisation under God’s guidance. Elizabeth took on the title of National Director of Advocacy and Information, and James the title of National Director of Partnership Development.