Anglicans were commanded to “go forth and evangelise” yesterday in a dramatic assertion of missionary fervour that could jeopardise carefully built-up relations with Muslims, Jews and other faiths.
The established Church of England put decades of liberal-inspired political correctness behind it in a move that led one bishop to condemn in anger the “evangelistic rants”.
For Muslims, to convert to another religion is condemned as apostasy.
The Church’s General Synod, meeting in London, overwhelmingly backed a motion to force its bishops to report on their “understanding of the uniqueness of Christ in Britain’s multifaith society” and offer guidance in sharing “the gospel of salvation” with people of other faiths and none.
“evangelicalistic rants” in deed! The “one bishop” would reject the Lord Jesus so that Muslims are free to exercise their religion without fear of anyone mentioning an alternative view of things. What nonsense… I do not think there will be any Liberal church left in three generations, by their own volition!
“For Muslims, to convert to another religion is condemned as apostasy.” Clearly this writer doesn’t know what apostasy means! People who were once Christians who then convert to another religion are also apostates. The consequences for apostasy in Islam, however, are potentially MUCH greater! Under classical Islamic law the blood of an apostate is licit, i.e., they can, and should, be lawfully killed.
Remember, this is in a nation whose government, church and industry leaders can barely capitulate to radical Islam fast enough.
Somehow, I don’t think the muslims are debating as to whether they should or shouldn’t proselytize non-muslims.
What we really need is a mission to convert may Anglicans to Christianity
Am I on crazy pills or doesn’t Jesus say in Matthew 28:19
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,..” What could be more basic to a Christian? I know some are queasy about Evangelism but…
Rest assured, a resolution to this effect would NEVER pass GC2009!
Perhaps Kate Schori could be enticed to demonstrate the evangelical techniques she uses to grow TEC. Say, on a street corner in Riyad. Perhaps a generous stipend to defray the costs of “evangelizing” separating dioceses would suffice.
God bless…
Anglicans and evangelism are two terms that are often not heard together.
Even our local bishop chastised a mission vicar who dared suggest reaching out to the unchurched, stating that the job of the Episcopal missions was to serve existing EPISCOPALIANS.
Yes, it is quite odd to hear a bishop denouncing evangelism! I wonder if part of the overreaction is that when a bishop says “evangelize”, a Jew or Muslim is hearing “convert.”
From the non-Christian’s perspective, it is unpleasant to be told that your own faith is inadequate. Even the most open-minded seeker could likely have that reaction. “Who are YOU to tell me I’m going to hell?”
Add to that the particular history of European “evangelism” (crusades and inquisitions) and it shouldn’t be a surprise that some get very defensive.
Perhaps the challenge to the Church is to discern God’s way forward in promoting the gospel, and not a religion. Carefully avoid any impression that we’re trying to convert by the sword (or intimidation, or through law, etc.) Carefully avoid any insinuation that the unconverted are inferior or rejected by God (for he alone will judge.) Christians have been known for that approach in the past… and Muslims are known for that in the present in many circles.
But “respecting the dignity of every person” does NOT mean that we have to hide our lamp under a bushel. The bishops are being asked to “offer guidance in sharing ‘the gospel of salvation’ with people of other faiths and none.” Nothing more oppressive than that.
To be fair, the bishop who denounced “evangelistic rants” actually wasn’t denouncing evangelism itself. He acknowledges the expectation of it; but simply thinks that those who do it should not be lectured by those who do not. Fair enough.