Over the last four decades, The Lausanne Movement, has proved to be one of the most important Christian movements in modern history. The renowned evangelist, Billy Graham, was responsible for convening the first conference in Lausanne in 1974 and drew some 2,700 participants from over 150 countries. Out of this conference came the Lausanne Covenant, an evangelical manifesto that addressed issues surrounding worldwide Christian evangelism. This document became one of the most vital in the history of modern Christianity.
The Lausanne Conference met again in 1989 in Manila, Philippines and now will meet for a third time on the shores of South Africa in what is being billed as the Lausanne/ Cape Town 2010 Conference. Approximately 4,000 Christian leaders from 200 nations will attend Lausanne III to focus on the future of the Church and evangelization in the 21st century. Delegates will struggle with various challenges to the Church today such as issues of secularization, the threat of terrorism, and HIV/AIDs.
To promote and prepare for the conference, the Lausanne Movement has launched a global chat room in eight languages (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, German, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish) to draw mission-minded Christians into dialogue about issues facing the global church. This means that even Christians who cannot attend the event can still participate in its conversations.
At the conclusion of the conference, Lausanne leader’s intend to adopt a new document modeled after the historic Lausanne Covenant, which will be termed the Cape Town Commitment. Organizers hope the document will provide Christians with a clear understanding of the call of the Church in the 21st century.
“I sense there is growing excitement and anticipation around the world,” said Dr. Geoff Tunnicliffe of the World Evangelical Alliance, which has partnered with Lausanne for the third congress. “This Congress has the potential for shaping and impacting a whole new generation of leaders.”
Cape Town 2010, also known as Lausanne III, will take place Oct 16-25 at Cape Town International Convention Center in Cape Town, South Africa.
Cape Town 2010 will mark the first time that a Lausanne conference is held in Africa.
To find out more about Lausanne Cape Town, go to http://www.lausanne.org/cape-town-2010