A ‘historic’ agreement on evangelism ethics has been reached by the three main bodies of Christianity, which together represent 90 percent of Christians in the world.
Leaders from the World Evangelical Alliance, the World Council of Churches and the Vatican’s Pontifical Council on Inter-religious Dialogue met in Geneva on Monday to launch a document entitled, "Christian Witness in a Multi-Religious World: Recommendations for Conduct."
The document is the result of five years of cooperation between the groups, and it offers a biblical understanding of evangelism before outlining ethical guidance for Christians involved in mission. It also marks the first time in history that Catholics, mainline Protestants and evangelicals have worked together to endorse a major theological document.
"This is a historic document, a historic moment and a time for Christians to awake once again to our calling to mission and unity, always bearing in mind the ways in which Jesus calls us to do so," the Rev. Dr. Geoff Tunnicliffe, secretary general of the WEA said at the press conference staged at the ecumenical centre in Geneva.
The document includes three sections, with the first part offering a biblical foundation for Christian mission. The second part details 12 principles Christians are called to follow in witnessing of Christ in a manner consistent with the Gospel. These include: acting in God’s love; living with integrity, compassion and humility; rejecting any form of violence; and offering respect to all people. The final part of the document speaks to churches, missions organisations and agencies as it offers advice on how to be communities of faith in a diverse world.
Jean-Louis Cardinal Tauran, the Vatican representative, said the recommendations "will help us reduce unnecessary tensions and to present the truth of God in a credible way to the world around us."
"Conversion cannot be imposed on anyone," Tveit emphasised. "I hope this is a clear message [we convey] through this document."
Tauran added that there was "no hidden agenda" behind the spirit of renewed missionary activity embodied in the document but rather it is to "encourage people in a pluralistic world to live together in a better climate of mutual dialogue and respect and sincere friendship."