The
World Evangelical Alliance,
World Council of Churches and the Vatican's Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue yesterday released a 5-page document titled
Christian Witness in a Multi-Religious World: Recommendations for Conduct. The document is the result of consultations between the three groups extending over 5 years. The groups say that together they represent 90% of the Christians in the world. Here are excerpts from the Principles set out in the document:
[P]roviding education, health care, relief services and acts of justice and advocacy are an integral part of witnessing to the gospel. The exploitation of situations of poverty and need has no place in Christian outreach. Christians should denounce and refrain from offering all forms of allurements, including financial incentives and rewards, in their acts of service....
As an integral part of their witness to the gospel, Christians exercise ministries of healing. They are called to exercise discernment ... ensuring that the vulnerability of people and their need for healing are not exploited.
... Christians are called to reject all forms of violence, even psychological or social, including the abuse of power in their witness. They also reject violence, unjust discrimination or repression by any religious or secular authority, including the violation or destruction of places of worship, sacred symbols or texts.
... Religious freedom including the right to publicly profess, practice, propagate and change one’s religion flows from the very dignity of the human person....
... Christians are to speak sincerely and respectfully; they are to listen in order to learn about and understand others’ beliefs and practices, and are encouraged to acknowledge and appreciate what is true and good in them. Any comment or critical approach should be made in a spirit of mutual respect, making sure not to bear false witness concerning other religions.
... Christians are to acknowledge that changing one’s religion is a decisive step that must be accompanied by sufficient time for adequate reflection and preparation, through a process ensuring full personal freedom....
Religion News Service reports on the document.
