Reprinted from CTE (Churches Together in England) News, July 2010, www.churches-together.net/Groups/44168/Churches_Together_in/News_Events_Jobs/CT_E_NEWS.aspx
Fifty leading figures in the evangelical movement met on 8 July at St Ethelburga’s Centre for Reconciliation and Peace in a ground-breaking private consultation to explore the issues raised in building relationships with people of other faiths.
Paul Hedges (Winchester University), a self-confessed pluralist, stimulated a vigorous and far-ranging debate by mapping the broad spectrum of possible Christian orientations towards other faiths. Daniel Strange, Dr Nicholas Wood (Regents Park College) and David Muir responded by setting out the scriptural basis on which relationships could be built. Daniel Strange (Lecturer at Oakhill College) commented: “It is great that those out of the evangelical tradition would want to get evangelicals talking to one another on these issues. Dr Andrew Smith (Director of Youth Encounter for Scripture Union) said “This was a timely and useful event that enabled evangelicals to consider seriously Biblical approaches to interfaith encounters. By including both theoretical and practical ideas the day encouraged participants to consider how theology and practice inform each other. I’m sure that initiatives such as this will equip evangelicals to take seriously their engagement with people from different faith traditions.” David Muir (Faiths in Britain) said “I thought the consultation was excellent. Congratulations on organising an extremely valuable event. I would welcome a similar event with representatives from the major religions.”
Workshop sessions explored scripture, inter-religious conflict (Dr Jane Clements) and drew on experiences of agencies such as the Archbishop’s Christian Muslim Forum and the Cambridge Interfaith Programme (Sarah Snyder). The consultation also heard powerful contribution from Dr Andrew Smith (Scripture Union) about his work bringing young Christians and Muslims together and from Nick and Kerry Coke (Salvation Army) about living out the gospel amongst the Muslim community of Stepney. Julian Bond (Christian Muslim Forum) comments: “For those struggling to decide whether they are Exclusivists, Inclusivists, Pluralists or Particularists one of the speakers, Dr Nicholas Wood, offered this Biblical verse full of generosity to other religious expressions – ‘Oh that there were one among you who would shut the doors, that you might not kindle fire on my altar in vain! I have no pleasure in you, says the LORD of hosts, and I will not accept an offering from your hand. For from the rising of the sun to its setting my name is great among the nations, and in every place incense is offered to my name, and a pure offering. For my name is great among the nations, says the LORD of hosts.’ (Malachi 1.10,11)”
St Ethelburga’s Director Simon Keyes said “I think we succeeded in creating a safe space for evangelicals to talk frankly about the issues that arise in relation to other faiths. It was a very good natured and illuminating day which mapped out the ground on which evangelicals can relate to non-Christians. We’re certainly going to encourage further exploration of this fascinating territory which is crucial to the future of multi-religious Britain.”
For further information contact: Christophe Kiworr, 07553 501285 Christoph [at] sthelburgas [dot] org