Ecumenical Dialogue - Catholic

From: Matthew Tan Yew Hock

 

 

The evangelical movement is losing momentum. According to the Scottish theologian Stuart McAllister, who lives and teaches in the United States, the term evangelical is no longer synonymous with evangelistic. Only a few Christians are capable and willing to proclaim the Gospel in a meaningful way for everyday life. Most Christians are dealing with theological questions, which have no relevance for Non-Christians, according to McAllister. The former General Secretary of the European Evangelical Alliance was speaking at a faith conference with 1,800 participants celebrating the centennial of the Evangelical Alliance in Nuremberg, Germany, October 10. McAllister regretted that many local churches have retreated into a pious corner. Christians should, however, be representatives of the Kingdom of God. Cooperation between Christians is often superficial, said McAllister. Real unity could only be found if Christians from different theological backgrounds were united in prayer and in the implementation of the Great Commission. The Evangelical Alliance in Nuremberg is made up of 26 different local churches and ministries. Hartmut Steeb, General Secretary of the German Evangelical Alliance, stressed the need for Christian unity. Without it credibility in evangelism would be lost. The Alliance in Nuremberg organizes prayer meetings, bible studies, youth worship and evangelistic outreach programs. It also has working committees for the protection of unborn children and for solidarity with Israel.