|
ACCRA, Ghana — A world gathering of Protestants in the Ghanaian capital has called on Reformed Christians to learn from the experience of Pentecostals who are said to represent one of the world’s fastest growing Christian movements.
“The growth, adaptability, spiritual exuberance and networking of Pentecostals worldwide challenge our churches to new forms of engagement in mission,” delegates at the 24th general council of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC) said in a document adopted Aug. 10. “Dialogue with Pentecostals has also compelled us to reconsider the sources for spiritual renewal for mission in our traditions.”
But delegates also warned about certain aspects of Pentecostalism, a Christian renewal movement dating from the early 20th century, marked by spontaneity in worship, including such phenomena as speaking in tongues, prophesying and healing.
“At the same time, we must also discern the spirit in different contexts, because Pentecostal mission practices are problematic for our churches. For example, we have serious differences on such issues as proselytism, gender justice, and teachings about the gospel of prosperity,” stated the document adopted overwhelmingly, but with some delegates expressing concern about its contents.
It also spoke of the need to work with other religious communities and said the integrity of the church was being challenged by economic globalization driven by a “new Empire.”
“Today, we define ‘empire’ as the convergence of economic, political, cultural and military interests that constitute a domination centered in the last remaining superpower, yet spread over all the world,” the WARC document said, without referring specifically to the United States. It said ‘empire’ crossed boundaries, subverted cultures, conquered nation states and challenged religious communities.
While a number of participants expressed concern over the use of the word empire, it received the blessing of others from Latin America and North America. One delegate, however, raised concerns about the document’s characterization of globalization as only a negative force, reminding that it allows churches from around the globe to stay in touch.
WARC links about 75 million Christians in more than 200 Congregational, Presbyterian, Reformed and United churches around the world.
On WARC member churches’ engagement with other religious communities, the document stated: “In a world of globalization and ‘empire,’ we need interfaith solidarity in mission so that we can work together on issues that affect us all.”
Stories from the World Alliance of Reformed Churches about the 24th general council may be found on the WARC Web site: www.warc.ch/24gc.
|
