By Geoff Tunnicliffe, Christian Post guest contributor
(Photo: The Christian Post/Hudson Tsuei) Geoff Tunnicliffe, international director of the World Evangelical Alliance, prays at the opening ceremony of Lausanne III: Congress on World Evangelization on Sunday, Oct. 17, 2010, in Cape Town, South Africa.
In a few short weeks I will conclude my service as Chief Executive Officer/Secretary General of the World Evangelical Alliance. For the past 10 years I have had the immense privilege of leading this global community. One of my observations is that there is a growing passion amongst Christians of all traditions to cooperate together for the greater good of society. Considering the state of current reality in the world, this surely is good news. While there may be differences in our theological understandings, there are many opportunities to work collaboratively on the challenges we face in the global church. The following are 7 major issues that can and should rally all Christians.
1. Promoting Religious Freedom
As we are keenly aware, Christians from all denominations in many contexts are being discriminated against, persecuted and in some cases killed. Bringing awareness, prayer and help for our suffering brothers and sisters is a potential area of significant collaborative action. The World Evangelical Alliance has developed many academic, media and local church resources we are more than happy to share. Is it time for us as Christian leaders to hold a high profile public gathering to bring attention to the persecuted church? This could significantly change the gravity of this situation for many brothers and sisters.
2. Biblical Engagement
The inspired scriptures provide the foundation of the lives for all followers of Jesus. However, there seems to be a growing biblical illiteracy and a disconnect between our Christian beliefs and practices.