Evangelicals Have Nothing to Fear from Islam, Says European Leader
EVIA, Greece – The head of the European Evangelical Alliance reassured delegates at the alliance's annual assembly in Greece this week that Christians have nothing to fear from Islam in Europe.
In a powerful address on day two of the assembly, EAA General Secretary Gordon Showell-Rogers reminded Christians that Muslims in Europe still make up only a very small percentage of Europe's population – around 4.5 percent – and that while migration has brought in Muslims, it has also brought in large numbers of Christians to the continent.
Rather than being intimidated by Islam's growth in Europe, Showell-Rogers encouraged delegates to see the evangelistic potential.
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"Evangelicals have nothing at all to fear from any form of Islam. Christ is greater than even the greatest of world religions," he stated. "Instead of being afraid and 'demonizing' people, we should see the presence of Muslim communities in Europe as a great evangelistic opportunity."
He went on to reaffirm the power of Jesus Christ to change Europe as well as the mandate of the European Evangelical Alliance to bring the Good News to those who still live without Christ.
"We need to help one another to rediscover our confidence in the radical and transforming power of the Good News of Jesus. God's eternal plans for the universe revolve around Jesus. He is not always popular, but He is the only hope for individuals and for society and for the planet."
Showell-Rogers concluded his address with a reminder of the absolute victory of Christ. "He is alive," he exclaimed. "The fact is He has conquered sin and death. The fact is He is one day returning and in the meantime He is building His Church. And His Kingdom is near and even among us … as we proclaim and live out the Good News of God in Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia, in the early 21st century."
The EEA head's address followed the call to evangelicals earlier on at the assembly from EEA Associate Dr. Derek Copley to keep their passion for the gospel.
"We have to get churches back into the habit of witnessing Jesus Christ," he stressed.
"Some evangelical alliances have lost their passion for reaching people without Christ. Others have simply been diverted," he added.
"I want to see us be not simply an influence in Europe. I want to see the gospel re-gain ground in Europe."
More than one hundred EEA members gathered on the Greek island of Evia this week to share successes and to assess current challenges in European mission around the theme of "Increasing our influence in Europe."
The EEA assembly opened Tuesday night with an emotional appeal from the Evangelical Alliance in Turkey for prayers after the horrific murder of three Bible publishing workers in April.
On Thursday, the assembly was scheduled to discuss the EEA's Strategic Plan for 2008, which sets out a strategy for strengthening the church in Europe's effectiveness as salt and light in society in the coming years.
The EEA Assembly Closing Celebration was scheduled to take place on the evening of Friday, October 19.
