As we start our fourth year, we thank God for His Grace, and all our readers for your support.
As theological debates on sexuality and marriage become more and more central, many Christian denominations are being asked to clarify their views.
A pro-LGBT draft law in Spain which could severely punish schools, companies and media who do not promote “sexual diversity has prompted new questions among evangelical Christians in the country.
Whereas most evangelicals express their worries about the restriction of freedom of speech and religious freedom, there is a minority of Christians who have publicly expressed their identification with gender ideology, asking that marriage be redefined.
In Finland, the debate inside the Lutheran Church has been going on for months, and evangelical theologians have been put under pressure for defending biblical views.
The old French Reformed churches voted to start blessing same-sex marriages in 2015. Months later, a group of theologically evangelical Protestant ministers set up “Attestants” groups who defend the authority of the Bible’s teachings on sexuality and other issues. Meanwhile, the influence of the National Evangelical Council of France (CNEF), which unites most evangelicals (Pentecostal, Brethren, Baptists…) has grown by holding to a position which differentiates them from liberal groups.
In Belgium, the positions have also been clarified in the last years.
The Church of England is also in the midst of an ongoing debate, with Bible-believing Christians who experience same-sex attraction saying they feel “bullied” by LGBT campaigners for wanting to hold on the historic understanding of marriage they read in the Bible. Transgender ceremonies are also up for discussion.
The Gafcon, which unites the non-liberal Anglican churches in the world (a majority), has been very clear on making the defence of marriage a priority. This included a controversial nomination of a “missionary bishop” in England.
Meanwhile the Scottish Episcopal Church has just approved same-sex marriages, with other churches saying their departure from the biblical principles will only empty their churches more.
In Eastern Europe, the debate about homosexuality has not been a major theological issue up till now, with countries like Romania ruling out same-sex marriage.
THREE ARTICLES WE RECOMMEND
To know more about our position as Evangelical Focus on gender ideology and the Bible, read the following articles:
- A Better Story: Re-imagining the Biblical Vision for Sex and Marriage, by Glynn Harrison
- The Tsunami Gender, by Rob and Claire Smith.
- Gender: Where Next? by Christopher Townsend.
WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE?
Some Christian leaders have expressed their willingness to work with groups who accept the practice of homosexuality as acceptable, arguing it is not a core issue of the Christian gospel.
Many other Christians believe that the Bible’s approach to sexuality, marriage and family is key to Christian doctrine, and therefore no compromises should be made.
What is your opinion? Vote here:
What is the role of Christians serving in politics? An interview with Auke Minnema, the new General Director of the European Christian Political Movement (ECPM).
RZIM International Director Michael Ramsden responds to questions about the secularisation of Europe, the role of Christians in public leadership and the new ‘culture of victimism’.
The economist summarises the manifesto “Confederal Europe: Strong Nations, Strong Union” and explains why personal relationships should be at the centre of our economy, education and democracy.
The World Evangelical Alliance Secretary General participated in the Italian Evangelical Alliance assembly (Rome, 8-9 April). In this interview with Evangelical Focus, Bp Tendero talks about the need to listen to local churches and to face challenges like the refugee crisis and climate change.
Pritchard explains the vision of ELF, comments on the 2015 event in Poland and reflects on what it means to have an "evangelical identity".
“We want to see the youth not just being equipped, but also being multipliers”, Evi Rodemann director of Mission-Net. The European Congress took place in Germany from December 28 to January 2.
“Gospel, identity and coexistence” were the themes of the General Assembly of the Spanish Evangelical Alliance. Two days in Palma de Mallorca to reflect about the role of evangelical churches in society.
Educator and journalist Jordi Torrents shares images of the Sekeleka social centre in Mozambique. About 50 children live there, many with some kind of disability. All photos were taken with permission.
For the first time, the President of Portugal attended a worship service in an evangelical church. It was in Sintra, on Christmas Eve.
Young Christians gathered at Madrid’s central square Sol to denounce human trafficking. A flashmob highlighted the work of three evangelical NGOs which support women who escape sexual slavery in Spain.
Poland, Lithuania, Namibia and Brazil are some of the countries that have issued special stamps on the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther’s 95 theses.
“The reasons why somebody might have sex with a prostitute are very different from the reasons why somebody might want to have an affair with a member of their congregation”. An analysis by John Stevens, National Director of FIEC (UK).
A video about the way traffickers target teenage girls online, produced by anti-slavery gorup Abolishion.
A 360º lyric video about how all followers of Jesus Christ are called to serve God. Duo in Spanish (Alex Sampedro) and Portuguese (Marcos Martins).
A short animation film by Swiss cartoonist Alain Auderset tells the message of the Bible in four minutes.
An 8-minute interview with Philip Yancey on the role of Christians in a secularised society. Recorded in Madrid, September 2016.
New atheism, the definition of "faith", Christianity in Europe, the role of the Bible in mission, and the need to listen more. An exclusive interview recorded at "Forum Apologética" (Tarragona, Spain) in May 2016.
Opinions expressed are those of their respective contributors and do not necessarily represent the views of Evangelical Focus.
If you want to comment, or