Let’s work together on social and ethical issues, says EEA in congratulating new pope

The European Evangelical Alliance (EEA) congratulated the Roman Catholic Church on the election of Pope Leo XIV, and said evangelical Christians in the continent are open for “dialogue on matters of shared concern”.

The fact that Robert Prevost is an Augustinian is highlighted by the EEA leadership, since Augustine of Hippo’s “theological legacy—especially his profound insights into divine grace—continues to shape Christian thought across denominations and inspired reformers such as Martin Luther”.

“As the European Evangelical Alliance, we affirm the importance of cordial and principled relationships with leaders and communities of other Christian traditions, while recognizing that true spiritual unity is found only in the biblical Gospel”, says the statement signed by co-general secretaries Jan Wessels and Connie Duarte in Den Haag.

Across Europe, national Evangelical Alliances (which represent churches and organisations in almost every country) often “work together with other Christian traditions on social and ethical matters”. This dialogue, which is “respectful and responsible”, happens in areas such as migration, the climate crisis, the protection of life, and peace among nations, the evangelical entity says.

“Without compromising our evangelical identity, we believe it is both possible and necessary to collaborate in areas that serve the common good and uphold human dignity”, adds the EEA. “It is our prayer and profound desire, that in this new season, the Gospel of Jesus Christ will be proclaimed with clarity and power, so that many may come to salvation by faith in Him alone”.