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DECLARATION
OF CHRISTIAN ATTITUDES TOWARDS MUSLIMS
(Published
by the Association of International Mission Services
[AIMS] in cooperation with AIMS member agencies focusing
on the Islamic world.)
Current
statistics describe Western contributions to Christian
work among Muslims as less than two percent of total
Western mission resources. This uneven distribution
appears to be the result of general misconceptions
about the Muslim World. These misconceptions are particularly
intensified in Western countries due to the Gulf War,
hostage crises, and terrorist attacks.
[The media promotes] popular imagery...suggesting
Muslims to be "enemies" and "people unable to receive
the Gospel of Jesus Christ."
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Part of this image is caused by Western
media attention to Pro-Israel issues without
due consideration being given to the other
side of the same issues.
We
are commanded by Scripture to love all people,
including Muslims. As Followers of Jesus
Christ, we are obligated by the Great Commission
mandate in Matthew 28 to effectively communicate
the Gospel of Christ to all peoples, without
exception or criteria.
Regardless of how much effort we have contributed
to world mission, we have failed to provide
the necessary resources to adequately communicate
the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the Muslim
world. In the future, we will endeavor to
assure that our view of the Muslim demonstrates
the same love Jesus Christ displayed for
all humanity on the Cross of Calvary.
We, the undersigned, as Followers of Jesus
Christ, believing that it is our primary
responsibility to share the Good News of
Jesus Christ with all the peoples of the
world, confess that:
- we
have failed to understand the significance
of the many emotional issues of Muslim
peoples, especially in regard to the nation
of Israel ;
- we
have allowed our false perceptions and
lack of understanding to result in wrong
attitudes and a lack of compassion for
Muslim peoples and, therefore, not sought
to alleviate suffering among them;
- we
are guilty of believing and perpetuating
misconceptions, prejudice and, in some
instances, hostility and outright hatred
toward Muslim peoples; and,
- we
have not recognized the timing of the
Lord when the Holy Spirit has moved on
the hearts of Muslims and given these
nations a hunger for an understanding
of true Christianity.
In
spite of our attitudes, the Holy Spirit
is working among Muslim peoples through
Christian witness and direct revelation.
We repent of attitudes of apathy and hostility
we have borne toward Muslims.
Repentance is a decision that results in
a change of mind, which in turn leads to
a change of purpose and action. Reconciliation
is the goal of our repentance. In an effort
toward reconciliation, we pledge to:
- earnestly
pray on a committed basis for the acceptance
of the Gospel of Jesus Christ by Muslim
peoples;
- earnestly
pray on a committed basis for Followers
of Jesus Christ to develop attitudes of
compassion, love, and forgiveness toward
Muslims;
- act
within our individual spheres of influence
to rebuke sinful attitudes that we encounter
within the Christian community;
- earnestly
advocate prayer and relief and development
assistance for Muslim peoples, some of
whom are the poorest, least educated,
least medically provided for, and most
victimized by violence;
- support
on a committed basis our brothers and
sisters already working in the Muslim
world through prayer and financial support;
and,
- earnestly
pray and seek God's will to determine
our individual role in ensuring that all
Muslims have an opportunity to understand
and respond to the Good News of Jesus
Christ. One clear way is by developing
relationships and sharing our faith with
Muslims who live in our communities and
around the world.
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