Christian Evangelists Arrested Part 2

Church - Mosque: Friends, Neighbours, Competitors, Enemies...?

The above church is where I'm based; the above mosque is the view across the road from the church. So, how we see Muslims is not just an abstract thought, or a political discussion, but a matter of co-existence, neighbourliness and daily lives. Following the controversy over the American evangelists arrested not far from us, it seems that the lobby group Christian Voice are wading in on the act. They are descending on that same area of Birmingham for a very public declaration  that there should be no "no-go areas" and handing out evangelistic tracts. We might like to consider What Would Jesus Do? Invited to just such an exercise, I'm tempted to remember a chapter in one of Brian McLaren's books, "Would Jesus Have Been a Christian?"

Let me fill you on on some extra information:
1. the local Anglican church had a Good Friday walk of witness this Easter, singing choruses and handing out leaflets explaining the Christian faith. The local majority Muslim community welcomed this event and the police were informed and had a minimal presence as part of the gathering
2. every year, the local Roman Catholic convent and church parade a statue of the Virgin Mary, handing out flowers and rosaries as prayers. This is an annual part of local diversity expressed and hundreds of Muslims stand out on the streets to welcome the parade

...is this a no-go area for Christians?

The "arrests" back in February seem to be the fruits of one ill-informed, errant community police officer. The subsequent bandwagon seems to be the fruit of scare-mongering and will-to-power that betrays the Christian gospel institutions such as Christian Voice would so otherwise seek to espouse. Bigging up this issue disconnects the pronouncements in the public square from the vital task of local church presence, for no one I know has been able to ascertain to which local churches these evangelists are accountable. The local church responsibility includes the task of seeking truth and seeking the good of all people.  Saturday's proposed demo, to my mind, is more likely to drive a wedge between communities than build bridges because it is not from a spirit of love and service, but of defensiveness and posturing.

Comments

[ashes2asha]

You have my complete sympathy. This must be just so frustrating for your church - we have similar things going on in East London. Unfortunately, this kind of behaviour is also the result of some well-known 'authoritative' Christian voices on Islam that continually bleat on about the Islamic plan to takeover Britain etc. etc. The long-term, hard won, God-honouring relationships that many Christians living in urban areas build with Muslim neighbours can be easily undermined by this kind of thing. I hope that your church makes it clear to the 'protestors' just how you feel about them being there.

[Stephen@ChristianVoice]

A good example of knife crime this blog, or at any rate, kinfe-in-the-back crime.
We shall be doing nothing remotely as provocative as a Good Friday parade, just handing out evangelistic tracts. And I have never said Alum Rock is a no-go area for Christians - it was West Midlands Police who said that.
As it happens, Richard, we know exactly what Jesus would do, because we have his own word on the subject of people 'wading in' as you put it:
Mar 9:38 And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us.
Mar 9:39 But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me.
Mar 9:40 For he that is not against us is on our part.
We also know what St Paul would do in your situation, as we have his word on the subject as well:
Php 1:14 And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
Php 1:15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:
Php 1:16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:
Php 1:17 But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.
Php 1:18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.
So, Richard, I urge you to be a little more Christ-like.
With all good wishes,
Stephen

[stephen@ChristianVoice]

A bit more 'distinctly welcoming' would not go amiss, either, dear brother!

[Karen]

Good for you Stephen! I wish I had your courage to do something like that. It is about time that Christians stood up and be counted, as it says in the hymn, "Who is on the Lord's Side? Who will serve the King?". After all doesn't it say in scripture that we should "Go and make disciples of all nations"?

[ashes2asha]

Stephen - I'm really interested in your response here and it provoked a couple of thoughts. You make it clear that you believe quite rightly in Christian support for one another ('knife-in-the-back' and 'dear brother') and I was hoping that you could assure me that this support was mutual. I'm assuming that you have contacted all the local churches in Alum Rock and informed them of your evangelistic campaign, garnered support from these churches (many who have ministered in Jesus' name in the community for hundreds of years) and listened to their opinions on the context and the best way to go about such campaigns in the place they and their families live and work out their faith. I have always regarded it wise too, to find out what evangelistic work already takes place in a given community so that we Christians can work together as effectively as possible. I only say this because in my understanding it is a universally accepted principle across all streams of the church as necessary for accountability and working together as the body of Christ, and I'm sure all local churches would be keen to have such contact. Just wanted to check because there's still time!

[Tim]

"A good example of knife crime this blog, or at any rate, kinfe-in-the-back crime.'

I am trying to think of a more inapproprite comment to make in this context and anywhere else at this moment in time!? (I cant and believe me I have a broad experience) In Birmingham, London, Manchester and many other cities in this country we are struggling to deal with the issue of knife crime amongst young people, families are suffering and having to deal with pre-mature bereavement, and you coming out with a comment like that Stephen, it does not help. Grow up and maybe people will start listening to you. As it stands your coming across as a narrow minded village fool.

[jacksun]

I feel very for you. As like Stephens word its a knife in back. Have be Cautious
_______________________________
-Jacksun

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