Clergy/Leaders' Mail-list No. 1-157 (Leadership Issues)

-------------------------------------------- US TRAGEDY EVOKES RELIGIOUS LIBERTY CONCERNS --------------------------------------------

by Elizabeth Kendal

The horrific and tragic terrorist attack against America on 11 September 2001, when hijacked passenger planes were deliberately crashed into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Centre in New York and the Pentagon in Washington, is prompting a prayer response from Christians around the world.

This attack has resulted in an appalling loss of life, an enormous number of wounded and left a nation reeling in emotional pain, fear, trauma and confusion. We must pray concerning all these things. However, the situation also has the potential to evoke adverse consequences in matters directly related to religious liberty and these too are a call to prayer.

It seems almost certain now that the attack was orchestrated by an Islamic terrorist state or organisation. Islamic terrorism and the militant strategy of Islamic Jihad is evil and flies in the face of all civil liberties respected and valued in the free and democratic world. Yet, to stereotype all Muslim people as evil, or to punish all Muslims in general for the sins of militant and terrorist groups, is in itself a hideous injustice. That flies in the face of Scripture, which commands us to love our neighbour and show impartiality because of our concern for their salvation.

This terrorist tragedy in the US could well be a critical turning point for Muslim-Christian relations worldwide. Media exposure of Islamic masses celebrating the attack and anti-Muslim rhetoric and sentiment is encouraging Islamaphobia in the West. If this situation is not handled well, the world could find itself divided along religious / ideological lines with an intensity and hostility that has as yet been unknown in European and Western nations.

Just as God was 'concerned' over the fate of the people of Nineveh, so too is he concerned today about the eternal fate of men, women and children of every race and language. We should resist the temptation to be like Jonah who wanted to see judgement and destruction befall the Ninevites more than compassion and salvation. Christians need to choose to be different from those who react with hate and hostility. We must respond prayerfully in faith with love and a desire for peace and reconciliation.

The outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost enabled the gospel to be proclaimed in the languages of all the people present - Romans, Greeks, Libyans, Turks, Arabs, Egyptians, Mesopotamians (modern Iraq), Parthians and Medes (modern Iran), and others. Isaiah prophesies that God's house 'will be called a house of prayer for ALL nations' Isaiah 56:7. The invitation is for ALL who are thirsty to come to the waters (Isaiah 55:1). 'Mercy triumphs over judgement.' James 2:13. In the midst of tragedy, horror, fear and confusion we must never forget that 'God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.' John 3:16

PLEASE PRAY SPECIFICALLY FOR:

* God to guide and strengthen world leaders now challenged to confront the evil and growing menace of Islamic militancy and terrorist activity, that they will not descend into negative stereotyping that could inflame religious tensions, destroy social harmony and cripple Christian witness.

* wisdom for the Christian leaders of the world as they need to expose the dark forces behind Islamic militancy and terrorism while still promoting love for Muslim people, who must be seen not as our enemy, but as people in need of Jesus.

* Christians (particularly those imprisoned) where Islamic fundamentalism holds sway, whose plight will be even more desperate if 'battle-lines' are drawn. (The 'Christian' West has in any case been accused earlier of plotting to destroy Islam.)

* our fellow believers in other tragic places where jihad can escalate now with world and media attention focused elsewhere.

* those who are grieving, suffering, anxious or fearful due to the US tragedy, that they may all turn to God for comfort and peace. 'I lift up my eyes to the hills - from where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.' Psalm 121:1-2

* this incident to bring the Church worldwide to a prayerfully renewed commitment to proclaim Christ to a fallen world in desperate need of direction, truth and salvation.

'All this I have told you so that you will not go astray ... in fact a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is doing a service to God. They will do such things because they have not known the Father or me.' Jesus - John 16:1-3

- Elizabeth Kendal <>

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