General Secretary

BAPTIST WORLD ALLIANCE http://www.bwanet.org

INFORMATION SERVICE

Wendy Ryan, Director, Communications Division Denton Lotz, General Secretary

February 20, 2003

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

"A Tear For Christians in the Middle East" (by Denton Lotz)

WASHINGTON, D.C. (BWA) -- One of the tragic consequences of war in the Middle East, and particularly with Iraq, would be the devastating effect it would have upon the Christian mission, not only in the Middle East, but among Muslim people worldwide. Unfortunately, perception is often greater than reality and Muslims everywhere may well see any war with Iraq as a war of Christians against Muslims. This, therefore, complicates very much the Christian witness of our brothers and sisters who for so many years have been a minority in the Middle East.

Many unfortunate and inflammatory statements by Baptists and other Evangelical leaders against Islam and for war has caused untold suffering to our people. Many of our Baptists leaders are on the defensive having to explain to their government who Baptists are and what we stand for.

Baptists around the world join with millions of other Christians in opposing war. We worship Christ, the Prince of Peace, who has called us to be peacemakers. It is one of the primary responsibilities of the followers of Jesus Christ not to raise the sword, but to raise the Cross. We must remember that Jesus told Peter to put back the sword and insisted that, "If I be lifted up I will draw all humanity to myself." Let us put back our swords and talk of war and lift up Christ! The president of Fuller Theological Seminary, the largest Evangelical seminary in the United States, Dr. Richard Mouw, asked the question recently whether or not Christians who are engaged in supporting the war have, "thought about their obligation to the Christian community in Iraq. Have they taken that into account?" The fact is more than 600,000 Christians, including Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestants, live in the country of Iraq which has a population of 22 million. This sizable minority needs our prayers and support. Let us, during these next few weeks, pray for wisdom for all political leaders. Let us pray that all regimes around the world who suppress their people, deny religious freedom, and refuse God's call for justice and righteousness will indeed be restrained. Let us pray for the leaders of the circle of democratic nations that they will have wisdom and guidance in bringing peace to our world in these very apocalyptic days.

As Baptists, let us raise the Cross of Christ and work for peace! Indeed with Peter, let us follow our Lord's command and put back our swords. Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus, Come!