World Evangelical Alliance Concludes Assembly with New Leadership and Declaration
In Seoul, South Korea, the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) wrapped up its General Assembly on Thursday evening after a packed schedule focused on contemporary challenges within Evangelicalism. The assembly was punctuated by the installation of new leaders and the presentation of the Seoul Declaration, addressing pivotal issues such as religious freedom and biblical sexuality.
The assembly witnessed the appointment of Rev. Botrus Mansour as the WEA’s new secretary general after an 18-month vacancy. Hailing from Nazareth, Mansour’s background as a lawyer and his leadership roles in the Holy Land, including co-chairing the Lausanne Initiative for Reconciliation Israel-Palestine, were highlighted. Addressing the assembly, Mansour expressed his commitment to serving and emphasized the significance of his appointment as a Palestinian Christian from Israel against the backdrop of a recent ceasefire with Hamas.
“I give tribute to my people and my country,” Mansour stated, expressing hope that the ceasefire endures. He reiterated his dedication to fostering teamwork and unity within the WEA, an organization that encompasses 161 national alliances and represents over 650 million Evangelicals globally.
Another notable leadership change was the installation of Godfrey Yogarajah from Sri Lanka as the new chairman of the WEA’s International Council. This marks the first instance where both the secretary general and chairman are from the global South, reflecting the significant growth of Christianity in these regions. Yogarajah expressed his gratitude and readiness to support the national alliances.
The assembly, held at the 60,000-member SaRang Church, gathered over 850 Evangelicals from 124 nations. The theme “The Gospel for Everyone by 2033” was central, with discussions on making this vision a reality. In a greeting to delegates, Mansour described the theme as a divine mandate.
Concluding the meetings, the WEA presented its Seoul Declaration, a comprehensive 15-page document addressing issues such as gender, war, abortion, and religious freedom. The document, intended as a guide for members, recognizes the complex landscape Evangelicals navigate today and stresses the need for unity and faithfulness amid global challenges.
The introductory remarks of the declaration describe the assembly as occurring at a pivotal time, influenced by global crises such as the pandemic and economic instability. The ongoing division of the Korean Peninsula serves as both a symbol of pain and hope, reflecting the assembly’s themes of reconciliation and mission.
Within the declaration, there is a call for Evangelicals to repent for not fully embodying their mission as the “salt and light” of the world. It emphasizes the importance of evangelism and discipleship, urging leaders to avoid moral failures and secular influences while serving with humility.
Concerns about neglecting environmental responsibilities and failing to support marginalized groups, such as refugees and women, are addressed. The declaration also touches on contentious topics like abortion and medically assisted death, urging a clear Evangelical stance.
In response to critiques of interfaith relations, the declaration reaffirms the WEA’s commitment to collaboration without compromising core beliefs. It acknowledges the struggles surrounding identity and sexuality, advocating for compassionate and biblically faithful dialogue.
The document calls for a reaffirmation of traditional views on marriage and sexuality, emphasizing truth and grace. It concludes with an appeal for religious freedom, unity, and ethical technology use, inviting WEA members to review and provide feedback over the coming week.
This article was originally published at Christian Today
This article was originally written by www.christianpost.com
