What better way to post a blog than to cite an already written blog that says some fine things about something I have opinions about, but that says them in a far better, more knowledgeable way!
I subscribe to a weekly service from the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC) called Virtual House News. I don't know why, but EFC no longer publishes the newsletter on-line, but you can sign up now for this week's issue (September 17, 2010). Whether you’re Canadian or not, you’ll often find thoughtful articles and notices linked in to editor Daina Doucet’s cover letter. In today’s letter Ms. Doucet picks up the very hot issue of Muslim-Christian relationships. She cites several, clear, calmly reasoned contributions from knowledgeable, wise servants of God on this volatile topic.
If you are interested in reading charitable, honestly Christian comment on this topic—especially on the topic of Koran burning—today’s letter will be helpful. Pass this around to members of your congregation, council members, friends. Encourage prayers, calm, gentleness and generous portions of Christ’s love. If you don’t have time to read all the items Ms. Doucet refers to, I particularly recommend at least Geoff Tunnicliffe’s record of his conversations with Pastor Terry Jones.
While I’m at it, I’ll also give you a link to my friend Doug Koop’s editorial in Christian Week (yes ANOTHER Canadian paper!!). I’m saddened by the dangerous words, but heartened by the good, careful thoughts around this issue.
May God bless your worship as preachers, pastors or lay persons this weekend and in the new week God gives us. Let’s remember: Love our neighbours as ourselves.
Hopeful, Sensitive Words about Muslim-Christian Relations
Posted On
September 17, 2010Updated On
February 27, 2014Let's Discuss…

Thanks for the links, Jim. After sorting through the issues last week, I offered the following position statment (of sorts) to our members, via our weekly bulletin 'Pastor's Comment'. I think it's important to keep our flocks focused on the mission of the good news to all people, without capitulating to either uninformed fear of Muslims nor a pluralistic, neo-liberation theology of world peace.
Pastor’s Comment: Global headlines have been aflame with public burnings of Islam’s Quran to mark the anniversary of 9/11. I condemn this action as unhelpful to the witness of Jesus Christ in our world. As Christians we affirm that all people need the saving grace of Jesus to be made right with God and each other. The most effective way to share this saving grace is to speak and live the truth in love, with respectful dialogue, as Christ himself exemplified (ie. John 3-4). Inflammatory actions misrepresent the vast majority of Christians, threaten to undermine global peace, put Canadian soldiers and civilians abroad at greater risk, and endanger Christians who live in Islamic countries. As an ambassador of the Prince of Peace, I pray for peace, even in the face of differing beliefs.
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