Christian Presence in a Multi Faith World Faith, hope & love Christian Presence in a Multi Faith World

Other Faiths are……….. Dangerous spiritually Our potential allies in an increasingly secular world Our competitors in the market place of religious ideas Part of God’s plan to bring people to God Part of God’s plan to challenge the church to be a truer witness to Christ In rebellion to God A curiosity to explore People from whom we can learn more about God – A source of wisdom People we should seek to convert Or……..

FAITH, HOPE & LOVE Christian Presence in a Multi-Faith World The Change of Context & Approach Valuing each other – Welcoming diversity within Christianity A Discipleship Approach – Practising the Virtues

Change of Context Who is Host? Who is Stranger?

Valuing Diversity in Ourselves Breaking down old Contestations avoiding new ones Beyond Witness vs Dialogue

Theology of Religions Typology Exclusivism is the theological position that holds to the finality of the Christian faith in Christ. The finality of Christ means that there is no salvation in non-Christian religions.  Inclusivism is the belief that God is present in non-Christian religions to save the adherents through Christ.  Pluralism is basically the belief that the world religions are true and equally valid in their communication of the truth about God, the world, and salvation. Exclusivism Inclusivism Pluralism

Principle Question ARE THEY ‘SAVED’? Salvation Emphasised – Focus on ‘the other’ and their soteriological destiny

Principle Method to Address Question Theological Contestation Argument who is Doctrinally ‘Correct’

Virtues Approach Exclusivism – Faith Inclusivism – Hope Pluralism - Love

Principle Question HOW DO WE LOVE FAITHFULLY, HOPEFULLY & LOVINGLY IN A MULTI FAITH WORLD? Salvation Emphasised – Focus on ‘the other’ and their soteriological destiny

Principle Mode to Address Question Intra- Christian Dialogue Method no longer contestation but dialogue learning from each other to Live faithfully, Hopefully & Lovingly.

Dialogue V Witness The ultimate Christmas jumper that has a real message of peace and joy It has inevitably been described by some as political correctness gone mad, but this unisex knit hopes to unite people of all faiths and none in the true spirit of Christmas

Virtues for Dialogue Humility Commitment Interconnection Empathy Hospitality Catherine Cornille , The Im-Possibility of Inter- Religious Dialogue (Crossroad 2008)

Hymn to Love and Christian Presence Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.

Resources Churches Together In Britain & Ireland https://ctbi.org.uk/category/theology/interfaith/ CTBI IFTAG https://ctbi.org.uk/category/theology/inter-faith-theological-advisory-group/ Good Resources for Exploring Dialogue & Witness with Muslims https://ctbi.org.uk/good-resources-for-exploring-christian-%e2%80%90-muslim-dialogue- witness/ Church of England Presence & Engagement http://www.presenceandengagement.org.uk/ Report on Evangelism & Witness in Multi Faith Contexts http://presenceandengagement.org.uk/evangelism-witness-multifaith-contexts Methodist Church Inter Faith Relations http://www.methodist.org.uk/mission/inter-faith-relations

Revd. Ray Gaston Interfaith Enabler WEA & Bishops Advisor e: ray.gaston@lichfield.anglican.org l: 01902 652633 m: 07751155124 t: @LoveUnbounded