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

2. 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……..

3. 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

4. Change of Context
Who is Host?
Who is Stranger?

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

6. 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

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

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

9. Virtues Approach Exclusivism – Faith Inclusivism – Hope
Pluralism - Love

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

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

12. 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

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

15. 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.

16. Resources
Churches Together In Britain & Ireland
CTBI IFTAG
Good Resources for Exploring Dialogue & Witness with Muslims witness/
Church of England Presence & Engagement
Report on Evangelism & Witness in Multi Faith Contexts
Methodist Church Inter Faith Relations

17. Revd. Ray Gaston Interfaith Enabler WEA & Bishops Advisor
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