Elstal – The democracy movements in the Middle East and North Africa worry Baptists who are living there. They fear a surging Islamic movement and a worsening of their living conditions. These facts became evident at the European Baptist Federation’s (EBF) conference held at the Elstal Educational Centre of the German Federation of Evangelical-Free Churches near Berlin. It was attended by 35 persons from Europe as well as the Muslim-dominated countries of Central Asia, North Africa and the Middle East. Michael Kisskalt (Elstal), Chair of the EBF Division of Mission and Evangelism, reported to EBPS that most participants preferred to remain anonymous due to the possibility of repression in their home countries.

The central issue at the conference involved mission amongst Muslims. Baptists in Egypt and Lebanon reported that they have seen positive results from relief projects; selfless expressions of charity on the part of Christians were clearly appreciated. Yet the official ban on Muslim conversion in some countries remains one of the greatest hindrances to Christian mission. The EBF General Secretary, Tony Peck (Prague), introduced in this context an agreement between Christians and Muslims in Great Britain by which both sides accept changes of religious confession. The goal is to obtain similar agreements world-wide. Michael Kisskalt expressed serious concern regarding the fact that even in Europe the religious freedom of Baptists is being restricted in Muslim-majority regions such as Bosnia-Herzegovina. Conflicts erupt repeatedly between Christian minorities and the Muslim majority.

Part of the conference programme consisted of visits to Baptist congregations active in Muslim ministry. These included the congregation in Berlin-Wedding. Its programme of neighbourhood partnerships includes educational and training opportunities for children and youth of foreign origin. Kisskalt reported that conference participants were especially impressed by this congregation - many are considering similar projects in their own countries.

A reception at the German parliament included a visit with Christian-Democratic parliamentarian Frank Heinrich (Chemnitz), a member of the parliament’s Commission for Human Rights and Humanitarian Aid. He promised the delegation his support in the Baptist struggle for increased human rights and religious freedom.