P r a g u e (idea) – The churches are called by God to foster reconciliation in society. Yet, because they live in strife with each other, they can only partially fulfil that calling. This view was expressed by the Mennonite theologian Johannes Reimer (Bergneustadt, Germany), Professor of Missiology at the University of South Africa in Pretoria, at a conference of the Fellowship of European Evangelical Theologians (FEET), held for the first time at Prague’s International Baptist Theological Seminary (IBTS). In early August, 70 theologians from 15 countries gathered there for five days to discuss the matter of reconciliation between God and humans. According to Reimer, “holy wars” between Protestant, Catholic and Orthodox believers are taking place in numerous countries. Even within the evangelical movement itself, the desire for reconciliation is weak. Consequently, strife between pietistic, Pentecostal and charismatic Christians is apparent. Reimer called on all churches and denominations to address the matter of their own history. Historical examples he cited were the Orthodox church’s behaviour towards other churches during the Communist period and the anti-semitic attitude of German Baptists during the reign of the Nazis. Congregational renewal is only possible when the sins of the past are confessed before God and others. Reimer also criticised the lack of social involvement among East European churches. They had withdrawn into a private niche during the Communist era and were now “politically, economically and ecologically voiceless”. 

The French Baptist theology professor Henri Blocher (Strasbourg), the President of FEET, noted that conservative evangelical theologians continue to have negligible influence on university theology. Their work remains largely ignored by liberal theologians. England though has become an exception, for numerous conservative evangelical theologians are active at state-run institutions of higher learning. He is reassured by the increasing unity apparent between pietistic, Pentecostal and charismatic believers. Congregational cooperation is increasing - for example during evangelistic campaigns. Conservative evangelicals should cooperate more strongly with Catholics on ethical questions.

IBTS-lecturer Peter Penner appealed for closer cooperation between missionaries and theologians. Some conservative theologians are so immersed in their theology, that they have forgotten a world in need of salvation. Missionaries for their part are in danger of paying too little attention to Biblical assertions in their work. Penner reminded listeners not to forget reconciliation with our creation. Conservative evangelicals tend to neglect ecological concerns in view of the fact that God has promised a new heaven and a new earth. Penner added that alongside the vertical reconciliation between God and humans, a horizontal reconciliation among humans must also take shape. In a world full of hatred and war, nothing is more pressing than taking the call to missions seriously. IBTS-Dean Parush Parushev welcomed the conference participants, many of whom were Baptists.

FEET was established in 1976 by the British theologian John Stott (London). It encompasses 350 theologians from 21 European countries, who convene every second year for a conference. FEET’s Secetary is the Baptist theologian and Bible School instructor Christoph Stenschke of Wiedenest, Germany.