P r a g u e – How can Christian congregations contribute to the social and congregational integration of foreigners? A conference of 40 experts held in Prague by the International Baptist Theological Seminary (IBTS) and the European Baptist Federation (EBF) dealt with this question. Pastor Michael Kisskalt, director of the German Baptist Union’s department for International Mission, called for “reciprocal integration”. It is improper to both retain the culture of one’s land of origin as well as subjugating oneself completely to the new majority culture. One should rather attempt to chart a course between these two poles. Neither the Africans nor Tamils with whom Kisskalt works can be expected to become Germans. Especially during the initial phase of foreign residence in unfamiliar surroundings, foreigners need to have their own congregations. Yet the native congregations should already be attempting to build bridges to them. Only the second generation will be capable of distancing itself strongly from the original culture. The third generation can then decide if it will open itself fully to the new culture or withdraw itself entirely, as was done for ex. by the German Lutherans who moved to Russia beginning in 1783. Kisskalt noted that 15,4 million (20%) of Germany’s residents are not of German origin. These developments are reflected by German Baptist church life, which includes 210 international congregations and groups. These trends have also led to ever more German congregations receiving an international flavor. He also has the impression that many congregations are attempting to meet this spiritual challenge. Yet many more congregations could be actively involved in this process.

Dr. Peter Penner (Prague), IBTS Course leader in Biblical Studies, noted that the Bible also contains varying models for integration. The New Testament reports that in Antioch, Corinth and Ephesus Jews and Gentiles lived together by taking on a new common identity as Christians. He also spoke of John Mark mentioned in the book of Acts, who was a second-generation Christian. Penner drew a parallel between him and today’s second-generation foreigners: “These people see some things differently than those who headed up the first generation – which was lead almost entirely by ‘doers’.” Nevertheless, the second generation is also well-suited to serve the Kingdom of God.

The British writer Paul Weller described sociological case studies from Western and Eastern Europe as well as the Middle East. It is planned that all lectures will be published in book form. Heading the conference was Valeriu Ghiletchi (Chisinau/Moldova), Chairman of the EBF Division for Mission and Evangelism.