Euro Pentecostals seek Justice...

Theologians from across Europe met recently to examine the relationship between Pentecostalism and biblical justice. This follows a global trend of pentecostals seeking to go beyond social engagement to biblical advocacy.

Joel Edwards opened the conversation at the EPTA (European Pentecostal Theological Association) conference in July, which culminated in the following statement:

EPTA Statement on Pentecostals and Justice

Taken at the EPTA 2010 Conference held at Mattersey Hall College and Graduate School, England, July 9, 2010

On occasion of the 2010 conference of the European Pentecostal Theological Association the participants gathered at Mattersey Hall under the theme “Pentecostals and Justice”. Papers were presented and discussed after which the participants felt the need to produce the following statement.

We agree that our heritage as Pentecostals demonstrates a profound concern for works of mercy, justice and compassion for the poor and that the Full Gospel that we have historically proclaimed addresses the whole range of human need, be it spiritual, physical or social. However, we recognize that we have only of late rediscovered the implications of what that means in terms of our holistic mission to the world.

Historical perspectives

Although works of compassion have been a vital part of Pentecostal activities, we have historically been less vocal in addressing issues of justice for the oppressed and we have rarely championed the cause of the marginalized beyond giving them relief and immediate assistance. We are encouraged by reading early Pentecostal history to embrace a holistic mission of the church, in which evangelism and works of justice are inextricably linked.

Biblical foundations

We recognize that Scripture shows us that God is concerned for the welfare of humankind and that he has placed upon his people the responsibility to act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8). Furthermore, we see that God requires us to advocate on behalf of those who have no voice and to “defend the rights of the poor and needy” (Prov. 31:8+9). We see the supreme expression of this concern of God in the proclamation of Jesus at the beginning of his ministry when he stated, “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of God’s favour.” (Luke 4:18-19). The early church continues this concern when it heeds the call to care for the poor (Gal. 2:10, 6:10), the widows (Acts 6:1ff.) and the orphans (James 1:27).

Theological considerations

It is in the very nature of God to be compassionate and just. Therefore, as human beings created in the likeness of God, we also have the capacity to show mercy and to defend the cause of the deprived.  In the life of Jesus this attitude is exemplified in his mission to the poor, the sick, the abandoned and the marginalised of his own day. The Holy Spirit empowers the church to realize this commission in word and deed, transforming people and communities to live with the vision of the inbreaking Kingdom of God and not to conform to the patterns of this world. We engage in this life style in order to advance the kingdom until Jesus comes to bring ultimate justice for all creation.

Thus we commit ourselves to speak up and act on behalf of the poor, to uphold human dignity, to stand against any form of discrimination, oppression, inequality and enslavement. Furthermore we are called to care for God’s creation, as it is a gift to all and not only to those who exercise power, oftentimes for their own interest.

We therefore wish to express our renewed commitment to the biblical call to justice, compassion and action for all of those who suffer under the yoke of poverty, injustice and exploitation.

To this end we dedicate ourselves to transparency and accountability to God and our fellow human beings for the common good. We want to build bridges of communication and cooperation for the just cause, acknowledging the work that has already been done by others. It is our personal desire to be in step with the Spirit (Gal.5:25).

We want to encourage our churches and agencies to join in this mandate to learn to do right, to seek justice, to encourage the oppressed, to defend the cause of the fatherless, and plead the case of the widow (Isa 1:17). We look forward to the time when there will be a new heaven and a new earth, when God will wipe every tear and there will be no more death, mourning, crying or pain, for the old order of things will have passed away. (Rev. 21:1-4)

Signed by

EPTA Executive 2010 = Rev. Dr Paul Alexander (Chair of EPTA & Principal of Mattersey Hall), Dr. Anne Dyer (Mattersey Hall, Mattersey UK), Carl Simpson (European Theological Seminary, Kniebis Germany), Ulrik & Carina Josefsson (Pentecostal Theological Seminary Sweden),Els Zegwaart (Vice Chair of EPTA, based at Azusa Theological Seminary)

Joel Edwards (Micah Challenge International) Marijke Hoek (UK), Connie & John L. Karsten, (Azusa Theological Seminary, Amsterdam, The Netherlands), Dr Jean-Daniel Plüss (Chair of EPCRA), Lorna Singh of Word Ministries (based in Birmingham UK with international links), Richard E. Waldrop, D.Miss. Missionary Educator, Church of God World Missions

We request that all Pentecostal denominations insitutions and other groups  read it and if you agree with it, join in signing it [by sending an email to the secretary -see the contact page] and acting on it in your own areas! Let us know what you are doing in terms of Prophetic advocacy where you are!

See www.eptaonline.com