Mon Sep 16 14:49:38 UTC 2024: ## Evangelical Leaders Issue Call for “Confession of Evangelical Conviction”
**NASHVILLE, Tenn. –** A group of evangelical Christian leaders have released a new statement titled “Our Confession of Evangelical Conviction,” urging a rejection of political partisanship and a return to the core values of their faith. The document, unveiled last week and signed by an array of prominent pastors and scholars, aims to reclaim the term “evangelical” from the culture wars.
The statement specifically condemns the “false teaching” that any political figure is “anointed by God as our Savior” and calls for a rejection of “political idolatry” and “false idols of power, wealth, and strength.” Signatories include prominent figures like Dan Boone, president of Trevecca Nazarene University, Raymond Chang, head of the Asian American Christian Collaborative, and Richard Mouw, theologian and former president of Fuller Theological Seminary.
While the document does not explicitly mention former President Donald Trump, its authors acknowledge that the statement is partly a response to the fervent evangelical support that contributed to his rise to power. The statement advocates for recognizing “godly leaders by their character” and argues that the Bible does not justify condoning unethical behavior in politicians simply because they may be seen as carrying out God’s plan.
The “Confession of Evangelical Conviction” outlines seven core convictions, including prioritizing allegiance to Jesus Christ, leading with love not fear, submitting to the truth of Scripture, believing the Gospel can heal divisions, committing to the Church’s prophetic mission, and valuing every person as created in God’s image.
The signatories contend that the increasing political polarization and culture wars are driving many evangelicals away from the tradition, with some abandoning the term entirely. However, they emphasize a broader vision for evangelicalism, emphasizing its historic inclusivity and urging a return to its core principles.
The document is supported by notable figures who have been marginalized within evangelicalism since the rise of Trump, including Shane Claiborne and Russell Moore. This statement, they argue, is a crucial step in redefining the term “evangelical” and providing a voice for those who feel stifled by the current political climate within the tradition.
While the document’s impact on the broader evangelical community remains to be seen, organizers hope it will embolden those who feel unable to speak out and provide a point of reference for younger evangelicals seeking a more authentic expression of their faith.
First Piper 