Witnessing recommendations encourage Christ-like conduct

This document encourages Christian conduct
for believers living in multi-religious communities.

A five-page document with recommendations for Christian witnessing has been released after five years of negotiation, reports the World Council of Churches (WCC).

The document received consultations from the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue and the World Evangelical Alliance. Along with the WCC, these bodies claim to represent nearly 90 percent of the world’s Christians.

The document (available here) says its purpose is to provide guidelines for church councils and mission agencies for witnessing among different religions.

“It is hoped that Christians across the world will study this document in the light of their own practices in witnessing to their faith in Christ, both by word and deed,” reads the introduction.

It goes on to outline the Christian’s need to imitate Christ in acts of service and justice and pray for the forward motion of Christ’s mission. It also specifically outlines a principle for Christians to reject violence in all forms, including abuse of power.

“[Christians] … reject violence, unjust discrimination or repression by any religious or secular authority, including the violation or destruction of places of worship, sacred symbols or texts,” the document states.

You can read WCC’s full article on the release of the document here.

What do you think? Is this document helpful in uniting Christians around the world in a purposeful dedication to Christ-like conduct, love, and bold witness?