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TechnoratiTunnicliffe: Well they (Iraqi evangelicals) would have to determine that. One thing is … I think there is a symbolic sense that by them linking with the World Evangelical Alliance it demonstrates that even though they are a small minority they are not alone but they are part of a large family. There is something very supportive in their mind that says, ‘There are a whole lot of people around the world that you are connected to.’ So that can be a great encouragement.
And so in some of the countries around the world, where Christians are a very small minority, the fact that they are linked to a global body brings greater encouragement.
If you feel like you’re living in isolation and you think you are alone it is very easy to get discouraged and despondent and want to leave. But if you realize that you are part of a growing network of believers it doesn’t mean the problems go away, but that you are facing your problems and challenges with a growing group of people that share a common set of values with you.
I think also forming an Evangelical Alliance, which has been demonstrated in other countries, helps in negotiations with governments because the government becomes aware that this group of evangelicals – even though small in their country – is part of a huge network of people around the world. So it is not small or a cult but part of a large Christian family. So when you negotiate different things with the government having that backing is really important.
CP: There is a serious problem with kidnapping of Christians in Iraq. Would the WEA help address this problem? I know the organization has helped raise awareness in a similar situation during the abductions of a pastor and two Christians in war-torn Sri Lanka earlier this year.
Tunnicliffe: We would certainly alert people about these incidents. Part of the role of WEA is to be a megaphone for the evangelicals in a particular country. Whether it is the Palestinians, evangelicals in Israel, Indonesia or in this case Iraq, we would want to tell their stories that are not being told so that the Christian community around the world can pray for them. It is about highlighting stories that almost never get told.
CP: Is there any fear that extremists would attack the WEA center or would it be very covert?
Tunnicliffe: I’m not sure what it would look like. Whether it would be an office in a church or what – I don’t know that. I think this is where we take the lead of Iraqi Christians. The last thing we want to do is draw more attention that will bring them harm. So I think listening to their wisdom rather than going in with our agenda is important. We want to listen to their agenda and try to help facilitate that and be responsive to that.
CP: What are some of the types of organizations that you are looking to partner with in building the Alliance in Iraq? What are some of the current unmet needs?
Tunnicliffe: We are in a learning curve with the churches there to identify what are the most important needs. So obviously one of their needs is to help with the finances to fund the development of the Alliance – which isn’t a huge amount of money.
Also, right now I think we need help calling the attention of Christians to focus on the Christians in Iraq. When most people think of Iraq, they don’t think of Christians there and often times it is not in their frame of reference. Part of what we have to do is get various organizations and ministries promoting prayer and concern for the Iraqi Christians. Continue »
