Joint statement of the World Evangelical Alliance following the news of the Death of Pope John Paul
The executive committee of the World Evangelical Alliance, while meeting in Toronto at the offices of the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, heard the news of the death of Pope John Paul II.
We join with all people of goodwill in mourning the passing of Pope John Paul II. He was more than the leader of the Roman Catholic Church; he was an international statesman who sought to reach out to persons across cultures and religions to bridge differences and promote peace, freedom and human rights. His was a message of hope and understanding. He was a man of courage and conviction.
Rev. Ndaba Mazabane, chairman of the World Evangelical Alliance, says, As evangelicals we celebrate his being a champion of the sanctity of human life and care for the vulnerable, principles that we share. His deep concern with the current culture of death and his promotion of a culture of life was significant and welcome. During his tenure, despite theological differences, significant dialogue and cooperative action between Evangelicals and Catholics emerged.
We shall pray for the Catholic community in this time of grief and transition.
Executive Committee of the International Council
World Evangelical Alliance