As the global church, we must remember that the core and indispensable center of our calling is gospel proclamation within our integral mission. It is the seed without which there is no multiplication.
Much has been said about the Seoul Statement. This morning, delegates were offered a chance to provide some feedback. I want to close by sharing with you what I wrote:
We would like to see the statement add language emphasizing our commitment to the essential nature of gospel proclamation.
The conciliar missions movement lost proclamation in favor of social reform, and Lausanne must remain committed to integral mission which requires verbal proclamation. The world will never push back on our doing good deeds, but they will push back on our sharing the good news.
Stand strong, Lausanne. Please commit to evangelization as our essential task at the core of our integral mission and calling.
I pray that the motto for this congress would remain our white-hot commitment: “Let the Church Declare and Display Christ Together!”
