From Exclusion to Inclusion

From Exclusion to Inclusion

EEA General Assembly 5 – 8 October 2015

Migration, Immigration, Asylum seekers, Minorities, Refugees – topics which are high on the agenda of today’s Europe. The bible calls us all aliens in this world. Some seem to be better rooted in their present environment and better connected. Is it surprising that therefore often locals claim certain privileges and that the others remain foreigners, unfamiliar people, intruders and challengers of the status quo? The bible is very clear when it comes to those others: inclusion and not exclusion. But there are no easy answers! The EEA General Assembly will wrestle with these questions and possible answers from various points of view:
  • The church and the foreigner
  • Planting a church as a foreigner
  • Intercultural church as the body of Christ
  • Ethnic diversity and how it can be expressed in church
  • How National Alliances and Organisations can support the church
  • The prophetic voice of Christians
The speakers will address this in the following way: Chawkat Moucarry in his bible expositions will look at the foreigner among us. As a Syrian who has lived in Europe for many years he knows this reality. Martin Schaser, a Romanian who has started a church in Austria, will give insight into the challenges of a church planter coming from abroad. He will also give insights how to relate to local national churches and look at inclusion of second generation immigrants into church. Living in an area with a high percentage of Muslim immigrants in Sweden Peter Magnusson will address practical questions and actions of exclusion and inclusion in the general society, the government administration and the church. Roma are probably the most classical “excluded” in Europe. Bob Hitchings from the Roma Bible Union has worked with Roma in Europe for decades. Bob will show what the bridges and obstacles are to move from exclusion to inclusion. David Wise started as a Baptise pastor in a predominantly white English church in Greenford, London, 25 years ago. Today this church attracts over 50 nations. Its leadership represents the different ethnical backgrounds. He will talk about this journey and share fascinating and practical insights. Avi Snyder from Jews for Jesus will share about the rising xenophobia in Europe and show how the church can respond and why it sometimes doesn’t. Stories, insights from National EAs, corporate prayer, interaction groups on topics and time for personal interaction will complementing this fascinating gathering. Looking forward to meeting your there Thomas Bucher

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