The theological and intellectual thrust of GAFCON continued in Jerusalem today with a media briefing by respected US sociologist Dr Os Guinness and two noted ecumenical scholars, Dr. Lamin Sanneh and Dr. Salim Y. Muyaner, addressed GAFCON pilgrims on the Gospel and Reconciliation.

Dr Guinness, who gave a keynote address on Monday on the Gospel and Secularism, expanded on that theme for the media at the GAFCON press room. (see video and audio)

Contrary to what secularists believe, he said that many of the big issues of this century are deeply religious.

“You take the big historical issues - will Islam modernise peacefully? Which faith will replace marxism as an ideology in china? Will the west rediscover its roots or sever them?” Dr Guiness listed.

“You can’t answer those questions which are on the table without taking faith very seriously.”

He then related that to the crisis in the US episcopal church and the liberal theology that has become widespread.

Referring to his connections to christian work on universities, Dr Guinness said, “Of people who come to faith out of backgrounds of atheism or scepticism, they do not come to the revisionist faith. Because in many ways that’s what they already believed.”

The later session featured Professor Sanneh on engagement with Islam and issues of reconciliation with Dr Muyaner.

Short reflects on redemption

The day began with a Bible study from the Reverend David Short, whose church in Vancouver has recently voted to join the Province of the Southern Cone.

Mr Short continued a GAFCON theme of transformation, drawing from the Book of Exodus.

The book, he said, is about God fulfilling His purpose and promise through redemption and deliverance.

Redemption begins in slavery and ends in experiencing the glory of God " as does the book of Exodus.

He said that if we replace redemption with tolerance as some do today, then it is no more a Gospel.

Return to fundamentals celebrated where church began

The day also featured a late afternoon service on the Temple steps in Ophel Gardens.

The Reverend David Peleggi told the crowd of 1200 that they were standing where Peter stood on the Day of Pentecost and near where the first christians would have been baptised.

He gave a short historical overview of the area saying that it was the site of the events of Acts Chapter 2.

The pilgrims, led by African Anglican Youth Choir from Uganda, sang ‘Oh for a thousand tongues to sing my great redeemer’s praise’.