As the war in Isreal war forges on, drawing close to a yearly marker since its shocking beginnings, controversy, backlash, and tension continue to escalate around the globe as leaders and theologians alike grovel for ways to respond, desperate to find common ground and gain a little peace. According to NBC News, "Health officials in Gaza say more than 41,000 people have been killed in Gaza since Hamas's October 7 terror attacks on Israel, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 250 people taken hostage, according to Israeli tallies."
Due to the sensitive nature of this matter, Valdir Steuernagel, a senior adviser of the Lausanne Movement, a Latin American-based global outreach mission, faces much criticism for contentious remarks made by Ruth Padill DeBorst, one of the speakers, during the World Evangelization convention in Incheon, Korea.
"In her speech that formed part of the session on Recommitment – Calling the global Church toward faithfulness in word & deed, DeBorst spoke about the prophecy in Micah 6:8 that says, "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." Later on, she referred to "loving mercy," referencing the war in Gaza, saying: "There's no room for indifference towards all who are suffering the scourge of war and violence. The world around the uprooted and beleaguered people of Gaza, the hostages held by both Israel and Hamas and their families, and the threatened Palestinians in their own territories. All who around the world are mourning the loss of loved ones. Their pain is our pain."
Several took offense to these statements, therefore commanding the Lausanne leadership to issue an apology two days later, stating in an email, "We have become aware of significant pain and offense experienced at this Congress from those in dispensational theological contexts, those who are Jews, and those engaged in ministries to Jews and/or in Isreal. Our Lausanne team, including me, failed to review the wording of the presentation carefully enough in advance or to anticipate the hurt and misunderstandings it would cause. As your brother in Christ, and on behalf of our Lausanne leadership, I ask for your forgiveness."
Meanwhile, DeBorst acknowledged that she had a short time frame to speak on the issue of injustice and that the hot topic of the current war in Gaza was one she felt needed to be addressed, whether it sparked debate or not.
DeBorst responded to Christian Daily about her speech and the issued apology, stating, "Although I did refer to 'all who are suffering' and 'all who are mourning' the world round, why would I zero in on Gaza and Palestinians? Why explicitly name only them? I am convinced that this is a current justice issue in relation to which we, as Christians, have a particular responsibility. Truly, the Hamas attack almost a year ago was abhorrent and absolutely reprehensible, and truly, people who live in Israel, Jewish, Palestinian, and others, are being threatened as I write. Their pain is our pain…far too many evangelicals around the world a-critically 'stand with Israel' and remain oblivious to the suffering Palestinians. This injustice must be named."
This speech and now controversial apology have caused quite a stir in the Lausanne movement community, leaving many concerned about the effects that could befall their local and global mission. Some theologians feel this could even lead to more tension and division than unity in an already hostile time where both sides of this war are seeking justice and a means to an end.
How Should We Respond?
The consequences of war are never generally one-sided, and emotions can fuel debate and spark conversations in every which way. Yet, while dialogue is greatly needed, we must seek to react in a way that demonstrates grace, dignity, and humility. As we come to a tipping point in this war, we must fall on our knees and pray for God's divine intervention.
Father God, we come before You in need of Your mercy and grace. It is apparent that our world in groaning and hurting as wars rage on. We cry for unity as we come together as Your people seeking to gain wisdom and guidance on how to love and pray for those that are in harm's way. We ask that You restore peace and bring unity to these places that are in desperate need of hope and healing. We also ask for Your hand on the missionaries, including the Lausanne Movement and Padill DeBorst, who are called to spread the gospel and shed light on Your message, especially in times of division, hostility, and growing conflict. Allow this to be an opportunity for us to band together as believers to support Your mission to love others by sharing with truth with dignity and grace. We ask this in Your Holy Name. Amen.
Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 2 Timothy 4:2
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Alicia Searl is a devotional author, blogger, and speaker that is passionate about pouring out her heart and pointing ladies of all ages back to Jesus. She has an education background and master’s in literacy. Her favorite people call her Mom, which is why much of her time is spent cheering them on at a softball game or dance class. She is married to her heartthrob (a tall, spiky-haired blond) who can whip up a mean latte. She sips that goodness while writing her heart on a page while her puppy licks her feet. Visit her website at aliciasearl.com and connect with her on Instagram and Facebook.