On the first Monday of the new millennium, leaders of nine religious faiths in Britain, including the Archbishop of Canterbury, stood together in the Palace of Westminster for a 'shared act of reflection and commitment'.
Together, they made a public statement: 'In a world scarred by the evils of war, racism, injustice and poverty,' they would work together 'to help bring about a better world now and for generations to come.' The Prime Minister, who hosted the gathering, described the occasion as 'progress of a very special sort'.
Paul a participant?
It was all very cosy, but somehow I could not imagine the apostle Paul being persuaded to take part in such a meeting. As evangelical Christians, while we should be very much in favour of peaceful co-existence, conversations and positive kindness towards people of other creeds, the Bible is adamant that we must not be united with unbelievers (2 Corinthians 6.14-15). Christianity is not to be confused or identified with any other religion or philosophy (Galatians 1.8-9). Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is unique and his work is unparalleled and the world is to be evangelised.
