lesson 17

• reconciliation

  being reunited in a positive sense with someone one was separated from.
• persecution


  being treated badly , for example because of religious beliefs.
• the worldwide church

  the entire Christian community globally
• the ww church uses its influence campaign on issues such as:

  welfare for the poor

  peace, reconciling civil conflict + conflict between nations

  the end of racism + other inequalities + breaches of human rights
• example of Christians who faced persecution for their beliefs:

  Peter + Paul were executed by the roman empire
• christians still face persecution for their beliefs: 


  they may no be able to worship publicly or have access to Bibles, may even face threats + violence

  persecution can occur if a state dislikes all religious beliefs which occurs in communist states , eg: soviet union
• examples of Islamic extremist groups

  boko haram in nigeria
• • some Christians seek reconciliation with their persecutors + pray for them + forgive them as Jesus taught.
  • Many Christians try not to lose faith due to persecution , believing it's part of God's plan.
  • However, some Christian churches may meet + worship in secret to preserve the safety of their members , and some Christians are forced to leave their homes to escape persecution.
• • some church leaders try to negotiate between conflicting parties to get them to come to an agreement
  • for example, pope francis , leader of the catholic church , worked to reconcile the US w Cuba.
• • churches speak out against inequality + campaign for laws to change to make things equal
  • for example: the churches speak out against inequality + campaign for laws to change to make things equal.
  • for example: the Christian church , including members such as : Archbishop Desmond Tutu ( Anglican) , helped to reconcile white people + black people after apartheid in South Africa.
• • the church wants everyone to live in harmony - to create a better world
  • they also work for reconciliation because Jesus stressed that this is important.
  • Jesus taught to treat enemies well , to forgive others + to treat people w respect.
• "love your enemies + pray for those who persecute you"
• the ecumenical movement : church organisation which promotes Christians working together:

  • Churches may have joint services to strengthen links
  • local churches of diff denomination may organize joint activities , such as fundraising for charity
  • national level diff denominations may work together to challenge unjust laws, or to work for peace.
• • One ecumenical organisation which aims for all churches to work together worldwide, without trying to make them the same, is the World Council of Churches. 
  • This incorporates many of the main Christian denominations.  The Catholic Church is not a member, but cooperates and interacts with it.
  •   The World Council of Churches wants Christians to work together for a better world, and for Christians to feel unity in Jesus.
• “You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.” But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…’ (Matthew 5:43–44 NRSV)