introduction to wea rlc
WEA RLC Booklet 2020
Introduction
The Religious Liberty Commission (RLC) of the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) is monitoring the religious liberty situation in more than 100 nations, defending persecuted Christians, informing the global Church, challenging the Church to pray and giving all possible assistance to those who are suffering. The RLC also makes fact finding trips and meets with governments and ambassadors speaking up for the suffering brothers and sisters. At the United Nations the RLC reports about the situation and arranges pecial hearings with Christians from countries under pressure.
Purpose
The purpose of the RLC is to promote freedom of religion for all people worldwide as defined by Article 18 of the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights1, and in accordance with Scripture. Our aim is to help all people, but especially Protestant Christians, to exercise their faith without oppression or discrimination. Because the WEA represents some 600 million Christians in 129 countries, it is both an effective and influential global network.
In particular, the RLC seeks to protect the freedom of evangelicals by monitoring religious liberty, responding to infringements of religious liberty and promoting the need for constant vigilance in maintaining religious liberty. Our specific approach to mission is based upon the initial developmental process from 1988-92.
1 The UN Declaration on Human Rights states that: “Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.”
Desired Results
The results of our policies and activities will be to strengthen the ability of the body of Christ worldwide to express its faith by fostering an environment in which Christians are free to fulfill their biblical mandate, and to equip the Church in responding to discrimination, pressure and persecution.
Vision Statement
To serve as a coordinating and networking team within the international political advocacy community that can effectively serve evangelicals being persecuted, harassed and oppressed because of their faith. We do this primarily by responding to and partnering with WEA member organizations.