Slain relief workers were not proselytizing, Christian group insists
August 09, 2010
After 10 members were killed in Afghanistan, a Christian relief group has denied that its members are engaged in efforts to convert Muslims.
Leaders of the International Assistance Mission, responding to reports that 10 staff members were killed by the Taliban, said that their mission in Afghanistan is humanitarian. "Our faith motivates and inspires us, but we do not proselytise. We abide by the laws of Afghanistan," insisted Dirk Frans, executive secretary of the group.
For all current news, visit our News home page.
Further information:
All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a current donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!
-
Posted by: stpetric -
Aug. 09, 2010 7:26 PM ET USA
I would appreciate greater clarity in the understanding and use of the word "proselytize". The media-and even some in the church-seem to use it as a synonym for "evangelize". But it seems to me that "proselytize" has negative connotations that we ought not associate with evangelism, such as implications of deception, coercion, bribery, etc. In my more paranoid moments, I suspect many in the media are happy to foster that confusion, because they see evangelism as inherently suspect.
