Friday, February 18, 2005
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
RESOLUTION GAINS GROUND
Christian
leaders slowest to endorse
By Mark Ellis
 BELLFLOWER, CALIFORNIA
(ANS) -- Muslim, Christian and
Jewish believers are lending their signatures to a resolution calling
for freedom of religion throughout the world, but organizers express
disappointment that Christian leaders have been the slowest to ratify
their efforts. (Pictured: Garry
Ansdell, right, with Ameal Haddad).
“Our biggest frustration is with Christian leaders,” says Ameal Haddad,
pastor of the Bellflower Church of God Haddad was born in Palestine
before the birth of the modern state of Israel. Raised in Jordan by
Catholic parents, an American evangelist visited their town and the
whole family was born-again.
He founded ‘Ambassadors for Peace’ with Garry Ansdell, pastor of
Hosanna Chapel in Bellflower. The resolution they crafted calls for
religious freedom in all countries of the world, as well as a right of
conversion without fear of retribution. The resolution was signed by
Muslims such as Dr. Mohamad El-Batran, a senior senator in Egypt and by
Shimon Erem, a retired Israeli general.
“This is not about politics or ecumenical movements,” says Ansdell.
“It’s about the divine right to make choices and stand up for what you
believe without fear of reprisal,” he says. “We want the ability to
share our faith no matter what.”
Haddad would like Christian leaders to see the merits of the
resolution. “Some say the Muslims will not accept this, or that it
won’t work,” he says. “A big wall has been built by the Muslims and
communism. All we’re trying to do is tear down these walls.”
Some Muslim leaders have responded, and even a few atheists have signed
the document. “Our ultimate objective is to take this to world leaders
to effect freedom of religion,” Haddad says. “We’re not asking them to
convert.”
The efforts of Ambassadors for Peace parallel President Bush’s efforts
to foster democracy throughout the world. “Bush is seeking freedom
politically,” Haddad notes. “But how can a man be free in his intellect
if he’s not free in his soul?”
Recently, the entire resolution was translated into Arabic and
published in the “Arab World” newspaper, published in Anaheim,
California. Haddad has scheduled several overseas trips in the coming
months to promote the resolution, including stops in Egypt and Cuba.
Mark Ellis is a Senior
Correspondent for ASSIST News Service. He is also an assistant pastor
in Laguna Beach, CA. Contact Ellis at marsalis@fea.net
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