Historical DocumentsTHE MONTREAL DECLARATION
OF ANGLICAN ESSENTIALS
21 June 1994, Montreal, Canada
In necessariis unitas, in
non-necessaariis libertas, in utrisque caritas.
In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity.
Richard Baxter, 1615-1691 - 17th Century
Puritan Divine
11. The Priority of Evangelism
Evangelism means proclaiming Jesus Christ as divine Saviour, Lord, and Friend, in a way that invites people to come to God through him, to worship and serve him, and to seek the empowering of the Holy Spirit for their life of discipleship in the community of the church. All Christians are called to witness to Christ, as a sign of love both to him and to their neighbours. The task, which is thus a matter of priority, calls for personal training and a constant search for modes of persuasive outreach. We sow the seed, and look to God for the fruit. (Matthew 5:13-16; 28:19-20; John 3:16-18; 20:21; Acts 2:37-39; 5:31-32; 1 Corinthians 1:23; 15:2-4; 2 Corinthians 4:5; 5:20; 1 Peter 3:15.)