Journal Issue Explores Intersection of Christian Mission and Religious Freedom - Faith & Freedom News

Special edition examines theological, legal, and practical challenges for missionary work in contexts of religious hostility

Fjellhaug International University College Symposium Leads to Thought-Provoking Publication

The latest issue of the International Journal of Religious Freedom (Vol. 18, No. 1) offers a comprehensive examination of the complex relationship between Christian missionary activities and Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB). This special edition, stemming from a September 2023 symposium at Fjellhaug International University College in Oslo, Norway, presents scholarly perspectives on preparing missionaries for work in contexts where religious freedom faces significant challenges.

“Many of the students at Fjellhaug are training to be missionaries, so the topic was of great interest to both faculty and students,” explains Professor Dr. Janet Epp Buckingham, Executive Editor of the journal, in her introduction to the special issue. The publication presents selected papers from the symposium, providing readers with diverse approaches to understanding and navigating religious persecution in missionary contexts.

Theological Foundations for Missionary Work in Hostile Environments

The issue begins with two compelling opinion articles addressing theological frameworks essential for missionaries operating in high-risk environments. The first contribution comes from Anna Hampton (a pseudonym used by a former missionary to Afghanistan) who now develops training resources for a theology of risk. Hampton makes an important distinction between a theology of suffering and a theology of risk, arguing that missionaries in sensitive regions need both frameworks to navigate challenging circumstances effectively.

This perspective is complemented by Amy West’s opinion article, which focuses specifically on a theology of suffering. Together, these pieces provide a holistic theological foundation for missionaries preparing to work in regions where Christianity faces hostility or restrictions.

Legal Frameworks and International Advocacy

The peer-reviewed section opens with an overview of international human rights law and advocacy on freedom of religion or belief by Professor Buckingham herself. This article emphasizes the importance of proper legal training for missionaries, urging organizations and training facilities to “ensure that missionaries are properly trained in all aspects of religious persecution, including legal matters.” This knowledge equips missionaries with critical understanding of the legal protections available and the advocacy channels that might be necessary when religious freedom is threatened.

Interfaith Relations and Christian Mission

Carsten Polanz contributes a nuanced analysis of the 2019 Catholic-Sunni Document on Human Fraternity in an article provocatively titled “Is the glass half full or half empty?” Polanz explores both the positive aspects of this document for Christian-Muslim dialogue and the potential constraints it might place on Christian missionary activities. This balanced examination addresses one of the core tensions in contemporary discussions about religious freedom: how to encourage respectful interfaith relations while preserving the right to share one’s faith.

Case Studies in Religious Hostility

The issue features two detailed case studies examining religious hostility in specific contexts. Wolfgang Häde, a recognized expert on Turkey, investigates negative portrayals of Christians in Turkish newspapers, noting how “suspicion of Christians is exacerbated for political gain.” Häde’s research provides valuable insights into media representation of religious minorities and how such representations can contribute to discrimination and persecution.

In a complementary article, Torbjörn Johansson analyzes theological responses to totalitarianism, beginning with an examination of German and Norwegian Christian leaders’ statements on Nazi Germany. Johansson then draws connections to contemporary concerns, considering how “modern welfare states are adopting totalitarian tendencies to control thought and speech.” His analysis highlights the implications for Christian mission work as states increasingly restrict certain types of religious expression deemed offensive.

Measuring and Preparing for Religious Hostility

The final scholarly article comes from Christof Sauer, who explores the possibility of establishing a “Mission Hostility Index.” Such a tool would prove invaluable in preparing missionaries for work in sensitive and potentially hostile regions, allowing for more targeted training and preparation based on specific challenges in different contexts.

Additional Resources and Remembrance

Beyond the thematic articles, this issue includes the journal’s regular “Noteworthy” section, which highlights recently published annual surveys on Freedom of Religion or Belief from early 2025, along with country and regional updates. The publication also features “an excellent selection of book reviews” relevant to religious freedom concerns.

The issue includes a special tribute to Donald LeRoy Stults (1946–2024), recognizing his contributions to the field of religious freedom and Christian missions.

Practical Applications for Missionary Training

Professor Buckingham emphasizes the practical value of this special issue: “This issue has some important contributions for addressing challenges to religious freedom and Christian missionary activities. I hope it will encourage missionaries to be well-prepared for work in sensitive regions.”

The publication arrives at a critical time when religious freedom faces increasing challenges worldwide. According to the Pew Research Center’s most recent global studies, government restrictions on religion and social hostilities involving religion remain at historically high levels in many regions. These trends make the practical and theological guidance offered in this special issue particularly relevant for mission organizations, training institutions, and individual missionaries.

For religious freedom advocates, scholars of international religious liberty, and mission organizations preparing workers for cross-cultural ministry, this special issue provides essential insights into navigating the complex intersection of religious freedom principles and missionary activities in diverse and sometimes challenging global contexts.

The complete journal issue (Vol. 18, No. 1) is available for download through the International Journal of Religious Freedom’s website, with individual articles also accessible separately for readers interested in specific topics.