Christian mission and FoRB

The genesis for this special issue on Christian missions and Freedom of Religion or Belief was a symposium at Fjellhaug International University College in Oslo, Norway, in September 2023. Many of the students at Fjellhaug are training to be missionaries, so the topic was of great interest to both faculty and students. A rich variety of papers was presented, and only a small sample have made it into this issue.

We start with two opinion articles. The first comes from Anna Hampton, a pseudonym for a former missionary to Afghanistan who now develops training resources for a theology of risk. Hampton distinguishes between a theology of suffering and a theology of risk, arguing that missionaries in sensitive regions need both of these. The second opinion article, by Amy West, addresses a theology of suffering, complementing Hampton's contribution.

The first peer-reviewed article is my overview of international human rights law and advocacy on freedom of religion or belief. It urges organizations and training facilities to ensure that missionaries are properly trained in all aspects of religious persecution, including legal matters.

Carsten Polanz examines the 2019 Catholic-Sunni Document on Human Fraternity. He has provocatively titled his article "Is the glass half full or half empty?" because he addresses both the positive aspects of this document for inter-religious dialogue between Christians and Muslims and also the possible restrictions it might impose on Christian missionary activities.

Wolfgang Häde, a noted expert on Turkey, looks at negative perceptions of Christians as portrayed in Turkish newspapers. He notes that suspicion of Christians is exacerbated for political gain. His article is a valuable case study because many of the roots of religious discrimination and persecution in Turkey are similar to those in other countries.

In a similar vein, Torbjörn Johansson analyzes theological responses to totalitarianism, starting with German and Norwegian Christian leaders' statements on Nazi Germany. He then considers ways in which modern welfare states are adopting totalitarian tendencies to control thought and speech. This development has negative implications for mission as the state limits certain types of religious speech that it finds offensive.

Christof Sauer explores the feasibility of establishing a Mission Hostility Index, which would be useful in preparing missionaries for work in sensitive and hostile areas.

Finally, Anja Hoffman analyses the chill on religious expression in secular Europe. Her data shows that religious views are not acceptable in many settings, including universities. Christian students self-censor so are less likely to share their Christian faith with others.

I commend to you the usual Noteworthy section. Many annual surveys of FoRB have been published in the first months of 2025, as well as country and regional updates. There is also an excellent selection of book reviews.

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.

Yours for religious freedom,
-Prof Dr Janet Epp Buckingham (Executive Editor)