While sympathetic to its aim, concern was expressed that this 'evangelical courtesy code' might be used as a 'gagging order' to keep evangelicals from standing up for what they believe. It is ironic that something designed to stimulate honest debate could be so misinterpreted. We believe that the good relationships as defined in the commitment will actually create a better environment for a real debate to take place - without the slagging off that often characterises disagreements among evangelicals. Let's face it - how we behave does matter. If we are to make a difference in our world, our message of truth must not be obscured by evangelicals behaving badly.
Truth has to go with love, and vice versa.
But we have no desire to act as the evangelical world's judge or policeman. Please read the Evangelical Relationships Commitment and let us know how you intend to put it into practice. We welcome your contribution to this ongoing debate about how controversy among evangelicals should be pursued. The 1846 Practical Resolutions Revised Living out our faith does more to promote genuine Christianity than merely professing it. So we seek to promote good Christian practice, as well as true Christian doctrine, not least by the manner in which we conduct our relationships with each other.