Recommended titles for study of The Cape Town Commitment
The Lausanne Movement
The Lausanne Movement was founded following the 1974 Congress on World Evangelization, held in Lausanne, Switzerland. This Congress was convened by the evangelist Billy Graham, working closely with the pastor-theologian John Stott.
Lausanne is a network of leaders, thinkers and reflective practitioners. It serves the body of Christ as a catalyst for engaging major issues by:
• Connecting and convening evangelical leaders (in Christian ministry, and in the secular professions) for discussion, prayer and strategic action on issues which impact the Church and God’s world;
• Communicating ideas and strategy by, for example, publishing books and occasional papers , and using social media, to inform, persuade, and stimulate ideas and action;
• Hosting discussion and resource sharing through the online Lausanne Global Conversation, which provides a forum for ideas, and strategy on mission and evangelization.
The Third Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization (Cape Town 2010) brought together more than 4,000 participants from 198 countries. The Cape Town Commitment, issuing from this Congress, stands in the historic line of The Lausanne Covenant (1974) and The Manila Manifesto (1989). It opens with a Confession of Faith, framed in the language of covenantal love, followed by a Call to Action. Its Call to Action reflects the voices of all who participated in Congress discussions, in a genuine desire to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit. The Cape Town Commitment forms the basis for Lausanne’s priorities.
The Lausanne Movement is anchored by its Theology Working Group, originally established under the leadership of John Stott, who served as chief architect of The Lausanne Covenant. In addition it has Working Groups on Strategy, Intercession and Communications.
‘The spirit of Lausanne’
The phrase ‘the spirit of Lausanne’ arose out of the 1974 Congress. It captures the Movement’s ideals: dedication to prayer, and to the study of God’s Word; a desire to work in unity and partnership; a clear reflection of the hope of the gospel; and humility in service.
To learn more, and to join the Lausanne Global Conversation on mission and evangelization, go to www.lausanne.org or email [email protected].
Recommended titles for study of The Cape Town Commitment
Christ our Reconciler (IVP UK 2012. Ed. J E M Cameron, ISBN: 978-1-844745-77-7)
The Cape Town Commitment Study Edition (Hendrickson 2012. By Rose Dowsett, ISBN: 978-1-619700-27-7)
The Cape Town Commitment: Bibliographic Resources (Wipf & Stock, 2013. Ed. Darrell Bock, ISBN: 978-1-62564-003-1)Langham Partnership