Omar Bennett
Religion and diplomacy have long been intertwined, with religious actors playing a significant role in international relations and global politics. This is especially true for Christianity, which, with 26% of its followers in Europe, 24% in Latin America and the Caribbean, 24% in Sub-Saharan Africa, and 26% in other parts of the world, including Asia and North America, has a significant global presence. The Church, as the visible kingdom of God on Earth, embodies concerns for its independence and institutional integrity, which makes the application of diplomacy in both popular and technical senses apt. The Church's diplomatic role is rooted in the great commission Christ gave to His apostles, and it seeks to influence legislative and administrative norms in alignment with its teachings on Christian behaviour while also supporting broad norms favourable to religious freedom and practice. This tension between the apostolic mandate and political authority is an ongoing challenge in Christian diplomacy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Christianity is evenly dispersed globally | 26% of Christians live in Europe |
| 24% live in Latin America and the Caribbean | |
| 24% live in Sub-Saharan Africa | |
| 26% live in Asia and North America | |
| The Church's diplomatic role | The Church occupies a global position of "sovereign independence" |
| The Church supports broad norms favorable to freedom of religious conscience and practice | |
| The Church seeks to influence legislative and administrative norms to be in harmony with its teachings on Christian behavior | |
| The Church's international diplomacy | The foundation is the great commission Christ gave to His faithful apostles |
| There is a tension between the apostolic mandate and the integrity of the Church and the profession of fealty to political authority | |
| Religious diplomacy | Religious freedom is enshrined in the UN Charter of Human Rights |
| All religions teach high moral values and promote justice, peace, and respect for human dignity | |
| All religions have the five human values, which are truth, right conduct, love, peace, and non-violence at their core |
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What You'll Learn
The Church's diplomatic role
The foundation of the Church's international diplomacy lies in the Great Commission given by Christ to his apostles. This commission involves preaching the Gospel and establishing Zion, creating a tension between the apostolic mandate and the Church's integrity, and fealty to political authorities. The Church's diplomatic role is distinct from the darker side of diplomacy, instead emphasizing its sovereign independence and unique mission.
In the context of modern diplomacy, the engagement of religious actors is crucial for pursuing national security and foreign policy objectives. This is evident in the United States, where the State Department's Office of Religion and Global Affairs plays a significant role in American diplomacy, particularly in regions with diverse religious demographics. The office has demonstrated its value by supporting U.S. embassies and posts abroad and engaging beyond the traditional scope of Islam and security.
Religions, including Christianity, promote high moral values, justice, peace, and respect for human dignity. They share core values such as truth, right conduct, love, peace, and non-violence, which can facilitate fruitful dialogue. Christianity, with its dispersed followers worldwide, encourages human love, peace, and the acceptance and tolerance of others. This makes it well-suited for diplomatic engagement.
The Catholic Church, led by Pope Francis, actively participates in international diplomacy, collaborating with other Christian denominations and representatives from various faith traditions. This religious diplomacy can bridge religious divides and promote stability and freedom, as seen in the emphasis on religious freedom in the UN Charter of Human Rights.
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Christianity and diplomacy agenda
Christianity and diplomacy is a complex and multifaceted topic that has evolved over centuries and continues to play a significant role in international relations today. At its core, the Christian church's diplomatic agenda is rooted in its interpretation of Christian behaviour and its commitment to fulfilling the Great Commission of preaching the gospel.
The church, as an institution, embodies concerns for its independence and integrity, which gives it a unique position in the diplomatic sphere. While it seeks to influence legislative and administrative norms in alignment with its teachings, it also actively supports broad norms favourable to freedom of religious conscience and practice. This includes promoting high moral values, justice, peace, and respect for human dignity, which are fundamental principles shared by all major religions and essential for fostering dialogue and cooperation.
Christianity's presence in diplomacy is evident through its engagement with various religious and political leaders worldwide. For example, the Catholic Church, led by Pope Francis, actively participates in international affairs, collaborating with other Christian denominations and interfaith partners. This involvement contributes to a global dialogue that transcends cultural and societal boundaries, as seen in the convergence of religious perspectives in regions like Indonesia.
In the context of US diplomacy, the State Department's Office of Religion and Global Affairs recognises the importance of engaging with religious actors. This engagement extends beyond the intersection of Islam and security, addressing concerns related to religious freedom and human rights. By collaborating with regional bureaus and US embassies, this office strengthens America's diplomatic efforts and promotes national security and foreign policy objectives.
However, it is essential to acknowledge the challenges and tensions that arise when navigating the relationship between Christianity and diplomacy. There is often a delicate balance between the church's apostolic mandate and its loyalty to political authority. Additionally, the emergence of fundamentalism within Christianity and other religions has led to more conservative and exclusive interpretations that can influence diplomatic relations.
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Christian values in diplomacy
Christianity and Christian values have had a profound influence on diplomacy, with the Catholic and Protestant traditions forming the basis for Western diplomacy over the past 400 years. This influence is seen in both the theory and practice of diplomacy, impacting international relations and shaping foreign policy.
Christian values play a significant role in diplomatic endeavours, with the Church occupying a position of "sovereign independence" in global affairs. The Church's diplomatic role is rooted in the Great Commission given by Christ to His apostles: "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:19–20). This mandate creates tension between the Church's apostolic mission and its relationship with political authorities.
Christian missionaries have historically played a crucial role in diplomacy, often acting as cultural ambassadors and experts on foreign customs and languages. While their primary goal was to spread the Gospel, they also carried American values and culture to foreign lands, influencing local customs and beliefs. This cultural exchange facilitated greater understanding and formed the basis for diplomatic relations.
In the United States, the Protestant rejection of hierarchy and emphasis on individual salvation aligned with the country's democratic experiment, influencing American idealism and aspirations for universal human rights. This Christian philosophy of restraint and balance has had a lasting impact on diplomacy and foreign relations.
Additionally, Christian values such as respect for the individual soul, moral prohibitions, and respect for God provide a foundation for planetary co-existence and inform diplomatic efforts to bridge religious divides and foster peace.
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Christian diplomacy in the US
Christianity is the most prevalent religion in the world, with 2.2 billion members or around 32% of the world's population. In the United States, where Christians make up around 24% of the global Christian population, the religion has had a significant influence on the country's diplomacy practices.
Historically, Christian missionaries from the US played a pivotal role in shaping the nation's diplomatic activities abroad, particularly in the 19th and early 20th centuries. During this period, tens of thousands of American missionaries, notably including a large number from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly known as Mormons), ventured to regions such as Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Pacific Islands. These missionaries carried not only the gospel but also American values and culture, acting as de facto ambassadors of the United States. The growth of US diplomatic activities in these regions, including the establishment of new consulates, was closely intertwined with the expansion of Protestant missionary work.
The complex relationship between these missionaries and the US government is detailed by historian Emily Conroy-Krutz in her book "Missionary Diplomacy." Conroy-Krutz's work highlights how the US government increasingly protected and extended the reach of missionary activities, while also leveraging their presence to enhance diplomatic relations and gain insights into foreign customs and languages.
In the modern era, the intersection of Christianity and US diplomacy continues to be a relevant topic. For instance, the Christian Science Monitor, a news organization owned by The Christian Science Church, has played a role in promoting diplomacy and dialogue in the Middle East. Additionally, the theoretical framework of "faith-based diplomacy" or "religious diplomacy" acknowledges the potential for religion to serve as a bridge between nations and societies with differing values and beliefs.
However, it is important to distinguish between the official diplomatic efforts of the US government and the independent actions of the Church. The Church maintains its claim to an agency separate from any earthly authority and shapes its policies to defend its independence. While recognizing the tension between the apostolic mandate and political authority, the Church's diplomatic role is shaped by its interpretation of Christ's teachings and its pursuit of "'sovereign independence'."
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Christian influence on legislation
Christianity has had a significant influence on legislation throughout history, with the Church playing a pivotal role in shaping laws and norms in Christian-majority nations. While the specific impact varies depending on the country and denomination, Christian influence on legislation can be observed in several ways.
Firstly, Christian values and teachings have informed legislative and administrative norms in many countries with a significant Christian population. The Church, as an institution, seeks to promote norms and laws that align with its interpretation of Christian behaviour. This includes advocating for laws that protect human life, freedom of speech, freedom of conscience, and freedom of religion. The Church's diplomatic role, stemming from the great commission Christ gave to His apostles, often involves engaging with political authorities to shape legislation in accordance with Christian teachings.
Secondly, in some Christian denominations, canon law, or ecclesiastical law, governs the internal affairs of the Church. Canon law includes the rules and regulations made by or adopted by ecclesiastical authorities to govern the Christian organization and its members. While canon law is distinct from secular state law in modern times, it has historically influenced the development of civil law and common law in Europe. The Code of Canon Law, promulgated by Pope John Paul II in 1983, is currently binding on the Latin (Western) Roman Church and contains 1752 canons.
Thirdly, public opinion plays a role in shaping legislation, and in countries with a significant Christian population, biblical teachings can influence legislative decisions. For example, in the United States, about half of Americans believe that the Bible should influence legislation to varying degrees. Among US Christians, this figure is even higher, with two-thirds wanting the Bible to influence US laws at least to some extent. This can lead to the adoption of laws that reflect Christian values and ethics, particularly regarding moral and social issues.
Additionally, Christian individuals and organizations often engage in advocacy and activism to influence legislation. They may partner with politicians, non-profit organizations, interest groups, or political parties to promote their strategic vision for the world. This can include advocating for laws that align with their interpretation of Christian values, such as those pertaining to abortion, same-sex marriage, or religious freedom.
Finally, Christian influence on legislation can also be observed in the concept of "sovereign independence," where the Church occupies a global position outside of direct political authority. This allows the Church to engage in diplomacy and influence international relations independently of any specific nation, promoting Christian values and teachings on a global scale.
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Frequently asked questions
Christian diplomacy refers to the diplomatic role and practices of the Christian Church and its leaders.
The foundation of the Church's diplomacy is the great commission Christ gave to His faithful apostles.
The core values of Christian diplomacy include human love and peace, as well as the acceptance and tolerance of others.
In modern times, Christian diplomacy is practised through organisations like the United Nations and the State Department's Office of Religion and Global Affairs.
Christian diplomacy is considered essential for pursuing national security and foreign policy objectives, especially in countries like the United States, where it engages religious actors and promotes religious freedom.
