Christians are called to share their faith, but coercion or material inducements should never play a role in evangelism, says Dr. Denton Lotz, president of the Baptist World Alliance. “Religious choices must always be made in freedom,” Lotz told religious liberty leaders March 26 at the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s international headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland. 

Lotz noted that religious freedom is the cornerstone of other human freedoms.  Pointing to the example of totalitarian regimes around the world, Lotz said that “whenever religious freedom is denied, other freedoms are also denied. Defending religious freedom is also about defending democratic ideals—the freedom of choice and the free exchange of ideas.” 

Lotz was at the Adventist Church headquarters to attend a board meeting of the International Religious Liberty Association (IRLA). First envisioned by the Adventist Church in the early 1890s, the IRLA is an independent, non-sectarian association dedicated to promoting religious freedom around the world. Lotz is currently serving his second term as IRLA president.

In the informal meeting with IRLA board members and Adventist Church leaders, Lotz called organizations such as the IRLA “necessary ventures” in an age where religious freedom is increasingly under threat.  “As we enter the 21st century, there is more religious conflict than ever before,” he said.

Lotz pointed out, however, that defending religious freedom does not mean abandoning evangelistic efforts. He acknowledged that sensitivity and care are needed when “preaching Christ in a multi-cultural setting.” But he warned that the drive to embrace religious pluralism should never cause Christians to forget their mandate to “Go into all the world” with their message of faith and hope.