2 of 3

Such communication is important in preparing for a hostage situation, observers say. Clear policies need to be developed before a crisis develops, and missionaries and their families must understand what actions to expect in such an instance. Unclear expectations with families or governments can cause disparate messages. "What never works is more than one negotiator coming from more than one perspective," Klamser says. "Kidnappers pick up on that real fast. Now we have an auction, not negotiations."

Bob Creson, associate executive director of field operations for SIL International, says, "Whatever decision the U.S. government makes is not going to change the way we deal with this issue or our value system." However, his concern is that the change in policy could cause a potential appearance of a "liberal environment." Kidnappers may expect American organizations to pay ransom, even if it is not actually the case.

Is it ever morally acceptable for Christian organizations to pay ransom? Those interviewed for this story compare the problem with the "just war" theory. Former University of Miami's North/South Center think-tank member Richard Millet says, "The church must look at the collective good instead of the individual good—is the evil caused less than the evil prevented?"

Mission representatives say the line is drawn at whether anyone else will be put at risk. Klamser says that if a missionary couple is ransomed for $20,000 seven days after their abduction, "that's not bad for a week's wages, and [paying it] probably would encourage future kidnappings."

But if there were a case where $20,000 is paid after 18 months of captivity, Klamser says, the payment becomes little more than a means to save face for the kidnappers who would actually lose money on the deal. "That doesn't even meet the standard of a ransom," he told CT. "I know that the kidnappers would not be motivated to kidnap again based on how that one worked out."

Gustavo Crocker, senior vice president of programs for World Relief, says that in missionary settings, local organizations are extremely leery about even the impression that organizations will consider paying ransom. "Once the word gets out, then missionaries are going to be the target of kidnappers," he told CT. "It doesn't merit us to even consider ransom."

Crocker said that with World Relief's policy to not participate in ransom negotiations, the organization respects the government's policy. "It gives us peace … because we know that the U.S. government is not going to allow the kidnappers to enjoy the benefit of ransom," he says. "And yet, we know they will do anything in their power to bring people back to the nation."

Todd Hertz is assistant online editor for Christianity Today.

Copyright © 2002 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

Recent Christianity Today articles on missionary security include:

Big, Soft Targets | Christian relief agencies no longer work in war zones—they are the war zones. (Feb. 4, 2002)

Flying Unfriendly Skies | Recent tragedy highlights courage, risks of mission aviators. (June 11, 2001)

Articles on kidnapping cases include:

Missionaries Defy Terrorist Threat in Colombia | U.S. Embassy says North Americans are guerrilla targets. (April 30, 2002)

Missionaries May Be Target Of FARC Guerrillas | U.S. embassy in Colombia issues warning to missionaries and churches. (March 8, 2002)

next page... |  2 of 3

share this page

May (Web-only) 2002, Vol. 46