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Responding to continuing controversy over remarks by some Christian leaders about Islam, evangelical leaders issued a set of guidelines on dialogue between the two communities. Reaction was mixed.

The National Association of Evangelicals (NAE), which represents 43,000 churches, and the Institute on Religion and Democracy (IRD) hastily convened the event after media questioned the appearance of Franklin Graham at the Pentagon, where he preached a sermon on Good Friday, IRD President Diane Knippers said.

Shortly after the September 11 terrorist attacks, Franklin Graham called Islam a "wicked" and "very evil" religion. Other evangelical leaders, including Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson, and former Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) President Jerry Vines, have also criticized Islam or its founder, Muhammad.

The three-page document issued at the forum calls on Christian leaders to tone down their language and talk with Islamic leaders. At the same time, it urges Christians to avoid "pretending" the two religions are the same. It also frowns on setting up interfaith organizations or worship services.

Roy Oksnevad, director of the Ministries to Muslims department at the Billy Graham Center at Wheaton College, said dialogue with Muslims is good but of limited value. "There is a dark side to Islam, and, frankly, I've never met a Muslim who understood the concept of the Trinity."

Dudley Woodberry, professor of Islamic studies at the School of World Mission at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, participates in monthly meetings with Muslim leaders. Woodberry said he is "basically pleased" with the guidelines but thinks they need "fine tuning."

In a statement, SBC president Jack Graham said Southern Baptists "will continue to aggressively share the message of Jesus Christ with all people."

Forum speakers did not directly criticize Franklin Graham during the forum. However, Michael Cromartie, vice president of the Ethics and Public Policy Center, asked the 35 leaders of schools, churches, and missions agencies present, "Do you support Franklin Graham's comments about Islam?" None raised their hands.

Graham, son of international evangelist Billy Graham, received a late invitation to the May 7 forum but could not attend. He was at his father's evangelistic mission in San Diego. However, Falwell, Robertson, and Jack Graham were not invited.

Mark De Moss criticized conference organizers for holding the forum without his client, Franklin Graham. "It's troubling and disappointing," De Moss said.

Falwell told reporters he was disappointed not to be invited. Ted Haggard, president of the NAE, said he plans to convene a meeting this fall with Franklin Graham, Falwell, Robertson, and Chuck Colson.

Knippers admitted she erred. "We were doing it very hurriedly," Knippers said. "[The invitations] did fall through the cracks. We thought big-name people wouldn't come."

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The Institute on Religion and Democracy has a press release on the meeting, as well as the meeting's "Guidelines for Christian-Muslim Dialogue." IRD President Diane Knippers also has a letter to Franklin Graham posted on the site explaining the meeting's comments about him.

Falwell also responded to the meeting, saying it "clearly violated Scripture."

Christianity Today's Weblog rounded up media coverage of the meeting.

Previous Christianity Today articles on Islam and evangelism to Muslims include:

Weblog: The New York Times Breaks the News That Christians Evangelize Muslims | Today's front page says, "Seeing Islam as 'evil' faith, evangelicals seek converts." (May 27, 2003)

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July 2003, Vol. 47, No. 7