Here is correspondence between myself and Ambassadors for Christ concerning their link with Churches Together:
Original letter to AFC
29th October, 2010
To: Phil Misslebrook and AFC members, I appreciate the work that AFC does in its evangelism here in Cornwall, where we are in great need of sound Biblical gospel preaching and teaching. But I am writing to ask why AFC links up with the Falmouth and Penryn Churches Together?
My view (which I believe is supported by Scripture) is that the Ecumenical Churches Together movements compromise Scriptural truth and make unholy alliances with those who are perverting the gospel.
Falmouth and Penryn Churches Together have among their number: Anglo-Catholics at All Saints; Roman Catholics; and the Quakers!
How can true disciples of Jesus (who abide in His word, Jn. 8:31) associate themselves with these things?
Scripture tells us very clearly that those who preach perverted gospels are to be considered "accursed" (Greek: anathema, to be under God's disfavour and sentenced to destruction) (Gal. 1:6-10); Vine writes of this passage, "the Apostle declares in the strongest manner that the gospel he preached was the one and only way of salvation, and that to preach another was to nullify the death of Christ"; Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words). The time is drawing very close when the antichrist will arise and the world will submit to Global government and the religions (including an apostate "christian church") will join together to worship antichrist under the leadership of the second beast (see. Rev. 13:11ff). Only the true church of Jesus will stand against these things, and suffer persecution for it. Churches Together and inter-faith endeavours are preparing the way for those days, their seductive talk of peace and revival draws many in, but will prove in the end to be nothing more than demonic lies.
The battle lines are being drawn very clearly and all who profess to follow Jesus are going to have to make a hard choice - to follow God or mammon; will we take up our cross and follow Him? Will we keep His word, refuse to deny His name and persevere through the trials of these last days, holding fast to truth and so entering into the blessings of the kingdom of God? (cf. The Church in Philadelphia, Rev. 3:7ff).
I know there are good Christians in Cornwall who will not give wholehearted support to AFC because of its alliance with Ecumenicism (myself included). Will AFC come out from these things and be a vessel fit for the Master's use or will it continue to associate with those who pervert the gospel?
Yours in Christ, ps. I will circulate this letter to others and publish it on my website, I will do the same with your reply if forthcoming.
Response from John Hills, National Director of AFC, 18th Nov. 2010
Dear Paul
There are, however, times when invitations are extended to us. These are judged on their merit and if deemed appropriate and we have the freedom to evangelise, we will accept. We do not endorse any message other than that stated above.
I hope this makes our position clear.
John S Hills
Response to John Hills, 26th Nov. 2010
Dear John,
You do not however answer the question as to why AFC associates with Falmouth and Penryn Churches Together at various events. Surely this "association" creates an ambiguity concerning the doctrinal position of AFC - something I have found in talking with other Christians in Cornwall.
I find it of concern that some evangelistic organisations when questioned about doctrinal matters respond with the quip, "we preach the gospel" as if that is all that matters and that other doctrinal questions are of no importance; but we are also called to make disciples, and if we are going to make true disciples of Jesus then we must ensure that as well as hearing the true gospel, new believers are taught sound doctrine and warned about false doctrines (just as Paul did in the New Testament, the Epistle to the Colossians is a good example).
If someone is saved or expresses interest in salvation at an event where AFC is working alongside Falmouth and Penryn Churches Together is that person going to be warned of the dangers and doctrinal errors of Roman Catholics or Quakers?
Biblical testimony very clearly shows that the people of God are called to be separate from all that defiles, and it is clear from Scripture that false doctrine is a cause of defilement, as seen for instance in 2 Timothy 2:16-18 where Paul describes the false teachings of Hymenaeus and Philetus as gangrene which spreads and consequently overthrows the faith of some - the only remedy for gangrene is amputation!
Cornwall is awash with false teachings, from the charismatic extremes of 'new ecstatics' to the compromise of churches together and inter-faith; the efforts to bring together all such groups in the type of unity promoted by the likes of Cornwall Prayer Initiative, Churches Together and Dor Kemmyn is not going to bring true revival. God will not bless compromise but He will bless when His people separate themselves from all that defiles the body of Christ.
May the Lord purify for Himself, here in Cornwall, a people zealous for good works, cleansed, "sanctified and useful for the Master" (cf. Titus 2:11-14; 2Tim. 2:16-21).
In Him,
Roman Catholics, as I'm sure you are aware, deny the mediatorial priesthood of Jesus; worship Mary and saints; and believe the Pope to sit in Christ's place here on earth - all of which are contrary to the Word of God. Quakers deny the gospel completely with their belief that there is no one way to reach God.
The Anglican Churches are part of the Diocese of Truro, this diocese is promoting and supporting Dor Kemmyn, an inter-faith movement which includes Muslims, Hindus, Bahai's and pagans (with witches and druids) - it incorporates just about every imaginable belief including animism and witchcraft (see: www.dorkemmyn.org.uk).
Paul tells us further in 1 Cor. 6, "Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness: And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? (vv. 14-16); followed by the exhortation to "Come out from among them" (v. 17), upon which lies the promise of blessing in v. 18, "I will be a Father to you and you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the Almighty".
Sadly, the lie that God will bless compromise and an unholy union of faiths and hence bring revival (also promoted by the Cornwall Prayer Initiative) is very prevalent in Cornwall - it is not going to bring blessing, it brings cursing and keeps this county in darkness and under the sway of the evil one.
Paul Sherbird,
Truro
We have no formal links to any Churches Together groups as we have always endeavoured to be independent in order that we do not compromise the message of salvation through Christ. It is by being thus, we can maintain our focus on the truths of the gospel and the preaching of Christ crucified.
National Director
Thank you for your reply and the clarification of AFC's position.
Paul Sherbird