National Association of Evangelicals

National Association of Evangelicals is a prominent fellowship of evangelical Protestant denominations, congregations, educational institutions, and service organizations in the United States. Founded in 1942 in St. Louis, its establishment was driven by a desire for greater unity and a more cohesive public voice among evangelicals, distinct from both fundamentalist separatism and mainline Protestant ecumenism. The organization is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and it has historically played a significant role in shaping the political and social engagement of American evangelicalism, advocating for religious freedom and promoting specific moral positions in the public square.

History

The formation was catalyzed in April 1942 at a convention in St. Louis attended by nearly 150 leaders from various evangelical groups, responding to a perceived need for cooperative action. Key early figures included J. Elwin Wright of the New England Fellowship and theologian Harold John Ockenga, who served as its first president. A pivotal early achievement was the 1943 publication of the "Evangelical Manifesto," which articulated a distinct evangelical identity. The association quickly gained influence through initiatives like the "National Religious Broadcasters" and the launch of the influential radio program "The Lutheran Hour" featuring Walter A. Maier. Throughout the mid-20th century, it provided a platform for leaders like Billy Graham and navigated the complex relationship between evangelicalism and American political life, particularly during the Cold War.

Beliefs and positions

The theological foundation is articulated in a concise statement of faith affirming the Bible as the inspired word of God, the Trinity, the necessity of salvation through Jesus Christ, and the importance of evangelism. Social and political positions have been defined through official resolutions and documents like "For the Health of the Nation: An Evangelical Call to Civic Responsibility." The association has consistently advocated for robust religious freedom protections domestically and internationally, often filing amicus briefs in landmark Supreme Court cases. It maintains traditional positions on sanctity of life issues, opposing abortion and euthanasia, and has expressed support for environmental stewardship while also addressing topics like immigration reform and racial reconciliation.

Organization and membership

The association operates as a voluntary fellowship with a representative governance structure led by a board of directors and a president, a role held for many years by Leith Anderson. Membership encompasses a diverse coalition of dozens of denominations such as the Assemblies of God, the Church of the Nazarene, and the Salvation Army, along with hundreds of local churches, parachurch organizations like World Vision, and numerous colleges and seminaries including Wheaton College. This broad network allows it to claim representation of millions of evangelicals across the United States, functioning as a unifying hub for cooperative ministry and advocacy efforts.

Activities and programs

Its activities are channeled through several key divisions and initiatives, including the Office of Government Affairs in Washington, D.C., which engages in lobbying and policy advocacy. The association provides resources and networking for pastors and church leaders through its Pastoral Ministries division. It runs the World Relief arm, which coordinates international humanitarian and development work in partnership with local churches globally. Other significant programs focus on fostering racial justice and equity within evangelical institutions and promoting creation care through the Evangelical Environmental Network. It also convenes major gatherings like the annual Evangelical Leaders Forum.

Criticism and controversy

The association has faced criticism from various quarters, including from more theologically liberal Christian groups and secular organizations for its conservative stances on LGBTQ+ issues and its opposition to the Affordable Care Act's contraceptive mandate. It has also been critiqued by some within evangelicalism, particularly from the Christian right and figures associated with the Moral Majority, for being insufficiently political or confrontational at times. Conversely, it has been challenged by progressive evangelicals and organizations like Sojourners for its close alliances with the Republican Party and specific administrations, such as that of George W. Bush, leading to debates about the co-option of evangelical witness by partisan politics.

Category:Evangelical organizations in the United States Category:Christian organizations established in 1942 Category:Religious organizations based in Washington, D.C.