The Chicago Declaration

Someday Christian historians may write that the most significant church-related event of 1973 took place last week at the YMCA Hotel on S. Wabash. --Chicago Sun-Times, December 1, 1973 While the rest of American Protestantism was enjoying the annual festival of orgy and guilt, [forty] or so evangelical Christians were making their way to Chicago to take part in marathon discussions which could well change the face of both religion and politics in America. --Christian Century, December 19, 1973 This new concern is more enduring than that of the liberals because it is more strongly grounded on biblical imperatives. --George Cornell, Associated Press Columnist I could identify with most of the recent Chicago Declaration . . . I think we have to identify with the changing of structures in society and try to do our part. --Billy Graham in Christianity Today, January 3, 1974 If the movement sustains itself long enough to have engagements with the churches that produced its leaders, we may see something more significant than the now-passing 'Jesus freakism' or the ongoing Pentecostal-charismatic movements. Out of this, people might be fed, the law might be rendered justly, and America might relocate itself in the world. One can dream. --Martin E. Marty, in Context, March 15, 1974

Ronald J. Sider (PhD, Yale) is Senior Distinguished Professor of Theology, Holistic Ministry & Public Policy at Palmer Theological Seminary, and President Emeritus of Evangelicals for Social Action. He is the author of more than thirty books, including Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger (1977), The Scandal of the Evangelical Conscience (2005), Christ and Violence (reprinted 2001), Saving Souls, Serving Society (2005), and I Am Not a Social Activist (2008).