Arab Christian from Nazareth Chosen to Lead World Evangelical Alliance
Move is historic shift towards the global south
The World Evangelical Alliance is making history, installing Rev. Botrus Mansour – an Arab Christian from Nazareth – as its new Secretary General, a move leaders say signals a new era of global representation and unity for one of the world’s largest faith networks.
The appointment came during a week-long General Assembly in Seoul that drew 850 delegates from 124 nations and 4,000 Korean pastoral leaders. Organizers described the gathering as a “family reunion” for global evangelicalism and a turning point for deeper collaboration between the Korean church and emerging evangelical movements around the world.
In his inaugural address, Mansour reflected on the significance of his background amid renewed hopes for stability in Israel and Judea and Samaria –much of which remains under Palestinian Authority rule. “It means something profound that, in this moment, a Palestinian Christian from Israel has been asked to serve as Secretary General,” he said. “Especially at this time, when there’s a ceasefire that I pray will last after over two years of war, I give tribute to my people and my country.”
Mansour, who has led Nazareth Baptist School since 2004 – the only nationally recognized K-12 evangelical school in Israel – brings what colleagues call a “birthplace-of-Christianity perspective” to a movement that has shifted decisively to the Global South. Up to 70 percent of the world’s estimated 650 million evangelicals now live in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
He outlined an ambitious agenda focused on unity, discipleship, religious freedom, and a global goal: reaching “the whole world with the Gospel by 2033,” the 2,000th anniversary of the resurrection. “Unity is rooted in the ministry and prayer life of Jesus,” he said. “When we live out mercy and justice, we make the reign of Christ known.”
Mansour succeeds Dr. Goodwill Shana, who led during the transition following the previous secretary general’s health-related departure. The Assembly also installed Rev. Dr. Godfrey Yogarajah of Sri Lanka as Chair of the International Council.
“For God alone,” Mansour said, “summarizes everything. I come not to lead for my own sake, but to serve – and we will move forward together.”
–Metro Voice
