May 29, 1999 (David Cloud, Fundamental Baptist Information Service, P.O. Box 610368, Port Huron, MI 48061-0368, fbns@wayoflife.org) - Last December the presidents of three "evangelical" Chicago-area schools dined with the Catholic Cardinal of Chicago, Francis George. The three were Joseph Stowell (Moody Bible Institute), Gregory Waybright (Trinity International University), and Duane Litfin (Wheaton College). This was reported in Moody’s student newspaper.

"Over the meal, a relationship was established among the four prominent Chicago-area religious figures. All three presidents of protestant, evangelical schools said the meeting laid out a foundation for potential mutual efforts in areas of societal issues between them and the cardinal. ‘[George, Waybright, Litfin and I] agree on social issues. For example, our stances on abortion and sexual morality are the same,’ said Stowell" (Moody Student, Feb. 2, 1999).

Francis George was elected to head up the influential Chicago Catholic archdiocese after the death two years ago of Cardinal Joseph Bernardine. This dinner marked the beginning of a relationship between a Chicago Catholic cardinal and area Evangelicals.

The school presidents stated that they do not agree with Cardinal George theologically, but they feel it is important to fellowship together to share common goals on social issues such as abortion and morality. Francis George discussed the possibility of "entering into the next millennium with a call to our congregations to pray and worship with services that might contain some common elements." Litfin said he didn’t know what the new relationship with the Catholic Cardinal might lead to, but "it’s better to have such a relationship than not to have one."

This is not what the Bible says.

"Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; AND AVOID THEM" (Romans 16:17).

"If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, RECEIVE HIM NOT INTO YOUR HOUSE, NEITHER BID HIM GOD SPEED: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds" (2 John 10-11).

"If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness … FROM SUCH WITHDRAW THYSELF" (1 Timothy 6:3-5).

"And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, COME OUT OF HER, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues" (Revelation 18:4).

My new book Evangelicals and Rome contains extensive documentation of the close association between Evangelicals and the Roman Catholic Church. It is available from Way of Life Literature, P.O. Box 610368, Port Huron, MI 48061-0368, fbns@wayoflife.org (e-mail).