Calling the Church to True Freedom

In 1976, on the bicentennial of the U.S., then-EFCA President, Dr. Arnold T. Olson, gave the keynote address at the EFCA annual conference, held that year at historic Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. This was his final conference as EFCA President, so his words were taken as a serious challenge to the EFCA. 

The Beacon described how Dr. Olson challenged the audience “with the richness and the shortcomings of our past and gives us a powerful bicentennial exhortation to make sure we ‘let freedom ring’ for ‘all the inhabitants’ of the land.’” 

He based his message on Leviticus 25:10 which is inscribed on the Liberty Bell: “And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year and proclaim liberty throughout all the land to all the inhabitants thereof.” 

He eloquently described the history of the thrice-cracked Liberty Bell, pointing out that the text of scripture remains unbroken. Drawing from several Old Testament passages, he shared the importance of providing true freedom for many in our country who were not treated with equality, e.g. slaves, for women and for Native Americans. His challenge to the EFCA was that we undertake this proclamation of liberty for all such groups, especially in two broad areas:  

1. The stewardship of property, such as our Earth and all we have.  
2. Human relationships with people of all colors and backgrounds.  

He noted that “The Church of Jesus Christ, according to Galatians 3:28, is classless, non-nationalistic, non-racist, non-sexist.” 

In many ways he was ahead of his time, while at the same time calling the Church to remedy issues long overdue.  

During this season of celebration on July 4, consider reading his original message in our archives.