Ethics of missionary work called into question after death
Christians are facing scrutiny for evangelizing in remote parts of the world after members of an isolated tribe in the Bay of Bengal killed a U.S. missionary who was trying to tell them about Jesus.
The death of John Allen Chau raises questions about the ethics of missionary work and whether he acted appropriately by contacting the Sentinelese, a self-sequestered Indian tribe that has resisted outside contact for thousands of years.
It is tragic, but figuring out what can be learned from Chau’s death honors his memory and passion, said Scott Harris, the missions minister at Brentwood Baptist Church and a former trustee chairman of the Southern Baptist Convention’s International Mission Board.
“In general, evaluation and accountability is so needed,” Harris said. “Maturing fieldworkers that have a heart for the cultures of the world will welcome honest, hard questions.”
What happened to John Allen Chau?
Authorities say Chau sneaked onto North Sentinel Island where the Sentinelese live and was shot by arrows before his body was buried. Researchers know little about the Indian tribe, but in the past members have shot at helicopters flying overhead and killed fishermen who drifted ashore.
To preserve their way of life, the tribe is protected by law under the Indian government. Indian ships monitor the waters around the island to stop outsiders from approaching the Sentinelese.
Chau, who left behind a diary, paid fishermen $325 to take him close to the island so he could paddle a kayak ashore. Authorities arrested those who helped Chau, and they also are figuring out if they can recover his body.
The young missionary’s family released a statement saying that Chau had nothing but love for the Sentinelese and they forgive those responsible for his death.
The Kansas City, Missouri-based All Nations said Chau was one of its missionaries and called him a seasoned traveler, well-versed in cross-cultural issues.
Mary Ho, the international executive leader of All Nations, said in a statement that they are grieving for Chau and praying for those who are mourning him as well as those who are responsible for his death.
“John was a gracious and sensitive ambassador of Jesus Christ who wanted others to know of God’s great love for them,” Ho said. “We remember too, how throughout church history, the privilege of sharing the gospel has often involved great cost. We pray that John’s sacrificial efforts will bear eternal fruit in due season.”
Racism and colonialism? Issues raised about missionary work
But some think Chau’s death exposes the darker issues surrounding international evangelism.
Corey Pigg, who created the Failed Missionary podcast and is critical of short-term missionary programs, said now is the time to look at the inherent racism, colonialism and privilege of missionary work, especially given that some are applauding Chau.
“It takes a lot of arrogance for somebody to blindly intrude on somebody else’s property and think that they need to give them something that they don’t already have,” said Pigg, who lives in Nashville and spent about seven years doing mission work.
Harris, who pointed out the interwoven relationship of race, culture and missions, said those in the missionary world cannot shy away from hard conversations and need to move forward with confident humility.
Many missions agencies are always thinking about these issues whether or not they make the right decisions, Harris said.
“The people that I know that give their lives to this, who are effective and who have longevity, they’re constantly evaluating and re-evaluating their approach, their methods, etc.,” Harris said. “There are a lot of folks who live in a consistent deep place of reflection.”
USA TODAY and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Reach Holly Meyer at hmeyer@tennessean.com or 615-259-8241.