As a web search will show, articles questioning the theology and organization of WCDN have been posted. Controversy is to be expected for any large, Christian organization. We have no "dark secrets," and so wholeheartedly welcome any open-minded debate, and would believe our audience is mature, able to form balanced and seasoned assessments.

Some of the more extreme allegations against WCDN are voiced in such an immature and extreme manner few would take them seriously. This does, however, not apply to all negative coverage, and choosing not to address these claims could easily be perceived as a silent admission to their truthfulness.

I have therefore endeavored to respond to some common misunderstandings.

Which theological positions does WCDN endorse?

It is important to stress WCDN is not a denomination, nor a missions agency. Thus, while there are a number of essential doctrines WCDN holds to, there is considerable room for people of varying confessions. No one can dispute that the Old and New Testaments are the Word of God, the final authority on truth, worldview, belief and conduct. All men are sinners, and are saved by grace through belief in Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

This being said, among WCDN’s members one finds mainline Evangelicals, Pentecostals, Charismatics, and Catholics, to name but a few. Some members may have opinions others may think are rather unorthodox. However, that some endorse such theologies or offer literature at bookstands, does not imply that WCDN as such has taken a stance in the matter.

How is WCDN structured? What defines it?

WCDN is not a denomination with a mission to defend and propagate certain brands of theology. If it did, the network would exclude a lot of people, and severely hamper networking with Christian medical professionals.

For example, I am co-pastoring a Vineyard church in my home town, and I have a firm theology on healing, worship styles, etc. In my church, we have a quite "flat" structure, and we encourage all members to find out what they’re good at, and then ask them to minister with their gifts. I would therefore find it hard to join WCDN if was a strongly hierarchical, and only people at the top of the "pyramid" could order the shots. That would go against my convictions.

Fortunately, WCDN has given the arrangement committee for the conference complete freedom in setting up the program, choosing speakers, testimonials etc. Therefore, I am happy to be in the committee.

Along with me, arranging the forthcoming congress, there are evangelical Lutherans, Pentecostals and Charismatics. I do not agree with all their theological standpoints. Still, I am happy to work together with them, because, EG, the Biblical mode of baptism and a host of other doctrines are irrelevant in this context. (We’re not planning to baptize anyone!) But we all agree about The Great Commission, and are hoping testimonies about healings will glorify God and turn many to Him, especially medical professionals. The congress is just a means to that end.

What unifies us, and WCDN globally, is the belief that God both can and does heal diseases modern "school" medicine cannot cure. WCDN seeks to testify to Gods glory by documenting such cases in a scientifically sound manner. The denominational affiliation of the patient, doctor and other involved parties, along with the manner in which healing was obtained (laying on of hands, anointing, fasting etc) is secondary, but not irrelevant.

Which standards does WCDN expect of its members?

It is important to encourage sound practices. WCDN does not endorse pressuring patients, breaching of confidentiality, or holding back medical treatment. The rights and will of the patients must be respected, and civil and courteous conduct must be upheld.

This being said, many Christian professionals believe faith and medicine should be kept separate. Any spiritual matters, they say, should be avoided in a clinical setting. I know many Christians who have never addressed anything beyond the medical and social realms in their contact with patients.

WCDN, however, takes a different approach to this. We believe God can intervene when medicine fails. Withholding God from reaching out His hand when he prompts us to, would be withholding treatment from the patient. That is a serious matter.

No, not everyone gets healed. But then, no medical treatment guarantees success, either. Still, knowing this, we offer medical treatment!

What we can guarantee, is resurrection in a sound body to eternal life for all who by faith receive salvation in Jesus Christ. We have a glorious hope that defeats the sting of death.

What about other Christian medical associations?

One does well to ask why other Christian medical associations do not address seeking documentation of divine healings in a systematical manner. They address ethics (EG abortion, euthanasia), missions (medical outreach), theological training, interpersonal skills development and spiritual nourishment of its members. I assume one of the reasons is that healing is a controversial and divisive matter, much like different views of the gifts of the Spirit have divided Christians globally. Also, miracles may give rise to uncomfortable questions for people who never experience them, in the same way Jesus made life hard for the Pharisees.

I am a member of the Norwegian Christian Medical Association (NCMA), and it really hurts me to see it distancing itself from WCDN. Their explanation is they fear WCDN has committed itself to certain theologies, especially prosperity theology. I believe NCMA has arrived at an erroneous conclusion, and also hope it will change its position if they attend the conference. Their leadership has been invited, but has so far declined. But I pray that you will come, and make up your own mind. "Test all things, hold on to the good." Jesus has promised he will guide all of us to the truth.