On the 8 September 1925 the International Hebrew Christian Alliance (today known as the International Messianic Jewish Alliance) was formed with this resolution (which was carried unanimously):
That we Hebrew Christians from different parts of the world standing for the Evangelical Faith now met in Conference, re-affirm our living faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, as our Messiah, and our oneness in Him; and do hereby declare that we now form ourselves into an INTERNATIONAL HEBREW CHRISTIAN ALLIANCE.
Hugh Schonfield, in his The History of Jewish Christianity (chapter XXI) wrote:
The initiative was taken by the Hebrew Christian Alliance of America (founded in 1915). They suggested as a preliminary measure the convening of an International Hebrew Christian Conference. Mark John Levy crossed the Atlantic several times in the interests of the proposal. After protracted discussion and correspondence with the British Hebrew Christian Alliance (founded in 1866), a joint letter of invitation was sent to Hebrew Christians in all parts of the world. In its way, the letter was as significant as that famous epistle to the Gentile believers issued by the first Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15). It was dated for March, 1925, and read as follows:
Dear brethren in the Lord Jesus our Messiah,
We, members of the Hebrew Christian Alliances of Great Britain and America send you hearty greetings.
Since the days of the Apostles, Hebrew Christians have been scattered units in the diaspora, ostracized by our unbelieving brethren and lost among the nations. We believe, however, that the times of the Gentiles are being fulfilled and that the God of our fathers, according to His gracious promise, is about to restore Israel to her ancient heritage. We also believe that as Hebrew Christians, though a remnant weak and small we have a share in the building up of “the Tabernacle of David that is fallen down.”
We deem it an opportune time to meet and confer together, seeking Divine guidance by prayer and the Word of God.
We have therefore decided to hold D.V. an INTERNATIONAL HEBREW CHRISTIAN CONFERENCE in London. England, this year from Saturday, September 5 to Saturday, September 12, and to this we heartily invite you.
Many living in distant parts, maybe prevented from joining us by the heavy travelling expenses, but it is hoped that the Hebrew Christians of various towns or countries may be willing to raise the means and send delegates to represent them at the Conference; they will then be able to take back a report of the proceedings.
The Hebrew Christian Alliance of London will, however. during the period of the Conference. September 5-12, give themselves the pleasure of providing hospitality to all delegates who will have registered beforehand and will have received cards and badges. To such delegates full particulars, together with the programme, will be sent in due course.
With cordial greeting.
On behalf of the Hebrew Christian Alliance of Great Britain and America.
At the election of office-bearers Sir Leon Levinson (28 March 1881 – 25 November 1936) was honored with the first presidency of the newly-formed Alliance, and the wisdom of that choice became at once evident in his presidential address which showed an immediate grasp of the great task to which he had been called and to which he dedicated his service.
Aside (by article author): Sir Leon Levinson was a zealous follower of Yeshua. He was born the son of Rabbi Nahum Chaikel Levinson and Miriam Levinson. Among his many contributions, he raised over $1,000,000 for the welfare of Russian and Palestine (today Israel) Jewish people. As president of the International Hebrew Christian Alliance he used his role to encourage believers worldwide and to promote the gospel message to the Jewish people. An article from The Jewish News of Northern California (Volume LXI, Number 26, 30 April 1926) below gives some further insight to this amazing person of God:
Hugh Schonfield goes on to say:
The first duty which the Executive Committee of the I.H.C.A. had to undertake was to draw up a Constitution. The aims of the Alliance, as set forth in the completed document, are given as follows:
- To foster a spirit of fellowship and co-operation among Hebrew Christians throughout the world.
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- By the establishment of local Alliances wherever possible.
- By watching over the spiritual development and general welfare of converts, and encouraging them to be witnesses for Christ among Israel in every sphere of life, and thus to set up again under Divine guidance “the candlestick” of witness within Jewelry.
- To present a untied witness on behalf of Christ, not only to the Jewish people, but to the world.
- To interpret the spirit of the Jewish people to the Christian world, and the spirit of the Christian Gospel to the Jews.
- To make it possible for Hebrew Christians, who may desire to do so, to share in the activities of Zionism, and to claim for them equal rights in terms of the Balfour Declaration.
- To aid Churches and Societies in their selection of Hebrew Christian candidates offering themselves forth Ministry, and supplying them with information regarding Converts as occasion may arise.
- To identify Hebrew Christians with the Jewish People in the defence of their just rights in countries in which these rights are denied them, and, when necessary, to protest against the spirit of Anti-Semitism.
The Constitution provided for the creation of National Alliances which should be affiliated to the International body, and under “membership” opened the door for Christians not of Jewish birth to become associate members, enjoying full rights except the power of voting. It was also made quite clear that the I.H.C.A. would not come under the jurisdiction of any Christian denomination.