Following are guiding principles for belief and practice of
Christians with respect to current issues that frequently must be
addressed by people at various times.
MEDICAL PROCEDURES
1. Abortion -
2. Birth Control (Conception Prevention) - This is left to
the individuals concerned, however, following conception we are
opposed to the use of abortifacients.
3. Healing of the Sick and Injured - We believe in Divine
Healing through the providence of God in response to prayer and
encourage all people to believe the Lord for deliverance. We also
recognize the medical profession as an instrument in God's hands.
4. Operations and Organ Transplants - These are considered
to be a personal choice for the individuals concerned.
5. Dissection, Autopsies and Donations to Organ Banks -
These are left to the individuals concerned.
6. Prolongation of Life and "Right to Die"
(Removal of Life Support) - These are left to the individuals
concerned.
7. Dietary Laws - We have no dietary restrictions.
8. Sterilization - Sterilization should be left up to the
individual. It should not be mandatory.
9. Burial/Cremation of Fetus - This matter is left to the
individuals concerned.
10. Burial/Cremation - This matter is left to the
individuals concerned.
11. Attitudes toward Medication, Vaccines and Blood - We
are sympathetic to medication including blood transfusions and
vaccines. We are opposed to the use of narcotics, except under
strict medical supervision.
12. Hypnosis - We are opposed to any form of hypnosis.
13. Occult Practices - We are opposed to all occult
practices, including communication with spirits and altered states
of consciousness.
14. Attitudes toward Therapies - Generally, we approve of
professional therapeutic treatment in recognized and legitimate
forms. There probably would be restrictions in "off-beat"
practices.
POLITICAL, MORAL AND SOCIAL ISSUES
1. Homosexuality - We are opposed to homosexuality. Based
on the teaching of the Holy Scripture, it is declared to be sin. We
encourage those engaged in homosexuality activity to cease such
acts, and to seek forgiveness and deliverance through Jesus Christ.
2. Divorce - We encourage strong marital relationships and
discourage divorce, except in extreme cases and then only as a last
resort. We believe in healing for crumbling or broken marriage.
Divorced and remarried persons are accepted in love and grace as
members, provided they have received Christ as their Savior and
demonstrate the Christian life. We believe God alone is the final
judge.
High standards have been set for ministerial credentials. The
Corporate Bylaws cover the subject of divorce and remarriage
relating to clergy. There are ethics committees established to
consider individual cases upon appeal.
3. Premarital/Extra-Marital Sexual Activity - The Holy
Bible declares such activities to be sin. We are opposed to all sex
outside of marriage. We encourage those engaged in these
relationships to cease such acts, and to seek forgiveness and
deliverance through Jesus Christ.
4. Dress and Conduct - We encourage modesty and
moderation. We have no published regulations as such. We approve of
good, clean, healthy recreation and entertainment.
5. Death Penalty - The Bible authorizes the death penalty,
but permits mercy. No one is beyond the redemptive grace of our
Lord.
6. The Role of Government in Requiring Medical Treatment -
Generally, we are in agreement that all should receive treatment,
but we recognize the individual's right to refusal.
7. Position on the Tax Status of Property Owned by Religious
Groups - We believe in exemption from taxation of all properties
used for religious purposes, but not those used for unrelated
business purposes.
8. Position on Religious Services, Personnel and Facilities in
State Institutions - We favor this and participate at several
levels.
9. The Role of Government in Requiring Specific Courses in
Public Education - We object to certain courses, like evolution
and the liberalities used in sex education. We believe it is the
responsibility of the government to see that a good general
education is provided for all.
10. View on Sex Education in Public/Private Schools - Sex
education should be the primary responsibility of the parents with
schools being secondary. This responsibility should extend to
encourage acceptable educational programs in both private and public
schools.
11. View on Women in Leadership in Church Offices - We
believe that God calls both men and women equally into the ministry.
12. Position on Racial Integration in Church Membership and
Church Offices -
13. Position regarding to Operating or Subsidizing
Institutional Services - Many such activities are carried out by
individual churches. These are encouraged, providing the churches'
initial ministries are kept dominant.
14. Position on Public Funding of Parochial Schools - We
would favor this if it could be guaranteed freedom from government
restrictions.
15. Position on Prayer in Public Schools - We favor prayer
in public schools.
16. Civil Disobedience - We believe the Scripture teaches
we are to be good citizens of our nation, living in obedience to the
laws, "except only in the things opposed to the will of our Lord
Jesus Christ."
