THE FAMILY

Adopted by the General Conference in 1990

Inasmuch as modern society has eroded the biblical ideal of the family and its practical existence, and

Inasmuch as homosexual couples, unmarried heterosexual couples, and even groups of persons simply maintaining a common household are seeking to gain legal and social status as families, with all due rights and privileges given to families, including but not limited to social benefits or rights such as child rearing and custody, spousal or dependent insurance, inheritance rights, and tax exemptions.

Be it resolved that the United Pentecostal Church International uphold the biblical ideal of the basic family as one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4-9; Ephesians 5:22-25, 28), married by law in accordance with all biblical injunctions; and all offspring of such a couple, biological or adopted. (Psalm 127:3; Leviticus 14:29; James 1:27); with the extended family being comprised of the various relatives of blood and marriage resulting from the lawful union of a man and woman (Leviticus 25:25,47-49; Numbers 27:6-11; Judges 18:19; Acts 10:2, 11-14; 16:31-32).

And be it further resolved that the United Pentecostal Church International and its constituent ministers uphold the biblical ideal of the family in doctrine and example, publicly defending the family as the most critical social institution ordained by God, while making all reasonable, practical efforts to resist legal recognition of persons or groups as families when such persons or groups contradict biblical teaching on morality and the family.

There is now a newer position on this subject, as noted below, and it replaces the above.

Adopted by the General Conference 2012

The Biblical Ideal of Marriage and Family

Inasmuch as modern society has eroded the biblical ideal of the family and its practical existence, and

Inasmuch as homosexual couples, unmarried heterosexual couples, and even groups of persons simply maintaining a common household are seeking to gain legal and social status as families, with all due rights and privileges given to families, including but not limited to social benefits or rights such as child rearing and custody, spousal or dependent insurance, inheritance rights, and tax exemptions, and

Inasmuch as a growing number of states, with the support of certain national leaders, have attempted to change the legal definition of marriage to include same-sex couples.

Be it resolved that the United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI) uphold the biblical ideal of the basic family as one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4-9; Ephesians 5:22-25, 28), married by law in accordance with all biblical injunctions; and all offspring of such a couple, biological or adopted (Psalm 127:3; Leviticus 14:29; James 1:27); with the extended family being comprised of the various relatives of blood and marriage resulting from the lawful union of a man and woman (Leviticus 25:25, 47-49; Numbers 27:6-11; Judges 18:19; Acts 10:2, 11-14; 16:31-32).

Be it further resolved that the UPCI and its constituent ministers uphold the biblical ideal of the family in doctrine and example, publicly defending the family as the most critical social institution ordained by God, while making all reasonable, practical efforts to resist legal recognition of persons or groups as families when such persons or groups contradict biblical teaching on morality and the family.

And be it further resolved that the UPCI go on record as actively opposing any attempt to change the definition of marriage that broadens this sacred institution from the union of one man and one woman.

There were some who voiced their thoughts regarding the 2012 resolution:

UPC Resolution would Strengthen Stance on Marriage by Chris Bankard: "The resolution up for vote, suggests that the UPC will become more vocal and active in public support of traditional marriage. The following is the resolution that passed in 1990, with the bold portions being the proposed changes to further strengthen the stance of the denomination on marriage."

News Bulletin from the UPCI General Superintendent, 22-Jun-2012 by David Bernard. (Brief mention)

The above are position papers of the United Pentecostal Church International and are provided for informational purposes.

Page Added October 6, 2005 & Updated April 28, 2016

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