CHURCH AND STATE RELATIONS

Adopted by the General Conference in 1984

Inasmuch as there are referendums that are presented in local communities for public vote, and

Inasmuch as these referendums on occasion represent items of a moral and ethical nature, and

Inasmuch as pastors and/or churches have a scriptural obligation and Constitutional protection to speak out publicly about such matters in the printed news media and/or to offer appropriate support to certain organized efforts designed to influence the outcome of the referendums containing moral issues, and

Inasmuch as some churches who have already done this have been declared in some instances as "political action committees" and thereby have been instructed to file certain financial disclosure forms or face criminal prosecution, and they are now engaged in legal proceedings to determine the validity of such laws and directives,

Be it therefore resolved that we as an organization reaffirm our position of maintaining that churches and ministers have scriptural precept and Constitutional protection for freedom of speaking on matters of moral and ethical nature.

Be it further resolved that we deny the designation of churches as "political action committees" when voicing opinions on public referendums of moral and ethical consequence and that we disapprove of filing financial disclosure forms.

Be it further resolved that we authorize whatever action be taken in support of our opposition to the progressive intrusions into the ministries of churches by governmental agencies with these actions being directed by general and executive boards to be sure that they are in harmony with our purpose as a church.

The above is a position paper of the United Pentecostal Church International and is provided for informational purposes.

Page Added October 6, 2005

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