mission
Our mission is to make disciples of Jesus Christ and spread scriptural holiness across the globe.
In our worship, we desire to surrender to and be fully devoted to one God—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We are passionate about what is important to God.
Jesus calls those who follow Him to love God wholeheartedly and love their neighbors as themselves. Our desire is to demonstrate to the world the extravagant love of God in the person of Jesus Christ.
We have been entrusted with a lifesaving and transforming message that we must share with others. Our witness is bold, compelling and fearless. Our mission advances when individuals become disciples of Jesus Christ and join God’s mission to make more disciples.
In our worship, we desire to surrender to and be fully devoted to one God—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We are passionate about what is important to God.
Jesus calls those who follow Him to love God wholeheartedly and love their neighbors as themselves. Our desire is to demonstrate to the world the extravagant love of God in the person of Jesus Christ.
We have been entrusted with a lifesaving and transforming message that we must share with others. Our witness is bold, compelling and fearless. Our mission advances when individuals become disciples of Jesus Christ and join God’s mission to make more disciples.
articles of faith of the global methodist church
I. THE HOLY TRINITY
We believe in one holy and living God, everlasting, without body or parts, Creator of all things visible and invisible. He is infinite in power, wisdom, justice, goodness, and love, and rules with gracious regard for the well-being and salvation of all, to the glory of his name. We believe the one God reveals himself as he is: three persons, distinct but inseparable, eternally one in being, majesty, power, and glory: the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
II. JESUS CHRIST
We believe in Jesus Christ, truly God and truly human, the eternal Word made flesh, in whom the divine and human natures are perfectly and inseparably united, without division, confusion, or change. As to his divine nature, he is of one and the same substance as the Father. As to his human nature, he is of one and the same substance as us, yet without sin. The only eternally begotten Son of the Father, he was born of the Virgin Mary by the power of the Holy Spirit. He truly suffered, was crucified, died for our sins, and was raised bodily from the dead. Having ascended to the throne of heaven, he is our eternal Savior and Mediator who reigns over all things and will return in glory to judge the living and the dead. We believe God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself. The offering of Christ, once made, is the perfect atonement, redemption, propitiation, and satisfaction for the sins of the whole world, both original and actual; and there is no other satisfaction for sin.
Ill. THE HOLY SPIRIT
We believe in the Holy Spirit, who proceeds eternally from the Father and the Son. He is of the same substance as the Father and the Son and is coequal with them in majesty, power, and glory. As very and eternal God, he is worthy of our worship and praise. The Spirit convinces the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. He testifies to Jesus Christ, leads us to faith in him, incorporates us into the Church, and sanctifies us through His indwelling presence. With the Father and the Son, the Holy Spirit distributes gifts and empowers the Church with everything needed to fulfill God's mission in the world. A deposit guaranteeing the glory to come, he comforts and sustains the faithful and guides us into all truth, bearing witness with our spirits that we are children of God.
IV. CREATION AND PROVIDENCE
We believe that the triune God-Father, Son, and Holy Spirit-created all things out of nothing, and nothing has been made that was not created as an act of God's will. All that the triune God creates is good, and he made all things as a free expression of his perfect love. God continuously upholds, governs, and sustains all creation by his power and wisdom. Human free will and responsibility operate within this providential framework.
V. HUMAN NATURE
We believe that human beings were created in the image and likeness of God, and that human nature was created good and endowed with dignity. We were made to love and glorify God in his perfect goodness, to love others, and to desire and work for their good. God created us male and female and designed us for family, community, and the stewardship of his good creation. We are now fallen into the corruption of sin and are very far gone from the state of original righteousness. Yet we remain of inestimable worth to God.
VI. SIN AND FREE GRACE
We believe that human beings are fallen from original righteousness and, apart from the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, are inclined to evil from birth. Original sin, which is the corruption of every person's nature, is the condition into which we are all born. Sin corrupts every part of our humanity. Apart from prevenient grace, we cannot turn to God and are unable to do works pleasing to God. Any good will that we have comes through the grace of God in Christ and the Spirit at work in us.
VII. THE CHURCH
We believe that the visible Church is the communion of the faithful under the Lordship of Christ. The Church is one, holy, catholic and apostolic in nature and in calling. It is the redemptive fellowship in which the Word of God is preached and the sacraments duly administered according to Christ's command. Qualified men and women are ordained for ministry in the Church by bishops through the laying on of hands. Under the discipline of the Holy Spirit, the Church exists for the worship and glorification of the Holy Trinity, the edification of believers, and the redemption of the world.
VIII. HOLY SCRIPTURE
We believe in the divine inspiration and authority of the Old and New Testaments in their entirety. The Old Testament is not contrary to the New, for Christ offers us everlasting life in both. Scripture is true in all it affirms, entirely trustworthy, and the only infallible rule of faith and practice. It contains all things necessary to salvation. Whatever is not revealed in or established by the Holy Scriptures is not to be taught as essential to salvation. The same Holy Spirit who inspired the Scriptures continues to work through them, illumining the Church's interpretation for the edification of the people of God. They are the basis for the Church's proclamation and a vital means of grace for all who hear them. Through the proclamation of the Word, the Spirit awakens us to sin, calls us to repentance, draws us to faith in Christ, and renews us in the image of God. The canonical books of the Old Testament are: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi. The canonical books of the New Testament are: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts, Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, Jude, and Revelation.
IX. OF THE SACRAMENTS
We believe the Sacraments, ordained by Christ, are outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace, and not only pledges or symbols of the Christian's profession of faith, As such, they are expressions of God's love toward us. They are a special means of grace by which God works in us to enliven, strengthen, and confirm our faith in him. We believe in only two Sacraments which are ordained by Christ our Lord: Baptism and the Lord's Supper. Of Baptism We believe in one Baptism, which marks entrance into the visible Church and the New Covenant in Christ. Baptism is a sign and seal of our incorporation into the household of faith in union with Christ's death and resurrection. Baptism signifies repentance, cleansing from sin, and new birth in the power of the Holy Spirit. We believe that the promises of the New Covenant include the children of believers, making infants proper and acceptable subjects for Christian baptism, which should not be denied. It is the Church's special responsibility to nurture and lead baptized children to the confirmation of their baptism as their public profession of faith and personal commitment to lifelong discipleship. Of the Lord's Supper We believe the Lord's Supper is the Sacrament of our redemption through which we are made participants in God's mighty acts of salvation. Holy Communion is both a memorial of the sufferings and death of Christ and a token of the love and union which Christians have with Christ and one another. While the elements themselves are not to be worshipped, the Holy Spirit mysteriously communicates the body and blood of Christ through the Sacrament as a means of grace, though the substance of each element remains unchanged. Those who receive this Sacrament reverently partake by faith in the body and blood of Christ until he comes again.
X. PUBLIC WORSHIP AND THE LORD'S DAY
We believe divine worship is essential to the life of the Church and the duty and privilege of all Christians. The Lord's Day is divinely ordained for public worship and a commemoration of Christ's resurrection. Gathering regularly with the people of God is necessary for spiritual growth and our sanctification. We believe the order of public worship may be modified by the church according to the needs of the worshipping community. Worship should always be held in a language and form understood by the gathered people, consistent with the Holy Scriptures, and in accordance with the order and discipline of the Church.
XI. REPENTANCE
We believe the Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin and enables us to turn from evil to faith in Christ. True repentance is expressed by our renunciation of evil and confession of sin and our turning to active participation in the means of grace and the pursuit of good works. It is a posture of humility, granted by God to unbelievers as a preparation for justification, and to believers as a continual grace through which we grow in holiness and enter deeper communion with Christ.
XII. JUSTIFICATION AND REGENERATION
We believe that justification is the gracious declaration of God that our sins are forgiven and that we are accounted righteous in his sight on the basis of Christ's merit. This declaration of God comes to us by grace alone through faith alone in Jesus Christ alone. Justification is not the result of our own good works or personal merit. For nothing can fulfill the demands of divine justice except the atoning sacrifice of Christ on the cross, and nothing can cleanse us from original or actual sin apart from him. Therefore, we are graciously invited to receive Christ by faith, placing our full trust and confidence in him as our personal Lord and Savior. Through Christ we are made children of God and heirs of eternal life. That we are justified by faith alone is a most wholesome doctrine and a great comfort. We believe regeneration is an inward renewal in righteousness through Jesus Christ and by the power of the Holy Spirit. Unless we are born again, we cannot see the kingdom of God. Through the new birth we are reconciled to God, made partakers of the divine nature, experience new life in Christ, and are enabled to serve him with our will and affections. Regeneration is our initial sanctification, after which we are renewed in holiness by degrees as we seek to be made perfect in love.
XIII. GOOD WORKS
We believe good works are the necessary fruit of faith and follow regeneration, but they do not have the virtue to remove our sins or to avert divine judgment. We believe good works, pleasing and acceptable to God in Christ, spring from a true and living faith. Through and by good works our faith is made evident. There are no works that may be required of believers beyond those commanded in Scripture. Our good works do not obligate God's favor to us or accrue merit for others.
XIV. ENTIRE SANCTIFICATION
We believe entire sanctification is a state of perfect love, righteousness, and true holiness. It is the work of God's grace through Word and Spirit. Entire Sanctification is received through faith in Christ and should be sought earnestly by every child of God. Those who have been born of God are already set free from the power and dominion of sin. They are subsequently cleansed from original sin and washed from its pollution in thought, word, and deed. Such believers are now free to love God with all their hearts, souls, minds, and strength, and to love their neighbors as themselves, walking blamelessly in God's holy commandments. The process of sanctification prepares the way for the reception of entirely sanctifying grace, through the ministry of the Holy Spirit. We believe that perfect love or Christian perfection does not deliver us from the infirmities, ignorance, or mistakes common to all, nor from the possibility of further sin. The pure in heart must guard against ongoing temptations, especially in the form of spiritual pride, by abiding in holiness through the grace and power of the Holy Spirit.
XV. THE JUDGMENT AND THE FUTURE STATE
We believe that Christ will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead. We believe in the resurrection of the body, the wicked to eternal condemnation and the righteous to eternal life in God's new creation.
We believe in one holy and living God, everlasting, without body or parts, Creator of all things visible and invisible. He is infinite in power, wisdom, justice, goodness, and love, and rules with gracious regard for the well-being and salvation of all, to the glory of his name. We believe the one God reveals himself as he is: three persons, distinct but inseparable, eternally one in being, majesty, power, and glory: the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
II. JESUS CHRIST
We believe in Jesus Christ, truly God and truly human, the eternal Word made flesh, in whom the divine and human natures are perfectly and inseparably united, without division, confusion, or change. As to his divine nature, he is of one and the same substance as the Father. As to his human nature, he is of one and the same substance as us, yet without sin. The only eternally begotten Son of the Father, he was born of the Virgin Mary by the power of the Holy Spirit. He truly suffered, was crucified, died for our sins, and was raised bodily from the dead. Having ascended to the throne of heaven, he is our eternal Savior and Mediator who reigns over all things and will return in glory to judge the living and the dead. We believe God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself. The offering of Christ, once made, is the perfect atonement, redemption, propitiation, and satisfaction for the sins of the whole world, both original and actual; and there is no other satisfaction for sin.
Ill. THE HOLY SPIRIT
We believe in the Holy Spirit, who proceeds eternally from the Father and the Son. He is of the same substance as the Father and the Son and is coequal with them in majesty, power, and glory. As very and eternal God, he is worthy of our worship and praise. The Spirit convinces the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. He testifies to Jesus Christ, leads us to faith in him, incorporates us into the Church, and sanctifies us through His indwelling presence. With the Father and the Son, the Holy Spirit distributes gifts and empowers the Church with everything needed to fulfill God's mission in the world. A deposit guaranteeing the glory to come, he comforts and sustains the faithful and guides us into all truth, bearing witness with our spirits that we are children of God.
IV. CREATION AND PROVIDENCE
We believe that the triune God-Father, Son, and Holy Spirit-created all things out of nothing, and nothing has been made that was not created as an act of God's will. All that the triune God creates is good, and he made all things as a free expression of his perfect love. God continuously upholds, governs, and sustains all creation by his power and wisdom. Human free will and responsibility operate within this providential framework.
V. HUMAN NATURE
We believe that human beings were created in the image and likeness of God, and that human nature was created good and endowed with dignity. We were made to love and glorify God in his perfect goodness, to love others, and to desire and work for their good. God created us male and female and designed us for family, community, and the stewardship of his good creation. We are now fallen into the corruption of sin and are very far gone from the state of original righteousness. Yet we remain of inestimable worth to God.
VI. SIN AND FREE GRACE
We believe that human beings are fallen from original righteousness and, apart from the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, are inclined to evil from birth. Original sin, which is the corruption of every person's nature, is the condition into which we are all born. Sin corrupts every part of our humanity. Apart from prevenient grace, we cannot turn to God and are unable to do works pleasing to God. Any good will that we have comes through the grace of God in Christ and the Spirit at work in us.
VII. THE CHURCH
We believe that the visible Church is the communion of the faithful under the Lordship of Christ. The Church is one, holy, catholic and apostolic in nature and in calling. It is the redemptive fellowship in which the Word of God is preached and the sacraments duly administered according to Christ's command. Qualified men and women are ordained for ministry in the Church by bishops through the laying on of hands. Under the discipline of the Holy Spirit, the Church exists for the worship and glorification of the Holy Trinity, the edification of believers, and the redemption of the world.
VIII. HOLY SCRIPTURE
We believe in the divine inspiration and authority of the Old and New Testaments in their entirety. The Old Testament is not contrary to the New, for Christ offers us everlasting life in both. Scripture is true in all it affirms, entirely trustworthy, and the only infallible rule of faith and practice. It contains all things necessary to salvation. Whatever is not revealed in or established by the Holy Scriptures is not to be taught as essential to salvation. The same Holy Spirit who inspired the Scriptures continues to work through them, illumining the Church's interpretation for the edification of the people of God. They are the basis for the Church's proclamation and a vital means of grace for all who hear them. Through the proclamation of the Word, the Spirit awakens us to sin, calls us to repentance, draws us to faith in Christ, and renews us in the image of God. The canonical books of the Old Testament are: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi. The canonical books of the New Testament are: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts, Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, Jude, and Revelation.
IX. OF THE SACRAMENTS
We believe the Sacraments, ordained by Christ, are outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace, and not only pledges or symbols of the Christian's profession of faith, As such, they are expressions of God's love toward us. They are a special means of grace by which God works in us to enliven, strengthen, and confirm our faith in him. We believe in only two Sacraments which are ordained by Christ our Lord: Baptism and the Lord's Supper. Of Baptism We believe in one Baptism, which marks entrance into the visible Church and the New Covenant in Christ. Baptism is a sign and seal of our incorporation into the household of faith in union with Christ's death and resurrection. Baptism signifies repentance, cleansing from sin, and new birth in the power of the Holy Spirit. We believe that the promises of the New Covenant include the children of believers, making infants proper and acceptable subjects for Christian baptism, which should not be denied. It is the Church's special responsibility to nurture and lead baptized children to the confirmation of their baptism as their public profession of faith and personal commitment to lifelong discipleship. Of the Lord's Supper We believe the Lord's Supper is the Sacrament of our redemption through which we are made participants in God's mighty acts of salvation. Holy Communion is both a memorial of the sufferings and death of Christ and a token of the love and union which Christians have with Christ and one another. While the elements themselves are not to be worshipped, the Holy Spirit mysteriously communicates the body and blood of Christ through the Sacrament as a means of grace, though the substance of each element remains unchanged. Those who receive this Sacrament reverently partake by faith in the body and blood of Christ until he comes again.
X. PUBLIC WORSHIP AND THE LORD'S DAY
We believe divine worship is essential to the life of the Church and the duty and privilege of all Christians. The Lord's Day is divinely ordained for public worship and a commemoration of Christ's resurrection. Gathering regularly with the people of God is necessary for spiritual growth and our sanctification. We believe the order of public worship may be modified by the church according to the needs of the worshipping community. Worship should always be held in a language and form understood by the gathered people, consistent with the Holy Scriptures, and in accordance with the order and discipline of the Church.
XI. REPENTANCE
We believe the Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin and enables us to turn from evil to faith in Christ. True repentance is expressed by our renunciation of evil and confession of sin and our turning to active participation in the means of grace and the pursuit of good works. It is a posture of humility, granted by God to unbelievers as a preparation for justification, and to believers as a continual grace through which we grow in holiness and enter deeper communion with Christ.
XII. JUSTIFICATION AND REGENERATION
We believe that justification is the gracious declaration of God that our sins are forgiven and that we are accounted righteous in his sight on the basis of Christ's merit. This declaration of God comes to us by grace alone through faith alone in Jesus Christ alone. Justification is not the result of our own good works or personal merit. For nothing can fulfill the demands of divine justice except the atoning sacrifice of Christ on the cross, and nothing can cleanse us from original or actual sin apart from him. Therefore, we are graciously invited to receive Christ by faith, placing our full trust and confidence in him as our personal Lord and Savior. Through Christ we are made children of God and heirs of eternal life. That we are justified by faith alone is a most wholesome doctrine and a great comfort. We believe regeneration is an inward renewal in righteousness through Jesus Christ and by the power of the Holy Spirit. Unless we are born again, we cannot see the kingdom of God. Through the new birth we are reconciled to God, made partakers of the divine nature, experience new life in Christ, and are enabled to serve him with our will and affections. Regeneration is our initial sanctification, after which we are renewed in holiness by degrees as we seek to be made perfect in love.
XIII. GOOD WORKS
We believe good works are the necessary fruit of faith and follow regeneration, but they do not have the virtue to remove our sins or to avert divine judgment. We believe good works, pleasing and acceptable to God in Christ, spring from a true and living faith. Through and by good works our faith is made evident. There are no works that may be required of believers beyond those commanded in Scripture. Our good works do not obligate God's favor to us or accrue merit for others.
XIV. ENTIRE SANCTIFICATION
We believe entire sanctification is a state of perfect love, righteousness, and true holiness. It is the work of God's grace through Word and Spirit. Entire Sanctification is received through faith in Christ and should be sought earnestly by every child of God. Those who have been born of God are already set free from the power and dominion of sin. They are subsequently cleansed from original sin and washed from its pollution in thought, word, and deed. Such believers are now free to love God with all their hearts, souls, minds, and strength, and to love their neighbors as themselves, walking blamelessly in God's holy commandments. The process of sanctification prepares the way for the reception of entirely sanctifying grace, through the ministry of the Holy Spirit. We believe that perfect love or Christian perfection does not deliver us from the infirmities, ignorance, or mistakes common to all, nor from the possibility of further sin. The pure in heart must guard against ongoing temptations, especially in the form of spiritual pride, by abiding in holiness through the grace and power of the Holy Spirit.
XV. THE JUDGMENT AND THE FUTURE STATE
We believe that Christ will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead. We believe in the resurrection of the body, the wicked to eternal condemnation and the righteous to eternal life in God's new creation.
social witness
201. Our Social Heritage
1. Following both the example and teachings of Jesus, we believe that God calls us to love and serve others around the world in His name. Since God first stirred the hearts of John and Charles Wesley to feed the hungry, visit those in prison, oppose slavery, and care for those less fortunate, Methodists have believed in meeting people at their point of need and offering them Jesus. We are convinced that faith if it is not accompanied by action is dead (James 2:17) and that, as Jesus reminded us, when we do not do what is needed to care for the least of our sisters and brothers, we likewise have not done so for Christ either (Matthew 25:45).
2. It was in that spirit that the Methodist Episcopal Church became the first denomination in the world to adopt a formal Social Creed in 1908, spurred by the Social Gospel in response to the deplorable working conditions of millions. Though reflective of its own time, the statement is still remarkably relevant even today, calling for, among other things, “equal rights and complete justice for all men in all stations of life, principles of conciliation and arbitration in industrial dissensions, abolition of child labor, the suppression of the ‘sweating system,’ a reduction of the hours of labor to the lowest practical point, a release from employment one day in seven, and for a living wage in every industry.” In turn, that prophetic witness was subsequently embraced by each of the other branches of Methodism and the Evangelical United Brethren Church and continues this day within the Global Methodist Church. As a global church, our Social Witness represents a consensus vision transcending cultures of what it means to be faithful disciples in a world that remains in rebellion against its Creator, wracked by violence and unfettered greed. It is a summons to prayerfully consider how to “do good” and “do no harm” to all as we put our faith into practice.
2. It was in that spirit that the Methodist Episcopal Church became the first denomination in the world to adopt a formal Social Creed in 1908, spurred by the Social Gospel in response to the deplorable working conditions of millions. Though reflective of its own time, the statement is still remarkably relevant even today, calling for, among other things, “equal rights and complete justice for all men in all stations of life, principles of conciliation and arbitration in industrial dissensions, abolition of child labor, the suppression of the ‘sweating system,’ a reduction of the hours of labor to the lowest practical point, a release from employment one day in seven, and for a living wage in every industry.” In turn, that prophetic witness was subsequently embraced by each of the other branches of Methodism and the Evangelical United Brethren Church and continues this day within the Global Methodist Church. As a global church, our Social Witness represents a consensus vision transcending cultures of what it means to be faithful disciples in a world that remains in rebellion against its Creator, wracked by violence and unfettered greed. It is a summons to prayerfully consider how to “do good” and “do no harm” to all as we put our faith into practice.
202. Our Witness to the World
1. We believe that all persons irrespective of their station or circumstances in life have been made in the image of God and must be treated with dignity, justice, and respect. We denounce as sin racism, sexism, and other expressions that unjustly discriminate against any person (Genesis 1-2, Deuteronomy 16:19-20, Luke 11:42, 19:9, Colossians 3:11).
2. We believe that life is a holy gift of God whose beginnings and endings are set by God, and that it is the particular duty of believers to protect those who may be powerless to protect themselves, including the unborn, those with disabilities or serious illness, and the aged (Genesis 2:7, Leviticus 19:32, Jeremiah 1:5, Luke 1:41-44).
3. The sacredness of all life compels us to resist the practice of abortion except in the cases of tragic conflicts of life against life when the wellbeing of the mother and the child are at stake. We do not accept abortion as a means of birth control or gender selection, and we call upon all Christians as disciples of the Lord of Life to prayerfully consider how we can support those women facing unintended pregnancies without adequate care, counsel, or resources (Exodus 22:23-23, Psalm 139:13-16, James 1:27).
4. We believe that all should have the right to work in safe conditions with fair compensation and free of grinding toil or exploitation by others. We respect the right of workers to engage in collective bargaining to protect their welfare. We pray that all should be allowed to freely follow their vocations, especially those who work on the frontiers of truth and knowledge and those who may enrich the lives of others with beauty and joy. We acknowledge that science and technology are gifts of God intended to improve human life and we encourage dialogue between faith and science as mutual witnesses to God’s creative power (Deuteronomy 5:12-14, Luke 10:7, 1 Corinthians 10:31, 1 Timothy 5:18).
5. We believe that God has called us to share His concern for the poor and to alleviate the conditions and policies which have produced vast disparities in wealth and resources, both among individuals and nations, giving rise to poverty. We are called to improve the quality of life and opportunities for all God’s people as we share the good news to the poor and freedom for the oppressed (Leviticus 19:9-10, Matthew 25:37-40, Luke 6:20-25, James 2:1-5).
6. We believe that all have been summoned to care for the earth as our common home, stewarding its resources, sharing in its bounty, and exercising responsible and sustainable consumption so that there is enough for all (Genesis 2:15, Leviticus 26:34-35, Psalm 24:1).
7. We believe that human sexuality is a gift of God that is to be affirmed as it is exercised within the legal and spiritual covenant of a loving and monogamous marriage between one man and one woman (Exodus 20:14, Matthew 19:3-9, Ephesians 5:22-33).
8. We are saddened by all expressions of sexual behavior, including pornography, polygamy, and promiscuity, that do not recognize the sacred worth of each individual or that seek to exploit, abuse, objectify, or degrade others, or that represent less than God’s intentional design for His children. While affirming a scriptural view of sexuality and gender, we welcome all to experience the redemptive grace of Jesus and are committed to being a safe place of refuge, hospitality, and healing for any who may have experienced brokenness in their sexual lives (Genesis 1:27, Genesis 2:24, 1 Corinthians 6:9-20).
9. We believe that children, whether through birth or adoption, are a sacred gift to us from God, and we accept our responsibility to both protect and nurture the youngest among us, particularly against such abuses as enforced child labor, involuntary conscription, human trafficking, and other such practices in the world (Deuteronomy 4:9-10, Psalm 127:3-5, 1 Timothy 5:4,8,16).
10. We believe that followers of God have been called to exercise self-control and holiness in their personal lives, generosity and kindness in their relations with others, and grace in all matters of life (Romans 12:9-21, Galatians 5:22-23).
11. We believe in the rule of justice and law in society, in the right of individuals to follow God’s call and to lawfully immigrate to new places, and in the pursuit of peace both between nations and individuals. We offer ourselves to work in order to reduce the bitterness that has overflowed in God’s world (Genesis 12:1, Isaiah 11:1-9, 2 Corinthians 13:11, Ephesians 2:19-10).
12. We believe the practice of the Golden Rule, treating others as we would wish to be treated, can effectively guide our social and business relationships. We seek to cultivate the mind of Christ and a heart for others (Matthew 7:12, Romans 12:1-2).
13. We believe that each person should have the right to exercise their religious beliefs without fear of persecution and that governments should respect freedom of religion and the important role of faith communities within the greater society. We further denounce discrimination or persecution which may target any because of their gender, economic status, ethnic or tribal identity, age, or political views (Isaiah 1:17, Matthew 5:44, Romans 8:35).
14. We believe in the final triumph of righteousness when the kingdoms of this world shall become the kingdom of Christ, and we accept our calling to work towards that end as Christ’s light and the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13-16, Revelation 11:15-17, Revelation 21-22).
2. We believe that life is a holy gift of God whose beginnings and endings are set by God, and that it is the particular duty of believers to protect those who may be powerless to protect themselves, including the unborn, those with disabilities or serious illness, and the aged (Genesis 2:7, Leviticus 19:32, Jeremiah 1:5, Luke 1:41-44).
3. The sacredness of all life compels us to resist the practice of abortion except in the cases of tragic conflicts of life against life when the wellbeing of the mother and the child are at stake. We do not accept abortion as a means of birth control or gender selection, and we call upon all Christians as disciples of the Lord of Life to prayerfully consider how we can support those women facing unintended pregnancies without adequate care, counsel, or resources (Exodus 22:23-23, Psalm 139:13-16, James 1:27).
4. We believe that all should have the right to work in safe conditions with fair compensation and free of grinding toil or exploitation by others. We respect the right of workers to engage in collective bargaining to protect their welfare. We pray that all should be allowed to freely follow their vocations, especially those who work on the frontiers of truth and knowledge and those who may enrich the lives of others with beauty and joy. We acknowledge that science and technology are gifts of God intended to improve human life and we encourage dialogue between faith and science as mutual witnesses to God’s creative power (Deuteronomy 5:12-14, Luke 10:7, 1 Corinthians 10:31, 1 Timothy 5:18).
5. We believe that God has called us to share His concern for the poor and to alleviate the conditions and policies which have produced vast disparities in wealth and resources, both among individuals and nations, giving rise to poverty. We are called to improve the quality of life and opportunities for all God’s people as we share the good news to the poor and freedom for the oppressed (Leviticus 19:9-10, Matthew 25:37-40, Luke 6:20-25, James 2:1-5).
6. We believe that all have been summoned to care for the earth as our common home, stewarding its resources, sharing in its bounty, and exercising responsible and sustainable consumption so that there is enough for all (Genesis 2:15, Leviticus 26:34-35, Psalm 24:1).
7. We believe that human sexuality is a gift of God that is to be affirmed as it is exercised within the legal and spiritual covenant of a loving and monogamous marriage between one man and one woman (Exodus 20:14, Matthew 19:3-9, Ephesians 5:22-33).
8. We are saddened by all expressions of sexual behavior, including pornography, polygamy, and promiscuity, that do not recognize the sacred worth of each individual or that seek to exploit, abuse, objectify, or degrade others, or that represent less than God’s intentional design for His children. While affirming a scriptural view of sexuality and gender, we welcome all to experience the redemptive grace of Jesus and are committed to being a safe place of refuge, hospitality, and healing for any who may have experienced brokenness in their sexual lives (Genesis 1:27, Genesis 2:24, 1 Corinthians 6:9-20).
9. We believe that children, whether through birth or adoption, are a sacred gift to us from God, and we accept our responsibility to both protect and nurture the youngest among us, particularly against such abuses as enforced child labor, involuntary conscription, human trafficking, and other such practices in the world (Deuteronomy 4:9-10, Psalm 127:3-5, 1 Timothy 5:4,8,16).
10. We believe that followers of God have been called to exercise self-control and holiness in their personal lives, generosity and kindness in their relations with others, and grace in all matters of life (Romans 12:9-21, Galatians 5:22-23).
11. We believe in the rule of justice and law in society, in the right of individuals to follow God’s call and to lawfully immigrate to new places, and in the pursuit of peace both between nations and individuals. We offer ourselves to work in order to reduce the bitterness that has overflowed in God’s world (Genesis 12:1, Isaiah 11:1-9, 2 Corinthians 13:11, Ephesians 2:19-10).
12. We believe the practice of the Golden Rule, treating others as we would wish to be treated, can effectively guide our social and business relationships. We seek to cultivate the mind of Christ and a heart for others (Matthew 7:12, Romans 12:1-2).
13. We believe that each person should have the right to exercise their religious beliefs without fear of persecution and that governments should respect freedom of religion and the important role of faith communities within the greater society. We further denounce discrimination or persecution which may target any because of their gender, economic status, ethnic or tribal identity, age, or political views (Isaiah 1:17, Matthew 5:44, Romans 8:35).
14. We believe in the final triumph of righteousness when the kingdoms of this world shall become the kingdom of Christ, and we accept our calling to work towards that end as Christ’s light and the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13-16, Revelation 11:15-17, Revelation 21-22).