The following resolution was submitted for consideration at the Church of God International Assembly in Orlando. However, due to the press of business and the limited time it was not presented for discussion.
Whereas, the Church of God is firmly committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to every nation on the earth (Matthew 28:19); and
Whereas, Jesus declared that the Spirit of the Lord anointed Him “to preach the gospel to the poor… to proclaim release to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed, to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord” (Luke 4:18-19); and,
Whereas, Jesus teaches “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God,” (Matthew 5:9), and as peacemakers Christians are exhorted to “Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14); and
Whereas, the Apostle Paul enjoins that Christians are called to be “ambassadors for Christ” entrusted with the “ministry of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:18-20) through the liberating power of the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:17); and
Whereas, God “has made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth,” and all humans beings are “the children of God” seeking God “if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us” (Acts 17:26-27); and
Whereas, the Church of God has historically affirmed the political doctrine of the separation of church and state, that is, that religious activities, associations, and institutions are to be protected against government intrusion; which is consistent with the biblical teaching on loving in freedom (Galatians 5:13-15; James 1:25);
Therefore, we hereby resolve that the Church of God is committed to the proposition that religious freedom is an inalienable universal human right granted by God which guarantees to all humans the freedom of conscience, the freedom to assemble, the freedom of speech, and the freedom to worship, and the freedom to practice one’s religious beliefs in private and public, and the familial rights to rear children in accordance with their religious beliefs and values.
Further, we resolve that all men and women of every nation, culture, and ethnicity have the right to convert, or not to convert, to any religion without fear of harm from any other religious group or national political regime; and that anti-conversion laws and anti-apostasy laws infringe upon the right to freedom of conscience (Romans 2:14-16).
Further, we resolve that in order for religious freedom to flourish, that all citizens of the world should be free from religious coercion, discrimination, oppression, persecution, and violence. Therefore, it is the duty of government to protect religious rights throughout the world, including but not limited to, the right to own and administer movable and immovable property, and the preservation of religious heritage sites and sacred texts.
Further, we resolve that government is ordained by God to promote justice, peace, and the flourishing of human civilization. Therefore, it is the duty of states and governing authorities to respect, protect, and promote freedom of religion or belief, in all its dimensions, for all individuals and communities from majority and minority religious traditions. Government should recognize the rights of citizens to petition government and seek redress based upon religious convictions, and to participate in the political process. Government should refrain from suppressing the free exercise of religion through unjust or targeted taxation policies.
Finally, we resolve that a copy of this resolution shall be forwarded to the President of the United States, the Secretary of State of the United States, and the Secretary General of the United Nations.
Authors/Consultants: Dan Tomberlin, Tony Richie, Clifton Clarke, and Dale Coulter
