Religious Liberty

#10 Religious Liberty

We believe that every human being has direct relations with God, and is responsible to God alone in all matters of faith; that each church is independent and must be free from interference by any ecclesiastical or political authority; that therefore Church and State must be kept separate as having different functions, each fulfilling its duties free from dictation or patronage of the other.

We believe

that every human being has direct relations with God,

Ezekiel 18:4 No one can make a profession of faith for any other person. In the church every believer has direct access to God (1 Peter 2:9-10).

and is responsible to God alone in all matters of faith;

2 Corinthians 5:10 Each person will one day answer directly to God for the things done in this life. While Christians have a responsibility to help brothers and sisters in Christ, each believer must live in response to the Lordship of Christ (Romans 14:5-9).

that each church is independent and must be free from interference by any ecclesiastical

1 Corinthians 3:16-17 Each local church is a temple of God by itself and is the final authority in the decisions of the church (Matthew 18:15-17)

or political authority; and therefore Church and State must be kept separate as having different functions, each fulfilling its duties free from dictation or patronage of the other.

Romans 13:1-7; Acts 4:15-20 Christians must live in obedience to the State to the degree that human laws do not conflict with spiritual principles. Individual Christians may be involved with political processes but may not speak for the congregation without authority. The Church may speak on ethical issues in society but should not endorse specific parties or individuals. The Church should not expect nor seek government support for its programs.