CURRENT ISSUES

You can also find a list of additional Denominational Statements regarding many current and important issues that affect our times, download Adobe's Acrobat Reader, and then open the file by clicking here.

MEDICAL PROCEDURES:

1. Abortion - Refer to denominational statement.
2. Birth Control (Conception Prevention) - This is left to the individuals concerned, however, following conception we are opposed to the use of abortifacients.
3. Healing of the Sick and Injured - We believe in Divine Healing through the providence of God in response to prayer and encourage all people to believe the Lord for deliverance. We also recognize the medical profession as an instrument in God's hands.
4. Operations and Organ Transplants - These are considered to be a personal choice for the individuals concerned.
5. Dissection, Autopsies and Donations to Organ Banks - These are left to the individuals concerned.
6. Prolongation of Life and "Right to Die" (Removal of Life Support) - These are left to the individuals concerned.
7. Dietary Laws - We have no dietary restrictions.
8. Sterilization - Sterilization should be left up to the individual. It should not be mandatory.
9. Burial/Cremation of Fetus - This matter is left to the individuals concerned.
10. Burial/Cremation - This matter is left to the individuals concerned.
11. Attitudes toward Medication, Vaccines and Blood - We are sympathetic to medication including blood transfusions and vaccines. We are opposed to the use of narcotics, except under strict medical supervision.
12. Hypnosis - We are opposed to any form of hypnosis.
13. Occult Practices - We are opposed to all occult practices, including communication with spirits and altered states of consciousness.
14. Attitudes toward Therapies - Generally, we approve of professional therapeutic treatment in recognized and legitimate forms. There probably would be restrictions in "off-beat" practices.

POLITICAL, MORAL AND SOCIAL ISSUES:

1. Homosexuality - We are opposed to homosexuality. Based on the teaching of the Holy Scripture, it is declared to be sin. We encourage those engaged in homosexuality activity to cease such acts, and to seek forgiveness and deliverance through Jesus Christ. Please refer to the denominational statement on sexuality.
2. Divorce - We encourage strong marital relationships and discourage divorce, except in extreme cases and then only as a last resort. We believe in healing for crumbling or broken marriage. Divorced and remarried persons are accepted in love and grace as members, provided they have received Christ as their Savior and demonstrate the Christian life. We believe God alone is the final judge. High standards have been set for ministerial credentials. The Corporate Bylaws cover the subject of divorce and remarriage relating to clergy. There are ethics committees established to consider individual cases upon appeal.
3. Premarital/Extra-Marital Sexual Activity - The Holy Bible declares such activities to be sin. We are opposed to all sex outside of marriage. We encourage those engaged in these relationships to cease such acts, and to seek forgiveness and deliverance through Jesus Christ. Please refer to the denominational statement on sexuality.
4. Dress and Conduct - We encourage modesty and moderation. We have no published regulations as such. We approve of good, clean, healthy recreation and entertainment.
5. Death Penalty - The Bible authorizes the death penalty, but permits mercy. No one is beyond the redemptive grace of our Lord.
6. The Role of Government in Requiring Medical Treatment - Generally, we are in agreement that all should receive treatment, but we recognize the individual's right to refusal.
7. Position on the Tax Status of Property Owned by Religious Groups - We believe in exemption from taxation of all properties used for religious purposes, but not those used for unrelated business purposes.
8. Position on Religious Services, Personnel and Facilities in State Institutions - We favor this and participate at several levels.
9. The Role of Government in Requiring Specific Courses in Public Education - We object to certain courses, like evolution and the liberalities used in sex education. We believe it is the responsibility of the government to see that a good general education is provided for all.
10. View on Sex Education in Public/Private Schools - Sex education should be the primary responsibility of the parents with schools being secondary. This responsibility should extend to encourage acceptable educational programs in both private and public schools.
11. View on Women in Leadership in Church Offices - We believe that God calls both men and women equally into the ministry. The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel was founded by a woman, Aimee Semple McPherson. The Foursquare Church has continually been blessed by the ministry of men and women. Please refer to the denominational statement on women in ministry.
12. Position on Racial Integration in Church Membership and Church Offices - Please refer to the denominational statement of the 1992 International Convention. Please refer to the denominational statement on racism.
13. Position regarding to Operating or Subsidizing Institutional Services - Many such activities are carried out by individual churches. These are encouraged, providing the churches' initial ministries are kept dominant.
14. Position on Public Funding of Parochial Schools - We would favor this if it could be guaranteed freedom from government restrictions.
15. Position on Prayer in Public Schools - We favor prayer in public schools.
16. Civil Disobedience - We believe the Scripture teaches we are to be good citizens of our nation, living in obedience to the laws, "except only in the things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ." (See DECLARATION OF FAITH, Section XVII.)