A number of recent authors have attempted to analyze the bewildering landscape of American evangelicalism by subdividing the label evangelical into categories that form a theological spectrum. David Wells of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, for example, writes about three such categories in his 2008 book, The Courage to Be Protestant: Truth-lovers, Marketers, and Emergents in the Postmodern World. According to this author, the fathers of New Evangelicalism were truth-lovers, the classical evangelicals, whose noble cause included the repudiation of the separatist excesses of their fundamentalist forefathers. Marketers and emergents came later, spoiling much of the legacy of a once promising movement that now lacks the courage to be truly Protestant.

In a more recent work, six authors contributed to a Zondervan project called Four Views on the Spectrum of Evangelicalism (2011), which was designed "to navigate . . . differences and preserve the meaning and mission behind the name we each claim" (p. 17). That name is the label evangelical, and the claimants form a self-described spectrum of evangelicalism under the labels fundamentalist, confessional evangelical, generic evangelical, and post-conservative evangelical. The conclusion of the book encourages a convergence of the first two categories as close theological relatives that should distance themselves from the last two members of the evangelical family.

Studies like these fail to discern the watershed nature of the doctrine of ecclesiastical separation. A metaphor for the theological significance of a doctrine over the passing of time, a watershed doctrine is one that marks the line at which inevitable theological deterioration begins once it is crossed by a theological position. The importance of correctly marking the watershed for understanding what has happened to American evangelicalism was pointed out by Francis Schaeffer, a man not remembered today as a fundamentalist separatist, in his aptly titled volume, The Great Evangelical Disaster. While Schaeffer lamented the surrender of Biblical inerrancy in that volume, he was closest to correctly discerning the true watershed issue when he wrote, "evangelicalism is not consistently evangelical unless there is a line drawn between those who take a full view of Scripture and those who do not" (p. 51; emphasis original).

It is the courageous and faithful application of the convictions of biblical ecclesiastical separation that draws this line. In Schaeffer's example, failure to draw the line precedes failure to take a full view of Scripture, so it is the failure to draw the line that marks the true watershed point at which inevitable deterioration begins. The apostle John explains why this is true: "If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: for he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds" (2 John 10-11). What John calls bidding God speed, Schaeffer called failure to draw the line. To fail to draw the line is to become a partaker in the evil theological position orthodoxy opposes. In the context of 2 John, it is to deny the doctrine of Christ by association rather than by message. Consequently, the inspired apostle charges both the false teacher and the bidder of Godspeed with participation in the evil deed, denial of the doctrine of Christ. As a result, John's readers must now bid Godspeed to neither in order to be faithful to his command.

Therefore, the American Council of Christian Churches, at its Executive Committee meeting April 24, 2012 in the Evangelical Methodist Church, Darlington, Maryland, resolve together to mark the doctrine of ecclesiastical separation as the watershed responsibility of Christian praxis between faithful orthodoxy and the inevitable decline into theological apostasy. Against the revisionist history of recent authors, we remember with grief the new evangelical repudiation of the doctrine of ecclesiastical separation as a point of departure that has done irreparable damage to the American evangelical church. We rejoice together with thankfulness for the courage of our forefathers to resist the temptation to compromise with this form of disobedience, recognizing the privilege of ministering under a legacy protected from it. And we determine by God's grace to remain faithful to our calling to separate over disobedience to the doctrine of separation, whether that disobedience happens in word or in deed.

Resolution on the Welcome Offered at Wheaton College to the Ecumenism of Dr. John Armstrong (WCC/NCC) and Cardinal Francis George
Resolution 12-02

Wheaton College, near Chicago, has continued its long track-record of violating the biblical doctrine of separation. Under the administration of Dr. Philip Ryken, former pastor of Philadelphia's Tenth Presbyterian Church, the college recently hosted "A Conversation on Unity in Christ's Mission." Featuring Cardinal Francis George, the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Chicago, and Dr. John Armstrong, a minister in the Reformed Church in America (a member of the World Council of Churches and the National Council of Churches), the event convened March 26, 2012, in Edman Chapel on the college campus. Dr. Armstrong has been an effective advocate of ecumenical cooperation between Evangelicals and Roman Catholics. Drs. George and Armstrong conducted this "conversation on unity" and then responded to questions from the audience.

While Wheaton College displayed some sensitivity about the possibility of receiving criticism over the event, the institution nevertheless promoted this ecumenism with an invitation on its website: "Everyone is cordially invited to share in this Christ-centered conversation on Christian unity in the mission of Christ." By allowing one of its featured campus buildings to be used as the venue for this event, Wheaton demonstrated sympathy for its aims, disobeying the clear command of the apostle Paul: "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them" (Eph. 5:11).

An early supporter of the compromise of New Evangelicalism, Wheaton College has kept its distance from biblically separatist fundamentalism. But by allowing one of Roman Catholicism's most prominent leaders in the United States to direct what they advertised as a "Christ-centered conversation on Christian unity," Wheaton College displayed just how damaging new evangelical compromise can be to a clear understanding of the gospel.

The testimony of Scripture is very clear concerning the gospel. Salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. The contributions of human merit are worthless. As a professedly evangelical institution, Wheaton College claims allegiance to this view. But by its increasing involvement in ecumenical disobedience, Wheaton casts great doubt on this claim. As the apostle John warns: "For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds" (2 John 11).

The deceptive effort of Cardinal George to be regarded by gullible Evangelicals as a leader of Christian unity is not a new danger to the true people of God. Paul passionately warned the Corinthian believers of this threat when he spoke of "false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ" (2 Cor. 11:13). As a faithful son and servant of Roman Catholicism, Cardinal George advocates a justification that is God's response to human works, involving an infusion of righteousness at baptism rather than an imputation of righteousness at conversion. Paul warns us to avoid corruption from the simplicity that is in Christ, a corruption that comes from those who preach a heterodox gospel (vv. 3-4). Christian colleges should not marvel at the need to defend the cause of Christ from such people, "for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light" (v. 14).

The American Council of Christian Churches continues to maintain its stand in defense of the gospel proclaimed in Scripture, that there is only one way of salvation, and that this way is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. Therefore, the American Council of Christian Churches, at its Executive Committee meeting April 24, 2012 in the Evangelical Methodist Church, Darlington, Maryland, reasserts its loyalty to the Holy Scriptures and to the doctrine of salvation, which they teach so clearly. We rebuke Wheaton College, including its president, Dr. Philip Ryken, for allowing its facilities to be used to promote false ecumenism, and we call on the Lord's people to maintain their defense of the faith and the gospel we have received, that salvation is all of grace and not of works in any way (Eph. 2:8-9). In addition, we renew our resolve to be faithful separatists, guarding ourselves from entanglement with those who cause doubt and confusion regarding the command of the apostles to take a stand against false apostles. We resolve to embrace the legacy of faithful separatists like Charles Spurgeon, who declared in 1888, "That I might not stultify my testimony, I have cut myself clear of those who err from the faith, and even from those who associate with them" [sermon Spurgeon preached in the Metropolitan Tabernacle on October 7, 1888 from Genesis 24; http://www.spurgeon.org/sermons/2047.htm].

Resolution on Cherishing the Heritage of Biblical Fundamentalism
Resolution 11-01

When exhorting his readers to patient endurance of the race set before them, the author of Hebrews affirms the importance both of looking ahead and of looking back. Looking ahead the believer must depend upon the person and work of Jesus Christ, the Author and the Finisher of our faith, and looking back he must draw encouragement and inspiration from a cloud of witnesses that once preceded and now encompasses him (Heb. 12:1-2).

The faithful men and women of Hebrews 11 comprise this cloud of witnesses: Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham and the patriarchs, Moses, Rahab, and others. Time would not allow the author to go on listing all the names (v. 32), so he summarizes their character by referring to their accomplishments (vv. 33-39). They were fallible servants of the Lord, but that is not the focus of this passage. Instead, an abundance of past-tense verbs expresses the affluence of the author’s appreciation for these true heroes of the faith.

This appreciation for the past enjoins us in the present to a similar faithfulness, for the author explains that, apart from us, the work of predecessors cannot be perfected (v. 40). We follow in their train. In addition, the appreciation for the past expressed in Hebrews extends not only to distant Biblical history, but also to more immediate examples, the pattern of those who spoke the Word to us (13:7-8). We are to remember with thankfulness their leadership, value the results of their ministry, and imitate their faith. Cherishing the heritage they provided for us reflects the immutable character of the Lord we serve, Jesus Christ, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and it safeguards against the temptations of varied and strange teachings (vv. 8-9).

Entrusted with the legacy of faithful examples over 70 years, the American Council of Christian Churches occupies an especially privileged position as the beneficiary of patterns to remember and convictions to emulate. Our predecessors were unashamed Biblical fundamentalists from multiple denominational expressions of Protestantism, whose unification around separatist convictions has contended well for the faith entrusted to them, “avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so-called, which some professing have erred concerning the faith” (1 Tim. 6:20-21).

Therefore, the delegates to the 70th annual convention of the American Council of Christian Churches, meeting October 18-20, 2011 at the Bible Evangelical Methodist Church of Lancaster, PA, express together profound thankfulness and deep appreciation for faithful men who have gone before us, giving us a pattern of separatist convictions to follow. We further resolve never to be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of the godly convictions of our predecessors, but rather to join with them in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God (2 Tim. 1:8-12), to affirm with them that the One whom we have believed will keep us against that day (v. 12), to hold fast, as they did, the standard of sound words which we have heard (v. 13), and following their example, to guard through the Holy Spirit in our evil day this trust for the generations that follow us in the will of the Lord (v. 14).

Resolution on the Multi-Denominational Heritage of Biblical Fundamentalism
Resolution 11-02

With his prayer for the Ephesian believers, the apostle Paul addressed the One “of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,” the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (Eph. 3:15). It is in this name, Holy Father, that those who have been given to Christ are to be kept as one, even as they are sanctified in the truth (John 17:11). Whereas denominational labels within the spectrum of Protestantism correctly identify important details of differing convictions, basic agreement regarding the “weightier matters of the law” has bound these traditions together as a common echo of the first century Church’s apostolic faith (Matt. 23:23).

As a clearly identifiable movement, Biblical fundamentalism is not yet 150 years old. In its earliest phases, it gave voice to the foundational doctrines taught in the Bible and did so without reference to any particular denominational perspective. The earliest conferences, beginning in 1876 at Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada, focused on that which various denominational groups held in common. It was the heritage, they argued, that had come down through the generations from the ministry of the apostles of Christ. As J. Gresham Machen observed, the movement was not the latest of a series of new “isms” but the restatement of the historic Christian faith.

Thus, there were Presbyterians and Methodists as well as Baptists from various fellowships that led the call for a return to the fundamentals of the faith. The latter part of the 19th century was a time of religious upheaval. The rapid acceptance of Charles Darwin’s ideas following the publication of his Origin of Species in 1859 together with the effects of German rationalism in theology produced a severe challenge to those who insisted on maintaining the orthodox doctrines taught in the Word of God.

Biblical fundamentalism was from its inception a movement to reassert the weighty matters of Holy Scripture in the face of the tidal wave of skepticism. Thus, Biblical fundamentalists, whatever their denominational distinctiveness and convictions, agreed to stand together on, among other things, the inspiration and infallibility of the Scriptures, the creation of man by God’s direct act, the historicity of Adam’s fall into sin with all its theological consequences, the virgin birth of Jesus Christ, His deity, the blood atonement of Jesus Christ for sinners, His bodily resurrection on the third day, His ascension bodily into Heaven, and the certainty of His second coming.

Biblical fundamentalists also emphasized that it was necessary for sinners to be born again in order to enter the kingdom of Heaven, and that those who were converted to Christ would demonstrate that transformation through an increasing holiness of life in this world. Recognizing that, on less-weighty aspects of Biblical teaching, those who held to Biblical authority at times disagreed, Biblical fundamentalists resolved that they would emphasize the weighty matters on which they all agreed, and they would not consent to using their lesser disagreements as tests of Christian fellowship within the parameters of obedient orthodoxy. In regard to these issues, they resolved to respect the ability of brethren to disagree without surrendering their own denominational convictions or experiencing the condemnation of others.

In 1941, the American Council of Christian Churches was formed as an explicitly multi-denominational organization with a clear doctrinal statement that represented a vivid understanding of the foundations of Biblical fundamentalism. In spite of various attacks launched against the ACCC over the last 70 years, the organization has remained true to its founding purpose. It exalts the Person and Work of the Lord Jesus Christ as the only hope for the salvation of sinners. It exposes the work of theological apostasy, such as that of the World Council of Churches and the National Council of Churches. It rebukes the work of those who seek accommodation with promoters of that apostasy. And it expounds the Holy Scriptures as the only infallible rule of faith and practice.

Therefore, the delegates to the 70th annual convention of the American Council of Christian Churches, meeting October 18-20, 2011 at the Bible Evangelical Methodist Church of Lancaster, PA, resolve with gladness to value and to maintain the multi-denominational character of the Council, as the Lord enables, and to promote in every obedient way possible the preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We resolve to respect each other in the highest expression of Christian love and brotherhood and to stand with each other against every devilish device as we contend earnestly for the Faith once delivered to the saints (Jude 3).

Resolution on President Obama’s Advocacy of Homosexuality
Resolution 11-03

On May 31, 2011, the White House’s Office of the Press Secretary issued a release titled, “Presidential Proclamation—Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month,” which President Barack Obama used to “call upon the people of the United States to eliminate prejudice everywhere it exists, and to celebrate the great diversity of the American people.” President Obama claimed that the story of American homosexuality is part of the story “of making our country a more perfect union.”

The proclamation celebrates the President’s cooperation with the lame-duck congress of December 2010, which led to the repeal of the military’s long-standing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, changing for the first time in our history American statutes forbidding homosexuality in the military. Under the leadership of this White House, the Pentagon has given official authorization for military chaplains to perform same-sex unions, completely disregarding the spirit of the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act.

President Obama justifies his advocacy of homosexuality in terms of equal rights: “Every generation of Americans has brought our Nation closer to fulfilling its promise of equality. While progress has taken time, our achievements in advancing the rights of LGBT Americans remind us that history is on our side, and that the American people will never stop striving toward liberty and justice for all.”

Our President’s justification of the sin of homosexuality stands in stark contrast to condemnation from the apostle Paul in this regard. Rather than a mark of progress, a society’s degradation into the sin of homosexuality is a sign of reprobation and condemnation under the wrath of the God of the Bible (Rom. 1:18-32). The phrase, “God gave them up,” expresses the essence of this condemnation (vv. 24, 26, 28). Whereas our president prays “God bless America” while advocating this sin, the god he prays to cannot be the God of the Bible and of Paul.

What has happened in a society that advocates homosexuality is not “progress,” “achievement,” “advancement,” nor “striving toward liberty and justice for all,” but rather a condition in which “God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature. And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet” (vv. 26-27).

When Jesus Christ was asked about the nature of human marriage, He responded by citing the Creator’s original design: “Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?’” (Matt. 19:4-5). The Creator made mankind heterosexual. Homosexual behavior is a perversion of this created design. According to our country’s Declaration of Independence, the Creator of Genesis is the One who endows mankind with equality and human rights.

When their only claim to existence is the victory of political furor fueled by a self-centered struggle for illusory legitimacy, rights obtained are counterfeits that threaten a nation’s true embrace of the God-given and inalienable rights of a humanity created in the image of God. “He who made them male and female in the beginning” never endowed the right to homosexual behavior. To call homosexual behavior an equal right is to downgrade the nature of equal rights, to corrupt the trust we received from our country’s founders’ love of liberty, and to threaten the freedom of human conscience.

Therefore, the delegates to the 70th annual convention of the American Council of Christian Churches, meeting October 18-20, 2011 at the Bible Evangelical Methodist Church of Lancaster, PA, reject our President’s call to celebrate homosexuality at any time, choosing rather to stand with the apostle Paul as unashamed of the gospel of Christ. We resolve in addition to affirm consistently that all men are created equal, male and female, heterosexual, worthy of the dignity of Creator-defined and Creator-endowed rights that define our humanity in terms of His image. Finally, we resolve to be ministers of the saving gospel that Paul, the chief of sinners, preached. The gospel is the power of God unto salvation that can deliver any sinner from bondage to any sin, including the sin of homosexuality.

Resolution on the WEA’s participatory role in the publication, Christian Witness in a Multi-Religious World
Resolution 11-04

The apostle Paul, gripped with what he called a godly jealousy, wrote to the church at Corinth about the ancient serpent’s ability to beguile God’s people (2 Cor. 11:3). In particular, Satan’s ability to transform himself into an angel of light poses a dangerous and practical threat for the true people of God (v. 14). The devil’s transformation involves the transformation of his ministers, false apostles transformed into the apostles of Christ (v. 13), and deceitful workers transformed into ministers of righteousness (vv. 13, 15).

These transformed ministers of Satan share an identifiable message. They preach a different Jesus, whom the apostles did not preach, they receive different revelation that the apostles did not receive, and they proclaim a different gospel, not the one that had redeemed these Corinthian believers from slavery to sin and to Satan’s domain (v. 4). Paul’s warning explains that he would do everything in his power to cut off any opportunity these false teachers might have for ministry success, guarding especially against their desire to be regarded as ministers of the gospel in the same sense that the apostle Paul was a minister of the gospel (v. 12). Why would he do so? Paul loved Christ’s church (v. 11).

By way of contrast, the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA), at the invitation of the World Council of Churches (WCC) and the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue (PCID), has co-authored with these organizations a set of recommendations for evangelism called Christian Witness in a Multi-Religious World: Recommendations for Conduct. The document is the culmination of a five-year long collaborative effort between the WCC, the PCID, and the WEA in the tradition of recent ecumenical efforts of the WCC and the PCID, which have produced similar statements in the past: Interreligious Marriage (1994-1997), Interreligious Prayer (1997-1998), and African Religiosity (2000-2004).

The document claims to speak for “the church” about what is “essential for every Christian” (“Preamble”, par. 1). It claims to provide “a basis for Christian witness” (sec. 1). Consequently, the statement grants the imprimatur minister of righteousness to its authors, in spite of the WCC’s and the RCC’s historic promulgation of the same heterodox doctrine advocated by the false apostles of Paul’s day. The Jesus, the revelatory spiritual authority, and the gospel of Biblical orthodoxy are not the doctrines of these religious traditions.

Consequently, the disobedient participation of the World Evangelical Alliance in this project not only fails to “cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we” (2 Cor. 11:12), but also it betrays the true doctrines of Biblical orthodoxy by means of ecumenical participation in the evil deeds of apostasy (2 John 7-11). The collaboration behind this effort, of course, far exceeds bidding “Godspeed” (vv. 10-11). In addition, the public praise of ecumenical disobedience like this by prominent new evangelical leaders only furthers the enemy’s beguiling corruption. For example, Craig Ott, professor of mission and intercultural studies at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, publically supports the effort by claiming, “What's valuable about the document is that Christians are letting the world know that they are intending to be respectful, loving, and transparent in their approach to missions and that they do not intend to be seen as violent or coercive” [Chris Norton, “Top Evangelical, Catholic, and Mainline Bodies Issue Evangelism Rules” (http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2011/juneweb-only/evangelismrules.html?start=3; accessed 10/4/2011)].

Therefore, the delegates to the 70th annual convention of the American Council of Christian Churches, meeting October 18-20, 2011 at the Bible Evangelical Methodist Church of Lancaster, PA, confess our need for a greater Pauline jealousy for the purity and protection of our local churches like the one in Corinth, calling upon them to obey our Lord’s command to come out from among the apostates, to be separate, and to touch not the unclean thing (2 Cor. 6:17). We reject the recommendations for conduct of Christian Witness in a Multi-Religious World as a corrupting influence from a polluted well (2 Cor. 11:3). We further resolve to continue warning the people of God about the beguiling techniques of our enemy and of his ability to transform his deceitful workers into ministers of righteousness, doing all within our power to deny these enemies of the apostles’ faith an occasion to glory, and determined to remain vigilant in our religious intolerance of another Jesus, another spirit, and another gospel (2 Cor. 11:4).

Resolution on Misinterpretations of the Heritage of Biblical Fundamentalism
Resolution 11-05

Matthew 11 contains three important questions related to the kingdom of heaven. The first pertained to its King. John the Baptist’s disciples asked Jesus, “Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?” (v. 3). Our Lord responded by citing miraculous evidences of His own kingship (vv. 4-5).

The second question pertained to John. Jesus asked the multitudes, “What went ye out into the wilderness to see?” (v. 7). He then affirmed John’s greatness, which was distinct from worldly conceptions of greatness (v. 8). This is a greatness that exhibits the King’s glory rather than its own (vv. 9-11) and one that engages spiritual warfare willingly and faithfully (vv. 12-14).

Finally, Jesus asks the third question to vindicate the kingdom of heaven against the accusations of its enemies: “But whereunto shall I liken this generation?” (v. 16). The perversity of Christ’s generation made this vindication necessary. He mentions two evidences of this perverseness: (1) they alleged that John, a great prophet, was demon-possessed; and (2) they called Christ a glutton, a drunkard, and “a friend of publicans and sinners” (vv. 18-19).

Christ further explains that wisdom is justified ultimately by her children (v. 19). Inquiries into the nature of the Lord’s miraculous life vaguely understood this justification. Some asked rhetorically on one occasion, “Can a devil open the eyes of the blind?” (John 10:21). Christ’s power to heal the blind demonstrated that the slander of His enemies was baseless. Nevertheless, that perverse generation believed the slander, disregarded the miracles, and finally crucified the Lord of glory between two convicted criminals (Acts 4:22-23; 1 Cor. 2:8). John’s life and ministry deserved better than the cruel end Herod’s executioners brought upon him (Matt. 14:10).

Our own generation is comparable to the generation that crucified our Lord. The often vicious slander and careless misinterpretation of the heritage of biblical fundamentalism finds its precedent in Matthew 11. The perfect King graciously uses imperfect men and movements to vindicate His wisdom against the attacks of the world as He builds His church. By His grace the heritage of fundamentalism encompasses the salvation of countless souls; the establishment of biblical churches, denominations, fellowships, colleges, and seminaries; a world-wide missions outreach; spiritual and temporal relief beyond calculation; and, through these and other ministries, blessings innumerable to nations and peoples around the world.

Christ warned that our challenge in the world would be similar to His: “It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household?” (Matt. 10:25). Today, the prince of the power of the air has at his disposal technological weapons of slanderous attack unimaginable to the disciples who heard Christ on that day. Yet nothing changes the simple truth expressed then—that it should be enough for a disciple to be like his master.

Therefore, the delegates to the 70th annual convention of the American Council of Christian Churches, meeting October 18-20, 2011 at the Bible Evangelical Methodist Church of Lancaster, PA, renew our commitment to be like our Master, unashamed of our heritage as biblical fundamentalists, and confident in the assurance that wisdom ultimately is vindicated by her deeds. We further resolve to support faithful brethren, by prayer and by other means at our disposal, who have suffered the assaults of a world that is hostile to the gospel.

Resolution on Instances of Abuse within Professed Fundamentalism
Resolution 11-06

The corruption of Christian movements and organizations is a danger illustrated throughout the history of Christ’s Church. The record of heresies, scandals, greed, immorality, abuse, egomania and multiple other sins remind all to “be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (I Peter 5:8).

Lest we who are separatists be guilty of “straining at a gnat” and “swallowing a camel” (Matt. 23:24), or of seeking to remove a mote from another’s eye when a beam blinds our own (Matt. 7:3-5), or lest we be guilty of closing our ears to distressed victims, and of affirming evil by silence, we acknowledge with grief, revulsion, and unmitigated denunciation abuse that has been revealed within some professedly fundamentalist churches and ministries.

For example, confirmed reports of severe corporal punishment cite an instance of beating and bruising children, the failure to report to authorities bruises found on children as a result of abuse in their homes, and a flaunting of corporal discipline, evidenced in such practices as giving a souvenir paddle to ministry visitors.

The same ministry context involving this shaming of children included humiliation before their peers and forcing them to wear garments of the opposite sex as a punishment for inappropriate performance. Such would doubtless be condemned as a wicked perversion if a child opted of his own volition to dress in this manner, yet for the purpose of shaming, this ministry demanded this conduct of children.

We are horrified and sickened by reports of sexual abuse wherever they occur. Pedophilia, rape of minors, homosexuality, and incest are among the loathsome actions reported in professedly fundamentalist ministries. Lacking vocabulary that expresses the outrage we embody, we yet condemn these hideous, shocking perversions with the strongest indignation. We lament and decry such abominations within any community of faith, but most of all within professedly fundamentalist bodies.

Although we readily recognize the severe difficulty faithfulness in this area often requires, we further decry what appears at times to be a mishandling, an ignoring, a failure to report to civil authorities, or even a covering of these abuses in various ministries. While hastening to expose the sins of some, those who are guilty of sins of equal scandal have their deeds go unreported. And in cases where prominent clergy have been indiscreet or worse, some ministries have refused to address those transgressions.

The glorious heritage of Christ’s Church is badly stained when such abuse occurs, and more so when those responsible to deal with the abuse fail to address it. The result is that those who reject our message feel free to challenge our genuineness. But far worse, these scandals reproach the precious name of our Lord Jesus Christ, giving His enemies an opportunity to blaspheme (2 Sam. 12:14)!

Therefore the delegates to the 70th Annual Convention of the American Council of Christian Churches, meeting October 18-20, 2011 at the Bible Evangelical Methodist Church of Lancaster, PA, resolve that any guilty of the aforementioned sins be rebuked, that they be called upon to repent, to repudiate these practices, and, where criminal offenses have occurred, to submit to civil authorities in order to pay their debt to society. And be it further resolved that we call upon Bible-believing churches everywhere to raise their voices in condemnation of these atrocities.

Resolution on the Manhattan Declaration
Resolution 10-01

On November 20, 2009, at a press conference in the nation’s capital, a group of leading Protestant Evangelicals, Roman Catholics, and followers of Eastern Orthodoxy joined in releasing what they called the Manhattan Declaration. In the 4,700 word document, those who produced the Declaration identified a threefold goal for their action. From the Declaration’s website comes the call to pursue action “in defense of the sanctity of life, traditional marriage, and religious liberty.”

Thus, it is apparent that the Declaration seeks to promote firm convictions in defending life, including the lives of the unborn, in opposing the national campaign to legalize and otherwise legitimize same-sex marriage, and in urging a vigorous defense of the rights of religious persons and institutions to practice their religious convictions without the harassment of secular humanists, especially those who have gained access to the halls of power in government.

Since the day of the Declaration’s release, the website has offered the opportunity to people of all descriptions and persuasions to add their signatures to the document. As of April 15, 2010, more than 437,000 had availed themselves of that opportunity. Prominent signers of the Declaration at the time of its release included Leith Anderson, President of the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE); Dr. Mark L. Bailey, President of Dallas Theological Seminary; Joel Belz, founder of World Magazine and a former moderator of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA); Rev. Michael Bereford, managing director for church relations from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association; Dr. Bryan Chapell, President of Covenant Theological Seminary; Dr. James Dobson; Chuck Colson; Roman Catholic Archbishop Timothy Dolan of New York City, and several of his fellow bishops across the United States; Stuart Epperson of Salem Communications; Rev. Jonathan Falwell, senior pastor of Thomas Road Baptist Church in Lynchburg, VA; Dr. Albert Mohler, President of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY; Dr. J. I. Packer; and well over one hundred others.

While the goals of the Declaration to oppose the moral declension in society could never be condemned by any person who values the moral traditions and history of the American republic, it is nevertheless deeply troubling to observe in this document echoes and advances from previous efforts such as Evangelicals and Catholics Together. On the front page of the Declaration’s website, the producers of the document leave no doubt as to their methodology. “We are seeking to build a movement – hundreds of thousands of Catholic, Protestant Evangelical, and Eastern Orthodox Christians who will stand together alongside other men and women of goodwill in defense of foundational principles of justice and the common good. These are people who could expose the lie which so many in our culture have embraced about self being the center of life; and then winsomely present, in the words of St. Paul, ‘a more excellent way.’”.

Some evangelical signers of the Manhattan Declaration have been compelled to offer defenses of their involvement in the project, notably Dr. Mohler, who has felt it necessary to reassert his belief in Protestant doctrine. But it is difficult for him and others to escape the reality that they have identified Roman Catholics and followers of Eastern Orthodoxy as fellow Christians, with all their departures from the Scriptural doctrine of justification by faith alone in the merits of Christ alone (Romans 1:16-17).

In the name of defending traditional morality from the assaults of the secularists who now populate the seats of power in the American government, the evangelical framers and signers of the Manhattan Declaration appear to have jettisoned any remaining allegiance to the Gospel that is set down in the Holy Scriptures. The Scriptures warn solemnly against any dilution of or departure from the Gospel that Paul and the other apostles had proclaimed (Galatians 1:8-9). The Apostle Paul made it plain that the only hope for real change in society lay in the transformation of depraved hearts by the power of God’s grace through Christ’s redemption (I Corinthians 6:9-11). Far from achieving its stated objectives, the Manhattan Declaration will succeed, instead, in undermining to a greater extent the doctrine of Biblical separation, joining the legacy of those in the 20th century who promoted what they styled the “social gospel.”

Therefore the American Council of Christian Churches, at its Executive Committee meeting April 20, 2010 in Calvary Baptist Church, Easthampton, Massachusetts, reasserts our loyalty to the Holy Scriptures and to the doctrine of separation that they teach so clearly. We remember the lesson that it was concern for matters of ethical behavior and moral virtues above all else that provided the poison of apostasy in the early centuries of church history. We resolve that we will be faithful to the Gospel truth, and to the Savior who is manifested through the message of the Gospel. We will continue to take our stand against the corruption of this age, and there can be no doubt where the American Council of Christian Churches stands on any of those issues. But we will never allow our revulsion over the perversion we see all around us to compel us to redefine the terms of Christianity and to preach a different gospel. We will not cast aside the noble example of those who have sacrificed all that they had for the heritage of the pure Gospel and the liberty to make that Gospel known.

Resolution in memory of Chaplain (Captain) Dale Goetz (U. S. Army) (1967-2010)
Resolution 10-02

From the difficult struggles that marked the War for Independence down through the years to the ongoing War against Terrorism, the position of military chaplains has been vital in providing spiritual counsel to members of the Armed Forces, especially as they have prepared to enter various battlefields around the world. The deference accorded to chaplains has been a tribute to the recognition that the United States is indeed a nation under God.

The American Council of Christian Churches serves as an endorser for Christian Fundamentalist chaplains, providing them in that endorsement with protection from any effort to command them to undertake any ministry action that would violate any chaplain’s conscience. In that capacity, the Council has provided direction and support for a series of men who have served the Lord in ministering to members of the U. S. military.

In that ministry, U. S. Army Chaplain (Captain) Dale Goetz, along with members of his unit, deployed to Afghanistan in the summer of 2010. Chaplain Goetz, a 1995 graduate of Maranatha Baptist Bible College in Watertown, WI, and a 2000 graduate of Central Baptist Theological Seminary in Minneapolis, MN, and serving under the endorsement of the ACCC, often accompanied soldiers of his unit into very dangerous areas outside their base. It was on such a mission on Monday, August 30, 2010, that Chaplain Goetz and the four soldiers who were traveling with him were killed in action when they came under attack from a roadside bomb. It marked the first time since the Vietnam War that an Army chaplain was killed in action, and the first time ever that an ACCC endorsed chaplain lost his life in the service of his country and his Lord.

There have been several men over the years whom the ACCC has endorsed as chaplains in the service of our country in the Armed Forces. We commend each of them for their faithful service to their comrades in arms and to the Lord Jesus Christ. But today we contemplate the realities of combat operations when we honor in a particular way the memory of Chaplain Dale Goetz.

Maj. Gen. Douglas Carver, the Army’s Chief of Chaplains, in announcing the death of Chaplain Goetz, said of him, “Dale was a selfless servant of God, a devoted husband and father, a strong American patriot, and a compassionate spiritual leader whose love for Soldiers was only surpassed by his firm commitment to living his calling as a United States Army Chaplain.” Lt. Col. Chet Chapman (U. S. Army RET), head of the ACCC’s chaplains’ endorsing agency, has written of Chaplain Goetz that “he served our country faithfully as soldier, pastor and soul winner through eight years of military assignments.” Those assignments included a previous deployment to Iraq in 2004.

The death of Chaplain Goetz leaves his beloved wife Christy a widow with the responsibility of continuing to raise their three sons—Landon who is 10, Caleb who is 8, and Joel who is 1. Chaplain Goetz and his battalion were based in Ft. Carson, Colorado. Lt. Col. Chapman and his wife attended the funeral and burial services with Lt. Col. Chapman participating as Captain Goetz’s body was laid to rest with full military honors at Ft. Logan National Cemetery in Denver. The Chapmans also sought to provide comfort to Christy and her sons.

Wherefore, the delegates to the 69th annual convention of the American Council of Christian Churches, meeting October 19-21, 2010 in Hope Baptist Church, Hanover, PA resolve to honor the memory of Chaplain Dale Goetz by continuing to commit ourselves to pray for Mrs. Goetz and her family along with Chaplain Goetz’s mother, siblings, and extended family, and to uphold in prayer other chaplains, who, as faithful servants of the Lord Jesus Christ, are exposed to mortal danger on a frequent basis.

We also resolve that a copy of this resolution, suitably framed, should be presented to the Goetz family at an appropriate time as a small token of our deep gratitude for Chaplain Goetz’s sacrifice of his life in honorable service to his country and to his Lord and Savior, and our deep gratitude as well for the ongoing sacrifice that the Goetz family will be making in the days to come. In addition, we resolve to stand in silence for one minute following the adoption of this resolution in tribute to the memory of our fallen brother in the Lord. May the Lord Himself, Who is the sole source of true comfort, grant to each member of Chaplain Goetz’s family the strength to meet the future in the will of God and for the glory of Christ’s everlasting kingdom.

Resolution on the Convention Theme: Faithfulness from Generation to Generation
Resolution 10-03

One of the most mournful statements in the Holy Scriptures occurs in Judges 2:10. “And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel.” It is a text that demonstrates the cold reality that Biblical truths do not pass automatically from one generation to the next. At some point in the chain of those generations of which we read, there was failure to transmit the truth from one generation to the next.

Such failure does not always arise from that which is malicious. Sometimes, it arises from the actions of those who are not as careful as they should be. The pressures of life and the tendency to be distracted from the truths of the Bible and the work of the ministry often conspire to make God’s servants forget their obligations to the rising generation. This situation is by no means of recent derivation. The Apostle Paul understood the importance of ensuring that young men whom he trained should be prepared to assume their responsibilities. That preparation consisted of transmitting to those young men the doctrines of the Gospel as well as the way in which the ministry of the Gospel has to be fulfilled.

The Apostles and those who followed them also understood that to break that chain for a single generation would raise the potential that succeeding generations would be completely ignorant of the heritage of the Gospel. They worked with the rising generation not by seeking to accommodate its preferences but by stressing that the Gospel message was relevant in every age and did not need to be adjusted in any way.

Throughout church history, the understanding of the importance and mechanics of the process remained the same. Faithful men of God endeavored to commit Biblical truth to younger faithful men who would, in turn, be able to teach those who would come after them (2 Tim. 2:2). There is little, if any, indication that younger generations of men believed that they had a better understanding of the issues of the Gospel than their teachers did. Instead, the young men observed the manner of life of those who went before them in the way of truth (2 Tim. 3:10).

As at other times in the history of the church, the acceleration of trends opposing Biblical separatism that is evident today has left some members of the rising generation feeling empowered to abandon what their spiritual fathers have done and taught and to embark on a Gospel ministry that dilutes or denies separatist convictions. At the same time, those spiritual fathers, distrusting those trends, have been at times less than effective in their responsibility to commit these convictions to faithful younger men so that they may teach others also. Despair in one group and frustration in the other often results from damaged communication and poor cooperation.

Therefore, the delegates to the 69th annual convention of the American Council of Christian Churches, meeting October 19-21, 2010 in Hope Baptist Church, Hanover, PA call on men from both generations to remember the example of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ and those who succeeded them in the Gospel ministry. The apostles displayed a deep desire to prepare younger men for the challenges of the ministry. At the same time, the younger men displayed a humble submission to the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ as it was manifested in the efforts by the apostles to train the younger men for the responsibilities of leading the work of God. By this care and concern in both generations, the Gospel of Christ will be adorned and the ministry of the rising generation will not depart from the Biblical foundations laid down by those who have demonstrated their faithfulness to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Resolution on 10 U.S.C. § 654, U.S. law forbidding homosexuality in the military
Resolution 10-04

After ten weeks of heated deliberation at the Constitutional Convention of 1787, our nation’s founding fathers were at an impasse, wondering whether further progress could be achieved on their important work. At that critical juncture, Benjamin Franklin, perhaps the least reverent of that august body, rose to speak about “the Lord’s house.” Here is some of what he said:

“I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth—that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without his aid? We have been assured, Sir, in the sacred writings, that ‘except the Lord build the house they labor in vain that build it.’ I firmly believe this; and I also believe that without his concurring aid we shall succeed in this political building no better than the builders of Babel. We shall be divided by our little partial local interests, our projects will be confounded, and we ourselves shall become a reproach and bye word down to future ages.”

Franklin’s reference to our nation as “the Lord’s house” from Psalm 127 is telling. He clearly understood that the governments of the world are accountable to a greater Governor than they. Although the Convention failed to adopt Franklin’s proposal for various reasons, the men gathered there undoubtedly understood the import of its theme: Psalm 127 reveals a King of kings and Lord of lords whose aid brings more blessing upon a land than the insight its leaders’ political agendas could ever hope to provide.

The Psalm in question contains the Lord’s description of the family that lives in the house that knows His blessing, a family in which a father and a mother are blessed with children according to the will of the Lord. The passage also speaks of national defense with its reference to a watchman: “Except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.”

Today’s political debate regarding the 1993 law forbidding homosexuality in our country’s military, statute 10 U.S.C. § 654, has forgotten the importance of the blessing of the Lord of Psalm 127 to the well-being of our country’s domestic tranquility and national defense. Revising or nullifying this law to permit homosexuality openly in the military will introduce risks to military readiness in areas such as unit cohesion, medical safety, recruiting, retention, cost, and privacy issues that have already been well-documented as public record. Add to these the risk of a withdrawal of the blessing of the Lord to whom Benjamin Franklin prayed, and the result surely will be a formula that equals disaster for our military personnel and our nation in a dangerous world.

Therefore, the delegates to the 69th annual convention of the American Council of Christian Churches, meeting October 19-21, 2010 in Hope Baptist Church, Hanover, PA call on our nation’s leaders to remember the Lord of Psalm 127 and the wisdom of our forefathers who understood the need for His blessing on our nation. We ask that they better secure that blessing by upholding and enforcing the law of the land prohibiting homosexuality in the Armed Forces, a prohibition with which the sacred writings to which Franklin referred agree. We also ask that they do everything in their power to resist judicial activists from legislating from their bench in disregard of the will of a government of the people, by the people, and for the people, understanding that there is no constitutional civil right to serve in the Armed Forces. We further assure them of our fervent prayers that God would grant them wisdom to lead well this nation that did not rise and cannot be sustained without His concurring aid.

Resolution on Together for the Gospel
Resolution 10-05

The theological and ecclesiastical confusion that has its roots in the middle of the 20th century and that has been flourishing in the first decade of the 21st century springs from the willingness to forsake the Biblical doctrine of separation. The “new” evangelicalism of dialogue and cooperation with those who deny the Gospel departed decades ago from the old evangelicalism, also known as Fundamentalism, which stressed the need for the people of God to maintain separation from those who depart from Biblical truth (Eph. 5:11).

Early in the 21st century, another movement has begun as an effort to counter the dilution of Gospel doctrine by the marketing schemes concocted to make church growth easier to generate and consolidate. Part of those schemes emphasized the need to avoid any heavy emphasis on doctrine, particularly doctrine that could make seekers uncomfortable. A certain group in evangelicalism sounded the alarm that some churches, at least, had opted for the road of less resistance and had weakened the Gospel message to such an extent that it was practically devoid of any direction to show people how to be saved or even that they needed to be saved.

In the middle of the century’s first decade, four men agreed to establish a movement that they called Together for the Gospel. Initially, its main purpose was to organize conferences every two years, beginning in the spring of 2006, which they hoped would attract those who had also become alarmed at the weakening of the evangelical message. Since then, it has developed into the desire for a loose affiliation of individuals and churches that have been involved in the conferences. The founders of the movement were J. Ligon Duncan III, who until this past June was Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA); Mark Dever, senior pastor of Capitol Hill Baptist Church, a Southern Baptist Church in Washington, D. C.; C. J. Mahaney, who served for 27 years as pastor of Covenant Life Church in Gaithersburg, MD and who now leads Sovereign Grace Ministries; and Albert Mohler, president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Those men drafted a constitutional document for their movement that they called Affirmations and Denials in which they sought to clarify the purposes they were trying to achieve. They began by saying, “We are brothers in Christ united in one great cause – to stand together for the Gospel. We are convinced that the Gospel of Jesus Christ has been misrepresented, misunderstood, and marginalized in many churches and among many who claim the name of Christ. Compromise of the Gospel has led to the preaching of false gospels, the seduction of many minds and movements, and the weakening of the church’s Gospel witness.” They added, “We are concerned about the tendency of so many churches to substitute technique for truth, therapy for theology, and management for ministry.”

These statements along with many other parts of the document express sentiments for which Fundamentalists have been contending for years. The doctrinal affirmations and denials of Together for the Gospel reflect sound orthodoxy. For example, Article VII maintains, “We affirm that salvation is all of grace, and that the Gospel is revealed to us in doctrines that most faithfully exalt God’s sovereign purpose to save sinners and in His determination to save his redeemed people by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, to His glory alone.”

However, there is one vital element of Biblical truth that is missing from the document. There is no call to adhere to the Biblical doctrine of separation. Instead, Article XV states, “We affirm that evangelical congregations are to work together in humble and voluntary cooperation and that the spiritual fellowship of Gospel congregations bears witness to the unity of the Church and the glory of God.” However, what constitutes an evangelical congregation is not readily apparent. It is even less apparent when considering that two of the signers of that document, Albert Mohler and J. Ligon Duncan III, are also signers of the Manhattan Declaration that pointedly affirms that Roman Catholics and adherents of Eastern Orthodoxy are fellow Christians.

The appeal of Together for the Gospel is undeniable. The 2010 conference attracted an attendance that numbered in the thousands. The potential for harm, however, is just as real. The idea that cooperation can be a function of agreeing on the Gospel without referencing the historic lines of Biblical separation sounds eerily like the philosophy of the “new” evangelicalism from the late 1940s and onward. The inclusion of so-called Reformed Charismatics as speakers in the conferences, notably C. J. Mahaney, has been justified by describing them as continuationists as opposed to other speakers who are called cessationists. This assumption that there is a place for charismatics in the evangelical tent is not a new error, but the use of the affirmations and denials makes the argument for that place more attractive to those already inclined against Biblical separation.

This new movement, then, follows previous error in neglecting the Biblical doctrine of separation that has always marked Fundamentalism. Sadly, some Fundamentalist institutions have begun to welcome as co-laborers some conservative evangelicals associated with efforts like Together for the Gospel. If such trends continue, what has been known as historic Fundamentalism, with its emphasis on Biblical separation, personally and ecclesiastically, will be seriously eroded if not rendered irrelevant.

Therefore, the delegates to the 69th annual convention of the American Council of Christian Churches, meeting October 19-21, 2010 in Hope Baptist Church, Hanover, PA resolve to remind God's people that Biblical separatism is a watershed doctrine that has its source in the attribute of God’s holiness and determines what kind of legacy we will leave to the generations that follow our own. Undermining separatism for the purposes of cooperation with those who either define the doctrine more loosely or do not hold it at all has proven costly in the past, and it will do so again. Faithfulness from generation to generation requires that we do not surrender the ground that has been defended by those who have gone before us lest those who come after us have no ground left to defend.

Resolution on the 69th Anniversary of the Council’s Founding
Resolution 10-06

When the American Council of Christian Churches came into existence in 1941, the United States had not yet entered World War II, the World Council of Churches was still seven years from its formation, and the National Association of Evangelicals would not be formed until the following year. The founding of the ACCC took place before Billy Graham had begun to make his mark on the national scene and more than fifteen years before his ecumenical evangelism transformed American evangelicalism to a movement of inclusiveness and compromise. The ACCC was born six years before Harold Ockenga began to speak of the “new” evangelicalism, a movement devoted to dialogue with error instead of separation from error.

Thus, the ACCC was not a response to the World Council of Churches or even the National Association of Evangelicals. It was instead the natural fruit of the Fundamentalist-Modernist controversy and the growing awareness that the nature of alliances and associations would be a major factor in the preservation of Biblical truth and in its transmission to succeeding generations of Biblical separatists. Thus, the American Council of Christian Churches staked out its ground before the full blown nature of ecumenical apostasy splashed across the postwar world. It originated as a positive force for the preservation of Biblical truth in a world that would soon be inundated by the toxic waters of compromise with modernism.

For sixty-nine years, the ACCC has maintained a distinctive, if not unique, position in Fundamentalism. Featuring the fellowship of a multi-denominational body of churches and individuals, it has adhered faithfully to its clear doctrinal statement that focuses on the cardinal doctrines of Christianity. Unwilling to allow itself to be turned to one side or another, the ACCC has underscored that doctrinal basis for its fellowship.

At the same time, the Council has maintained its emphasis on personal separation and practical holiness. It has stressed that Christian doctrine and Christian deportment are two sides of the same coin. Increasingly, this position has brought the Council criticism for being inflexible and for being unable to adapt to changing conditions in the world of the 21st century. Some claim allegiance to what they call the Gospel while they forge new paths of cooperation with those who depart from the Gospel that Paul preached (Gal. 1:9). Others want to focus on alliances in the areas of morals and ethics while diluting or forsaking the preeminent position of Biblical truth.

As it completes its 69th year and anticipates the close of the seventh decade of its existence, the American Council of Christian Churches reasserts the truth that right doctrine must produce right deportment. To say that someone is for the Gospel while he encourages those who stand apart from or even against the Gospel is to deny the command of Scripture to come out from among them and to be separate (II Cor. 6:17; Rev. 18:4). At the outset of its 70th year, the ACCC is as resolved as ever before to maintain the truth of the Holy Scriptures and to stand with Christ outside the camp (Heb. 13:13).

Therefore, the delegates to the 69th annual convention of the American Council of Christian Churches, meeting October 19-21, 2010 in Hope Baptist Church, Hanover, PA renew their resolve to preserve the doctrinal statement to which they have all agreed and their commitment to the standards of separation, personally and ecclesiastically, that have always drawn their ardent admiration and their earnest support.

Resolution on Separation
Resolution 09-04

From its founding in 1941, the American Council of Christian Churches has devoted its resources and energy to following the exhortation of Jude to “earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered to the saints.” (Jude 3)

Not long after the ACCC came into existence, the forces of compromise with error in the evangelical world began trying to forge a middle way between fundamentalism and modernism. This “New Evangelicalism,” as it came to be called, launched an assault on the doctrine of Biblical separation.

That doctrine rests on the clear teaching of the Word of God that warns, “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” (II Corinthians 6:14-18)

The apparent success of the “New Evangelicalism” has encouraged even greater departures from the Scriptures of Truth. It has also fostered the pretense that it is possible and even desirable for believers in Christ to have fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, when the Scriptures absolutely forbid such fellowship. (Ephesians 5:11)

In such a time, the Word of God calls Christ’s people to strengthen their resolve to be faithful to the Gospel and to take their stand against that which dilutes or denies it and to practice such separation in their individual lives, as the Scriptures command, “as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation.” (I Peter 1:15)

Therefore, the delegates to the 68th annual convention of the American Council of Christian Churches, meeting October 20-22, 2009 in Toronto Free Presbyterian Church, Toronto, Ontario, Canada express their firm resolve to maintain the practice of Biblical separation, both personally and ecclesiastically, and that they will remain faithful to the Biblical demand to separate from those who teach “another Gospel,” from all who deny the doctrines of Scripture, from all who pervert the Scripture to unbiblical uses and teachings, and from all those who refuse to separate themselves from those who are disobedient to God’s command.

Resolution on the World Council of Churches
Resolution 09-03

The World Council of Churches (WCC), organized in Amsterdam in 1948, continues to be a major representative of the liberal wing of Protestantism with its claim to represent 560 million individuals in 349 denominations, located in more than 110 countries. This religious body attempts to bring within its fold not only Protestants, Orthodox, Anglicans and Roman Catholics, but rejoices as compromising evangelicals, Pentecostals and charismatics find their way into the organization as well, along with representatives of other world religions.

The powerful Central Committee that handles all WCC business between Assemblies elected a new General Secretary at its meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, August 26- September 2, 2009, choosing not to wait until the next Assembly in South Korea in 2013. The man chosen by a majority vote of 80 to 60 was the Rev. Dr. Olav Fykse Tveit of the Church of Norway. This ecumenical leader, when questioned about other world religions, quickly announced he was presently serving as Moderator of the Church of Norway-Islamic Council, and he declared, “We must see one another as fellow human beings. All faiths call us to that.”

The new General Secretary went on to say that the WCC’s strong ties with the Roman Catholic Church provide “one of the most crucial relationships for the WCC.” He even looked forward to his first meeting with Pope Benedict XVI as soon as that could be arranged.

It was also newly revealed in Geneva that the WCC had received into membership in 1970 the “Church of Jesus Christ on Earth by His Special Envoy Simon Kimbanger,” claiming their church to be the “New Jerusalem.” This church declares Simon to be “The One,” rather than the Holy Spirit, sent from Heaven by the Father as recorded in John 14:26.

Among the participants at this Geneva meeting were the United Bible Societies, World Alliance of YMCA’s, General Conference of Seventh-Day Adventists, Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, Roman Catholics and World Vision.

The American Council of Christian Churches (ACCC) meeting in its 68th Annual Convention, October 20-22, 2009 in Toronto, Canada, declares these liberal church bodies and leaders to be “…grievous wolves…not sparing the flock,” (Acts 20:29) as well as a “…cage of every unclean and hateful bird.” (Revelation 18:2) We call upon all true believers to understand that God’s Word clearly teaches separation from apostates as represented by the WCC, and also from those who remain within the World Evangelical Alliance or any other church bodies that cooperate and participate with the WCC along with the 70 regional groups of the WCC.

“Come out of her my people that ye be not partaker of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.” (Revelation 18:4)

Resolution on the “Emerging Church”
Resolution 09-02

For its entire history, the American Council of Christian Churches has maintained its adherence to the Word of God in that the Holy Scriptures are inspired by God and are therefore inerrant, infallible, authoritative and sufficient as the special revelation of God. This Council has always defended the Bible as the only guide for all matters of faith and practice.

One of the recent innovations on the religious scene is the so-called Emerging Church movement that claims to be emerging out of history’s reservoir of Christian experience and to encompass every earlier expression of Christianity just as a tree’s annual growth ring encapsulates all of its prior growth. (Brian McLaren, A Generous Orthodoxy. (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2004) pp. 276-278))

But this claim is false. Brian McLaren, a leader in the Emerging Church movement, while claiming a “generous orthodoxy,” urges that fundamentalists need to give up the five great watchwords of the Protestant Reformation—Scripture alone, Christ alone, grace alone, faith alone, and for the glory of God alone; (McLaren, p. 198.) and his view of Scripture rejects the biblical teaching of its uniqueness as divinely inspired, substituting instead the view that Scripture “is at once God’s creation and the creation of the dozens of people and communities and cultures who produced it,” (McLaren, p. 162.) and thus reflects the Roman Catholic error that “[Holy] tradition transmits in its entirety the Word of God.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church (1994) Para 81. Square brackets and italic in the original)

Furthermore, Erwin McManus, another leader in the Emerging Church movement, has said that “underneath what looks like invention, innovation and creativity is really a core mysticism that hears from God, and what is fueling this is something really ancient,” (http://www.relevantmagazine.com/god_article.php?id=6989 1/26/2009) and Rod Bell, also prominent in the movement affirms, “We’re rediscovering Christianity as an Eastern religion, as a way of life.” (Quoted in a 2004 Christianity Today article titled ‘Emergent Mystique’)

These statements represent only a small portion of the errors that appear in the writings of Emerging Church leaders.

Therefore the delegates to the 68th Annual Convention of the American Council of Christian Churches, meeting in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, October 20-22, 2009 resolve to reject and repudiate the Emerging Church movement as heretical; and we further resolve that members of this Council will do all within our power to expose the unbiblical and deceptive concepts of the Emerging Church movement, to warn of its dangers and to call all mankind to return to Scripture alone as our sole source of knowledge regarding all that is spiritual.

Resolution on the Convention Theme—Taking Heed
Resolution 09-01

From its founding in 1941, the American Council of Christian Churches has dedicated itself to defending the fundamental truths of Gospel doctrine against Satanic attack and to promoting those truths in a world marked increasingly by apathy and even antipathy toward them. Sadly, the corrosive influence of weakness in the face of apostasy, as manifested in the so-called New Evangelicalism, has produced an appalling drift toward positions that have bargained away the hallmarks of the Gospel in exchange for wider acceptance and more popular acclaim.

The first decade of the 21st century has been a time of turning away from the separatist positions maintained not only by the early generations of Christian Fundamentalist leaders and those who benefited from their ministry but also by those who came before them, going all the way back to the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. The legacy of Billy Graham’s ecumenical evangelism and the NAE’s fascination with admitted advocates of universalism, such as Robert Schuller, have generated an atmosphere in which Joel Osteen and other purveyors of “evangelicalism lite” have been able to flourish.

Such dismaying trends have affected some who have expressed adherence previously to Fundamentalist truths and to Biblical separation from those who dilute them or deny them. They have begun to doubt the need for the firm resolve Fundamentalism requires in the face of open error and of compromise with that error. Some younger Fundamentalists have wondered about the right way to reach their generation and are concluding that changes in methodology and refinements in message are in order.

Such changes mean shifting away from the reliance on what has been proclaimed in the past in favor of a more contemporary style and a message less offensive to the desires of a narcissistic and entertainment-driven generation.

In the words of Mordecai from the Book of Esther, the American Council of Christian Churches has been called to the kingdom for such a time as this. Now is not the time to waver or fear. Now is the time to reassert the Biblical truths of Christian Fundamentalism to preserve the heritage of those who have already served their generation and who are now in the presence of the Lord. Now is the time to renew our reliance on the things that we have heard.

Therefore the delegates to the 68th Annual Convention of the American Council of Christian Churches, meeting October 20-22, 2009 in Toronto Free Presbyterian Church, Toronto, Ontario, Canada resolve, in the words of the convention’s theme, to “give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard.” (Hebrews 2:1) We are mindful of the similar exhortation to take heed to ourselves and to the doctrine and to continue in them. (I Timothy 4:16) We recognize that the key to delivering our generation from the fire of divine judgment lies in the doctrine of the Gospel of Christ, and we set ourselves afresh for the defense of that Gospel. We call on all who love Christ in truth to take heed to the things that they have heard, to remain separated unto Christ, and to guard the doctrine that presents the only way of salvation.

The Emerging Church
Resolution 08-05

WHEREAS the Emerging Church Movement, arising from within the ranks of New Evangelicalism represents a postmodern attack upon the Word of God and the "faith . . . once delivered unto the saints;" and

WHEREAS the Emerging Church is a "multi-faceted entity" defining itself as "communities that practice the way of Jesus within postmodern culture" (Emerging Churches, by Eddie Gibbs and Ryan K. Bolger, p. 44). The basic philosophy of the Emerging Church is to deny the reality of absolute truth. It denies that the Bible is God's infallible Word and contends that it needs to be "deconstructed" and "redefined" (The Emerging Church, by Dan Kimbal, p. 58, 175); and,

WHEREAS in Emerging Churches the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ is replaced by the message of "kingdom living," which is nothing more than the social gospel (Everything Must Change, by Brian D. McLaren, p. 20-21 and The Church In Transition, by Tim Condor, p. 181). These churches do not preach the atoning work of Jesus Christ emphasizing instead sensory experience and social and cultural change;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the American Council of Christian Churches, meeting in its 67th Annual Convention at the Evangelical Methodist Church in Darlington, MD, October 21-23, 2008, reaffirms its commitment to stand firmly for the inerrancy of God’s Word, the “faith once delivered” and to be "set for the defense of the Gospel" (Jude 3);

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the A.C.C.C. warns all true believers to beware of the Emerging Church and its apostasy and to remind God’s people of the need to separate from and not be a part of any movement, church or organization that denies the absolute truth of God’s Word (Romans 16:17,18; II Corinthians 6:14-18);

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the A.C.C.C. encourages all Bible-believing Churches to boldly proclaim the saving Gospel of the Cross of Christ as the only way of salvation, as it was delivered to us in God’s inerrant Word, and to confront and resist any attempt to “re-construct and re-define” the Gospel of Christ (I Corinthians 1:18-25; Galatians 1:8-9).

The Trust Committed To Us
Resolution 08-04

WHEREAS the Word of God states, "But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts." I Thessalonians 2:4; and

WHEREAS the Gospel is the Good News that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again (I Corinthians 15:3-4); that "it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth." (Romans 1:16); and

WHEREAS God in His mercy and grace has entrusted us, His people, with the Gospel; to believe it, to proclaim it and to defend it (Jude 3);

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the American Council of Christian Churches, meeting in its 67th annual convention in the Evangelical Methodist Church, Darlington, MD on October 21-23, 2008,do reaffirm our commitment to faithfully preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to preeminently seek to please God rather than curry favor with man;

FINALLY BE IT RESOLVED we encourage all of God’s people, and especially one another within the American Council of Christian Churches, to stand firmly and faithfully in the defense and confirmation of the Gospel. (Philippians 1:7,17).

The 60th Anniversary Of The World Council Of Churches
Resolution 08-03

WHEREAS, August 23, 2008 marked the 60th anniversary of the official founding of the World Council of Churches (W.C.C.) in Amsterdam, Netherlands, which from the beginning has had as its stated aim "to pursue the goal of visible unity of the Church." After 60 years the W.C.C. boasts a membership of 349 ecclesiastical bodies from more than 110 countries, representing 560 million professing Christians. Though not a member, the Roman Catholic Church maintains close ties with the W.C.C. and is a full voting member of the W.C.C. Commission on Faith and Order and the Commission for World Mission and Evangelism; and

WHEREAS, the W.C.C. vision goes beyond the goal of building a one-world Church to developing a one-world religion and in 2006, sponsored a Critical Movement Conference attended by Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, Christian, and Hindu participants. In July 2008, the Muslim World League sponsored an International Interfaith Conference in Madrid, Spain, under the theme of "International Conference for Dialogue," with representatives from Islam, Christianity, and Buddhism. One of the W.C.C. presidents and other W.C.C. leaders were delegates to that conference; and

WHEREAS despite the assertion that the battle with liberalism and apostasy is over, the W.C.C. continues to consist of an active and influential religious conglomeration of liberalism, neo-orthodoxy, and neo-paganism, making overtures to New Evangelicals and Pentecostals to join with it. New Evangelical and Pentecostal representatives have spoken at W.C.C. meetings and participated in conferences and workshops. Several evangelical church bodies are members of the W.C.C.; and

WHEREAS on August 20, 2008, the Rev. Dr. Samuel Kobia, W.C.C. General Secretary stated: "It is significant that as we gather sixty years later at the same venue we note that the churches have been faithful to their commitment. Not only have they stayed together, but they have deepened and broadened the Fellowship."

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED because of the urgent need for true believers to "earnestly contend for the faith, which was once delivered unto the saints" (Jude 3); the American Council of Christian Churches will continue to stand firm in its opposition to the W.C.C. and its apostasy. The A.C.C.C. meeting in its 67th Annual Convention, October 21-23, 2008, at the Evangelical Methodist Church, Darlington, MD, issues a warning to all believers to beware of and to confront the deceitful propaganda of the W.C.C. (Ephesians 5:11);

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the A.C.C.C. calls upon all believers to obey the Word of God, to try the spirits (I John 4:1), and to separate from all religious apostasy and unbelief (I Timothy 4:1; II Timothy 3:5; Revelation 18:4).

The Divine Institution of Marriage
Resolution 08-02

WHEREAS at creation, God Himself established the institution of marriage and defined marriage as the union between one man and one woman for life (Genesis 2:23, 24); and

WHEREAS Christ honored the institution of marriage and reaffirmed its definition by quoting from Genesis 2 (Mark 10:1-12); and

WHEREAS the New Testament epistles are consistent in their support of the importance of the institution of marriage and in reaffirming the definition of one man and one woman for life (Romans 7:1-6; 1 Corinthians 7:1-16; Ephesians 5:22-33; 1 Peter 3:1-7); and

WHEREAS there have been and continue to be many attempts, both on the federal, state, and local levels, to undermine the divine institution of marriage and to overthrow the biblical instruction expressed in its traditional understanding concerning divorce, remarriage, co-habitation and homosexual unions;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the American Council of Christian Churches meeting in Darlington, MD, October 21-23, 2008, is committed to uphold and faithfully proclaim the sanctity of marriage and to consistently reaffirm that marriage is instituted by God and not subject to the whims of man;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we declare that man has no right to change that which God has instituted or to alter the Bible's definition of marriage;

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that we will firmly oppose any legislation or decision by the courts or any other body seeking to expand the definition of marriage beyond one man and one woman united for life and that we strongly support all legislation that will defend the sanctity of the divine institution of marriage and its biblical definition.

Biblical Separation
Resolution 08-01

WHEREAS the Word of God gives a clarion call to the believer to walk in separation from the satanic world system, which is antagonistic to God, to the Word of God, and to the born-again people of God; and

WHEREAS this call to separation is taught in the Word of God as a doctrine, consistently pictured and commanded in the Old and New Testaments; and

WHEREAS Scripture calls for complete severance from apostasy, unbelief, heresy, false religions, and all forms of inclusivism or compromise therewith; and

WHEREAS it is impossible to be committed to the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:28) and ignore this large body of truth in the Scriptures, in which the doctrine of ecclesiastical purity is taught, illustrated, and commanded; and

WHEREAS the World Council of Churches and the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA, together with their affiliated ecclesiastical bodies, have gone into apostasy; and since acceptance of the principle of inclusivism characterizes the ecumenical movement, the charismatic renewal, ecumenical evangelism, neo-orthodoxy, and new evangelicalism;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the American Council of Christian Churches, meeting in its 67th Annual Convention in Darlington, MD, October 21-23, 2008, declares that we are separatists in spirit, action, and objective, and that we refuse association with any and all groups connected with the apostasy, and with those who follow the principle of inclusivism or fellowship with unbelief; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we will avoid identification with doctrinal infidelity through affiliations, relationships, and associations in order to obey the Scriptures to “touch not the unclean thing” (II Corinthians 6:17), and we will avoid any course of action that will assist or promote infidelity to the Scriptures or unscriptural compromise, and we will renew our efforts to expose unbelief, compromise, and theological error, through preaching, writing, and example; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that we will endeavor to provide exemplary leadership toward a Scriptural stand on the part of pastors, evangelists, missionaries, educators, and other Christian leaders, which will encourage them to take a more aggressive stand in defense of the truth of the inerrant Bible, urging them to accept and subject themselves to the authority of the Word of God further urging them to faithfully preach the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ alone to a lost and dying world.

Faithfulness to the Living and Written Word
Resolution 06-01

WHEREAS, in this age when the Scriptures are denied and ignored even by some who claim to be Christian ministers, it is imperative that those who profess to be true and faithful Christians:

1. Believe that the 66 books of the Old and New Testament Scriptures are the complete and only written Word of God and are divinely inspired, inerrant and infallible. (Revelation 22:18-19; 2 Timothy 3:16.)

2. Reject any teaching which is not faithful to the Scriptures. (Isaiah 8:20)

3. Study the Scriptures to be able to discern sound teaching and that which is false. (2 Timothy 2:15; Matthew 22:29; Acts 17:11.)

4. Attend a Church which is faithful to the Word of God and stands against apostasy and false teaching. (1 Corinthians 1:18; Matthew 7:15.)

5. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ who is presented in Scripture as the Living Word of God. (John 1:14; Luke 24:27.) A Christ not found in the Scriptures is a false Christ.

6. Be obedient to the Word of God. (Luke 8:15; James 1:22.)

Religious Liberty in the Chaplaincy
Resolution 06-02

WHEREAS, our nation was founded upon principles of religious liberty and tried to assure the same for posterity by the passage of the first amendment to the Constitution, and

WHEREAS, General George Washington's first act after reading the Declaration of Independence to his men was to appoint chaplains for every regiment and assigned them proper pay and respect, and also appointed chaplains to both houses of Congress as his first act as President, and

WHEREAS, prior to 1860 all chaplains had to be of the "Christian Faith" and it was not until 1860 that the first Rabbi was permitted to enter the chaplaincy, and in the late 1800's monotheists entered into the chaplaincy, and in the middle 1900's polytheists entered as chaplains, and in the last 20 years, a panorama of non Christian religions made application and were accepted as chaplains, and

WHEREAS, a concerted effort has been undertaken to restrict the religious liberty of chaplains beginning with the 1983 court case of "Marsh vs. Chambers" which challenged the use of public prayer, which right was upheld by the Supreme Court, and this effort continued under the ACLU's leadership in getting the Air Force to release guidelines in August 2005 to restrict the public worship of chaplains and specifically to restrict them from praying in "Jesus name" especially in any public meeting outside the chapel, and

WHEREAS, Lieutenant Gordon James Klingenschmitt, Evangelical Episcopal Chaplain in the Navy was reprimanded 3 times by his superiors for a memorial sermon for one of his "Christian" soldiers using John 3:36 and praying in Jesus name in accord with his rights under US Code Title 10 section 6031:

"An officer in the chaplain corps may conduct public worship according to the manner and forms of the church of which he is a member,"

WHEREAS, the United States House of Representatives has passed a bill this past summer, H.R. 5122 (section 590) allowing chaplains to "pray according to the dictates of their conscience," which pressured the Pentagon to rescind its restrictive rules which redefined public worship and restricted their religious liberty, and since Congress is planning hearings on the matter in January of 2007, with some Congressmen wanting to require "sensitivity training" regarding religious issues for all chaplains as a means of controlling them,

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that we the messengers of the American Council of Christian Churches, meeting in Lebanon PA, October 24-26, 2006, call upon our President, every member of Congress, every church body, and all of our citizenry, to protect the religious liberties upon which our nation was founded. We encourage them to protect the religious liberty given to us by God and recognized by our founding fathers as appropriate and most necessary for those whose lives are in danger defending this very right for the American people.

WE FURTHER RESOLVE to write to our elected officials in Washington to express our desire that they not allow our religious liberties to be destroyed over fears of offending some other religion, thereby allowing any one person or religion to control the religious liberties of all.

Amish School Shootings
Resolution 06-03

WHEREAS, our entire nation was alarmed at the senseless shootings in a one room school house in the Pennsylvania Amish Country of Lancaster County. This hardworking, passive community was stunned when the reports circulated that Charles Carl Roberts IV entered the schoolhouse with the intent to assault the young girls and take their lives.

WHEREAS this event at the West Nickel Mines Amish School was called "a force of darkness, beset by demons" [US News and World Report, 10/16/06). In the cover story of World Magazine, 10/14/06, Jamie Dean called this a "violent invasion of a private world" in an article entitled Paradise Lost. This vicious attack resulted in five homicides, several hospitalized, and a community traumatized. Many horrified bystanders wonder how such a thing could happen to innocent people.

WHEREAS the Bible reminds us that in the last days perilous times shall come (2 Timothy 3:1). The word "fierce" carries the idea of hard to take or hard to bear. In these last days we will continue to be exposed to things that are grievous, wicked, and difficult to endure and must therefore "Redeem the time, because the days are evil" (Ephesians 5:16). These school shootings are a reminder to all that in these evil, perilous days we must be drawn to the truth of God's Word. It is only then that we will find comfort in the promises of His Word (2 Peter 1:3).

BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED, that the American Council of Christian Churches, meeting from October 24-26, 2006, in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, wishes to express its deepest sympathy to the families of these victims. We commend the Amish community for their spirit of grace and meekness in the face of such tragedy. We further commend the Pennsylvania State police and authorities for protecting the privacy of this religious community during these grievous days.

WE FURTHER RECOGNIZE that God is absolutely sovereign in all things and that He will ultimately be glorified in the face of such evil and wickedness. We urge Bible-believing Christians to "lean not unto thine own understanding, and in all thy ways acknowledge Him" (Proverbs 3:5-6). We further rejoice in the wondrous truth of the Gospel of God's grace that gives peace and assurance to the one who trusts in Christ alone for salvation.

Justification By Faith Alone
Resolution 06-04

WHEREAS, the doctrine of justification by faith alone is essential to the saving Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ; and

WHEREAS, biblical justification is a gracious, external, unchangeable, judicial act of God that pardons all sins and imputes Christ's perfect righteousness; and

WHEREAS, justification is based upon Christ's substitutionary atonement and perfect obedience to the law, without any additions from man, and is a gift of God's free grace, received by faith alone; and

WHEREAS, the theology of Roman Catholicism falsely teaches that ceremonial baptism is the instrumental cause of justification; that baptism washes away original sin, actual sins, and punishment due to sins; that justification is a process, not a judicial act; that righteousness, along with gifts of faith, hope, and charity are infused through baptism; that justification is maintained by observing "the commandments of God and of the Church;" that faith is not the instrument, but the beginning of human salvation, the foundation, and the root of all justification; that justification is not distinguished from sanctification; that the grace of justification can be lost, but restored through the "sacrament" of penance; and that adherents to Roman Catholic theology have no certain hope of heaven; and

WHEREAS, in 1994, evangelical leaders and Catholic clergy published a document, "Evangelicals and Catholics Together: The Christian Mission in the Third Millennium," and less than four years later, published another joint document, "Evangelicals and Catholics Together: The Gift of Salvation," claiming that evangelicals and Roman Catholics are united in Christianity and can now find theological compatibility with the doctrine of justification; and

WHEREAS, on October 31, 1999, the Roman Catholic Church and the Lutheran World Federation, signed a Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification, "articulating a common understanding" concerning "justification by God's grace through faith in Christ;" and

WHEREAS, in July, 2006, The World Methodist Council signed an Official Common Affirmation on the Doctrine of Justification with the Lutheran World Federation and the Roman Catholic Church, stating: "We declare that the common understanding of justification as it is outlined in the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification … corresponds to Methodist doctrine;" and

WHEREAS, additional corruptions of the biblical doctrine of justification have surfaced among conservative Presbyterian bodies, including the Orthodox Presbyterian Church (OPC) and the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), expounded by such individuals as Norman Shepherd, formerly ordained minister of the OPC and professor at Westminster Theological Seminary (Philadelphia) (WTS); Steve Wilkins, pastor of the Auburn Avenue Presbyterian Church (PCA), Monroe, Louisiana; Douglas Wilson, minister of Christ Church (Confederation of Reformed Evangelicals), Moscow, Idaho; Steve M. Schlissel, pastor of Messiah's Congregation, Brooklyn, New York; and Rich Lusk, assistant pastor, Auburn Avenue Presbyterian Church, Monroe, Louisiana;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we, attending the 65th Annual Convention of the American Council of Christian Churches, meeting at the Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA, October 24-26, 2006, warn God's people against the increasing attack upon the pillar doctrine of the Gospel, justification by faith alone, and of the deception that Roman Catholicism is biblical Christianity;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we exhort the Lord's people to separate from all false gospels and give heed to the solemn, infallible words of the Apostle Paul:

"But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed" (Galatians 1:8, 9).

On Contemporary Evangelicalism and the Local Church
Resolution 05-01

The National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) was established in 1942 and from the beginning was built upon the belief that ecclesiastical separation was wrong. True fundamentalists have always believed separation from unbelief and compromise was biblical and needed to be done for the health of the Church and for the glory of God in all things. The American Council of Christian Churches (ACCC), established in 1941, has always held to the biblical necessity of separation from unbelief and from those who cooperated with unbelief. The ACCC continues to believe and to practice the Biblical teaching of the necessity of not only proclaiming the whole counsel of God, but of militantly defending the whole counsel of God against all compromise.

As a new generation of Christians has arisen out of the generation that gave birth to the NAE we see more and more evidences of the tragic consequences of embracing the philosophy of those who conceived of the NAE with its repudiation of ecclesiastical separation. Among the most tragic consequences which have followed in the wake of New Evangelicalism are the massive and unprecedented innovations that have been introduced into local churches - perverse innovations that are the obvious outgrowth of New Evangelicalism's entire view of the Christian life and mission. The willful rejection of personal and ecclesiastical separation goes far beyond questions of cooperation, associations, and co-belligerence. It has affected the local churches and individual Christians at the grass roots level. Contemporary Evangelicalism is the progressive adulteration of Biblical Christianity rooted in New Evangelicalism's abandonment of separation and marked by increasingly radical innovations within the local church which fundamentally alters the message of the one pure gospel. Its most obvious characteristics are reflected in local churches through the intentional minimization of the centrality of preaching, the infusion of deviant forms of worship through entertainment, emotionalism and fleshly music, and ministers who establish no Biblical standards of holiness for Christian living.

Therefore the American Council of Christian Churches meeting at its 64th Annual Convention at Parma, Ohio, on October 25-27, 2005, unreservedly calls upon all who claim to believe the Bible 1) to recognize the failed strategy of New Evangelicalism, 2) to repudiate the corruptions which now permeate countless local churches, and 3) to admit these awful compromises are the logical outcome of the philosophy of New Evangelicalism. We further urge Pastors, missionaries, and all other leaders to be thoroughly acquainted with the unscriptural philosophy and the prominent leaders behind the massive push to introduce such innovations into the local church and to resist all such compromises in the interest of faithfulness to God and the preservation of the purity of the Gospel.

On Rick Warren
Resolution 05-02

One of the prominent leaders in contemporary evangelicalism is Rick Warren, pastor of the 82,000-member Southern Baptist church, Saddleback Church of Lake Forest, California. He has influenced thousands of pastors and church leaders worldwide through his Purpose-Driven ministry with many churches are using his program, 40 Days of Purpose, as well as using his books, The Purpose Driven Church and The Purpose Driven Life.

While very popular in Christian circles, Rick Warren handles the Word of God deceitfully (II Corinthians 4:2). In his book The Purpose Driven Life, Warren claims to use "nearly a thousand quotations from Scripture." (Appendix 3, p. 325) However, he repeatedly takes verses out of context as proof texts misapplying the Word of God to fit his own ideas and beliefs. There is very little if any exegetical study of the verses quoted. One example is found on p. 152 and 154 of chapter 20 entitled, "Restoring Broken Relationships," where Warren uses II Corinthians 5:18 to prove his point that "God has given us the ministry of restoring relationships… whenever there is a rift, a hurt, or a conflict." His deceitful handling of God's Word has produced faulty doctrine and practice in his ministry and misleads God's people.

Rick Warren, through his "Purpose Driven ministry," also actively promotes the ecumenical movement. He openly declared, "I am an evangelical. I'm not a member of the religious right and I'm not a fundamentalist." He told the Baptist Press that the Southern Baptist Convention vote in 2004 to withdraw from the apostate Baptist World Alliance was a mistake (Calvary Contender, Sept.-Oct. 2005). Warren has stated: "The strategy of Jesus is the antidote to both extremes (liberalism and fundamentalism): infiltration!" (The Purpose Driven Church, p. 236) He is calling for and working toward "a new reformation." He told members of an elite press on The Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life, May 23, 2005: "The first Reformation actually split Christianity into dozens and then hundreds of different segments. I think this one is actually going to bring them together. …And I am working toward a second reformation of the church which could create a Third Great Awakening in our country or world."

The American Council of Christian Churches, meeting in its 64th Annual convention in Parma, Ohio, October 25-27, 2005 issues a warning to all true believers to beware of Rick Warren's promotion of ecumenism through his Purpose Driven Ministries and against his mis-application of the Word of God to prove his own principles and opinions.

On Pledge of Allegiance Court Decisions
Resolution 05-03

On September 14, 2005, U.S. District Court Judge Lawrence Karlton affirmed the ruling of the 2002 U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals declaring the phrase "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance to be unconstitutional. In both decisions the Court ruled the phrase "under God" was a "coercive requirement to affirm God," and was therefore in violation of the U.S. Constitution's so-called requirement that State and Church must maintain a "wall of separation".

As the result of the 2002 decision of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals a public uproar caused much negative publicity and consternation among the majority of the people of the United States. After the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the decision invalid due to a minor technicality, the uproar vanished. Now after three years, the decision by Judge Karlton, reinstates the decision and "fixes" the technicality. As the result of this current decision, there was almost no publicity nor was there any public uproar. The lethargy of the public and especially of the Christian public is disturbing and ominous.

The American Council of Christian Churches meeting at its 64th Annual Convention in Parma, Ohio, on October 25-27, 2005, condemns both decisions ruling the phrase of the Pledge of Allegiance, "under God" an unconstitutional "coercive requirement to affirm God." It further supports the U.S. Department of Justice's efforts to seek to have the rulings overturned and calls upon all Christians to urge their Senators and Representatives to pass legislation which would uphold religious liberty against threats of activist judges who rule in clear violation of the plain meaning of the U.S. Constitution and the intent of the founders of our nation. It also calls upon the President of the United States to nominate and the U.S. Senate to confirm only those Judges who will interpret the U.S. Constitution according to the meaning of that document as understood by its authors. It further calls upon all Christians to pray for those in authority over us, including our President, legislators and judges, that believers may live quiet and peaceable lives in all godliness and honesty.

Opposing the "Hate Crimes" Amendment
Resolution 05-04

In September of this year, after repeated rejections as a stand-alone bill, an amendment was attached to the Child Safety Act (H.R. 3132) and passed in the House of Representatives. This bill was then moved to the U.S. Senate and renamed "The Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2005." This amendment offers special protection and benefits based on the status of a person's sexual orientation. If passed, this would be the first such federal law conferring special benefits upon a person due solely to his sexual orientation and if passed would legally legitimate homosexuality and offer it special protection under the laws of the land. It would also then devalue anyone who is not homosexual and thus not offered this special protection. This violates both scripture and the constitutional requirement that all people be treated equally under the law.

The American Council of Christian Churches meeting at its 64th Annual Convention in Parma, Ohio, on October 25-27, 2005, condemns both this philosophy and this amendment and asks our Senators to vote against the amendment. It further urges all Christians to contact their Senators and express their disapproval of the amendment and of the philosophy that under girds it. We call upon all people to affirm the dignity of all persons equally due to their creation in the image of God.

On Jack Van Impe
Resolution 05-05

The Roman Catholic "Church" claims to be God's true Church and claims that its priests exercise the power of forgiving sins through confession of sins. Another prominent leader of contemporary evangelicalism, Jack Van Impe has made an almost complete turnaround from his once-good stance against Roman Catholicism. He now embraces some of Rome's false-gospel teachings and eulogizes some of its leaders. He heaped lavish praise on Pope John Paul II and has commended the new Pope, Benedict XVI. We grieve to see him continue down a slippery-slope path of promoting a worldly unity that can only lead to the very apostasy that he once claimed to warn against. This change is readily seen from an article and solemn promise in his June 1978 "Special Report to Pastors" Crusade Newsletter where he reconfirmed his public promise made upon entering the evangelism ministry. He told pastors: "I promise you upon the Name of my Lord Jesus that my message will never be watered down with compromise, but will always be faithful to God's holy Word." In his 1984 book ("Heart Disease in Christ's Body") and in his 1993 video, he indicated he had moved to a more neutral ecumenical stance.

The American Council of Christian Churches meeting in it's 64th Annual Convention in Parma, Ohio October 25-27, 2005, declares that although some feel Jack Van Impe may be a dynamic and talented speaker and self-professed former adherent of fundamentalism, he is in fact a dangerous leader to follow in these days of compromise and rampant deception and ought to be warned against.

On Joel Osteen
Resolution 05-06

Joel Osteen is pastor of Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, which is claimed to be this country's largest church, with weekly attendance approaching 30,000. Lakewood was already a mega-church when Joel succeeded his father, John, as pastor. Though they claim affiliation with the Southern Baptist Convention, they have become increasingly associated with the Charismatic and Pentecostal movements in recent years. Osteen has quickly become a leading voice for a new generation of contemporary evangelical leaders, adopting the slogan of "the power of positive preaching," reminiscent of Norman Vincent Peale and Robert Schuller. Joel's recent book, "Your Best Life Now" was a bestseller and like the messages he preaches in his church are light on doctrine and heavy on self-help psychology. On June 20, 2005, Osteen appeared with Larry King on CNN and was asked by King if atheists go to heaven. His answer was, "I'm very careful about saying who would and wouldn't go to heaven. I don't know." When asked then if Jews or Muslims don't believe in Christ they must be wrong, answered, "Well, I don't know if I believe they're wrong." And, when asked if he calls them 'sinners' he stated, "I don't…it's a word I don't use." While he recently tried to apologized for those remarks there continues to be serious doubts as to what he believes on the doctrines of salvation and on other basic teachings of the Word of God.

The American Council of Christian Churches meeting in its 64th Annual Convention in Parma, Ohio October 25-27, 2005, identifies Joel Osteen as one of the leaders in contemporary evangelicalism who is leading God's people away from the truth of God's Word and that he ought to be marked out and avoided as commanded in Romans 16: 17-18.

On Bill Gothard's Total Health Program
Resolution 05-07

Bill Gothard founded the Institute in Basic Youth Conflicts in 1973 and has served continuously as its director. He has a great influence for ecumenism. Gothard's teachings are composed of his misinterpretations of Scripture mingled with psychology and his own subjective thoughts. At times, he seems to regard his teachings on the same level of authority as God's Word.

Bill Gothard now promotes a mystical Total Health program. According to his web site (http://iblp.org) "Total Health is the proper functioning of the physical body as well as the mind, will, emotions and spirit." He teaches that sickness and disease are the results of bitterness, fears, guilt, etc. in the spirit. The "diseases of the spirit" cause "diseases of the soul", such as anger, worry, tension, and depression. In turn this affects a person's immunity and hormonal systems, causing sickness and disease of the body.

Gothard conducts Total Health conferences in which he claims, "People who had exhausted medical and nutritional remedies found total health when they identified the spiritual component that was missing from their lives." (http://billgothard.com, 10-3-2005) Gothard's charismatic-style approach to Total Health includes what he terms "the power of crying out to God" and "the power of spoken blessing". He claims that at a Training Conference in Knoxville, TN, Dr. Albert Rath, who had been diagnosed with lymphoma cancer in its fourth stage, was totally cured when 10,000 people cried out in unison: "O God, Abba, Father deliver Dr. Rath from cancer, in the name of Jesus and for Your glory. Amen!" (http://billgothard.com, 10-4-2005) . While his Total Health program has some practical advice, his mystical approach and mishandling of the Word of God is dangerous.

The American Council of Christian Churches, meeting in its 64th Annual Convention in Parma, Ohio, October 25-27, 2005 issues a warning to all true believers to beware of Bill Gothard's teachings, including his Total Health program. They are proving to be deceptive tools for breaking down denominational barriers and furthering the ecumenical movement

Taking up the Mantle
Resolution 04-01

The theme for the convention this year of the American Council of Christian Churches is drawn from an Old Testament account of Elijah passing his mantle to Elisha in 1 Kings 19:19 and 2 Kings 2:8. In these verses Elisha assumes the role as God’s spokesman to a nation and the spirit and power of Elijah would rest upon him as successor.

As dear servants of our Lord lay down the mantle in the cause for truth, we look to our God to raise up new leaders. In the past several years, many fine pastors, statesmen, and dear servants of the Lord have been promoted to Glory. Who will make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me (Ezekiel 22:30)? It is our prayer that the spirit and power of these Elijahs would continue in our day. O that our God would raise up men with such a spirit and with such power. May we be men of courage, boldness and spiritual backbone to stand for truth in these days of apostasy and compromise. May we ever cry: Where is the LORD God of Elijah (2 Kings 2:14)? O that we might see that power displayed in our ministries to the glory of God.

The American Council of Christian Churches, meeting at its 63rd Annual Convention in Orono, Maine, is burdened for the next generation of Fundamentalist leaders who will be called upon to stand for truth. The conflicts that this next generation will face include a continual battle with New-Evangelicalism, an engaging of the post-modern mind in the pew, a contending for the Faith once delivered to the saints, and a faithful proclamation of an exclusive Gospel in a pluralistic society. Today, we need men that will stand up and speak out on the issues that challenge truth and our Fundamentalist position.

Leadership in America
Resolution 04-02

We commend President George W. Bush for his leadership, vision, and resolve for our country in these post-9/11 years. We are grateful to God for graciously allowing this "minister of God" (Romans 13:4) to lead America "for such a time as this" (Esther 4:14). It is our prayer that America will continue as a leader in the free world by the gracious providence of God.

As a Council of Bible-believing churches, we recognize how crucial this coming election is to the future of America. We are deeply grieved over our national sins such as, the murder of the unborn, the sanctioning of sodomy, and the attempt to redefine marriage and the family. We are further concerned about who will be the next President of our great nation. Our next President will chart the course of this nation with key judicial appointments and significant legislation that will affect our lives for decades to come.

The American Council of Christian Churches, meeting at its 63rd Annual Convention in Orono, Maine urges all of our churches and all Bible-believing Christians to cry out to God for His grace upon this great nation as we look ahead to the national election. We further urge our constituency to speak out on the issues as Conservatives who care about the future of America. We also urge all Bible-believing Christians to get out and vote in this election year. May we make a difference as salt and light in a decaying culture that continues its assault on Bible-believing Christianity.

Hollywood's "Religious" Emphasis
Resolution 04-03

Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ became the eighth highest grossing domestic film of all time with an income of 23 million dollars on the first day [Ash Wednesday, February 25th]. The release of the DVD version of this film sold 4.1 million on the first day for a 117 million dollar profit. As a traditionalist Roman Catholic, Gibson set forth in very graphic images of gore and brutality the crucifixion of our Lord. This religious film, with an R rating, has generated much interest and support, even among some Bible-believing Christians. People should beware of the subtlety of what was not portrayed, what was distorted, and what was distinctly Roman Catholic. We should further be reminded that God has chosen words, not images to be the means of proclaiming truth.

Brian Dannelly's Saved is a teen comedy that takes place in a Christian Baptist high school. The NY Daily News states that this movie "mocks, spoofs, parodies, and chides America's Bible-thumping educators." A young Christian girl falls in love with a boy in high school and then finds out that he is a homosexual. She is visited by the Lord, and told to get pregnant by this boyfriend. The purpose of this is so that he will overcome his admitted homosexual urges. This new film makes a mockery of genuine Christianity as is so often the agenda of Hollywood.

Can sweet water come from this bitter fountain? Can blessing come from this mouth of cursing? James reminds us of this very truth in the New Testament [James 3:10-11]. Let us not be deceived into thinking that the agenda of the ungodly has suddenly changed.

The American Council of Christian Churches, meeting at its 63rd Annual Convention in Orono, Maine, reminds Bible-believing Christians that Hollywood movies with a "Religious" emphasis are part of the devices of the Devil (2 Corinthians 2:11) whereby he gains an advantage in the life of the Christian. Many young believers have stumbled into sin because of the absence of movie standards of older, mature believers. In these last days, we should always be suspect of Hollywood movies that attempt to tell "the Old, Old Story!"

We further remind believers that God has ordained preaching, not movies and videos, as the means of proclaiming the message of the Cross (1 Corinthians 1:18). God does not need Hollywood! We call the people of God to godly standards and spiritual sobriety, vigilance, and holiness.

Islam
Resolution 04-04

The war on terrorism has created unprecedented interest in the religion of Islam. Many of the pundits are reluctant to suggest that Islam is anything but a moral and peaceful religion. While it is true that millions of Muslims lead quiet, peaceful lives, both Islam's history and its holy text, the Quran, undermine this view that is mainly driven by political-correctness and a stampede to pluralism. Bloodshed and conflict have accompanied Islam since the beginning of the 7th Century AD. After all, it is the Quran that admonishes Muslims to "fight and slay the infidels wherever you find them. And seize them, beleaguer them and lie in wait for them"(Sura 9, Verse 5). That instruction is followed faithfully by the terrorist groups in Afghanistan, Iraq and by the Republic of Sudan.

From its very beginning, Islam viewed Christianity as a religion of idolatry and contamination. For Muslims, one of the greatest sins is to believe that God could share His nature with humanity. Therefore, Islam denies the Christian beliefs of the Trinity, the divinity of Jesus Christ, the crucifixion and death of Jesus for the sins of the world, and the resurrection of Jesus from the tomb. Thus, the very heart of Christianity is perceived as false.

The American Council of Christian Churches, meeting at its 63rd Annual Convention in Orono, Maine, confirms its belief that anyone who does not hold fast to Jesus Christ as the Son of God and Savior will perish and not have eternal life (1 John 5:12). Further, as the great clash of civilizations between Christianity and Islam unravel before our eyes, we urge all of our churches and all Bible-believing Christians to pray that the Lord may cast down the strongholds of Islam and bring the thoughts of the Muslim people into captivity to obey Christ. We remind our constituency that our response to the dangers of Islam must be regulated by the truth of Scripture. We believe that people from every nation, ethnic group, tribe and language will be found amongst the innumerable company of those redeemed by the blood of Christ.

Homosexual "Marriage"
Resolution 04-05

The generation that grew up during the sexual revolution of the 60's has become a major force in the social revolution of the 90's. We are now seeing the fruit of such warped thinking on the subject of marriage as many states attempt to redefine this institution. We are grieved at many who are ignoring the law and issuing same-sex marriage licenses. Some judges and legislators of California, New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts have made it clear that they will recognize same sex-marriages.

Further, Bible believing Christians and conservatives are urged to be tolerant of such perversion. We are grieved that many liberal churches have failed to speak out against homosexual marriages and have embraced a position of tolerance on the issue. We are further grieved that the present administration in Washington has, at times, looked favorably upon the homosexual culture. In our society today, people are confusing individual preference with constitutional rights and are telling us that we are discriminating against those who have chosen a perverted lifestyle.

The American Council of Christian Churches, meeting at its 63rd Annual Convention in Orono, Maine affirm our belief that marriage is between a man and a woman (Genesis 1:26-28; 2:24). We further believe that the Bible clearly condemns homosexuality (Leviticus 18:22, Romans 1:24-27, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10). We further exhort our national leaders and judges to understand that when they condone homosexual marriage, they invite the judgment of a Holy God upon our nation. We further exhort our national leaders to support the Federal Marriage Amendment. We call upon all Bible-believing Christians to call sinners to repentance and to share the Gospel with the lost, and to be gracious with all in our efforts to win some.

Appreciation of Jerry Huffman, a True Contender
Resolution 04-06

Jerry Huffman, a layman from Calvary Baptist Church in Huntsville, Alabama has served as editor of the Calvary Contender paper since 1989. This little paper has had a big impact in the lives of many over the years. It has cut to the heart of issues, organizations, churches, and men in exposing compromise. The pen of Jerry Huffman has been deeply appreciated by faithful pastors and leaders in Fundamentalism. Jerry has helped to remind us that to be a Fundamentalist, one must be a separatist, and his intention has always been the purity of the church.

The American Council of Christian Churches, meeting at its 63rd Annual Convention in Orono, Maine, desires to give honor to this faithful servant of Christ who is now suffering from Parkinson's disease and is struggling with limitations in his life and ministry. We count Jerry as a dear friend and contender of the faith. We have also appreciated his contribution as a member of our own Executive Committee for 20 years and want to offer our thanks and praise to our God for him.

Thinking Biblically - Confronting our Culture
Resolution 04-07

True conversion leads one to the conviction that the Bible is absolute truth. Bible-believing Christians embrace the Bible as authoritative (2 Peter 1:19-21) and as sufficient for all our needs (2 Peter 1:2-4). In these post-modern times we have witnessed the abandonment of the belief that the Bible is authoritative and all sufficient. We are grieved to see that this is true even among some who name the Name of Christ and claim to be saved.

We believe that true conversion changes a man (2 Corinthians 5:17). As a new creature in Christ, the believer's mind is also changed. He who was once blinded by the god of this world (2 Corinthians 4:4) begins to think as God would think, for he now has the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16).

The American Council of Christian Churches, meeting at its 63rd Annual Convention in Orono, Maine, is deeply concerned because so many have abandoned a Biblical worldview. Accommodation to error has infected the minds of many professing believers. David Wells, in his book God in the Wasteland; has well stated that "the Church has lost its nerve, its soul, and has failed to confront the culture." We call upon our constituent members to be sober and to guard the mind (1 Thessalonians 5:8) while putting on the helmet of salvation. May we confront our culture as salt and light by living a holy life, raising a godly family, having a Biblical mind, thinking as Jesus would, and speaking out on issues of morality in a day when darkness looms and decay abounds.

The Condition of the Church
Resolution 04-08

WHEREAS the local church is God's program for our day realizing that Christ loved the Church and gave Himself for her, and,

WHEREAS the local church is the pillar and ground of truth raised up by God to be a lighthouse in a world darkened by sin, and

WHEREAS just as the early church was a vibrant, committed, active fellowship and that from here sounded out the Word of the Lord, so God desires the same today,

THEREF0RE BE IT RESOLVED that the American Council of Christian Churches, meeting at its 63rd Annual Convention in Orono, Maine, expresses its deep concern that an ever-threatening apathy afflicts her worship and burden for the lost,

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that God's people be stirred as was the Apostle Paul in his life-giving passion for the salvation of his people (Romans 10:1),

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we welcome this opportunity to remind God's people not to fall prey to the wiles of the devil such as complacency and apathy, but resolve to be committed, diligent, and faithful in matters of true spiritual worship and evangelizing the lost.

The God Of Sports
Resolution 03-03

WHEREAS the Prophet Isaiah warns the people of God to shun the heathen for their land is full of idols, so we the American Council of Christian Churches need to remind the church of God that we here in America have our fair share of idols, including worship of the god of sports, and

WHEREAS wholesome athletic activity has great benefit in health and well-being, the unprecedented emphasis today in many cases makes it detrimental and unproductive to our well-being, and

WHEREAS Godly role models have been replaced with ungodly athletes whose attitude, arrogance, and often lewd and despicable behavior are many times overlooked because of their success in the field of play. Popularly labeled heroes are no longer individuals with moral character but are simply figures of importance because of the game in which they are involved, and

WHEREAS many Christians can recite athlete’s names, even whole team rosters, as well as scores, statistics, places, etc., and yet to their shame have committed to memory little Scriptural truth, and

WHEREAS the sports world has become a multi-billion-dollar endeavor that has captured the hearts and minds of many of God’s people by overemphasizing professional sports and encouraging the inherent greed that is evident in the industry. Much time is often wasted in watching, playing, or supporting a favorite team, and is sad to see the extremes to which some will go to pursue a sports god while putting forth little effort to pursue spiritual matters, and

WHEREAS Satan has done an effective job in dividing families, with often half of them glued to televisions, sport columns, and sport magazines while the other half craves equal and quality time, and

WHEREAS Satan has used the god of sports to steal the Lord’s Day away from the people of God. It is not coincidental that the “big games” are played on Sunday, and many churches unfortunately are giving in to accommodating this schedule, and

WHEREAS if the real sports world isn’t enough, the proliferation of video games and now fantasy leagues is indicative of how entrenched this sports god has become,

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the American Council of Christian Churches, meeting at its 62nd Annual Convention, in Darlington, MD, October 21-23, 2003, are saddened by the time and attention that has been given over to this idol and call on the church of God to beware, be warned, and be wise.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we examine our hearts and homes and, if need be, tear down altars that have been erected to worship this false, empty god of sports and seek to keep the God of our salvation in His rightful place, which is the throne room of our hearts.

The Growing Acceptance Of The Practice Of Homosexuality
Resolution 03-02

WHEREAS there is a growing acceptance of the practice of homosexuality in America. Traditionally, in this country, the practice of homosexuality has been rejected as perversion and has been illegal in many of our states and commonwealths. While sinful and illegal practices will always be committed in secret, they must not be legalized or accepted under the cloak of civil rights, nor justified on the basis that the problem is too pervasive to be stopped. Some suggest the agenda of the homosexuals is today’s greatest threat to religious liberty, and

WHEREAS the practice of homosexuality will always be sin against God because God has declared it so (Romans 1:24-27). It will always be sin, regardless of the actions of any and all civil authorities. It will always be sin in spite of its approval by certain religious bodies. Changing laws and opinions will not change truth. While men alter their views, the Word of God stands settled forever (Psalm 119:89), and

WHEREAS God’s severe condemnation of homosexuality reveals that the term describes what someone does rather than what someone is. To practice homosexuality is a choice. All mankind is sinful by nature, and while there may be tendencies among people to commit various sins, actions must be defined as right or wrong by the objective counsel of the Word of God, not the subjective opinions and feelings of men. Because it is a practice of sin by choice, the homosexual can have his ways changed by the power of the Holy Spirit of God (1Corinthians 6:9-11), and

WHEREAS the practice of homosexuality is sin against the bodies of those who practice it (I Corinthians 6:18). It is immorality of the worst kind because it violates nature. It is perversion because God has reserved physical intimacy for the marriage of a man and a woman, and

WHEREAS in the historical accounts of Scripture, the open practice of homosexuality has always been seen as part of the degeneration and moral decay of a society (Genesis 19; Romans 1). Its open practice and growing acceptance in our society manifests the total spiritual and moral decline of our nation. With diminishing regard for God and His institutions of family, church and government, the country hastens toward total moral and spiritual collapse,

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the American Council of Christian Churches, meeting at its 62nd Annual Convention in Darlington, MD, October 21-23, 2003, calls upon all Bible-believing Christians to stand firmly upon the teaching of the Word of God regarding the sinfulness of homosexual practice, regardless of the growing trend to accept it.

BE IT FURTHER RESOVED that we call upon preachers of the Scriptures to proclaim the whole counsel of God, which will require the naming of homosexual practice as sin, regardless of the consequences.

AND BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that we continue to extend the love of Christ to those entrapped in the sin of homosexuality. We call upon civil leaders to recognize that right and wrong are determined by the God of Heaven and that as civil servants they stand accountable to Him, Who having given us our rights also determines our responsibilities (“Let God be true and every man a liar” Romans 3:4). We call upon civil leaders to reject the legalization of homosexual unions and same sex marriages, as destructive to the well being of our society, violations of natural law and violations of the Law of the God, in whom we trust.

The Nation Of Israel And The Continuing Violence In The Middle East
Resolution 03-04

WHEREAS the eyes of the world are increasingly focused upon the nation of Israel and its neighbors with its continuing violence and intractable hatreds, and

WHEREAS God has sovereignly and clearly promised the land upon which the nation of Israel sits to the descendents of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and David (Genesis 15:7; 17:19; 28:13-15; II Samuel 7:16), and

WHEREAS the conflict in the area is more religious than political, starting back with Ishmael, Esau, and Isaac (Genesis 16:11-12), and

WHEREAS the nations of the earth are vainly seeking a political solution rather than a religious solution to the ongoing conflict,

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the American Council of Christian Churches, meeting at its 62nd Annual Convention, in Darlington, MD, October 21-23, 2003, do hereby urge all nations and peoples to acknowledge the right of the nation of Israel to live in peace in its land. We affirm the nation of Israel’s moral right to defend itself against all attacks, internal or external, upon its sovereignty and people. We further condemn all attacks and violence by anyone against innocent civilians. We urge all Bible-believers to pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6-9). Finally, we acknowledge there will be no enduring peace in the region until the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ our Lord and the Messiah of Israel, rules and reigns in His righteousness and glory (Isaiah 9:6-7; Luke 1:32,33).

Judicial Activism
Resolution 03-08

WHEREAS there has been an increasing attempt since World War II to erase any mention of God from our national life by the judicial system of the United States. These displays of judicial activism by liberal judges are becoming increasingly bolder, as evidenced by the removal of the Ten Commandments monument from the Alabama Supreme Court building by Federal Judge Myron Thompson and by the ruling of the Ninth Circuit Court, which forbids school children from saying the Pledge of Allegiance with its reference to “one nation under God,” and

WHEREAS these decisions have been based on a strained and disingenuous reading of our Constitution and a purposeful disregard of the original intent of our Founders. Great violence has been done in interpretations that depart dramatically from the plain-sense meaning of the words. Nowhere is this seen more than in the way the First Amendment is often interpreted, and

WHEREAS when the Bill of Rights was drafted, it began by guaranteeing religious freedom in the first of the original 10 amendments. Our Founders wanted to ensure that this new nation would not follow the pattern of England in naming a state religion, with the king as the head of the church. This was seen as an impediment to religious liberty, since one denomination would have special privileges and sanctions from the government. Such a system had already been shown to cause persecution of those who departed from it. Therefore, the Founders stated, “Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion.” This “Establishment Clause” has now evolved, at the hands of liberal judges, to mean that no mention of God, or religious display, is permissible in any state-sponsored organization or on public property. This also is applied to all levels of government, even though the First Amendment only restricts Congress, and

WHEREAS Judge Myron Thompson, in the case against Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore, asked the question in his closing remarks, “Can the state acknowledge God?” Judge Thompson replied in the negative. Judge Moore courageously and correctly showed the fallacy of this when he pointed to the Alabama State Constitution, which specifically invokes “the favor and guidance of Almighty God” as the basis for the state’s laws and justice system, and

WHEREAS even our nation’s founding documents give allegiance to God. The Declaration of Independence says, “We are endowed by our Creator with certain inalienable rights.” Several other clear references to God are included in that document. Many of our state capitols and federal buildings have long been adorned with Scriptural quotations and other signs of our nation’s reliance upon God. Many Ten Commandments monuments are to be found in government buildings and properties all across America. Even the Supreme Court building in Washington, DC, shows a relief of Moses holding the Ten Commandments. All of our coins and currency include the words “In God We Trust,”

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the American Council of Christian Churches, meeting at its 62nd Annual Convention, in Darlington, MD, October 21-23, 2003, affirms with our Declaration of Independence that our rights come from God, not from the government, and that that is the foundation for the unprecedented liberty found in this great nation.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that although all of our Founders may not have been Christians, they relied on the teachings of God’s Word and the Ten Commandments in establishing the laws of this nation. We further affirm with our first President, George Washington, that “We ought to be no less persuaded that the propitious smiles of Heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right, which Heaven itself has ordained” (Washington’s first Presidential Inaugural Address).

Robert Shuller and the National Association of Evangelicals
Resolution 03-05

WHEREAS Robert Shuller, the pastor of the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, CA, and the number one TV preacher watched on hundreds of stations in more than 180 countries with an audience of over 20 million, will be a speaker at the 62nd annual meeting of the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) in Colorado Springs, CO, in March of 2004, and

WHEREAS Mr. Shuller’s involvement further demonstrates the harmfully inclusive policy of the NAE. Over the years the organization has reached out to many speakers for its programs, but this year is different. Robert Shuller is a false prophet, a wolf in sheep’s clothing! His erroneous definition of sin as “anything that robs myself or another human being of his or her self-esteem” (page 14 of his book Self-Esteem and the New Reformation) has led him to deny and distort the Gospel of grace. Man’s greatest need is not self-esteem, but regeneration. Our Lord said: “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves” (Matthew 7:15). Robert Shuller’s Possibility Thinking is no different than Norman Vincent Peal’s Positive Thinking – both are error (II Peter 2:1; I John 4:1)!

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the American Council of Christian Churches meeting at its 62nd Annual Convention in Darlington, MD, October 21-23, 2003, remains steadfast in our commitment to the Bible’s teaching of man’s total depravity and his need of God’s grace in salvation. We believe that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, and in Christ alone! We further reaffirm our commitment to Biblical separation from apostasy (Robert Shuller) and from those who compromise with apostasy (the NAE). We also remind true Bible-believing Christians of the danger of the National Association of Evangelicals, especially with this latest compromise of inviting a false prophet to come into its annual meeting as a speaker.

Resolution on Biblical Separation
Resolution 03-06

WHEREAS the Word of God gives a clarion call to the believer to walk in separation from the Satanic world system, which is antagonistic to God, to the Word of God, and to the born-again people of God, and

WHEREAS this call to separation is taught in the Word of God as a doctrine, consistently pictured and commanded in the Old and New Testaments, and

WHEREAS these Scriptures in the Old and New Testaments call for complete severance from apostasy, unbelief, heresy, false religions, and all forms of inclusivism or compromise therewith, and

WHEREAS it is impossible to be committed to the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:28) and ignore this large body of truth in the Scriptures, in which the doctrine of ecclesiastical purity is taught, illustrated, and commanded, and

WHEREAS the World Council of Churches and the National Council of Churches, together with all their affiliated ecclesiastical bodies, have gone into apostasy, and since acceptance of the principle of inclusivism characterizes the ecumenical movement, the charismatic renewal, ecumenical evangelism, neo-orthodoxy, and new evangelism.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the American Council of Christian Churches, meeting at its 62nd Annual Convention, in Darlington, MD, October 21-23, 2003, declares that we are separatists in spirit, action, and objective, and that we refuse association with any and all groups connected with the apostasy, and with those who follow the principle of inclusivism or fellowship with unbelief, and

BE IT FUTHER RESOLVED that we will avoid identification with doctrinal infidelity through affiliations, relationships, and associations in order to obey the Scriptures to “touch not the unclean thing” (II Corinthians 6:17), and we will avoid any course of action that will assist or promote infidelity to the Scriptures or unscriptural compromise, and we will renew our efforts to expose unbelief, compromise, and theological error, through preaching, writing, and example, and

AND BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that we will endeavor to provide exemplary leadership toward a Scriptural stand on the part of pastors, evangelists, missionaries, educators, and other Christian leaders, which will encourage them to take a more aggressive stand in defense of the truth of the inerrant Bible, urging them to accept and subject themselves to the authority of the Word of God further urging them to faithfully preach the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ alone to a lost and dying world.

Resolution on Harold Camping
Resolution 03-07

WHEREAS Harold Camping is internationally known through the Family Radio network, wielding untold influence in churches and homes around the world and having gained notoriety by wrongly predicting the return of Christ several times through 1994, splitting his home church over his predictions and his failure to submit to the authority of his pastor, and

WHEREAS Camping’s allegorical interpretation of Scripture has led him to abandon orthodox Christianity, teaching that we are now in the Tribulation Period, that all churches are “Babylon,” that all churches are ruled by Satan and are under the judgment of God, that God commands all Christians to immediately leave their churches, and that Christians should no longer give money to any local church, and

WHEREAS several ministries have withdrawn their programs from Family Radio because their broadcasts were edited so they would not contradict Camping’s teaching on the church, and

WHEREAS Camping continues to solicit money for his radio network in a hypocritical, unbiblical manner by asking his listeners to divert their support from local churches to Family Radio and by encouraging them to leave their churches, and

WHEREAS Camping further undermines the local church with his blatant disregard in observing the Lord’s Supper and carrying out church discipline, both clear commands of Christ (I Corinthians 11:17-34; Matthew 18:15-17), and

WHEREAS we are reminded of Paul’s warning that wolves would enter in among us and that “also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them” (Acts 20:29-30),

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the American Council of Christian Churches, meeting at its 62nd Annual Convention, in Darlington, MD, October 21-23, 2003, do hereby warn the brethren of the error of Family Radio and Harold Camping, who is twisting Scripture to his own destruction (II Peter 3:16), demonstrating himself as a false teacher (II Peter 2:1; Deuteronomy 18:22), and causing many to fall away from the Church, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we rebuke Harold Camping for his faulty hermeneutic, for his failure to grasp and sustain the true nature of either the local or universal Church, for his self-serving request for God’s people to send their tithes to him, and for the heresy he is spreading around the world, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we remind him of the Scripture, “Be no many masters (teachers), knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation” (James 3:1). We warn him of the words of the Apostle Paul, “If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are” (I Corinthians 3:17). And we exhort him to repent of his heresy and submit his life and ministry to the God-given authority of a local church and its pastor, and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that we alert our constituency and other people to the error being spread through Family Radio and encourage Christians everywhere to exercise discernment in stewardship by withholding financial support from Harold Camping and Family Radio.

A Commendation Of President George W. Bush
Resolution 03-01

WHEREAS our nation has endured almost a decade of shame, our president, George W. Bush, has shown himself to be at the vanguard of Americans who are once again proud to be Americans and show our colors without remorse, and

WHEREAS President George W. Bush has shown exemplary leadership, integrity, and courage in commanding our armed forces in the continuing war against radical Islamic terrorism in both Afghanistan and Iraq, and

WHEREAS President Bush has sought to have qualified, conservative justices confirmed into the judiciary, some of whom have been recommended almost 1,000 days ago, but have been delayed through filibustering and/or rejected by a grid-locked partisan Senate, even though the three previous administrations had their judicial appointees confirmed in an average of 81 days but none longer than 202 days, and

WHEREAS our president has shown himself to be a friend to the Pro-Life, anti-abortion position by lobbying for a bill that would ban partial-birth abortion, has signed the Born Alive Infants Protection Act, has endorsed the Child Custody Protection Act, has supported the Unborn Victims of Violence Act, and has transferred $34 million away from the United Nations Population Fund, and

WHEREAS President Bush has clearly stated that marriage is between a man and a woman, and

WHEREAS our hearts are grieved to see our President maligned by a leftist press and liberal academia, and

WHEREAS the Bible admonishes a nation’s leaders to uphold standards of righteousness, punish evildoers, and proclaim wholesome principles (Prov. 14:34; 15:12-14),

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the American Council of Christian Churches, meeting at its 62nd Annual Convention, in Darlington, MD, October 21-23, 2003, do hereby commend President George W. Bush for his integrity, valor, boldness, leadership, and consistency. We are once again honored to be called Americans.

“One Nation, Under God”
Resolution 03-09

WHEREAS the Pledge of Allegiance has come under attack in recent years because of the phrase “under God” which was added by Congress in 1954, and

WHEREAS the Americans United for Separation of Church and State, as well as the ACLU, continue their efforts to misinterpret and misapply the precious precepts of the Constitution of the United States of America, working to remove any reference to God from our society and government, and

WHEREAS the U. S. Supreme Court has decided to review the controversial ruling by the 9tb U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, striking down recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance in public schools,

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the American Council of Christian Churches, meeting in its 62nd Annual Convention in Darlington, MD, October 21-23, 2003, urges the U. S. Supreme Court to rule in favor of the Elk Grove Unified School District in this case versus Newdow.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we call on our brethren to both love and recite the Pledge of Allegiance and to make our voices heard on this most important and controversial issue.

Terry Schiavo
Resolution 03-10

WHEREAS Terry Schiavo clings to life in the Morton Plant Hospital thanks to the intervention of Governor Jeb Bush and the Florida legislature, and

WHEREAS Terry’s husband Michael Schiavo continues to fight in the courts to have the right to remove the feeding tube from his wife, thus ending her life, and

WHEREAS an individuals right to life is being challenged and decided in the courts although guaranteed in the Constitution,

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the American Council of Christian Churches, meeting in its 62nd Annual Convention, October 21-23, 2003, in Darlington, MD both recognizes and demands Terry Schiavo’s right to live and to quality medical treatment.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we commend Governor Bush, the Florida legislature and Terry’s parents, Bob and Mary Schindler, for their efforts and stand behind them as they continue the fight.

BE IT FINALLY RESOVLED that we urge the Florida courts to recognize the right of Terry Schiavo to live and we encourage our Florida brethren to speak out in this most important and controversial matter.

The Heresy of Harold Camping
Resolution 02-1

WHEREAS Harold Camping, founder, president, and the voice of Family Radio, has announced that that the church age has come to an end and that "the church as a corporate institution has no spiritual authority," and is now advising believers who are members of a local church to "withdraw their membership and fellowship on Sundays with whomever there may be who are of like mind," and

WHEREAS Mr. Camping has written: "No longer are you to be under the spiritual rulership of the church… We must remove ourselves from the church…. The church has ceased to be an institution or divine organism to serve God," and

WHEREAS he further instructs local churches to "reorganize their congregation, to become a fellowship of believers."

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the American Council of Christian Churches, meeting in its 61st Annual Convention, in Monett, MO, October 22-24, 2002, hereby warns Christians of this dangerous and false teaching. We go on record as saying that this is heresy. The Scriptures clearly tell us that the universal and local church will endure "throughout all ages" (Ephesians 3:21), and that "the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" (Matt. 16:18).

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the members of the ACCC emphatically reject this dangerous and heretical teaching of Harold Camping. We further issue a warning regarding this cancerous teaching and call upon true Bible-believing Christians to withdraw support from Family Radio Stations Incorporated and to beware of its effect upon all of the programming of Family Radio.

Patriotism
Resolution 02-2

WHEREAS the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of atheist Michael Newdow, requiring the federal government to prohibit the Pledge of Allegiance from public schools because it refers to God, and

WHEREAS various judges have ruled in favor of removing the Ten Commandments from government property because they are considered offensive, and

WHEREAS public prayer, in the name of Christ, is under constant censure in our pluralistic society,

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the American Council of Christian Churches, meeting in its 61st Annual Convention, in Monett, MO, October 22-24, 2002, hereby states that we are "One Nation under God," that the Ten Commandments should serve as a moral conscience of this nation, and that prayer to the God of Heaven for His mercy and grace is essential in these days.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the members of the ACCC call upon Christians to proudly fly the American flag, prayerfully uphold our President and leaders before the Lord, and personally demonstrate our love and loyalty to this great country.

More than One Way?
Resolution 02-3

WHEREAS confusion abounds over the way of salvation among mainline Protestant churches, Mormons, Jehovah Witnesses, Roman Catholics, Muslims, Buddhists and others, and

WHEREAS religious pluralism is widely accepted (the belief that "all roads eventually lead to heaven," and that the majority of people believe that we all worship the same God and must work our way to heaven),

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the American Council of Christian Churches, meeting in its 61st Annual Convention, in Monett, MO, October 22-24, 2002, declares the exclusive message of Christianity found in the Bible (Acts 4:12, 1 Timothy 2:5, John 3:36 and 14:6.) There are no alternatives; there is but One Way of Salvation according to the Bible. Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, and in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-10)!

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the members of the ACCC call upon all Bible-believing Christians to beware of distortions of the Gospel and to proclaim the one way of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Fundamentalism
Resolution 02-4

IN THAT Fundamentalism accepts the Bible for what it claims to be - God's perfect revelation of Himself to man, God's Word in the language of men.

AND WHEREAS Fundamentalism accepts all that the Bible says about Jesus Christ and all Jesus Christ says about the Bible. Fundamentalism holds true to the Bible's teachings that God manifested Himself in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit; that Jesus Christ, born of a virgin is God in human form; that His substitutionary death on the Cross redeems for sin; that He arose bodily from the dead: and that He will personally return to rule on this earth.

AND WHEREAS Fundamentalism obeys the Bible by exposing and separating from all that is contrary to the Bible. It earnestly contends for the faith that was once for all time delivered in the completed Bible. It rejects all additions or subtractions from the Holy Scriptures.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the American Council of Christian Churches, meeting in its 61st Annual Convention, in Monett, MO, October 22-24, 2002 calls upon Bible-believers to repudiate false religions and return to the fundamentalist position of historic Christianity. The ACCC represents Bible believing churches dedicated to maintaining a testimony that is steadfast and uncompromising for the Word of God.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the members of the ACCC call upon God's people to separate from churches or other groups that advocate theological liberalism, New Evangelicalism, Roman Catholicism, New Age Mysticism, Cultism, the Charismatic Movement and other theological theories which question, add to, subtract from, or twist the Word of God.

Biblical Separation
Resolution 02-5

IN THAT there has been a continual attack from various sources in recent years upon the doctrine of Biblical separation so clearly taught in the Bible, and

WHEREAS there is an ever-present danger that this teaching of separation may be ignored, watered down, or even opposed by succeeding generations of Fundamentalists, and

WHEREAS church history bears witness to the fact that many movements have lived to repudiate the very principles that gave them birth, and

WHEREAS the process of deteriorating conviction may take place even while lip service is being paid to historic positions,

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the American Council of Christian Churches, meeting in its 61st Annual Convention, in Monett, MO, October 22-24, 2002 strongly urges our pastors, churches, schools, and friends to continue to hold firmly to the Biblical doctrine of separation from apostasy and from those compromising with apostasy, and that we will combat the subtle temptation to use speakers or to cooperate with movements which, while holding many Biblical truths, repudiate or at least ignore in their official or public statements and activities, this doctrine of separation.

Commendation of President Bush
Resolution 02-6

IN THAT the Bible is God's Word to us; it is powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword; and that prayer is our means of communication with God

WHEREAS our president, George W. Bush begins each day with Bible reading and prayer;

WHEREAS there is power in prayer and great wisdom in the Scriptures;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the American Council of Christian Churches, meeting in its 61st Annual Convention, in Monett, MO, October 22-24, 2002 commends President George W. Bush for his faithfulness and example in daily Bible reading and prayer and that we encourage him to continue this practice.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we will pray for our president that God might grant him wisdom as he reads and strength as he stands before our nation.

Resolution in Support of our President
Shelburne, VT., April 7-8, 2003

The Officers and the Executive Committee of the American Council of Christian Churches, meeting at Shelburne, VT., April 7-8, 2003, in contrast to the Liberal wing of Protestantism represented by the National Council of Churches, stand in support of President George W. Bush and our troops, in the current effort to rid the nation of Iraq of the Saddam Hussein regime. We commend our President for his integrity, moral leadership and courage; and are grateful that in the providence of God, he is the leader of our nation and the Coalition, in the face of this International Crisis.