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.