Religion, State and Society

As believers and citizens we share in the privileges and responsibilities of membership of Church and society, recognizing that the relationships of family, kinship, and faith are a necessary part of the relationships we have in common with others in the wider society. Subject to the rule of God in our lives as believers, we live in society with others by being subject to lawful authority at the same time. We believe that the privileges and obligations of faith and those of citizenship together foster democratic values while providing for the security and peace of the commonwealth. Freedom of religion is not freedom to divide, split, and exploit, but a call to exercise mutual forbearance, charity and regard for one another. Religion should nurture the spirit of benevolence to inspire works of civic righteousness as sign of our accountability to our Creator and to our fellow human beings.