WHEREAS the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ is
relevant to the problem of human rights; and,
WHEREAS the issue of human rights focuses upon the integrity of our
democracy; and,
WHEREAS Christian obedience to the law of love requires a concern for
one’s neighbor is plainly enjoined in Scripture; and,
WHEREAS no Christian can manifest a passive attitude when the rights
of others are jeopardized;
BE IT RESOLVED that the Church of God continue to create a climate of
informed and spiritual opinion, and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we identify a basic premise on which
concerned opinion must rest. That premise, undergirded by the dignity
and worth of every individual, assures all Americans the right to full
citizenship. In particular this means that no American should, because
of his race, or religion, be deprived of his right to worship, vote,
rest, eat, sleep, be educated, live, and work on the same basis as
other citizens; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Christian love and tolerance are
incompatible with race prejudice and hatred; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Church of God—recognizing that moral
problems are ultimately solved by changing the heart of the individual
by the power of the Holy Ghost, resulting in a love for all
men—supports that which assures all people those freedoms guaranteed
in our Constitution; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the church be urged to continue to
practice the love and brotherhood it preaches.