We, the members of the Church of God, are in all things willing to live honestly, believing that our governments are ordained of God. The Holy Bible teaches us, however, that our first duty is to God. “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.” (Mark 2:30-31).
Jesus taught His followers, “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you; that you may be the children of your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:44-45; see also verse 39).
There are many other scriptures which forbid us to participate in warfare (i.e., John 18:36; Matthew 26:52; Romans 12:14, 17, 19-21). Because of such express admonitions, we maintain the following positions as to war:
We are conscientiously opposed to participation in war of any form at any time, whether civil, political, or religious. We are conscientiously opposed to the draft for military service.
We are conscientiously opposed to accepting noncombatant military service in warfare or to work in any factory or plant which is directly engaged in producing instruments or munitions for the destruction of human life. We are conscientiously opposed to the purchase of defense or war bonds and stamps for the financing and prosecution of war.
We pray for our leaders and for all that are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness. Governments, however, have no divine authority to compel us to violate our consciences or beliefs which are held in sincere, righteous, and good faith.
Where government mandates and agendas go against the plain teachings of the Holy Bible, we must conscientiously object and obey God above the government.
Apostles and Elders of the Church of God
