Evangelical Covenant Church Resolutions
About
For our Christian faith to be vibrant, it has to speak to our culture. That’s true even—or especially—on complex and difficult issues of contemporary life: abortion, war, assisted suicide, sexuality, poverty, and religious persecution, to name a few.
The Christian Action Commission prepares resolutions on ethical and political issues and recommends particular actions informed by biblical perspective.
These proposed resolutions are then reviewed by the denomination’s Executive Board for recommendation to the Covenant Annual Meeting and a vote by delegates. In the tradition of the Covenant, these resolutions are not binding. With the Covenant’s long-standing emphasis on freedom in Christ as one of our core affirmations, individual churches and church members are free not to abide by resolutions. But they still carry significant weight.
The purpose of these resolutions is that our people will engage with them. What is more important is that the opinions expressed in the resolutions are not only opinions, but that they cause us to grapple with challenging issues about how we live our faith in the world. – Donn Engebretson
The Evangelical Covenant Church seeks to encourage that kind of vibrant faith in many ways. One such way is through the work of the Covenant Commission on Christian Action. The Christian Action Commission (CAC) prepares resolutions on ethical and political issues and recommends particular actions informed by biblical perspective. These proposed resolutions are then reviewed by the denomination’s Executive Board for recommendation to the Covenant Annual Meeting and a vote by delegates.
In the tradition of the Covenant, these resolutions are not binding. With the Covenant’s long-standing emphasis on freedom in Christ as one of our core affirmations, individual churches and church members are free not to abide by resolutions. But they still carry significant weight. For one, if adopted by delegates they represent the majority opinion of the Annual Meeting, the highest decision-making body in our denomination. Resolutions, as a former CAC leader explains, are also significant for these additional reasons:
- They offer a summary and crystallization of biblical and theological thought about a particular issue or concern. Covenant people don’t have to start from scratch when thinking about these matters.
- They offer guidance to any Covenanter willing to consider them. They have, in fact, often guided policy both for the Covenant as a whole and for local churches.
- These resolutions are meant to be wake-up calls. They should touch our consciences and spur us to further action.
All of the resolutions approved by the Covenant Annual Meeting can be found here. We offer them to you as resources in your own walk with Christ. We encourage you to use them:
- In your own personal reflection on contemporary issues
- In your small-group Bible study
- In your youth group
- In your church-newcomers and church-membership classes
- In your congregation’s formation of policy statements
- In your church’s outreach and various community-service ministries
- In your conference’s policy statements and affiliations with other denominations or agencies
Resolutions
2021 Resolution to Repudiate the Doctrine of Discovery
This resolution briefly explains the Doctrine of Discovery and outlines its-long impact in the U.S., as well as the damage and trauma it has inflicted on indigenous peoples.
2019 Resolution on Antiracism
This resolution calls for “white clergy to attend to the sins of our own community and make a public commitment to prioritize antiracism work within …
2016 Resolution on Concern for People with Disabilities
It is good and pleasing to our Lord when we are a people who heed the call of mercy and justice (Micah 6:8). A crucial …
2015 Clean Water Resolution
From the beginning of creation God filled the earth with an abundance of life-giving and life-sustaining water. God commanded humankind to be caretakers of creation …
2014 Immigration Resolution
The “2014 Proposed Immigration Resolution” is presented to the church with the intent of fostering dialogue, awareness, and feedback around a complex and often politicized …
2013 Stewardship and Generosity in the Church
This resolution was adopted by the delegates to the 128th Covenant Annual Meeting, June 2013.. A. Introduction This resolution invites us as followers of Christ …
2012 Domestic Violence
This resolution was adopted by the delegates to the 127th Covenant Annual Meeting. 2012 Resolution on Domestic Violence – Download now WHEREAS, God created women …
2010 Criminal Justice
Presented by the Christian Action Commission, adopted by the delegates to the 125th Covenant Annual Meeting. The Resolution on Criminal Justice highlights injustice within the …
2008 Racial Righteousness
Presented by the Commission on Christian Action, adopted by the delegates to the 123rd Covenant Annual Meeting. Introduction WHEREAS, in 1995 the Evangelical Covenant Church …
2008 Global Slavery and Human Trafficking
Presented by the Commission on Christian Action, adopted by the delegates to the 123rd Covenant Annual Meeting. The Biblical Foundation God’s passion for justice is …
2007 Pornography: Breaking Silence, Breaking Free
Presented by the Commission on Christian Action, adopted by the delegates to the 122nd Covenant Annual Meeting. Context for Concern We live amidst an explosion …
2007 Creation Care
Presented by the Young Pietists adopted by the delegates to the 122nd Covenant Annual Meeting. Overview There has never been a moment in human history …
2007 Divestment from Sudan
Presented by the Central Conference of the Evangelical Covenant Church, adopted by the delegates to the 122nd Covenant Annual Meeting. WHEREAS, the government of Sudan …
2006 Women in Ministry
Presented by the Commission on Christian Action and the Commission on Biblical Gender Equality, adopted by the delegates to the 121st Covenant Annual Meeting. Overview …
2006 Immigration (Spanish)
Presentado por la Conferencia Central de la Iglesia del Pacto Evangélico, y adoptado por los delegados al 121º Asamblea Anual de la Iglesia del Pacto …
2006 Immigration
Presented by the Central Conference of the Evangelical Covenant Church, adopted by the delegates to the 121st Covenant Annual Meeting. Resolution on Immigration English (pdf) …
2006 Christian Discipleship in the Midst of War
Presented by the Commission on Christian Action, adopted by the delegates to the 121st Covenant Annual Meeting. Introduction This resolution arises from and furthers the …
2005 Consistently Protecting and Promoting Life
Presented by the Commission on Christian Action, adopted by the delegates the 120th Covenant Annual Meeting. Biblical Basis for Our Call God is alive, “eternal” …
2005 Ministries to Families
Presented by the Commission on Christian Action, adopted by the delegates to the 120th Covenant Annual Meeting. Overview Families and family relationships are among the …
2005 Christian Responsibility to Pursue Shalom in a Violent and War-torn World
Presented by the Young Pietists, adopted by the delegates to the 120th Covenant Annual Meeting. A close devotional reading of Scripture has often nurtured in …
2004 Abortion
Presented by Dearborn Covenant Church, Dearborn, Michigan, adopted by the delegates to the 119th Covenant Annual Meeting. For the Evangelical Covenant Church, a Christian understanding …
2004 Beginning-of-Life Issues in Biological Technologies
Presented by the Commission on Christian Action, adopted by the delegates to the 119th Covenant Annual Meeting. Biblical Basis Scripture teaches that human life is …
2004 Kingdom Values and Global Citizenship
Presented by the Commission on Christian Action, adopted by the delegate to the 119th Covenant Annual Meeting. Biblical Foundations The shortest of the Psalms, at …
2004 Encouraging Board Representation for Young Leaders
Presented by the Young Pietists, adopted by the delegates to the 119th Covenant Annual Meeting. WHEREAS 1 Timothy 4:12 claims that the young are not …
2004 Encouraging Support for “Bread for the World” and “Call to Renewal”
Presented by the Young Pietists, adopted by the delegates to the 119th Covenant Annual Meeting. WHEREAS when we serve the hungry, thirsty, naked, and imprisoned, …
2003 Our Relationship with the Poor
Presented by the Commission on Christian Action, adopted by the delegates to the 118th Covenant Annual Meeting. Biblical Basis Scripture teaches that God is concerned …
2002 Volunteering
Presented by the Commission on Christian Action, adopted by the delegates to the 117th Covenant Annual Meeting. Introduction Two thousand one was the International Year …
2002 Statement of Affirmation for “Deny Them Their Victory
Presented by the Commission on Christian Action, adopted by the delegates to the 117th Covenant Annual Meeting. The terrorist attacks in the United States on …
2001 Resolution on Welfare Reform and Faith-based Initiatives
Presented by the Central Conference of the Evangelical Covenant Church, adopted by the delegates to the 116th Covenant Annual Meeting. WHEREAS the federal government, through …
2001 Hate Crimes and the Spirit of Prejudice
Presented by the Commission on Christian Action, adopted by the delegates to the 116th Covenant Annual Meeting. Biblical Basis for our Call The Bible places …
2000 Anti-Semitism
Presented by the Commission on Christian Action, adopted by the delegates to the 115th Covenant Annual Meeting. Christians throughout the ages along with the writers …
1999 Call for Ministries of Mercy in Jesus’ Name
Presented by the Commission on Christian Action, adopted by the delegates to the 114th Covenant Annual Meeting. The Biblical Basis for Our Call Our Lord …
1999 Call for Bringing Economic Hope to the Poor in Jesus’ Name
Presented by the Commission on Christian Action, adopted by the delegates to the 114th Covenant Annual Meeting. The Biblical Basis for Our Call Our God …
1998 Religious Freedom in Canada and the United States
Presented by the Commission on Christian Action, adopted by the delegates to the 113th Covenant Annual Meeting. Introduction Although we in Canada and the United …
1998 Religious Persecution
Presented by the Commission on Christian Action, adopted by the delegates to the 113th Covenant Annual Meeting. Biblical Background Scripture teaches that Christians have an …
Resolution on Concern for People with Disabilities (2016)
Presented by the Commission on Christian Action Commission, adopted by the delegates to the 112th Covenant Annual Meeting. We continue to recognize our obligation and …
1997 Life and Death in Relation to God and Others—Assisted Suicide
Presented by the Commission on Christian Action, adopted by the delegates to the 112th Covenant Annual Meeting. Biblical Basis Human beings are created in the …
1996 Human Sexuality
Presented by the Commission on Christian Action, adopted by the delegates to the 111th Covenant Annual Meeting. Biblical Basis God is the Creator of human …
1995 Public and Political Discourse
Presented by the Commission on Christian Action, adopted by the delegates to the 110th Covenant Annual Meeting. WHEREAS, the word of God teaches us that …
1995 Racial Reconciliation
Presented by the Commission on Christian Action, adopted by the delegates to the 110th Covenant Annual Meeting. WHEREAS, the word of God teaches us that …
1994 Sexual Harassment and Abuse
Presented by the Central Conference of the Evangelical Covenant Church, adopted by the delegates to the 109th Covenant Annual Meeting. WHEREAS, all persons are created …
1994 Abortion
Presented by the Commission on Christian Action, adopted by the delegates to the 109th Covenant Annual Meeting. For the Evangelical Covenant Church, a Christian understanding …
1993 Religious Freedom Restoration Act
Presented by the Commission on Christian Action, adopted by the delegates to the 108th Covenant Annual Meeting. WHEREAS, the constitutions of the United States and …
1993 Health Care
Presented by the Commission on Christian Action, adopted by the delegates to the 108th Covenant Annual Meeting. WHEREAS, the care and healing of the sick …
1993 Korean Separated Families
Presented by the Commission on Christian Action, adopted by the delegates to the 108th Covenant Annual Meeting. WHEREAS, members of the Evangelical Covenant Church are …
1993 The City
Presented by the Commission on Christian Action, adopted by the delegates to the 108th Covenant Annual Meeting. WHEREAS, the Lord says to “seek the welfare …
1992 Giving Thanks for Freedom
Presented by the Commission on Christian Action, adopted by the delegates to the 107th Covenant Annual Meeting. WHEREAS, we have experienced the hand of God …
1992 Reaffirmation of Resolution on Securing Access to Adequate Health Care
Presented by the Commission on Christian Action, adopted by the delegates to the 107th Covenant Annual Meeting. “The Commission on Christian Action, with the concurrence …
1992 Commendation to North Park College for Its Urban Outreach
Presented by the Commission on Christian Action, adopted by the delegates to the 107th Covenant Annual Meeting. The Commission on Christian Action commends North Park …
1992 The Environment
Presented by the Commission on Christian Action, adopted by the delegates to the 107th Covenant Annual Meeting. WHEREAS the Evangelical Covenant Church adopted a resolution …
1990 Substance Abuse and Addiction
Presented by the Commission on Christian Action, adopted by the delegates to the 105th Covenant Annual Meeting. WHEREAS, The Evangelical Covenant Church at its 1970 …
1990 Political Disenfranchisement
Presented by the Commission on Christian Action, adopted by the delegates to the 105th Covenant Annual Meeting. WHEREAS, the lordship of Christ extends to all …
1990 Eastern Europe
Presented by the Commission on Christian Action, adopted by the delegates to the 105th Covenant Annual Meeting. WHEREAS, we believe that world events are in …
