The Manual

¶630.3.4.3 Swearing Oaths As Free Methodists we do not prohibit the taking of an oath when it is required by law. In every case, the Christian must speak in justice and truth (Jeremiah 4:1-2; Matthew 5:33-37; Ephesians 4:25; James 5:12).

¶630.3.4.2 War and Military Enlistment We believe, that military aggression, as an instrument of national policy is indefensible (Isaiah 2:3-4). The destruction of life and property, and the deceit and violence necessary to warfare are contrary to the spirit and mind of Jesus Christ (Isaiah 9:6-7; Matthew 5:44-45). It is,

¶630.3.4.1 Civic Participation As Christians we pray for “all who are in high positions” (I Timothy 2:1-2) and are “subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution.” (I Peter 2:13). We actively participate in civic life by involvement in efforts for the improvement of social, cultural, and educational conditions

¶630.3.4 The Christian and the State As Christians, we are citizens of the kingdom of God and of this world. We receive benefits from and bear responsibilities to both relationships. Our first allegiance is to God, but that does not release us from responsibilities to our own country if such

¶630.3.3.2 Leadership in the Church Leadership in the church is an honour that has accompanying responsibilities and sacrifices. The Scriptures provide descriptions of the qualities of leaders in such passages as: Exodus 18:21, Acts 6:3, 1Timothy 3:1-13 and Titus 1:5-9. Those who are chosen to lead in the church do

¶630.3.3.1 Membership in the Church In accordance with this, our church provides means by which persons who are born of the Spirit may enter into a Membership Covenant (¶156-160) and register their membership in a local church in a public way. We provide categories for believers under the age of

¶630.3.3 The Christian and the Church The church is part of God’s eternal plan to make a people for himself who would be “holy and blameless before him” (Ephesians 1:4). It was instituted by Christ during his ministry when he commissioned the church to be his unique representative in the

¶630.3.2 Education of Children The Free Methodist Church views the education of its children as a parental responsibility (Deuteronomy 6:5-9; Ephesians 6:4). Part of that responsibility may be delegated but not relinquished to public, private or Christian institutions of education. The church wishes to support public schools and recognizes the

¶630.3.1.11 Polygamy In some of our mission districts polygamy is a current reality. This statement seeks to give guidance to these contexts and to those who come to Canada from those contexts. When individuals involved in a polygamist marriage confess Jesus Christ as their Saviour and testify to their desire

¶630.3.1.10 Use of Free Methodist Church Facilities It is the policy of The Free Methodist Church in Canada that the facilities of Free Methodist churches are to be rented or used only by individuals or groups that are not incompatible with the goals, values, policies and statements of The Free