NCC 49th General Assembly

Fundamental Evangelistic Association
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^{^{^©}}FOUNDATION
A MAGAZINE OF BIBLICAL FUNDAMENTALISM
Dennis W. Costella, Editor; Karel Beyer, Production Manager; Matt Costella, Copy Editor
M.H. Reynolds, Jr. (1919-1997), Founding Editor

The National Council of Churches' 49th Annual General Assembly

by Dennis W. Costella
©FOUNDATION Magazine, Jan-Feb 1999

THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF CHURCHES OF CHRIST in the USA (NCC) held its 49th annual General Assembly in Chicago, Illinois, November 11-13, 1998. The NCC, nearing 50 years in existence, has, from its inception, committed itself to the ecumenical movement. In fact, the NCC describes itself as "the nation's leading ecumenical organization and the locus for a wide array of ministries, including humanitarian assistance (through Church World Service), justice ministries, interfaith dialogue, education and the pursuit of greater Christian unity." The unifying of "Christian" denominations has been the agenda of the NCC throughout the years, but more recently, the NCC has sought to discover common ground among all faiths. Today's Bible-believing Christians need to understand the extent to which this movement has perverted the Gospel of Christ and, likewise, to understand how deeply the ideas of the NCC have permeated the philosophies of mainstream "Christianity." Therefore, the NCC and any churches associated with it must be rejected, and a warning must be declared.
       A representative sampling of the 35 Protestant, Orthodox and Anglican member communions (denominations) of the NCC, which have a total of 52 million members in the United States, is as follows:

American Baptist Churches USA

Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

Church of the Brethren

The Episcopal Church

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America

National Baptist Convention of America

Orthodox Church in America

Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

Reformed Church in America

United Church of Christ

The United Methodist Church

       Many of the aforementioned denominations not only hold membership in the National and World Councils of Churches, but their individual churches reach out to "evangelical" Christians and are embraced by ecumenical movements such as Promise Keepers. All distance themselves from Biblical fundamentalism.
       The latest General Assembly provides ample evidence that the NCC has become even more liberal in its religious and political agendas as the years have progressed. While the Chicago meeting addressed a myriad of issues that pertain to today's ecumenical movement, five issues in particular and the subsequent positions taken with regard to them by the General Assembly stand out as being especially pertinent and timely: the acceptance of gay/lesbian members (including clergy), the push toward interfaith dialogue and interfaith relations, the close ties that exist with various Orthodox churches, the new attitude toward those of Pentecostal/charismatic persuasion and the desire for closer ties with the Vatican.

NCC GAY/]LESBIAN RELATIONS

       One of the many speakers at the General Assembly was Dr. Gwynne Guibord, National Ecumenical Officer of the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches (UFMCC), a denomination that serves homosexuals, bisexuals and lesbians. Guibord called for a time of reconciliation and renewal between homosexuals and heterosexuals. The following excerpts from Guibord's message at the NCC General Assembly illustrate the utter abomination that proceeds from those who pervert the truth and embrace error:

Homosexuality will not just disappear from the church. We have filled the Christian church throughout its history, and we always will. We have always been its priests and ministers and deacons, its choir directors, faithful workers, and Sunday school teachers. The difference now is that, despite it all, we've gotten healthier. We've come out of the closet into the light.

We will not simply go away. The "transforming" or "change" or "ex-gay" movement will not "change" or "cure" us.

We have been here at the NCC General Assembly meeting year after year. It would be easier for us to disappear. But we cannot because God created us to live in community. It is in community lies the salvation of the world. We are here with you because we have much to teach and much to learn from each other.

       Although the NCC denied the UFMCC membership status several years ago, the NCC and UFMCC have engaged in dialogue for the past 15 years. One NCC press release noted that despite the UFMCC's lack of member status, "The UFMCC and gay/lesbian caucuses of the NCC's member denominations meet alongside the NCC General Assembly and invite Assembly members to join them for worship."
       Any believer who takes the word of God literally knows that homosexuality and lesbianism is sin and an abomination to the Lord. The obedient child of God should certainly separate from those who espouse this lifestyle or who actually promote as a "gift of God" what God's Word so plainly declares to be sin.

NCC VATICAN RELATIONS

       Not only did the NCC provide a platform for those who espouse homosexuality and lesbianism as "gifts of God," but for the second consecutive year, the NCC also provided a platform for a representative from the National Conference of Catholic Bishops. Bishop Timothy Joseph Lyne expressed formal greetings to the General Assembly and was given a copy of the NCC's response to Et Unum Sint, Pope John Paul II's encyclical which outlined his commitment to ecumenism.
       The Rev. Bill Rusch, director of Faith and Order for the NCC, said the NCC's response thanks the pope "for his ecumenical encouragement and makes several observations about the Faith and Order context in the U.S. and places where we need to dialogue." The NCC's response specifically says, "We see your encyclical as a new expression of the commitment of the Roman Catholic Church to ecumenism, which was articulated so impressively at the Second Vatican Council."
       An NCC press release noted, "Bishop Lyne said that Et Unum Sint is motivated by a strong and deep hope that ecumenism will deepen in the next millennium. 'The next millennium we hope will be marked by the reconciliation and unity of all Christians,' Bishop Lyne concluded."
       It is obvious that both the NCC and the Roman Catholic Church are urgently desiring to realize a one-world religion and hoping to be a part of bringing such an event to pass. Their future will be marked by increasing ecumenical convergence.

NCC ORTHODOX RECOMMITMENT

       The Eastern and Oriental Orthodox churches also played a vital part in the NCC gathering. Unlike the Roman Catholic Church, several Orthodox denominations are actually members of the NCC. One NCC press release noted that during this year's General Assembly, "the Eastern and Oriental Orthodox members of the NCC recommitted themselves to the NCC and recommended several changes to increase and improve their involvement." Such an affirmation comes at a time when other Orthodox communions are considering withdrawing from the larger World Council of Churches.
       During the past year, the NCC formally consulted with the member Orthodox churches in order to better understand their goals and concerns. One NCC press release stated:

Bishop Dimitrios [of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America] said that thanks to the consultation, initiated by the Rev. Dr. Joan Brown Campbell, NCC General Secretary and the Rev. Gabriel Habib, NCC Consultant in International Affairs, the Orthodox recommitted themselves to the NCC and the ecumenical movement. "We realized that our participation in the ecumenical movement is a divine imperative," Bishop Dimitrios said. "We cannot choose to not be a part of this movement."

       Campbell added, "The most important thing to come out is their commitment to continue more effectively in the NCC and the ecumenical movement."
       Again, the Eastern and Oriental Orthodox Churches preach a false Gospel; therefore, those who take God's Word literally have no choice but to separate from them, not accommodate nor dialogue with them.

NCC PENTECOSTAL RELATIONS

       For the first time ever, the NCC allowed a Pentecostal to address the General Assembly. Dr. David Daniels III of the Church of God in Christ "encouraged delegates from the NCC's 35 Protestant and Orthodox member communions to think beyond the stereotypes of Pentecostal pastors and practices." Dr. Joan Brown Campbell said, "This was a first for the NCC ... We were pleased and honored to have such a first rate Pentecostal scholar and pastor give us insights from his tradition. This is in keeping with the NCC's commitment to opening up new ecumenical dialogues." In his address, Daniels referred to his involvement in an international dialogue at the Vatican between Roman Catholics and Pentecostals.

NCC INTERFAITH RELATIONS

       Perhaps the most startling and blatant disregard for Biblical truth coming from the NCC General Assembly was its acceptance of "interfaith dialogue" and "interfaith relations." This set course indicates the council's underlying apostasy. Members of the National Council of Churches unanimously gave preliminary approval to a proposed policy statement on interfaith relations which will be circulated for study and review, with final action set for the November 1999 General Assembly.
       The proposed policy statement, entitled "Interfaith Relations and the Churches," was written "to encourage ecumenical participation in interfaith relations and to encourage ecumenical consultation in the Christian theology and practice of interfaith relations" and is intended to "provide a policy base for the NCC in those areas of its program which involve relating to our working with men and women of other religions," according to a document prepared by the NCC Interfaith Relations Commission. An NCC press release stated, "Members of several delegations, including United Methodist, United Church of Christ and Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and from state ecumenical/interfaith agencies, expressed particular appreciation for the proposed policy and said they planned to begin using it even though final approval is a year away." The Rev. Margaret O. Thomas, chair of the Interfaith Relations Commission, told the Assembly:

"The Council has learned about and engaged in relationships with people of other faiths ... Christians need to be able to reflect theologically and be free to relate socially and politically in our life together in this nation and around the world ... This statement is both a statement of the churches and a statement to encourage continued discussion and action among and between the churches. It invites affirmation of the Trinitarian theological understanding of Christian faithfulness as including faithful relations with people of other religious traditions. It invites an engagement with people of other religious traditions in addressing many of the social concerns and justice issues that have already been agreed upon by this body."

       So much could be said regarding the document, but space precludes this. The Interfaith document derides Christian churches in America for having been "infected with triuphalism," that is, embracing the idea that only those who have received Jesus Christ as their Savior can be saved and thereafter please and serve the one, true God. The document also calls on churches to repent for sending forth missionaries in years past who were "subordinating indigenous peoples and erasing their religious traditions." In other words, efforts to win the lost to Christ were wrong! Again, the philosophy that "we are all children of the one God" and therefore "we are all related to one another" runs throughout the document.
       Certainly, all believers who reside in a country that allows for religious liberty must thank God for their liberty and for the freedom to exercise their religion of choice, yet that does not mean the Bible-believing Christian is to alter "the faith once delivered" so as to accommodate any teaching or belief that is contrary to the Word of God-God's only and final Revelation to man. True Christian love respects others and is never condescending, nor does it seek to restrict non-Christians' liberties as guaranteed by state and federal laws. But a love for God, for His Word and for the lost also requires a faithful Gospel witness.
       This proposed policy statement, which was overwhelmingly received by the assembly, will not be formally adopted until next year's General Assembly. However, the "great swelling words" (Jude 11-16) in this paper and the twisting of Scripture in hopes of substantiating this documented apostasy are simply incredible. Those on the grass roots level of the NCC who are concerned about the liberalism that marks this fellowship to which their churches belong should carefully read this document and sound a vehement protest before the final vote is taken. Obviously the delegates at the Chicago assembly are already prepared to accept this interfaith document, but certainly there must be someone among the 52-million who will stand up, speak out and then get out!
       One particular section of the draft policy statement titled "Marks of Faithfulness" states:

"When we approach others with an open heart, it is possible that we may be hurt. When we encounter others with an open mind, we may have to change our positions or give up certainty, but we may gain new insights. Prompted to ask new questions, we will search the Scriptures and be attentive to the spirit in new ways to mature in Christ and in love and service to others."

       Recently, the FEA had the opportunity to see how this process of "encountering others with an open mind" actually works. As was stated in Chicago regarding interfaith relations, efforts to implement the policies stated in this draft are already underway in a number of member denominations at the local level. A nearby United Methodist church advertised a Sunday evening meeting in which a local professor would present a lecture on the theme "Women in Islam." Dr. Rashan Al-Disqiti, who possesses a doctorate in Islamic studies, was an articulate, congenial speaker who skillfully covered her topic. Those United Methodists present were obviously impressed and open to what was said. However, it was also obvious that Dr. Al-Disqiti's agenda was to present the Islamic faith as the only true faith. In her lecture, Al-Disqiti recognized Jesus Christ as a prophet, but she also emphasized that it was necessary to "believe in the one god and submit to the one god, and his prophet's name is Mohammed" and that "god has no associates." Such a statement is a complete refutation of the Trinity, and it is also a straightforward rejection of Jesus Christ as the only Savior of mankind.
       Throughout her presentation, Al-Disqiti extolled the veracity, supernatural character and absolute authority of the Koran. She made it a point to declare that only one version of the Koran exists, not many versions as is the case with the Bible. Of course, the Christian community, which delights in the wide array of Bible versions available, should take into consideration such a point, for anyone who accepts this confusing situation certainly has a problem when trying to claim that the Bible is his "sole" authority. Dr. Rashan also insisted that those of other faiths must not believe the media characterization of Islam today, claiming its portrayal as a flagrant, calculated misrepresentation of the truth regarding Islam.
       At the close of the talk, the floor was opened to questions. The United Methodists asked many questions, dealing primarily with social issues, dating restraints and other matters that were incredibly polite and politically and theologically benign. The FEA asked Dr. Al-Disqiti to elaborate on the Muslim view of Jesus Christ and the Bible, and her answer revealed that the Deity of Christ was an impossibility for the Muslim world to accept and that the god of Islam is not the Triune God of the Bible. Al-Disqitie also added that the Bible was written over 200 years after Christ had died and was not supernaturally inspired in any sense.
       It was sad to notice that the United Methodists present were evidently willing to allow the "certainties" of the Christian faith to be clearly attacked without even raising an eyebrow. It seemed, at least to this observer, that making this gracious Muslim lady feel accepted and comfortable was far more important than even raising the question that what she was saying was a complete repudiation of the Christian faith. Is this what the NCC policy statement on "Interfaith Relations" has in mind when it says that such contacts will raise the possibility that "we may have to change our positions or give up certainty"? The FEA will send a copy of the "Interfaith Relations" draft to anyone who requests it. It speaks for itself and is excellent reference material for those who would like to see how liberals actually do twist the Scriptures "unto their own destruction" (2 Pet. 3:16).
       Theological liberalism (unbelief) has so blinded the minds and hearts of the NCC leaders that even though some of them may be sincere in their concern for the welfare of all people, they fail to see that their efforts are doomed to failure. Whenever men disregard or disobey God's Word, whenever people substitute the "social gospel" for the "Gospel of salvation by grace through faith alone," whenever unity is valued above truth-these efforts will be a curse to mankind, not a blessing. Neglecting the eternal welfare of the soul, while professing concern for the body, is the greatest folly! Jesus Christ Himself said, "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" Mark 8:36-37.
       Why must Bible-believing fundamentalists oppose and reject this ecumenical movement that defines its agenda by the kinds of issues just mentioned? Why are fundamentalists committed to warning those who might find themselves in a church that is part of this movement to "come out"? Because the Bible requires separation from any program of unification that includes truth and error, belief and unbelief, in the organization. Notice what the Bible says about joining with those who pride themselves in their "wide spectrum of diversity," which does not simply refer to cultural or ethnic acceptance, but also toward the Bible Itself and Its doctrine. God's Word tells the believer to avoid those who walk "contrary to the doctrine" of Scripture (Rom. 16:17). It tells the believer to not have "fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness" (Eph. 5: 11). It tells the believer to separate from any who pervert the Gospel of Christ.
       It is essential to recognize that a great struggle is being waged for the minds, hearts, bodies and souls of men! In this conflict, it is of critical importance to distinguish between friend and foe. There are many false prophets (wolves in sheep's clothing) within the professed Church today. These must be exposed. The devil and his emissaries appear as "angels of light." We must not be deceived.

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