Another SPLIT from the UPCI???

[harleypreacher]

Originally Posted by Maple Leaf

Where in the world did you ever get an idea like that?

Bro. Urshan wrote: "If he honestly embraces the principles described in the two sections of the Articles of Faith, then he can and should sign the statement. No one can challenge his signature on the basis of personal interpretations and applications."

You must have received a different letter than the one I have.

Wholehearted disapproval of cut hair and makeup doesn't leave much room for ambiguity.

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This is part of the letter that Nathaniel A. Urshan sent out, dated January 18, 1993 concerning the resolution that now forced ministers to sign a statement, called the Minister's Affirmation.

The resolution does not give any added powers to officials. If a minister believes our message, all he must do is sign the annual statement. If he does, no official can take any action against him, except under the provisions of our Constitution and Judicial Procedure that already exist. There is no provision for contesting a sign statement.

The resolution does not allow officials to impose private interpretations of holiness standards. The only person who interprets the statement is the minister himself. If he honestly embraces the principles described in the two sections of the Articles of Faith, then he can and should sign the statement. No one can challenge his signature on the basis of personal interpretations and applications.

Some people have argued that the resolution will impose controversial views on subjects such as long sleeves, wedding rings, hair arrangement, church softball games, facial hair, skating rings, and so on. Neither the resolution nor the statement, nor the Articles of Faith mention these subjects. The Articles of Faith mention matters such as immodest dress, worldly sports, and unwholesome music, but the specific definition and application of these principles have always been left to the individual pastor and saint. Moreover, the methods by which a pastor seeks to convert and disciple people who attend his church is in his discretion. Nothing in the resolution changes these prerogatives.


Sounds to me that it's left to the pastor's discretion on how he wants to manage and run his church when it comes to standards.