A Closer Look at the UPC's Position on Media

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VIDEO (RESTRICTIONS)

Adopted by the General Conference in 1983

Inasmuch as the United Pentecostal Church International has taken a positive stand against television as an instrument of Satan to defile the church with worldliness through the viewing of movies and other programs which are contrary to holiness and separation unto the Lord, and

Inasmuch as this stand has proven to be ordained of God in contributing in great measure to the safeguarding of the purity of the constituency of the United Pentecostal Church International, [and]

Whereas many other movements which have not taken this position have sadly degenerated in their holiness standards and no longer live separated lives, and

Inasmuch as motion pictures are utilized by the world as the medium by which the basest and most corrupt passions and activities of men are portrayed on the screen, and the United Pentecostal Church International has traditionally opposed said movie films produced for the entertainment of the ungodly world and have permitted the use of this medium among God's people only in such areas as taking pictures of families and friends and the viewing of educational, religious, or inspirational films, and

Inasmuch as video has now come on the scene and is being used to bring in, preserve, and show television programs, movie films, and other impure and ungodly scenes which the United Pentecostal Church International has consistently opposed for many years, and if unrestricted use is permitted, it [video] will jeopardize and destroy the holiness standards of separation from the world which the United Pentecostal Church International [has] consistently upheld for many years relative to television and motion pictures, and

Inasmuch as there are video cassettes offered to the public free at libraries, and [since for a nominal cost video cassettes] are available at rental agencies and video stores consisting of every kind of film including those X-rated, which are the most corrupt, debased, depraved "imagination" of men's hearts which are on evil continually; [and since] video games of all kind are likewise available; [and since] most video sets are equipped with receivers which can show and tape the television channels,

Be it therefore resolved that the use of video be strictly limited to those areas in which motion picture cameras and projectors are traditionally permitted to be used; namely, in taking of pictures of families, friends, and church activities, and the viewing of educational, religious, or inspirational films which are consistent with wholesome Christian principles.

Be it further resolved that we restate our strong opposition to the viewing of all worldly motion pictures and video films as are being shown commercially in theatres and on television for entertainment purposes for the ungodly masses, and the use of them in any form for God's people.

Be it further resolved that all video receivers be so altered as to be
unable to receive television channels.

Be it further resolved that none of our ministers use video in any way except as herein provided.