Our Position Against Violence
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Position Paper by the Family International

As a Christian fellowship, we deplore and are diametrically opposed to acts of violence and terrorism, and the suffering these inflict on innocent people. We have a clearly articulated position against physical violence, as stated in the following points:

  1. The Family International [the Family] is nonviolent. We believe that human life is sacred, and each person should be respected as an individual created in the image of God. It is our belief that God's love is the solution to all of man's problems, even in such a complex, confused, and highly complicated society as that of today. As Christians, our duty is to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:39)1, and to share the news of God's love and salvation for humanity and care for the needy. We deplore the loss of life through tragic acts of violence, and more so when religious beliefs are cited as cause or justification for such acts.
  2. The Family has always deplored the use of violence. We have never condoned the use of firearms or other weapons as a means of settling disputes. Our founder, David Brandt Berg (1919-1994), consistently advised us to rely primarily on God, and secondarily on the police and civil authorities-rather than on physical force or weaponry-for needed protection from hostile forces. We have advised our members and communities against the possession of firearms or other weapons, even where legally allowed.
  3. The only situations in which we feel the use of force may be justified are in cases of legally sanctioned self-defense-the defense of loved ones and property. We do not condone any means of self-defense prohibited by law. Any acts of violence other than those carried out in self-defense or the defense of others or property are punishable by local laws and excommunication from our fellowship as per the Family's Charter (237).
  4. The Family has always advocated respect for and compliance with officers of the law engaged in the performance of their duties. We adhere to the scriptural admonition that states that these officers are "the ministers of God, who bear not the sword in vain" (Romans 13:4 NKJ).
  5. The Family does not sanction suicide-violence against oneself-as an acceptable act in the eyes of God. We believe that life is a priceless gift from God, and as the sole giver of life, God is likewise the only appropriate taker of life.2
  6. The attempts of anti-religious activists, known as the anti-"cult" movement (ACM), to exploit tragic events involving religious groups in order to further their anti-religious agenda is a cause for great concern. By lumping small, nontraditional religions and even branches of major religions together, despite their great diversity of beliefs and practices, anti-religious activists attempt to label and stigmatize all as potential "destructive cults" capable of violent antisocial acts. We decry such sweeping generalizations, which only foster intolerance, bigotry, and hatred.
  7. The sporadic incidents of suicide or violence by members of a few small religious groups have brought calls in some countries for registration and closer monitoring of all religions with beliefs considered unorthodox by the state or by larger established religions. However, traditional, legal and/or constitutional guarantees of religious freedom must not be breached if freedom of worship and belief is to be protected. We believe the gathering of information by qualified academics, the use of common sense, and the enforcement of existing legislation are sufficient to ensure this balance. Further action or stricter legislation by the state can only result in stripping its citizens of a basic human right-that of religious freedom.

In conclusion, it is our hope and prayer that the world will see an end to tragic and senseless acts of violence and terrorism, the product of man's inhumanity to man, which result in devastating loss to families and loved ones. We have devoted our lives to the service of God and fellow man in the hope of making a positive difference in the world-aiding the needy, and preaching the message of God's love and salvation to many.

Quotations from Our Publications
The following quotations are taken from the Family's Charter and from writings of our founder, David Brandt Berg.

1. Physical nonviolence is our rule.
Family disciples will be excommunicated for committing violent, intentionally endangering, or life-threatening acts, except in defense of self, others, or Family property.

Family members should not be violent or commit any life-endangering acts for any reason, except in the rare case of trying to defend themselves or others, or Family property. For example, you are allowed to commit a violent act if someone is about to bash you-or any innocent helpless person, for that matter-over the head with a bat, or is trying to grab your children or set fire to your property, etc.

This "committing violent acts" clause also covers violence with one's mate or children. If a Family member were to become violent with his/her mate or children, he/she would face excommunication. If, however, a mate was defending himself or herself from spousal violence, then it could be judged a matter of self-defense and not necessarily grounds for excommunication (Charter 237).

2. We believe in protecting our Homes, but not with deadly weapons.
I believe in protecting our Homes, and Jesus Himself said, "A strong man armed keeps his goods in peace." Well, we're not armed in the way of arms as the world thinks of them. "Our weapons are not carnal, but are mighty through God to the tearing down of strongholds" (2 Corinthians 10:4-5), and certainly to the protection of this house, God willing. It's illegal in many countries for us to bear arms. Though we can't bear arms, we can put bolts on the doors and then we can expect the Lord to do the rest to protect us ("October," par. 134).

3. We believe in obeying the authorities.
The Lord Himself approves of armed forces [military and police] in the 13th chapter of Romans! [The apostle Paul] says we are to "obey the power," which is the government, because he calls the officers of the law "ministers of God" three times, and [says] that they "bear not the sword in vain." Therefore they're supposed to use it if people refuse to do right and refuse to live in peace and refuse to obey! The officer of the law is supposed to use his weapon! (Maria: And that's what the Bible considers the government, the force that has the arms to keep things under control.) "The power"-which is the government-they are supposed to keep the peace, and that's what the Lord's Word says they're supposed to do. They're here for our protection, for our good, and we're supposed to obey them so that we can have peace ("Pacifist," par. 24).

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God (Matthew 5:9).

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Footnotes
1 All Bible verses are taken from the King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

2 See also the Family's position paper, "Suicide and the Sanctity of Life."

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Works Cited
Berg, David. "Black October?" Good News Aug. 1985.

---. "God Is Not a Pacifist!" Good News 1986.

Family, The. Love Charter, The. Bangkok: World Services, 1998.

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What Is the Family International?
The Family International (formerly known as the Children of God) is a fellowship of Christian communities with members in over 100 countries. Our current membership numbers about 8,500 full-time members and 7,000 associates.

The Family has four main objectives:

  1. To share with others the life-giving message of love, hope, and salvation found in God's Word, conveying the joys of knowing Jesus as a personal Savior.

  2. To ensure that each of our children receives a godly upbringing in the best possible environment we can provide.

  3. To produce and distribute a wide selection of devotional, inspirational, and educational materials.

  4. To actively assist the needy through producing and performing inspirational, dramatic, and musical benefits; serving as volunteers in disaster relief; and seeking ways to provide comfort and material assistance for the disadvantaged.

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If you have any questions or comments, we invite you to contact us at one of the following addresses:

Web site: www.thefamily.org

The Family International
PMB 102
2020 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington, D.C. 20006-1846
USA

Call in the USA at:
1 (800) 4-A-FAMILY [1 (800) 423-3264], or
1 (202) 298-0838
E-mail: publicaffairs@thefamily.org

The Family International
Maxet House
Liverpool Road
Luton, LU1 1RS
England
E-mail: info@thefamilyeurope.org

("Our Position Against Violence" was first published March 1993 and updated January 2004.)
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Copyright © 2004 by The Family International