The community as part of society

Faith is not an island, but an integral part of life. This fact not only obliges the believer to respect certain values in everyday life, but also defines the relationship of the Church toward the state and society.

Faith and the world

To love God above all things and our neighbour as ourselves means: we are to treat others with respect and tolerance, regardless of their social background, age, language, or other differences.

The New Apostolic Church stands for universal peace, appeals for reconciliation, and admonishes forgiveness. It rejects all forms of violence. Within its capacity and commission, the Church as an institution helps to promote the common good.

Love for the neighbour also dictates our responsibility for the environment. Natural resources are there for all people and may only be used to the extent that there will still be enough resources for future generations.

Discussion about Christian values in Samoa (Oceania)
Discussion about Christian values in Samoa (Oceania)
Extensive offer at church conventions: talks, lectures, workshops, divine services
Extensive offer at church conventions: talks, lectures, workshops, divine services

The Church and the State

The New Apostolic Church attaches importance to open and constructive relations with governments, public authorities, and religious denominations. It is politically neutral. Its activity conforms to the laws of each respective country. This presupposes that the state authorities must also be measured against divine commandments.

The Church also expects its members to keep the laws and fulfil the civic duties of their country, as long as they are in harmony with the divine commandments. The individual must decide, on the basis of his conviction of faith and in personal accountability to God, whether he will resist prescribed regulations that violate divine laws. .

Believers as part of society

Christians have an obligation to conscientiously fulfil their duties in their profession and in society. However, fulfilling one’s obligations must not become an end in itself and take precedence over one’s own well-being or the common good. The Ten Commandments provide orientation for fulfilling one’s obligations.

New Apostolic Christians are completely free to be active in public life. The Church does not influence its members concerning their political opinions or activities.

In conversation with indigenous people in North America
In conversation with indigenous people in North America