Recently, the Frankfurt Declaration of Christian and Civil Liberties was released. The document is a reaction to events that happened during the pandemic. It speaks out against abuse of power, but “this should be done only after serious and prayerful deliberation, and even then, in an attitude of humility and with respect for the authorities that have been established by God.”
The document is signed by more than 5000 people all over the world, among which are around 1700 pastors. It begins with an introduction and explanation why the declaration was written:
“A few concerned pastors from different continents, moved by an emergent totalitarianism of the State over all realms of society, and particularly the Church, and the disregard of God-given and constitutionally guaranteed rights during the Covid crisis, joined in common cause to craft a solemn declaration, which seeks to address these threats with the timeless truths of God’s Word.”
The document is divided into five articles:
- God the Creator as Sovereign Lawgiver and Judge
- God as the Source of Truth and the Role of Science
- Mankind as the Image of God
- God-given Mandates and Limits of Authority
- Christ as the Head of the Church
The affirmations and denials in these articles are all derived from biblical scriptures, which are cited below each article.
The declaration ends with “a call for respect, repentance, and resistance.” It calls for authorities to repent, and for Christians to not be afraid and to stand with those who are persecuted because of their faith. It concludes:
“We ask our brothers and sisters who have lived under persecution all their lives to pray for us, that God would give us the grace to bless those who persecute us and to pray for them; that God would give us the courage to stand firm in our faith as His witnesses; and that He, who is Lord over all, would give us the strength to remain faithful and persevere to the end. Amen.”
Click here to sign or read the declaration.
