May 2020 — pg. 9
Position Papers
Provide Guidance, Clarity
The Board of Bishops of the Free Methodist Church - USA has
authorized a series of position papers providing a basis for
shared and common language regarding vital issues of our
day. In this issue of LIGHT + LIFE we are publishing the first
of three that will be featured throughout the year.
We begin with “Sanctified Sexuality,” a topic that unites our
sexuality with our spirituality, and draws forth thoughts
about what is holy, not just what is allowable. We seek to
understand how we respond in submission to the Bible as our
authority and guide for holy living. This paper, and the
others to follow, will help FM leaders, members and anyone
seeking understanding of FM doctrine and polity, to find
greater clarity that frames our leadership decisions and
pastoral guidance.
“Sanctified Sexuality” articulates the “very good” design of
God, the brokenness of humanity, and the many ways humanity
has diverted from the Lord regarding sexual expression. It
seeks a thorough understanding of why sex is reserved for
the marriage covenant of one man and one woman, and why
fleeing all forms of sexual immorality is to our benefit.
The Board of Bishops wishes to thank Bishop Emeritus David
W. Kendall for his thoughtful and scholarly work in drafting
this much-needed resource.
“Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person
commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins
against their own body. Do you not know that your bodies
are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have
received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at
a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies” (1 Corinthians
6:18-20).