To the Provincial Elders Conference of the Moravian Church, Northern Province

The Goshen Moravian Church held its 136th annual church council meeting on January 11, 2015. This was the first council meeting held since the Northern Province Synod was held in June of 2014. After the normal business of the church was concluded, many members of the church wanted to know what or how the congregation should respond to the passing of the PEC resolution concerning ordination of gay and lesbian pastors in covenanted relationships. After lengthy discussion a motion was made and passed to discontinue paying the provincial assessments. The motion was stated as such: To continue to pay Pastor’s medical and pension amounts for 2015 but to not send any other funds. The motion was made by Bill Dittmer, seconded by Pete Lindstrom, and it passed unanimously. Our congregation disapproves of what was passed at the 2014 Northern Province Synod and does not recognize the resolution as being valid. The governance of the church cannot and should not change the meaning of scripture in order to follow the changing moral standards of the world around us. God’s Word does not change and Scripture clearly explains that marriage is between one man and one woman. The Holy Scriptures remain our only source and guidance. Romans 12:2 says “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Goshen church members continue to care for and love all people, but humbly respect the teachings from Gods Word and know that it is more important to trust and obey God rather than man. The Goshen Moravian Church will continue to financially support worthy causes in the Northern Province. Goshen will continue to support prayerfully and financially projects that hopefully will bring more people to the knowledge of the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. In the Love of Christ, The congregation of Goshen Moravian Church