BISHOPS STATEMENT REGARDING
"THE HOLY SPIRIT: AN APPROACH TO UNDERSTANDING HIS GIFTS"

On May 24, 1974, the General Board of Administration of the Church of the United Brethren in Christ adopted the study, The Holy Spirit: An Approach to Understanding His Gifts. The conclusion of the paper declaring the openness of the church to the ministry of the Holy Spirit is not to be abused. While earnestly desiring the fullness of the Spirit and ready to respond to His gifts, the church will not tolerate those attitudes and practices which are destructive to the body.

Those responsible for exercising care over the church must use the gift of discernment and take appropriate action when they believe the well being of the church is threatened.

The resolution adopted with the study expressly forbids both ministers and laymen from disparaging "any fellow believer whose judgment or understanding in these matters is different from their own." To disparage is to lower in rank or estimation by action or words. This admonition concerning disparaging is solidly rooted in the teaching of the Scriptures and in the example of the Lord Jesus (Philippians 2:1-8; Romans 12:3, 6, 16; I Corinthians 8:2; and Galations 6:1-6).

Clearly, the study declares all members are free to enjoy and use the gifts given them by the sovereign act of the Spirit. At the same time, neither by word or deed are they by thought or action to "lower in rank or estimation" those who do not share in a particular administration or gift of the Holy Spirit.

In practical administration, the Board of Bishops cannot and will not permit any person within the fellowship of the Church of the United Brethren in Christ to publicly or privately suggest that believers in Jesus Christ need to or should seek a charismatic baptism of the Holy Spirit and an accompanying gift of tongues.

Those who cannot or will not follow the provision of the study for bringing themselves into subjection under those in authority over them (p. 17) should seek a relationship which is in agreement with their interpretation of Scripture and practice. Otherwise, they must be reproved and disciplined as provided for in the adopting resolution.