A Confession of Faith on Human Dignity

In the midst of intense national conflict over issues of immigration, law enforcement, and peaceful protest, we at East Craftsbury Presbyterian Church hold a wide range of political beliefs with faithful, honest, and free disagreement on policy solutions. We seek unity, not division, as one body in Christ, who loves and seeks to serve all of our neighbors in our Vermont community. We therefore bear witness to the following:

We confess that all people are made in the image of God. Nothing can diminish the dignity God has bestowed upon every human being. We follow Jesus Christ alone, who died for the sins of the world, and who told his disciples, “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me,” for “just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me.” (Matt 25:35-36, 40) 

We confess that the Lord “executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the sojourner, giving him food and clothing” and calls his people to do likewise (Deut 10:18–19). Those who have come to this country seeking safety and a better life for their families are among our families and our friends. Many in our congregation have roots in Vermont spanning many generations, and some of us just got here. While borders are a reality of our fallen world, we are commanded: “You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself” (Lev 19:34).  

We also confess a belief in just governance. We honor the legitimate vocations of law enforcement, border protection, and military service, whom we also count among our families and friends. John the Baptist did not instruct soldiers to abandon their posts, but commanded them not to abuse their power or extort those under their authority (Luke 3:14). Jesus marveled at the faith of a Roman military officer who exercised his authority with humility and without cruelty (Matthew 8:5–13; Luke 7:1–10). 

We confess that where an individual’s conscience differs from those of ruling authorities, “we must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). We therefore honor every citizen who feels called to conscientious and peaceful protest, political activism, and legal observation, believing none of us are exempt from the responsibility of acting in justice and mercy, and that pursuing justice and mercy must sometimes include faithful opposition.

We honor all these democratic vocations as legitimate expressions of faith because we confess that life together under just and equitable shared governance is a precious gift to be preserved. We believe the Constitution of the United States should be honored and followed by all who govern and who are governed in this land. We pray that our nation's leaders be guided toward liberty and justice for all, that they seek what is true, good, and beautiful, and that they respect the human rights of every person within and beyond our borders.

We confess that our highest allegiance belongs to Jesus Christ alone. We do not put our trust in princes, in whom there is no salvation (Psalm 146:3). We are ruled by the one who taught us that the greatest commandments are love of God and love of neighbor. To this, Jesus was asked, “And who is my neighbor?” He responded by teaching us that our neighbor includes those who are not in our tribe (Luke 10:25–37). Our neighbor is simply whoever we can show compassion to today. In this spirit, we confess that we are called to love not only our friends, but to also love our enemies, striving to be a good neighbor to all.

We believe these things as followers of Jesus Christ, who came to bring good news to the poor and to bind up the brokenhearted, and who calls us to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with our God.

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This statement was voted on by the ECPC Session and ratified by the congregation for placement on our website in June 2026.