1981 IA Truth Research Committee Meeting Resolutions Adapted by WDC

[Doctrines, Tenets, and Church Practices]

I. Can a Woman Deliver Sermon? 

Suggestions:

1. To adopt the resolution of the Truth Research Committee Meeting.

2. To be resolved after amending suggestion #1.

Resolution:

Passed according to the resolution of the TRC Meeting. Women are allowed to deliver sermons from the pulpit.

II. Should the congregation stand or kneel when singing the refrain after the concluding prayer?

Suggestions: 

1. To adopt the resolution of the Truth Research Committee Meeting.

2. To be resolved after amending Suggestion #1.

Resolution:

Passed according to the TRC resolution. Singing the refrain in either a standing or kneeling position has a biblical basis, and has nothing to do with salvation. In principle, singing the refrain in a standing or kneeling position should be according to the posture of the congregational prayer. The congregation can sing in a standing or kneeling position, but the posture should be in uniformity within the same church and the service leader should decide this.

III. Should we Commemorate the Crucifixion of the Lord Jesus? 

Suggestions: 

1. To adopt the resolution of the Truth Research Committee.

2. To be resolved after amending the suggestion #1

Resolution: 

Passed according to the amended suggestion #1.

Note: The Holy Communion is to commemorate the death of Jesus. A church should hold a thanksgiving service at least once a year to commemorate the Lord’s death through the Holy Communion.

IV. Is It Necessary to Anoint Oil During Ordination? 

Suggestions: 

1. To adopt the resolution of the True Research Committee Meeting.

2. To be resolved after amending suggestion #1.

Resolution:

Passed as suggestion #1. It is not necessary to apply oil during ordination.

V. How Are We to Deal With the Portraits of Jesus and The Image of The Cross?

Suggestions:

1. To adopt the resolution of the Truth Research Committee Meeting.

2. To be resolved after amending suggestion #1.

Resolution:

Passed according to suggestion #1.

1. To avoid idolization, the hanging of Jesus’ image or portrait (either on the wall or on display anywhere) or the printing of it on publications are prohibited.

2. The issue of whether a chapel may erect a cross is still left to the discretion of local churches, as resolved by the 1st WDC. No rigid rule is imposed.

3. To avoid idolization of the cross, any visible sign of the cross shall be removed from inside the chapel or pulpit.