We believe that each local church is self-governing in function and must be free from interference by any ecclesiastical or political authority. We further believe that every human being is directly responsible to God in matters of faith and life, and that each should be free to worship God according to the dictates of his conscience. The believer is called to loyal obedience to civil government and to stand for the righteous will of God (Matthew 22:21; Romans 13:1; 1 Timothy 2:1-6).