Association of Fundamentalists Evangelizing Catholics

 Resolution on Ex Catholics For Christ (renamed Reaching Catholics for Christ) and Separation

The Association of Fundamentalists Evangelizing Catholics (AFEC), since its inception in 1987, has taken a fundamentalist position on the scripture. This position extends to such areas as the inerrancy of God’s Word and separation. The inerrancy of Scripture imposes upon us this mandate, that what God’s Word declares of necessity needs to be obeyed. It is unfortunate yet necessary that the AFEC separate from the organization "Ex Catholics For Christ"(ECFC) because of this doctrine of Separation. The founding body of ECFC (while having the same ultimate goal as AFEC, desiring to reach precious Roman Catholic people with the Gospel of Christ) has chosen, by their own admission, a more Neo-Evangelical approach. I quote from Bill Jackson’s (current President of the AFEC) news release of March 2, 1998 concerning this problem.

"Months of correspondence and personal visits have been exchanged among the parties involved (the late Wilson Ewin, Tom McMahon, Dave Hunt, Roy Livesey and myself). I have received information that helps to understand what is at the root of the matter. In a letter of Jan. 28, 1998 to Wilson Ewin, Tom McMahon [one of the men who engineered the first ECFC conference] said that ‘Those of us who were instrumental in developing ECFC recognized that AFEC was by charter restricted in reaching the greatest number of ex- Catholics, most of whom were attending Pentecostal, Charismatic, and those churches viewed as Neo- evangelical.’"

The stand taken by AFEC does not prohibit former Roman Catholics from Neo-evangelical Churches, nor practicing Catholics, from attending any of our conferences. The prohibition of Scripture is placed on agreeing with or participating with those who are not walking according to the truth of the Gospel. That brother is to be restored to the truth or separated from. There have been those throughout the years who after attending a National Conference of AFEC have come to know Christ as Saviour or come to the fundamentalist position of Scripture.

The Biblical Doctrine of Separation is clearly taught in God’s Word and is the basis for our separation from the ECFC, it includes the areas of:

Separation from Sin

Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity 2 Tim 2:19

The Christian is to abstain from the very appearance of evil. Thus it is necessary to separate from false doctrine, even though the messenger may be clearly anti-Catholic in their doctrine. It is necessary to separate from those who though sincere in heart feel cooperation is helpful. Such cooperation can only lead to compromise.

Separation from Churches of false doctrine

For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. Rev 18:3-4

Many Pentecostals believe that Baptism is necessary for salvation and that eternal life may be lost due to sin in ones personal life. Speaking in tongues is often said to be the evidence of Salvation. AFEC’s position does not allow speakers from denominations teaching these doctrine to participate in its conferences. Howbeit, individual men in these Churches may take a differing position from that of their denomination, yet their participation condones not only the individual but also the Church group and its fallacious doctrines. Those in AFEC choose to "come out and be ye separate" from all erroneous doctrine no matter who the messenger may be.

Separation from a Brother whose conduct is not Biblical

But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person. 1 Cor 5:11-13

The ECFC has allowed Pentecostals and Charismatics the freedom to participate on their platform. One speaker stated in a letter in 1989, "I had what I considered to be a genuine experience of being baptized in the Spirit and later had the experience of speaking in tongues." Giving the brother a forum, even though he did not use the occasion to teach error, is a dangerous practice indeed. A denomination which believes in works to be saved or to maintain salvation is as lost as the Roman Catholic people we are seeking to bring to Christ. A denomination which believes that speaking in tongues is a necessary part of or the evidence of salvation has fallen into the same trap as Romanism. THINGS whether Tongues or Sacraments are not necessary for Salvation. Giving approval to Pentecostal or Charismatic participants condones their Church and the errors that accompany them, to the many Roman Catholics seeking the truth of Scripture. Our desire is to lead Roman Catholic people away from error that they may clearly see Christ. AFEC has chosen to "put away from among" us those whose conduct is not Biblical.

Separation from associating with unbelievers

We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, today is the day of salvation.) Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed . . . Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. 2 Cor 6:1-4; 14-18

The statement that most ex-Catholics were in the Pentecostal or Charismatic denominations could mean that they still need salvation. Carlo Caputo, an ex-Catholic, ex-Pentecostal member of AFEC notes, "it therefore becomes imperative that the plain Gospels be preached to all, especially those who claim to be saved and yet continue to associate themselves with unbiblical positions that contradict the doctrines of salvation, e.g., Romanism and Pentecostalism."

AFEC cannot stand together with the ECFC in the fight to bring Roman Catholic people to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ because of our fundamentalist stand on the doctrine of separation (as defined in the above statement). We encourage the ECFC to invite Catholics and former Catholics from all churches to attend their Conferences, but do not confuse the truth of Scripture by condoning speakers whose Church's doctrine does not conform to the Word of God. We urge the ECFC to consider what we have said in loving concern, and to join us in contending for the faith once delivered to the saints.

(Prepared by Frank Eberhardt, Treasurer, A.F.E.C.)