We believe that civil government is of divine appointment, for the interests and good order of human society. Civil authorities are to be prayed for, conscientiously honored and obeyed; except only in the things opposed by the Word of God, which reveals the will of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the only Lord of the conscience, and the Prince of the kings of the earth. Church and state should be separate, the state owing the church protection and full freedom. No ecclesiastical group or denomination should be preferred above another by the state; the state should not impose taxes for the support of any form of religion. A free church in a free state is the Christian ideal.