JOSEPH W. TKACH
PASTOR GENERAL

March 1988

Dear Friend:

Thank you for your question regarding jury duty.

The Bible teaches that Christians should not involve themselves in judging others (Matt. 7:1). God's people ought to decide matters within the Church (I Cor. 6:1-5), but they should not sit in judgment of those outside the Church (I Cor. 5:12-13). Notice that on one occasion even Jesus refused to make a judgment when asked to settle a dispute over an inheritance (Luke 12:13-14).

Those who are converted to God's way of life are called ambassadors for Christ (II Cor. 5:20). Paul wrote that we are "citizens of heaven" (Phil. 3:20, NEB). As ambassadors and citizens of the Kingdom of God, true Christians must not be a part of the affairs of this world (Rev. 18:4).

Man's judgments are mainly concerned with the letter of the law and usually do not take into account repentance and other spiritual factors. In contrast, God looks on one's heart and is concerned with the spirit and intent of the law. Jesus taught that Christians must be willing to forgive others (Matt. 6:14-15).

The Constitution of the United States establishes and protects each person's rights to his religious beliefs. Those whose deeply held religious convictions do not allow them to serve on a jury will usually be excused once they make their belief known to the proper officials. Simply writing "My religious convictions prevent me from service, and, therefore, I request to be excused" on the jury duty notice is normally all that is necessary. Also attaching a short statement giving the biblical reasons for one's convictions is a good idea. Of course, the form should be returned within the specified time.

Thank you for your interest. It has been a pleasure serving you.

PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE DEPARTMENT