ACLC Pastors Explore the Theology of Marriage

The Theology of Marriage according to the Original Divine Plan was the topic of a pastors’ forum held by the American Clergy Leadership Conference (ACLC) on September 19, 2015 at the International Peace Education Center (IPEC) in Las Vegas. Sixty persons attended the forum, including 21 ministers and pastors from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, accompanied by members of their flock, as well as marriage and family counselors and professional artists.

In the welcome address, master of ceremonies Prince Monya Tambi noted that marriage is central to God’s original plan because the Bible begins with marriage and ends in marriage. Yet, since marriage has not been the core of Christian theology, it is time to re-examine the Bible to discover the original ideal for marriage and the family. 

Suziliene McDonald, the vice president of the Hands of Comfort Foundation, gave a beautiful solo vocal performance. Dr. Welton Smith of the Greater Evergreen Missionary Baptist Church in Las Vegas gave the opening prayer. The True Family Values Ministry presentation was given by Rev. Grover Durham, founder of the Good Citizen Deeds Foundation and president of the LAPD Clergy Council. Centering on the concept of the family as the school of love, he identified the various aspects of love and how these influence all other interactions in society.

Testimonies during the presentation of the short film “Stand for Family, Save the Nation” moved participants to applaud several times. In the keynote address, “Theology of Marriage: The Original Plan,” Rev. George Augustus Stallings, the national co-chair of ACLC, reminded everyone that the family is, quite simply, the first institution created by God. Referencing scriptures, linguistics and philosophy, he continued to explain God’s purpose and design for marriage and the family. Rev. Stallings assured the pastors that ACLC will empower them to rebuild families, restore their communities and renew the world.

The conference concluded with a guided tour of the IPEC building.

Report compiled by Kay Yamaguchi and Prince Monya Tambi