EFCP JUSTICE SYSTEM

The Evangelical Free Church of the Philippines (EFCP) National Board of Directors (NBD) has adopted this Justice System to ensure that conflicts and grievances among believers are resolved in obedience to the biblical mandate of Matthew 18:15–17 (ESV):

"If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every fact may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church."

This passage establishes the first and non-negotiable step in resolving any grievance: the aggrieved party must go directly to the brother or sister believed to have caused offense, before any other action is taken. This Justice System was crafted around that principle, and is further shaped by the pattern of structured, delegated adjudication modeled in Exodus 18:13–26, where Jethro counseled Moses to appoint capable leaders to hear and settle disputes at appropriate levels — reserving only the most difficult matters for higher review. Together, these principles ensure that every person is given a fair and orderly opportunity to be heard, that grievances are not escalated prematurely, and that resolution is sought first in private, then—only as necessary—before witnesses and the broader body.

Local churches and Christian organizations are encouraged to adopt this Justice System, or one built on the same principles, so that God is honored both in how we handle disagreement and in how we respond when we have been sinned against.

This Justice System governs the internal, pastoral resolution of interpersonal and ecclesiastical grievances within the church. It does not replace, waive, or discourage the right or duty of any person to report matters involving crimes, abuse, or other conduct requiring action under Philippine law to the proper civil or criminal authorities. Matters that constitute an offense under the Revised Penal Code, Republic Act No. 9262 (Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act), Republic Act No. 7610 (Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act), or other applicable statutes should be reported to the appropriate government agency or law enforcement authority, independently of and without prejudice to any internal church process.