Resolution of National Association of Evangelicals, 27th Annual Convention

Cincinnati, Ohio; April 15-17, 1969

The National Association of Evangelicals continues to register its firm opposition to the appointment of any political envoy by the United States government to the State of Vatican City.

While the Vatican is engaged in many political exchanges, the central function of this state undoubtedly is that of the headquarters of a Church. The appointment of an envoy to the Vatican would constitute a diplomatic exchange between the United States government and the Roman Catholic Church and would be an intolerable affront to the time-honored principle of the separation of church and state.