Based on Ellen White’s writings, God’s stance on church politics is clear and consistent: - God’s people are to separate themselves from political strife and alliances with unbelievers. They are not to bring political ideas or contentions into the church, as this leads to disorder and dissension (GW 395.3; GW 393.1). - The church is God’s instrument for order, discipline, and the preservation of truth. It is responsible for maintaining purity and excluding those whose conduct dishonors God (GW 501.4; 7T 263.3). - God requires order and system in church affairs, not confusion or contention. All should be united under the guidance of the Holy Spirit (AA 96.1). - Teachers or leaders who are zealous in politics should not hold church responsibilities, as their influence is not in harmony with God’s work (GW 393.1). - God’s people are not to vote for political parties or participate in political schemes, especially those that oppose religious liberty or promote Sunday observance (GW 391.2). - Worldly policy and selfish ambition have no place in the church. God will remove those who persist in such attitudes to preserve the purity of His people (1T 122.2; 1T 99.3). - Christ Himself refused to become entangled in legal or political disputes, instead focusing on proclaiming the principles of God’s law (9T 218.1). In summary, God’s stance is that church members and leaders should avoid political entanglements, maintain unity and order, and focus on spiritual rather than worldly matters. Church politics, in the sense of strife, ambition, or worldly policy, is not approved by God and is seen as harmful to the church’s mission and purity. If you would like specific quotations or further details from any of the referenced sources, please let me know! References: - White, E. G. (1915). Gospel Workers (GW). - White, E. G. (1948). Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 7 (7T). - White, E. G. (1911). The Acts of the Apostles (AA). - White, E. G. (1948). Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 1 (1T). - White, E. G. (1948). Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9 (9T).

Ellen White’s writings make it clear that fighting for power within the church is not in harmony with God’s will. Here are key points from her books: - Strife for supremacy and power within the church is repeatedly condemned. Historical examples, such as the schism between rival popes, are described as filling the church with “crime and tumult,” leading to corruption, simony, and even war (GC 103.2; 4SP 88.1). - When church leaders or members seek to increase their own power, it results in spiritual darkness, loss of the Holy Spirit, and the church’s departure from the simplicity of the gospel (GC 443.2). - Jealousy, evil surmising, and discord are described as tools of Satan to divide and scatter God’s people. God’s people are called to unity, harmony, and to avoid variance with one another (7T 182.2). - The true church is empowered by God when it is loyal and obedient to Him, not when it seeks worldly power or control (PK 259.3). - The pursuit of power leads to the elevation of human authority over God’s law, resulting in fraud, deception, and iniquity (4SP 58.1). In summary, God’s stance is that fighting for power within the church is a manifestation of selfishness and is contrary to the spirit of Christ. It brings division, spiritual darkness, and dishonors God. Instead, God calls for humility, unity, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. If you would like direct quotations from any of these sources, please let me know! References: - White, E. G. (1911). The Great Controversy (GC). - White, E. G. (1884). The Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. 4 (4SP). - White, E. G. (1948). Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 7 (7T). - White, E. G. (1917). Prophets and Kings (PK).