2008 Social Principles

Produced by the Church and Society Network

John Wesley: A New Kind of Preacher

Wesley himself:

Lived modestly and gave all he could to help people who were poor. He died almost penniless. Visited people in prison and provided spiritual guidance, food, and clothing Spoke out against slavery and forbade it in Methodism (Wesleys last letter before his death was to William Wilberforce denouncing slavery) Founded schools Published books, pamphlets, and magazines available to everyone Established clinics for the poor

John Wesley Founder of Methodism

Christianity is essentially a social religion, and to turn it into a solitary religion is indeed to destroy it. The Gospel of Christ knows no religion but social; no holiness but social holiness. Works quoted in Devotional Life in the Wesleyan Tradition It is impossible for any that have it to conceal the religion of Jesus Christ. This our Lord makes plain beyond all contradiction by a twofold comparison: Ye are the light of the world. A city set upon a hill cannot be hid. Ye Christians are the light of the world with regard both to your tempers and actionsSo it is impossible to keep our religion from being seen, unless we cast it awaySure it is, that a secret, unobserved religion cannot be the religion of Jesus Christ. Whatever religion can be concealed is not Christianity. Works

Means of Grace
Acts of Piety (prayer, searching the

scriptures, Holy Communion, fasting, Christian community, healthy living) Acts of Mercy (feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, entertaining or assisting the stranger, visiting those that are sick or in prison, reproving the wicked, exhorting and encouraging the well doer)

A Long Tradition of Social Holiness

1908 Social Creed 1972 Social Creed 2008 Companion Litany

1908 Social Creed

The Methodist Episcopal Church stands For equal rights and complete justice for all men in all stations of life. For the principle of conciliation and arbitration in industrial discussions. For the protection of the worker from dangerous machinery, occupational diseases, injuries and mortality. For the abolition of child labor. For such regulation of the conditions of labor for women as shall safeguard the physical and moral health of the community. For the suppression of the sweating system.

1908 Social Creed, contd

For the grateful and reasonable reduction of the hours of labor to the lowest practical pint, with work for all; and for that degree of leisure for all which is the condition of the highest human life. For a release from employment one day in seven. For a living wage in every industry. For the highest wage that each industry can afford, and for the most equitable division of the products of industry that can ultimately be devised. For the recognition of the Golden Rule and the mind of Christ as the supreme law of society and the sure remedy of all social ills.

The Church and the Social Principles

The church is called to be principled, not

ideological. The church is called to be clear, but also civil. The church is to be engaged but not used.

Preface
The United Methodist Church has a long history of concern for social justice. Its members have often taken forthright positions on controversial issues involving Christian principles. Early Methodists expressed their opposition to the slave trade, to smuggling, and to the cruel treatment of prisoners.

Preface, continued
The Social Principles, while not to be considered church law**, are a prayerful and thoughtful effort on the part of the General Conference to speak to the human issues in the contemporary world from a sound biblical and theological foundation as historically demonstrated in United Methodist traditions. They are a call to faithfulness and are intended to be instructive and persuasive in the best of the prophetic spirit. The Social Principles are a call to all members of the United Methodist Church to a prayerful, studied dialogue of faith and practice.
**Denotes change

The Quadrilateral
Scripture Reason

Tradition

Experience

The Social Principles Address:

The NATURAL world The NURTURING community The SOCIAL community The ECONOMIC community The POLITICAL community The WORLD community
END OF INTRODUCTION

The NATURAL WORLD

Water, Air, Soil, Minerals, Plants** Energy Resources Utilization Animal Life Global Climate Stewardship* Space** Science and Technology** Food Safety
*Denotes a new subsection **Denotes a change within a subsection

The NATURAL WORLD

All creation is the Lords, and we are responsible for the ways in which we use and abuse it. Water, air, soil, minerals, energy resources, plants, animal life, and space are to be valued and conserved because they are Gods creation and not solely because they are useful to human beings. God has granted us stewardship of creation.

The NATURAL WORLD, contd

We should meet these stewardship duties through acts of loving care and respect. Economic, political, social, and technological developments have increased our human numbers, and lengthened and enriched our lives. However, these developments have led to regional defoliation, dramatic extinction of species, massive human suffering, overpopulation, and misuse and overconsumption of natural and nonrenewable resources, particularly by industrialized societies.

The NATURAL WORLD, contd

This continued course of action jeopardizes the natural heritage that God has entrusted to all generations. Therefore, let us recognize the responsibility of the church and its members to place a high priority on changes in economic, political, social, and technological lifestyles to support a more ecologically equitable and sustainable world leading to a higher quality of life for all of Gods creation.

Grounded in Scripture
Genesis 1:1 (In the beginning when

God) Genesis 1:26 (Humankind to have dominion) Genesis 9:9-10 (Covenant with all of creation) Psalm 103:15-22 (Bless the Lord) Job 38:1-18 (God as creator)

The NATURAL WORLD

Discussion of subsections

Contemporary Voices
How do we live in creation? Do we relate to it as a place full of things we can use for whatever need we want to fulfill and whatever goal we wish to accomplish? Or do we see creation first of all as a sacramental reality, a sacred space where God reveals to us the immense beauty of the Divine? --Henri J.M. Nouwen, Bread for the Journey

Wrap-Up
How do we act as stewards? Where do you see that happening? Where is that not happening?

The NURTURING COMMUNITY

Family** Marriage Divorce** Single Persons** Women and Men Human Sexuality** Sexual Abuse* Sexual Harassment Abortion**
Ministry to those who have experienced abortion

Adoption
Faithful Care for Dying Persons**

Family Violence and Suicide Abuse

*New subsection **Change has been made within subsection

The NURTURING COMMUNITY

The community provides the potential for nurturing human beings into the fullness of their humanity. We believe we have a responsibility to innovate, sponsor, and evaluate new forms of community that will encourage development of the fullest potential in individuals. Primary for us is the gospel understanding that all persons are importantbecause they are human beings created by God and loved through and by Jesus Christ and not because they have merited significance.

The NURTURING COMMUNITY

We therefore support social climates in which human communities are maintained and strengthened for the sake of all persons and their growth. We also encourage all individuals to be sensitive to others by using appropriate language when referring to all persons. Language of a derogatory nature (with regard to race, nationality, ethnic background, gender, sexuality, and physical differences) does not reflect value for one another and contradicts the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Grounded in Scripture

Psalm 139:1-18 (God is everywhere from womb to dying) Leviticus 18 (Social Code) Romans 1:18-32 (Sexual immorality) Matthew 5-7 (Sermon on the Mount: New code) 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 (Body as temple) Acts 10:23-35 (After Peters dreamclean and unclean) Galatians 5:16-22 (Fruit of the Spirit) Mark 12:28-34, Matthew 22:34-40 (Greatest commandments)

The NURTURING COMMUNITY

Discussion of subsections

Contemporary Voices
The church has always been required to deal with differences; the measure of Christian love is not reaching total agreement but living with some ambiguity and providing respect to one another in the midst of disagreement. --Living Faithfully as Friends and Family (Part of the Becoming the People of God series)

Wrap-Up

What does United Methodism hold to be healthy and true about human sexuality and human rights? What does it hold to be destructive? What Christian action does it call for in these areas? How does our congregation invite all persons into its life? Where do we need to be in ministry with? How do we talk to one another in love when we disagree?

The SOCIAL COMMUNITY

Rights of Racial and Ethnic Persons Rights of Religious Minorities Rights of Children Rights of Young People Rights of Men* Tobacco Media Violence and Christian Values** Information Communication Technology Persons living with HIV and AIDS Right to Health Care** Rights of Immigrants* Medical Experimentation

Rights of Persons Genetic with Disabilities Technology Equal Rights Regardless of Sexual Orientation** Population Rural Life

Rights of the Aging Rights of Women

Sustainable Agriculture Urban-Suburban Life

Organ Transplantation & Donation *New subsection **Change within subsection

Alcohol and Other Drugs

The SOCIAL COMMUNITY

The rights and privileges a society bestows upon or withholds from those who comprise it indicate the relative esteem in which that society holds particular persons and groups of persons. We affirm all persons as equally valuable in the sight of God. We therefore work toward societies in which each persons value is recognized, maintained, and strengthened. We support the basic rights of all persons to equal access to housing, education, communication, employment, medical care, legal redress for grievances, and physical protection.

The SOCIAL COMMUNITY

We deplore acts of hate or violence against groups or persons based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, or economic status. Our respect for the inherent dignity of all persons leads us to call for the recognition, protection, and implementation of the principles of The Universal Declaration of Human Rights so that communities and individuals may claim and enjoy their universal, indivisible, and inalienable rights. (New)

Grounded in Scripture

John 13:34-35 (Love one another) 1 Corinthians 12:24-26 (One body, shared suffering) Romans 14:10-13, 17-19 (Do not judge) Ephesians 2:14-22 (Fellow citizens with Gods people and members of Gods household) Galatians 5:1, 13-15 (Freedom is not license; let love make you serve one another) 1 Peter 4:8-11 (Use your gifts for the service of others)

The SOCIAL COMMUNITY

Discussion of subsections

Contemporary Voices
For us the justice of Gods kingdom is based on something very different from the balancing of interest or right. It is far more radical than the humanist conceptions of liberty, equality and fraternity; more basic than the opportunity to compete. It is a justice born of love, and it is rooted in our willingness to die for each other. Unless we are actually ready to do this, to lay down life itself for the sake of our brothers, all our talk about peace is meaningless. --Johann Arnold, Seeking Peace

Wrap-Up

Where are we falling short in living out the call in these social principles? Where do you find hope in societys living out the call in these principles? How is the reality of community fostered? Are we our brothers and sisters keeper? In what sense? What are some programs/organizations that you know about that are addressing these issues? Which ones have become issues of public policy?

The ECONOMIC COMMUNITY

Property Collective Bargaining** Work and Leisure Consumption** Poverty**
*New Subsection

Foreign Workers** Gambling** Family Farms** Corporate Responsibility Trade & Investment
**Change within subsection

The ECONOMIC COMMUNITY

We claim all economic systems to be under the judgment of God no less than other facets of the created order. Therefore we recognize the responsibility of governments to develop and implement sound fiscal and monetary policies that provide for the economic life of individuals and corporate entities and that ensure employment and adequate incomes with a minimum of inflation.

The ECONOMIC COMMUNITY, contd

We support measures that would reduce the concentration of wealth in the hands of a few. We believe private and public economic enterprises are responsible for the social costs of doing business, such as employment and environmental pollution, and that they should be held accountable for these costs.

The ECONOMIC COMMUNITY, contd

We further support efforts to revise tax structures and to eliminate governmental support programs that now benefit the wealthy at the expense of other persons.

Grounded in Scripture
Psalm 82:1-4, Psalm 72 (God liberates

and defends) Deuteronomy 26:5-10 (God freed Gods people) Exodus 23:1-13 (Just actions) Exodus 22:25-27 (Fair business practices) Leviticus 24, Deut. 15:1-4 (Economic justice, jubilee)

Grounded in Scripture
Deuteronomy 26:12-13 (Tithe and

distribution) Nehemiah 5:1-13 (Treatment of the poor) Luke 16:19-31 (Treatment of the poor) Matthew 19:16-26 (The Rich Man) Luke 19:1-9 (Zacchaeus) John 13:1-17 (Jesus washes feet)

The ECONOMIC COMMUNITY

Discussion of subsections

Contemporary Voices
The world designed by God is a world of justice. The relationship between people must be based on justice. This order must be continually implanted in the world, since social systems are constantly changing and new possibilities and necessities of the distribution of goods are developing. --Pope John Paul II, 1980

Contemporary Voices
The words of Marys canticle are pronounced in a beautiful outburst of gratitude towards God, whoMary proclaimshas done great things for her. These words say that the world designed by God cannot be a world in which some hoard immoderate wealth in their hands, while others suffer from destitution and poverty, and die of hunger. Love must inspire justice and the struggle for justice. --Pope John Paul II, 1980

Wrap-Up

Where do you struggle with poverty and the implications thereof? Talk a little about consumerism, materialism, and individualism in our society. What is the Christian response to the poor? How are church, state and national budges moral documents? Talk a little about the scandals in the corporate world. Discuss saints/heroes who have worked and are working in the area of economic justice. What can one person/congregation do?

The POLITICAL COMMUNITY

Basic Freedoms and Human Rights** Civil Obedience and Civil Disobedience Political Responsibility The Death Penalty Church & State Relations Criminal & Restorative Justice

Freedom of Information Military Service Education** **Change within subsection

The POLITICAL COMMUNITY

While our allegiance to God takes precedence over our allegiance to any state, we acknowledge the vital function of government as a principal vehicle for the ordering of society. Because we know ourselves to be responsible to God for social and political life, we declare the following relative to governments: (Subsections follow)

Grounded in Scripture
Matthew 22:15-22 (Pay to Caesar) Matthew 22:34-40 (Greatest

commandments) James 1:22-27, 14-18 (Be doers) James 4:1-12 (Submit to God) Romans 13:1-7 (Submission to authorities) Romans 13:8-10 (Love and Law)

The POLITICAL COMMUNITY

Discussion of subsections

Contemporary Voices
Behind all these and other political conflicts lies the question of power, of the definition and true nature of power. Jesus tried to propagate a new paradigm of power. Power and might in this paradigm are not meant for selfaggrandizement, not meant to be lorded over others. Power and might are not for throwing our weight about, disregarding any laws and conventions we may find inconvenient. Power in this new paradigm is for service. --Archbishop Desmond Tutu, God Has A Dream.

Wrap-Up
How can religious values enter the public

debate? What does the statement that the church is counter-cultural mean to you? When you have you found loyalty to God in conflict with loyalty to the government?

The WORLD COMMUNITY

Nations and Cultures National Power and Responsibility War and Peace** Justice and Law**

The WORLD COMMUNITY

Gods world is one worldWe commit ourselves as a Church to the achievement of a world community that is a fellowship of persons who honestly love one another. The unity now being thrust upon us by technological revolution has far outrun our moral and spiritual capacity to achieve a stable world. The enforced unity of humanity, increasingly evident on all levels of life, present the Church as well as all people with problems that will not wait for an answer: injustice, war, exploitation, privilege, population, international ecological crises, proliferation of arsenals of nuclear weapons, development of transnational business organizations that operate beyond the effective control of any governmental structure, and the increase of tyranny in all its forms.

The WORLD COMMUNITY, contd

This generation must find viable answers to these and related questions if humanity is to continue on this earth. We pledge ourselves to seek the meaning of the gospel in all issues that divide people and threaten the growth of world community.

Grounded in Scripture
1 Corinthians 12:24-26 (If one suffers, all

suffer) Matthew 25:31-46 (Nations are called to care for the least) Luke 10:25-37 (The Good Samaritan) Matthew 5:43-47 (Love of enemies) Phil. 2:1-8 (Model Christs humility

Grounded in Scripture
Galatians 5:13-15 (Use freedom to serve

others) Luke 22:49-53 (Jesus arrest) Matthew 7:24-27 (Wise and foolish builders) Matthew 12:1-8 (Lord of the Sabbath) Mark 12:28-34 (Greatest commandments) Ephesians 2:11-22 (Walls are broken down through Christ)

The WORLD COMMUNITY

Discussion of subsections

Contemporary Voices
All this is simply to say that all life is interrelated. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality; tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. As long as there is poverty in this world, no man can be totally rich even if he has a billion dollars.

As long as diseases are rampant and millions of people cannot expect to live more than twenty or thirty years, no man can be totally healthy Strangely enough, I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be. You can never be what you ought to be until I am what I ought to be. This is the way the world is made. --Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, The American Dream

Wrap-Up
What challenges are there for the church

in war and peace issues? How do we begin this journey toward a peaceful world? What small/large steps do we personally and collectively take?

Suggested Resources
Gods Politics

by Jim Wallis Credo by William Sloan Coffin God Has a Dream by Archbishop Desmond Tutu Seeds of Peace by William H. Shannon A Justice Prayer Book from Catholic Campaign for Human Development The Violence of Love by Oscar Romero

Suggested Resources, contd

2008 Book of Resolutions

(UMC) In Search of Security from the UM Council of Bishops The Green Bible by Harper Collins Publishers Poverty and Justice Bible by World Vision and Bible Society