UMAction Recommendations for General Conference 2008

April 17, 2008

UMAction sees a new day approaching for the United Methodist Church, in which we leave behind the contentious debates of sex and theology, and move forward united in our commitment to Wesleyan beliefs, evangelism, discipleship and spreading scriptural holiness throughout the world.

The following legislative proposals, in anticipation of this new day, urge empowerment for growing United Methodism outside the U.S., faithfulness to Christian theological and ethical standards, affirmation of the poor and the vulnerable, and promotion of human rights and peace globally.

We urge prayer for all of the 990 delegates and many more observers who will gather in Fort Worth for General Conference 2008, April 23-May 2.  Thank you for your faithfulness!

• Voter Guide in Portuguese
• Voter Guide in French
  

Empowering the International Church

• Proportional Representation on the Division on Ministries for Young People (81306-DI-para 1207, DMYP Membership, p. 603) http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=81306

  Urges proportional representation on the Division on Ministries for Young People.
  

• Representation for African Churches on the Division on Ministries for Young People (81307-DI-para1207.1c, DMYUP Membership, p. 603) http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=81307 

  Calls for fair representation for African churches on the Division on Ministries for Young People.

• Overseas Representation on General Agency Boards (81300-GA-para 705.5, Representation, p. 977) http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=81300 

  Calls for fair representation on general agency boards, where currently overseas central conference membership is capped at 10 percent, even though more than 30 percent of United Methodists now live outside the U.S.
  

• Overseas Representation in Church Agency Staff (81301-GA-para714, International Staffing, p. 979) http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=81301 

  Calls for church agency staffing to represent the international diversity of United Methodism.
  

• Affirmation of United Methodist Diversity (81252-GA-R9999, Global Church, p. 988)http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=81252 

  Affirms United Methodism’s growing international diversity, with 30 percent of our membership now outside the U.S., and urges greater acknowledgment of non-U.S. United Methodists in the church’s leadership, spending and programs.
  

• Missionary Support (81249-GM R9999, Missionaries, p. 1150) http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=81249 

  Urges the increased support for missionaries and for the spreading of the Gospel worldwide.

• Malaria, AIDS, and Clean Water (81258-GM-R9999, Malaria, AIDS and Clean Water, p. 1151)http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=81258

  Urges greater United Methodist effort against diseases, such as Malaria and AIDS, along with the lack of clean water in the Global South, especially among the very poor. Affirms the “Nothing but Nets” campaign and DDT spraying against malaria; vaccines and abstinence programs to combat AIDS, and support for practices that create wider access to clean water.
  

• Unity in United Methodism (81562-CC-R9999, p. 1168) http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=81562 

  Affirms biblical, United Methodist doctrinal beliefs and urges greater attention to the concerns and needs of the international church, especially in Africa.

Affirming Marriage and Family

• Christian Marriage (81029-C2-¶161.C, Christian Marriage, p. 320) http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=81029 

  Encourages marriage partners to be united in faith.

• Divorce (81353-C2-para 161.D, Divorce, p. 321) http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=81353 

  Affirms protections for women and children against the results of high divorce rates. Urges examination of no-fault divorce laws that fuel high divorce rates.

• Prostitution (81354-C2-¶161.G, Prostitution, p. p. 332) http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=81354 

  Amends the Social Principles to oppose legalized prostitution.
   

• Transgenderism (81356-C2, para161.G, Transgenderism, p. 333) http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=81356 

  Affirms God’s gift of gender and opposes practice of transgenderism.
  

• Sex Education (81358-C2-para161.G, Sex Education, p. 333) http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=81358 

  Affirms sex education that encourages fidelity in marriage and premarital abstinence.

• Late-Term Abortions (81153-C2-para161.J, Late-Term Abortions, p. 338) http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=81153 

  Urges protection of lives of both mother and unborn child.

• Population (81326-C2-para162.I, Population, p. 345) http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=81326

  Affirms parenthood and families and opposes any stigmatization of large families.

• Homosexuality and Tolerance (81174-C2-R9999, “Homosexuality and Authentic Tolerance,” p. 420-421) http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=81174 

  Offers solidarity to Christians who are persecuted for defending Christian sexual ethics.
  

• Families (81256-C2-R9999. The Importance of Families, p. 426) http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=81256 

  Affirms the importance of families and biblical principles for understanding families.
  

• Integrity (81371-FA-para 611.3, Integrity, p. 760) http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=81371 

  Persons in charge of enforcing disciplinary prohibition against annual conference funding of pro-homosexuality advocacy should affirm their personal agreement with the church’s teaching.

• Clarity on Homosexuality (81297-FA-para612.19, Clarity, p. 761) http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=81297 

  Clarifies Disciplinary prohibition against promoting acceptance of homosexuality.

• Sexual Ethics and Campus Ministries (80502-FA-para 612.19, Funding Restriction Clarity, p. 761) http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=80502 

  Affirm support for Christian sexual ethics by United Methodist college campus ministries.

• Cohabitation (81166-FA-para 612, Prohibit Support of Cohabitation, p. 762) http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=81166 

  Affirms support for marriage and prohibits domestic partner benefits for non-married couples.

• Funding for Pro-Homosexuality Advocacy (81373-FA-para 806.9 Enforcement, p. 772) http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=81373 

  Affirms disciplinary prohibition against church agency funding for pro-homosexuality advocacy and calls for enforcement responsibilities to be assigned to agency staff who personally support the church’s teaching.

• Support from General Secretaries (81180-GA-para 714, General Secretary Support, p. 979) http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=81180 

  Church agency general secretaries shall support the church’s teachings on marriage and sexual ethics.

• Deaconesses and Home Missioners (81341-GM-para 1313.2, Deaconesses and Home Missioners, p. 1083) http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=81341

  Deaconesses and home missioners shall work for groups consistent with United Methodist doctrinal standards and Social Principles.

• Sexual Exploitation (81344-GM-NonDis-!, Ministry Response to Sexual Exploitation, p. 1090) http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=81344 

  Urges greater ministry for women, men, and children trying to escape prostitution or other forms of sexually exploitative work.

• Victims of Prostitution (81377-GM-R9999, Ministry to Victims of Prostitution, p. 1153) http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=81377 

  Urges local congregations to support ministries for victims of sexual trafficking.
  

• National Council of Churches (81255-IC-R9999, Accountability for the National Council of Churches, p. 1293) http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=81255 

  Urges the National Council of Churches to uphold Christian standards regarding marriage and sexual ethics.

• Transgenderism among Clergy (80506-JA-para2702.1, Transgenderism Among Clergy, p. 1305) http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=80506 

  Affirms sacred worth of all persons while opposing the practice of transgenderism.

• Chargeable Offenses (81317-JA-para 2702.1, Chargeable Offense, p. 1307) http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=81317 

  Members of church trials shall not disregard church standards because of personal disagreement.

• Honesty Between Clergy and Bishops (81316-JA-para2702.1a, Chargeable Offense, p. 1308) http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=81316 

  Clergy shall be honest with their bishop and district superintendent about their adherence to Christian sexual ethics.

• Standards for Lay Staff (80509-LC-¶259.2g, Standards for Lay Staff of Local Churches, p. 1349) http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=80509 

  Urges fidelity to Christian sexual ethics by lay staff “whose primary responsibilities include age-level ministry with children, youth, or young adults.”
  

• Lay Staff and “Ethic of Fidelity” (81274-LC-¶259.2g, Standards for Lay Staff, p. 1350) http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=81274 

  Urges lay staff of local churches to be “personally committed to the ethic of fidelity in marriage and celibacy in singleness” (the same standard required of clergy).
  

• Non-UM Schools of Theology (81026-MH-para 1422.3d, Non-UM Schools of Theology, p. 1493) http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=81026 

  Seminaries qualified to receive United Methodist ministerial candidates shall uphold Trinitarian faith and Christian sexual ethics.

Protecting the Poor and Christian Social Engagement

• Environmental Stewardship (81260-C1-para 160; Environmental Stewardship, p. 186) http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=81260 

  The environment should be protected with workable policies while also safeguarding the livelihoods of the poor and of all people, who are uniquely created in God’s image.

• Poverty (81262-CA-para 163.E, Poverty, p. 188) http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=81262 

  Affirms policies that help the poor rise out of poverty, such as economic growth, honest government, property rights, guards against corruption, and entrepreneurship.  Investment and micro-enterprise are especially urgent needs in the Global South, particularly Africa. The goal of every society should be decent wages, sufficient food, housing, health care and education for all.

• Christian Social Engagement (80508-C1-para 164.B, Christian Social Engagement, p. 191) http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=80508 

  Calls for humility in discerning the divine will in political specifics while encouraging all Christians to be civil in their political engagements.

• Prayer (81265-C1-para164.C, Prayer, p. 192) http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=81265 

  Affirms voluntary prayer in public schools and other areas of civil life.

• War and Peace (81266-C1-para 165.C, War and Peace, p. 196) http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=81266 

  As the Social Principles describe, in our fallen world war may be a regretful alternative to genocide, tyranny or aggression. But war was not part of God’s original plan for humanity.

• Accountability for General Board of Church and Society (81154-C1-para 1000, Accountability for General Board of Church and Society, p. 197) http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=81154 

  Staff of the church’s lobby office in Washington, D.C. shall endorse rallies or demonstrations with the approval of its Board.

• Responsibilites of General Board of Church and Society (81304-C1-para 1004, Responsibilities, p. 198) http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=81304 

  The General Board of Church and Society should give priority to issues involving alcohol and drug abuse, gambling, religious persecution, affirmation of marriage and family, defending human life, opposing pornography, defending victims of sex trafficking, seeking peace when possible, and advocating global economic growth and opportunity for the Global South, especially Africa. The Board shall address not only U.S. issues but also relate to Africa, the Philippines, and Europe. And the Board shall advocate personal and social holiness from a Wesleyan perspective.

• Humility, Politics, and Christian Unity (80507-C1-R999, On Humility, Politics, and Christian Unity, p. 280) http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=80507 

  Urges Christians to be humble and reluctant to align specific political positions with God’s will.

• Immigration (81162-C1-R9999, Immigration, p. 309) http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=81162 

  Supports humane and reasonable laws about immigration.

• Environmental Regulation (81250-C1-R999, Caring for the Environment and Regulation, p. 311) http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=81250 

  Affirms responsible environmental regulation while also urging protections for the poor from increased energy and food costs, as well as reduced overall economic opportunity, which may result from excessive regulation.
  

• Resolutions (81287-CO, para 509, Resolutions, p. 468) http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=81287 

  Urges shorter resolutions and more careful consideration, including a judgment as to whether the Scriptures speak to it directly, and a consensus in the church supports it.

• Stewardship in Agency Meetings (81303-FA-para 806, Stewardship, p. 769) http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=81303 

  Urges good stewardship in controlling the costs of general agency meetings.

• Stewardship in Ecumenism (81156-IC-NonDis, Seeking Wise Stewardship in Ecumenical Engagement, p. 1267) http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=81156 

  Urges that United Methodist funding for National and World Councils of Churches be proportionate to the giving of other denominations based on membership.

Human Rights and Peace in the Middle East

• Opposition to Divestment from Israel (80503-C1-R9999, Oppose Divestment from Israel, p. 277) http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=80503 

  Affirms Israel’s right to exist peacefully with secure borders and opposes divestment campaigns that selectively target the only long-term democracy in the Middle East. Affirms justice and human rights for all peoples in the Middle East, including religious minorities.

• Israel and Apartheid (80504-C1-R9999, Israel & Apartheid, p. 279) http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=80504 

  Israel should not be compared with the racist policies of South Africa under Apartheid.

• Hamas (80505-C1-R9999, Statement on Hamas, p. 279) http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=80504 

  Calls on Hamas to renounce violence and recognize the right of Israel to exist, while affirming human rights for all peoples in the Middle East.

• Praying for Peace in Iraq (81345-C1-R9999, Praying for Peace in Iraq, p. 312) http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=81345 

  Urges support for international efforts that establish a lasting and just peace in Iraq.

• Support for Armed Forces (80521-C1-R268, Retain Resolution 268, p. 251) http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=80521 

  Urges support for members of the Armed Forces and for military chaplains.

• Anti-Semitism (81378-C2-R9999, Anti-Semitism, p. 431) http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=8052181378 

  Affirms God’s love for the Jewish people and opposes all anti-Semitism.

• Withdrawal from Pro-Divestment Campaign (81391-GM-NonDis, Withdraw from Campaign, p. 1091) http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=81391 

  Calls for withdrawal by the Board of Global Ministries from the U.S. Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation, a group that selectively advocates divestment against Israel and faults Israel exclusively for all Middle East strife.

Protecting Vulnerable Human Life

• Parental Notification (81079-C2-¶161.J, Support Parental Notification, p. 336) http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=81079 

  Affirms parental notification laws for underage girls seeking abortions.
  

• Crisis Pregnancy Center Support (81327-C2-¶161.J, SupportCrisisPregnancyCenter, p. 338) http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=81327 

  Affirms crisis pregnancy centers that compassionately help women find feasible, non-violent alternatives to abortion.

• Late-Term Abortions (81153-C2-¶161.J, Late-Term Abortions, p. 338) http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=81153

  Affirms protections for both the mother and unborn children who are viable outside the womb.
  

• “Conscience Clauses” (81329-C2-¶161.J, Choice of Health Care Professionals, p. 339) http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=81329 

  Affirms “conscience clauses” for health care professionals who choose not to participate in abortions.
  

• Eugenics (81330-C2-¶161.J, Eugenic Purposes, p. 339) http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=81330 

  Affirms protections from eugenics for babies with disabilities.
  

• Fetal Pain (81328-C2-¶161.J, Fetal Pain, p. 339) http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=81328 

  Urges abortion providers to offer women the option of anesthesia for their unborn children when they may be sufficiently developed to feel pain.
  

• Abortion Rates (81331-C2-¶161.J, Mourn High Abortion Rates, p. 339) http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=81331 

  Expresses the church’s alarm about high abortion rates.
  

• Adoption (81343-C2-¶161.J, Adoption and Abortion, p. 340) http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=81343 

  Urges support for adoption as an alternative to abortion.

• Legal Protections for the Unborn (81359-C2-para 161J, Abortion, 340) http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=81359 

  Urges legal protections for the unborn and support for every mother.   The church should be a model for society in caring for vulnerable persons.

• Euthanasia (81332-c2-para161, Euthanasia, p. 341) http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=81332 

  Affirms protections for the rights and dignity of the dying, for whom God has continued love and purpose. Rejects euthanasia and pressures upon the dying to end their lives.

• Protection for Human Embryos (81334-C2-¶162.M, Embryos, p. 346-347) http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=81334 

  Affirms protections for human embryos and adoption of unwanted embryos.
  

• Responsible Parenthood (81179-C2-R25, Responsible Parenthood, p. 357) http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=81179 

  Urges deletion of current resolution that is U.S.-focused and defends unrestricted abortion.
   

• Opposition to Removing Parental Notification Language (81080-C2-R25, Responsible Parenthood, p. 357) http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=81080 

  Amends language that opposes parental notification for abortions performed on underage girls.
  

• Opposition to Justifying Factors for Abortion (Child) (81336-C2-R25, Responsible Parenthood, p. 357) http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=81336 

  Urges deletion of language that cites unborn child’s “health” or “mental capacity” as justifying abortion.
  

• Opposition to Justifying Factors for Abortion (Mother) (81337-C2-R25, Responsible Parenthood, p. 357) http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=81337 

  Urges deleting language that justifies abortion if unborn child unsettles the mental or emotional health of the mother or her family.
  

• Opposition to Taxpayer-Funded Abortions (81338-C2-R25, Responsible Parenthood, p. 357) http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=81338 

  Amends language that currently supports taxpayer-funded abortions.
  

• Opposition to Abortion as Birth Control (81339-C2-R25, Responsible Parenthood, p. 358) http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=81339

  Urges deletion of language that affirms abortion as birth control.
  

• Human Cloning (80567-C2-R103, Human Cloning, p. 378) http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=80567 

  Affirms the church’s opposition to human cloning.
  

• Gender-Selective Abortion (81172-C2-R9999, Gender-Selective Abortion, p. 419) http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=81172 

  Urges international action against gender-selective abortion trends, which tend especially to target unborn females.
  

• Vulnerable Human Life (81251-C2-R999, Vulnerable Human Life, p. 425) http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=81251 

  Affirms the sacredness of, and protections for all vulnerable human life, including the poor, the elderly, the disabled, the terminally ill, and the unborn.

Solidarity with the Persecuted

• Affirming Solidarity (81248-C2-R999, Affirming Solidarity, p. 425) http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=81248 

  Reaffirms United Methodist support for International Day of Prayer for the PersecutedChurch and expressed solidarity with all brothers and sisters in Christ who are persecuted for His name’s sake.

• Christian-Muslim Relations (81393-IC-R9999, Promoting Christian-Muslim Relations, p. 1294) http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=81393 

  Offers solidarity both to Christians who are persecuted by Islamist forces and to moderate Muslims who also suffer and are working to uphold human rights and religious freedom.

• Theocratic and Radical Islam (81253-GM-R9999, Theocratic and Radical Islam, p. 1150) http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=81253 

  Offers solidarity to those who suffer under theocratic, Islamist regimes, including Christians and moderate Muslims. Urges legal equality for all persons, including religious freedom and freedom of speech.

• Religious Minorities (81335-C2--¶162.B, Rights of Religious Minorities, p. 343) http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=81335 

  Urges prayer and advocacy for persecuted Christians around the world.

• Racial and Ethnic Intolerance (81257-C2-R9999, The Church and Ethnic Tensions, p. 427) http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=81257 

  Affirms biblical principles against racism, notes the widespread global problem of racial and ethnic intolerance, mourns racism and celebrates anti-racism in American Methodist history.
  

• Women’s Rights in the Islamic World (81342-C2-R999, Women’s Rights in the Islamic World, p. 429) http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=81342 

  Affirms solidarity with women around the world who are persecuted by Islamist laws (Shari’a) that discriminate against them.

• Tribalism and Ethnic Prejudice (81257-C2-R999, The Church and Ethnic Tensions, p. 427) http://calms.umc.org/2008/Menu.aspx?type=Petition&mode=Single&Number=81257 

  Affirms the equality of all persons and opposes tribalism, racism, and ethnic prejudice.