2008 social principles produced by the church and society network

2008 Social Principles2008 Social Principles

Produced by the Produced by the

Church and Society NetworkChurch and Society Network

John Wesley:John Wesley:A New Kind of PreacherA New Kind of Preacher

Wesley himself:Wesley himself:

Lived modestly and gave all he could to help people who Lived modestly and gave all he could to help people who were poor. He died almost penniless.were poor. He died almost penniless.

Visited people in prison and provided spiritual guidance, Visited people in prison and provided spiritual guidance, food, and clothingfood, and clothing

Spoke out against slavery and forbade it in Methodism Spoke out against slavery and forbade it in Methodism (Wesley’s last letter before his death was to William (Wesley’s last letter before his death was to William Wilberforce denouncing slavery)Wilberforce denouncing slavery)

Founded schoolsFounded schools Published books, pamphlets, and magazines available to Published books, pamphlets, and magazines available to

everyoneeveryone Established clinics for the poorEstablished clinics for the poor

John WesleyJohn WesleyFounder of MethodismFounder of Methodism

““Christianity is essentially a social religion, and to turn it into a Christianity is essentially a social religion, and to turn it into a solitary religion is indeed to destroy it. The Gospel of Christ knows solitary religion is indeed to destroy it. The Gospel of Christ knows no religion but social; no holiness but social holiness.” no religion but social; no holiness but social holiness.” WorksWorks quoted quoted in in Devotional Life in the Wesleyan TraditionDevotional Life in the Wesleyan Tradition

““It is impossible for any that have it to conceal the religion of Jesus 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 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 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 hill cannot be hid.’ Ye Christians are the light of the world with regard both to your tempers and actions…So it is impossible to regard both to your tempers and actions…So it is impossible to keep our religion from being seen, unless we cast it away…Sure it keep our religion from being seen, unless we cast it away…Sure it is, that a secret, unobserved religion cannot be the religion of Jesus is, that a secret, unobserved religion cannot be the religion of Jesus Christ. Whatever religion can be concealed is not Christianity.” Christ. Whatever religion can be concealed is not Christianity.” WorksWorks

Means of GraceMeans of Grace

Acts of Piety (prayer, searching the Acts of Piety (prayer, searching the scriptures, Holy Communion, fasting, scriptures, Holy Communion, fasting, Christian community, healthy living)Christian community, healthy living)

Acts of Mercy (feeding the hungry, clothing Acts of Mercy (feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, entertaining or assisting the the naked, entertaining or assisting the stranger, visiting those that are sick or in stranger, visiting those that are sick or in prison, reproving the wicked, exhorting prison, reproving the wicked, exhorting and encouraging the well doer)and encouraging the well doer)

A Long Tradition of Social HolinessA Long Tradition of Social Holiness

1908 Social Creed1908 Social Creed 1972 Social Creed1972 Social Creed 2008 Companion Litany2008 Companion Litany

1908 Social Creed1908 Social Creed

The Methodist Episcopal Church stands—The Methodist Episcopal Church stands—For equal rights and complete justice for all men in all For equal rights and complete justice for all men in all

stations of life. stations of life. For the principle of conciliation For the principle of conciliation and arbitration in industrial discussions.and arbitration in industrial discussions.

For the protection of the worker from dangerous For the protection of the worker from dangerous machinery, occupational diseases, injuries and machinery, occupational diseases, injuries and mortality. mortality. For the abolition of child labor.For the abolition of child labor.

For such regulation of the conditions of labor for For such regulation of the conditions of labor for women as shall safeguard the physical and moral women as shall safeguard the physical and moral health of the community. health of the community. For the suppression of For the suppression of the “sweating system.”the “sweating system.”

1908 Social Creed, cont’d1908 Social Creed, cont’d

For the grateful and reasonable reduction of the hours of For the grateful and reasonable reduction of the hours of labor to the lowest practical pint, with work for all; and for labor to the lowest practical pint, with work for all; and for that degree of leisure for all which is the condition of the that degree of leisure for all which is the condition of the highest human life. highest human life. For a release from employment For a release from employment one day in seven.one day in seven.

For a living wage in every industry. For a living wage in every industry. For the highest wage For the highest wage that each industry can afford, and for the most that each industry can afford, and for the most equitable division of the products of industry that equitable division of the products of industry that can ultimately be devised.can ultimately be devised.

For the recognition of the Golden Rule and the mind of For the recognition of the Golden Rule and the mind of Christ as the supreme law of society and the sure Christ as the supreme law of society and the sure remedy of all social ills. remedy of all social ills.

The Church and the Social The Church and the Social PrinciplesPrinciples

The church is called to be principled, not The church is called to be principled, not ideological.ideological.

The church is called to be clear, but also The church is called to be clear, but also civil.civil.

The church is to be engaged but not used.The church is to be engaged but not used.

Preface Preface

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

Preface, continuedPreface, continued

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

**Denotes change**Denotes change

The QuadrilateralThe Quadrilateral

ScriptureScripture ReasonReason

TraditionTradition ExperienceExperience

The Social Principles Address:The Social Principles Address:

The NATURAL worldThe NATURAL world The NURTURING communityThe NURTURING community The SOCIAL communityThe SOCIAL community The ECONOMIC communityThe ECONOMIC community The POLITICAL communityThe POLITICAL community The WORLD communityThe WORLD community

END OF INTRODUCTIONEND OF INTRODUCTION

The NATURAL WORLDThe NATURAL WORLD

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


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

The NATURAL WORLD, cont’dThe NATURAL WORLD, cont’d

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

The NATURAL WORLD, cont’dThe NATURAL WORLD, cont’d

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

Grounded in ScriptureGrounded in Scripture

Genesis 1:1 (In the beginning when Genesis 1:1 (In the beginning when God…)God…)

Genesis 1:26 (Humankind to have Genesis 1:26 (Humankind to have dominion)dominion)

Genesis 9:9-10 (Covenant with all of Genesis 9:9-10 (Covenant with all of creation)creation)

Psalm 103:15-22 (Bless the Lord…)Psalm 103:15-22 (Bless the Lord…) Job 38:1-18 (God as creator)Job 38:1-18 (God as creator)


Discussion of subsectionsDiscussion of subsections

Contemporary VoicesContemporary Voices

How do we live in creation? Do we relate How do we live in creation? Do we relate to it as a place full of “things” we can use to it as a place full of “things” we can use for whatever need we want to fulfill and for whatever need we want to fulfill and whatever goal we wish to accomplish? Or whatever goal we wish to accomplish? Or do we see creation first of all as a do we see creation first of all as a sacramental reality, a sacred space where sacramental reality, a sacred space where God reveals to us the immense beauty of God reveals to us the immense beauty of the Divine?the Divine?

--Henri J.M. Nouwen, --Henri J.M. Nouwen, Bread for the JourneyBread for the Journey

Wrap-UpWrap-Up

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

The NURTURING COMMUNITYThe NURTURING COMMUNITYFamily**Family** Sexual Abuse*Sexual Abuse*

MarriageMarriage Sexual HarassmentSexual Harassment

Divorce**Divorce** Abortion**Abortion**

Single Persons**Single Persons** Ministry to those who Ministry to those who have experienced have experienced abortionabortion

Women and MenWomen and Men AdoptionAdoption

Human Sexuality**Human Sexuality** Faithful Care for Dying Faithful Care for Dying Persons**Persons**

Family Violence and Family Violence and AbuseAbuse

SuicideSuicide

*New subsection **Change has been made within subsection

The NURTURING COMMUNITYThe NURTURING COMMUNITY

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

The NURTURING COMMUNITYThe NURTURING COMMUNITY

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

Grounded in ScriptureGrounded in Scripture Psalm 139:1-18 (God is everywhere from womb Psalm 139:1-18 (God is everywhere from womb

to dying)to dying) Leviticus 18 (Social Code)Leviticus 18 (Social Code) Romans 1:18-32 (Sexual immorality)Romans 1:18-32 (Sexual immorality) Matthew 5-7 (Sermon on the Mount: New code)Matthew 5-7 (Sermon on the Mount: New code) 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 (Body as temple)1 Corinthians 6:12-20 (Body as temple) Acts 10:23-35 (After Peter’s dream—clean and Acts 10:23-35 (After Peter’s dream—clean and

unclean)unclean) Galatians 5:16-22 (Fruit of the Spirit)Galatians 5:16-22 (Fruit of the Spirit) Mark 12:28-34, Matthew 22:34-40 (Greatest Mark 12:28-34, Matthew 22:34-40 (Greatest

commandments)commandments)

The NURTURING The NURTURING COMMUNITYCOMMUNITY



The church has always been required to The church has always been required to deal with differences; the measure of deal with differences; the measure of Christian love is not reaching total Christian love is not reaching total agreement but living with some ambiguity agreement but living with some ambiguity and providing respect to one another in and providing respect to one another in the midst of disagreement.the midst of disagreement.

----Living Faithfully as Friends and FamilyLiving Faithfully as Friends and Family (Part of the (Part of the Becoming the People of GodBecoming the People of God series)series)

Wrap-Up Wrap-Up

What does United Methodism hold to be healthy What does United Methodism hold to be healthy and true about human sexuality and human and true about human sexuality and human rights?rights?

What does it hold to be destructive? What What does it hold to be destructive? What Christian action does it call for in these areas?Christian action does it call for in these areas?

How does our congregation invite all persons How does our congregation invite all persons into its life? Where do we need to be in “ministry into its life? Where do we need to be in “ministry with?”with?”

How do we talk to one another in love when we How do we talk to one another in love when we disagree?disagree?

The SOCIAL COMMUNITYThe SOCIAL COMMUNITYRights of Racial Rights of Racial and Ethnic and Ethnic PersonsPersons

Rights of Men*Rights of Men* TobaccoTobacco Media Violence Media Violence and Christian and Christian Values**Values**

Rights of Rights of Religious Religious MinoritiesMinorities

Rights of Rights of Immigrants*Immigrants*

Medical Medical ExperimentationExperimentation

Information Information Communication Communication TechnologyTechnology

Rights of Rights of ChildrenChildren

Rights of Persons Rights of Persons with Disabilitieswith Disabilities

Genetic Genetic TechnologyTechnology

Persons living Persons living with HIV and with HIV and AIDSAIDS

Rights of Young Rights of Young PeoplePeople

Equal Rights Equal Rights Regardless of Regardless of Sexual Sexual Orientation**Orientation**

Rural LifeRural Life Right to Health Right to Health Care**Care**

Rights of the Rights of the AgingAging

PopulationPopulation Sustainable Sustainable AgricultureAgriculture

Organ Organ Transplantation & Transplantation & DonationDonation

Rights of WomenRights of Women Alcohol and Alcohol and Other DrugsOther Drugs

Urban-Suburban Urban-Suburban LifeLife

*New subsection *New subsection **Change within **Change within subsectionsubsection

The SOCIAL COMMUNITYThe SOCIAL COMMUNITY

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


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


John 13:34-35 (Love one another)John 13:34-35 (Love one another) 1 Corinthians 12:24-26 (One body, shared 1 Corinthians 12:24-26 (One body, shared

suffering)suffering) Romans 14:10-13, 17-19 (Do not judge)Romans 14:10-13, 17-19 (Do not judge) Ephesians 2:14-22 (Fellow citizens with God’s Ephesians 2:14-22 (Fellow citizens with God’s

people and members of God’s household)people and members of God’s household) Galatians 5:1, 13-15 (Freedom is not license; let Galatians 5:1, 13-15 (Freedom is not license; let

love make you serve one another)love make you serve one another) 1 Peter 4:8-11 (Use your gifts for the service of 1 Peter 4:8-11 (Use your gifts for the service of

others)others)


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

--Johann Arnold, --Johann Arnold, Seeking PeaceSeeking Peace

Wrap-UpWrap-Up Where are we falling short in living out the call in Where are we falling short in living out the call in

these social principles?these social principles? Where do you find hope in society’s living out Where do you find hope in society’s living out

the call in these principles?the call in these principles? How is the reality of community fostered? Are How is the reality of community fostered? Are

we our brothers’ and sisters’ keeper? In what we our brothers’ and sisters’ keeper? In what sense?sense?

What are some programs/organizations that you What are some programs/organizations that you know about that are addressing these issues? know about that are addressing these issues? Which ones have become issues of public Which ones have become issues of public policy?policy?

The ECONOMIC COMMUNITYThe ECONOMIC COMMUNITY

PropertyProperty Foreign Workers**Foreign Workers**

Collective Collective Bargaining**Bargaining**

Gambling**Gambling**

Work and LeisureWork and Leisure Family Farms**Family Farms**

Consumption**Consumption** Corporate Corporate ResponsibilityResponsibility

Poverty**Poverty** Trade & InvestmentTrade & Investment

*New Subsection **Change within subsection


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

The ECONOMIC COMMUNITY, The ECONOMIC COMMUNITY, cont’dcont’d

We support measures that would reduce the We support measures that would reduce the concentration of wealth in the hands of a concentration of wealth in the hands of a few. few.

We believe private and public economic We believe private and public economic enterprises are responsible for the social enterprises are responsible for the social costs of doing business, such as costs of doing business, such as employment and environmental pollution, employment and environmental pollution, and that they should be held accountable and that they should be held accountable for these costs. for these costs.

The ECONOMIC COMMUNITY, The ECONOMIC COMMUNITY, cont’dcont’d

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


Psalm 82:1-4, Psalm 72 (God liberates Psalm 82:1-4, Psalm 72 (God liberates and defends)and defends)

Deuteronomy 26:5-10 (God freed God’s Deuteronomy 26:5-10 (God freed God’s people)people)

Exodus 23:1-13 (Just actions)Exodus 23:1-13 (Just actions) Exodus 22:25-27 (Fair business practices)Exodus 22:25-27 (Fair business practices) Leviticus 24, Deut. 15:1-4 (Economic Leviticus 24, Deut. 15:1-4 (Economic

justice, jubilee)justice, jubilee)


Deuteronomy 26:12-13 (Tithe and Deuteronomy 26:12-13 (Tithe and distribution)distribution)

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


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

--Pope John Paul II, 1980--Pope John Paul II, 1980


The words of Mary’s canticle are pronounced in The words of Mary’s canticle are pronounced in a beautiful outburst of gratitude towards God, a beautiful outburst of gratitude towards God, who—Mary proclaims—has done great things who—Mary proclaims—has done great things for her. These words say that the world designed for her. These words say that the world designed by God cannot be a world in which some hoard by God cannot be a world in which some hoard immoderate wealth in their hands, while others immoderate wealth in their hands, while others suffer from destitution and poverty, and die of suffer from destitution and poverty, and die of hunger. Love must inspire justice and the hunger. Love must inspire justice and the struggle for justice.struggle for justice.

--Pope John Paul II, 1980--Pope John Paul II, 1980

Wrap-UpWrap-Up Where do you struggle with poverty and the Where do you struggle with poverty and the

implications thereof?implications thereof? Talk a little about consumerism, materialism, and Talk a little about consumerism, materialism, and

individualism in our society.individualism in our society. What is the Christian response to the poor? What is the Christian response to the poor? How are church, state and national budges moral How are church, state and national budges moral

documents?documents? Talk a little about the scandals in the corporate world.Talk a little about the scandals in the corporate world. Discuss saints/heroes who have worked and are Discuss saints/heroes who have worked and are

working in the area of economic justice. What can one working in the area of economic justice. What can one person/congregation do?person/congregation do?

The POLITICAL COMMUNITYThe POLITICAL COMMUNITYBasic Freedoms and Basic Freedoms and Human Rights**Human Rights**

Civil Obedience and Civil Obedience and Civil DisobedienceCivil Disobedience

Political ResponsibilityPolitical Responsibility The Death PenaltyThe Death Penalty

Church & State Church & State RelationsRelations

Criminal & Restorative Criminal & Restorative JusticeJustice

Freedom of InformationFreedom of Information Military ServiceMilitary Service

Education**Education** **Change within **Change within subsectionsubsection

The POLITICAL COMMUNITYThe POLITICAL COMMUNITY

While our allegiance to God takes While our allegiance to God takes precedence over our allegiance to any precedence over our allegiance to any state, we acknowledge the vital function of state, we acknowledge the vital function of government as a principal vehicle for the government as a principal vehicle for the ordering of society. ordering of society.

Because we know ourselves to be Because we know ourselves to be responsible to God for social and political responsible to God for social and political life, we declare the following relative to life, we declare the following relative to governments: (Subsections follow)governments: (Subsections follow)


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

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

The POLITICAL COMMUNITYThe POLITICAL COMMUNITY



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

--Archbishop Desmond Tutu, --Archbishop Desmond Tutu, God Has A DreamGod Has A Dream. .

Wrap-UpWrap-Up

How can “religious values” enter the public How can “religious values” enter the public debate?debate?

What does the statement that the church What does the statement that the church is counter-cultural mean to you?is counter-cultural mean to you?

When you have you found loyalty to God When you have you found loyalty to God in conflict with loyalty to the government?in conflict with loyalty to the government?

The WORLD COMMUNITYThe WORLD COMMUNITYNations and CulturesNations and Cultures

National Power and ResponsibilityNational Power and Responsibility

War and Peace**War and Peace**

Justice and Law**Justice and Law**

The WORLD COMMUNITYThe WORLD COMMUNITYGod’s world is one world…We commit ourselves as a Church God’s world is one world…We commit ourselves as a Church

to the achievement of a world community that is a to the achievement of a world community that is a fellowship of persons who honestly love one another.fellowship of persons who honestly love one another.

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

The WORLD COMMUNITY, The WORLD COMMUNITY, cont’dcont’d

This generation must find viable answers to This generation must find viable answers to these and related questions if humanity is these and related questions if humanity is to continue on this earth.to continue on this earth.

We pledge ourselves to seek the meaning of We pledge ourselves to seek the meaning of the gospel in all issues that divide people the gospel in all issues that divide people and threaten the growth of world and threaten the growth of world community.community.


1 Corinthians 12:24-26 (If one suffers, all 1 Corinthians 12:24-26 (If one suffers, all suffer)suffer)

Matthew 25:31-46 (Nations are called to Matthew 25:31-46 (Nations are called to care for the least)care for the least)

Luke 10:25-37 (The Good Samaritan)Luke 10:25-37 (The Good Samaritan) Matthew 5:43-47 (Love of enemies)Matthew 5:43-47 (Love of enemies) Phil. 2:1-8 (Model Christ’s humilityPhil. 2:1-8 (Model Christ’s humility


Galatians 5:13-15 (Use freedom to serve Galatians 5:13-15 (Use freedom to serve others)others)

Luke 22:49-53 (Jesus’ arrest)Luke 22:49-53 (Jesus’ arrest) Matthew 7:24-27 (Wise and foolish Matthew 7:24-27 (Wise and foolish

builders)builders) Matthew 12:1-8 (Lord of the Sabbath)Matthew 12:1-8 (Lord of the Sabbath) Mark 12:28-34 (Greatest commandments)Mark 12:28-34 (Greatest commandments) Ephesians 2:11-22 (Walls are broken Ephesians 2:11-22 (Walls are broken

down through Christ)down through Christ)

The WORLD COMMUNITYThe WORLD COMMUNITY



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

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

--Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, --Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, The American DreamThe American Dream

Wrap-UpWrap-Up

What challenges are there for the church What challenges are there for the church in war and peace issues? in war and peace issues?

How do we begin this journey toward a How do we begin this journey toward a peaceful world?peaceful world?

What small/large steps do we personally What small/large steps do we personally and collectively take?and collectively take?

Suggested ResourcesSuggested Resources

God’s PoliticsGod’s Politics by Jim Wallis by Jim Wallis CredoCredo by William Sloan Coffin by William Sloan Coffin God Has a DreamGod Has a Dream by Archbishop by Archbishop

Desmond TutuDesmond Tutu Seeds of PeaceSeeds of Peace by William H. Shannon by William H. Shannon A Justice Prayer BookA Justice Prayer Book from Catholic from Catholic

Campaign for Human DevelopmentCampaign for Human Development The Violence of LoveThe Violence of Love by Oscar Romero by Oscar Romero

Suggested Resources, cont’dSuggested Resources, cont’d

2008 Book of Resolutions2008 Book of Resolutions (UMC) (UMC) In Search of SecurityIn Search of Security from the UM Council from the UM Council

of Bishopsof Bishops The Green BibleThe Green Bible by Harper Collins by Harper Collins

PublishersPublishers Poverty and Justice BiblePoverty and Justice Bible by World Vision by World Vision

and Bible Societyand Bible Society

2008 social principles produced by the church and society network

Documents