Called to Transform the World
The social witness of the United Methodist Church is a vital part of our calling and mission of transforming the world. We cannot afford to see that witness weakened or neglected when more than ever our world urgently needs to hear a faith-filled voice for justice and compassion.
An important part of that witness is the legislative resolutions adopted by our church bodies.
It may seem at times that, with our resolutions, we are speaking only to ourselves. In reality, church resolutions with a justice focus frequently have a tangible "real world" impact on legislation, economic and social practices, and public perceptions of Christianity.
Decades ago, an organization funded by secular right-wing foundations developed a plan to blunt the social witness of the United Methodist Church by sowing controversy in the denomination. This was detailed in a 2003 book, "United Methodism@Risk: A Wake-up Call" by Leon Howell (available at Amazon and elsewhere). As we have seen, that agenda has been realized in the denomination in many ways, culminating in the aftermath of the legalistic and punitive results of the 2019 General Conference.
The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our conference gatherings and church activities have also affected our educating and organizing for justice and social transformation.
We encourage all those who believe that, as disciples of Christ, we are called to strive for the transformation of the world to consider which issues you are called to address and to bring to your conference this year. What can you organize support for and lead to adoption in your conference?
Western Methodist Justice Movement has a collection of proposed legislation that could be used in annual conferences in 2023; some may also be useful as petitions from an annual conference to General Conference 2024.
Some of the materials in this collection are not yet written as resolutions, but they provide text you might be able to use to create a resolution. For any legislation you will submit, be sure to find out the resolution format your conference requires and adapt any of our materials accordingly.
Although the deadlines for submitting resolutions in one or more of our Western Jurisdiction annual conferences may have passed, you may find it is still possible to submit something, if you contact the Conference Secretary or other conference staff.
WMJM Proposed Legislation for 2023
(Click on the title of each item to download a Microsoft Word document you can edit)
Supporting Creation of U.S. Regional Conference
Supporting the Christmas Covenant legislation for General Conference 2024 and the intent of creating Regional Conferences in Africa, Europe, the Philippines, and the U.S., as well as the vision of Connectional Table legislation, and calling for the Council of Bishops to create a committee to facilitate planning for a U.S. Regional Conference.
Supporting Queer Delegates' Call
Supporting the call to empower the LGBTQIA+ community throughout the conference and calling for a moratorium on the complaint process.
Leading with Integrity
Addressing the conflict of interest between planning to leave the UMC and continuing to serve in its leadership and asking those who intend to disaffiliate to voluntarily recuse themselves from leadership roles throughout the church.
Removing BOD Discriminatory Policies
Calling for removing from the Book of Discipline all discriminatory policies regarding sexual orientation and urging delegates to support nine specific petitions submitted to General Conference.
Opposing Israeli Apartheid
Joining the consensus of the global human rights authorities in identifying and opposing Israeli apartheid, seeking concrete steps to dismantle it, and learning from Palestinians about this reality.
For other resolutions related to Palestine and Palestinian human rights, we recommend the proposed legislation for 2023 from our partner, UMKR, including such topics as Christian Zionism, the Right to Boycott and the military detention and abuse of Palestinian children. See them all on the website, kairosresponse.org
Responding to Overturning Roe v. Wade
Expressing outrage at this SCOTUS decision and the adverse impact it will have and urging congregations to discuss abortion care.
Resisting Bigotry and Hate Crimes
Dedicating ourselves to resisting and reversing a rising tide of bigotry and hate crimes and partnering with our church agencies and outside organizations on practical measures that address bigotry and violence against people of color and other marginalized communities.
Opposing Christian Nationalism (material that could become a resolution)
Identifying and rejecting the damage that can be done by this dangerous political ideology.
Supporting Public Education (material that could become a resolution)
Identifying current threats to our public schools and naming specific actions United Methodists can take to protect and strengthen them.