wfn.org | United Methodists adopt constitutional amendment on racism

[NewsDesk <NewsDesk@UMCOM.UMC.ORG>]

CLEVELAND (UMNS) - United Methodism's highest legislative gathering
continued the meeting's spirit of reconciliation and repentance of racial
injustices by adopting a constitutional amendment May 12 calling for
commitment to eliminating racism in every aspect of the church's life.

No discussion was needed for the worldwide body, meeting May 2-12, to pass
the amendment 831 to 45. The new statement strengthens the church's position
and responsibility to "confront and seek to eliminate racism" in the church
and society. It will follow Paragraph 4, Article IV, on the "Inclusiveness
of the Church."

During a May 4 service, United Methodists confessed to the sin of racism
within the denomination. The act of repentance and call for reconciliation
were an attempt to recapture the spirit of Methodism lost when some African
Americans in the 18th and 19th centuries felt compelled to leave the
church's predecessor bodies and form their own congregations.
# # #
 
-- Barbara Nissen

The full text of the constitutional amendment follows:

Racial Justice - The United Methodist Church proclaims the value of each
person as a unique child of God and commits itself to the healing and
wholeness of all persons. The United Methodist Church recognizes that the
sin of racism has been destructive to its unity throughout its history.
Racism continues to cause painful division and marginalization. The United
Methodist Church shall confront and seek to eliminate racism, whether in
organizations or in individuals, in every facet of its life and in society
at large. The United Methodist Church shall work collaboratively with others
to address concerns that threaten the cause of racial justice at all times
and in all places.

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United Methodist News Service
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