wfn.org | United Methodists adopt guidelines for Mormons joining church

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CLEVELAND (UMNS) - A Mormon seeking to join the United Methodist Church must
undergo a period of intense study and be baptized.

United Methodist decision makers adopted that guideline May 10 when they
approved "Sacramental Faithfulness: Guidelines for Receiving People From the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons)" as criteria for
pastors and congregations in ministering to Mormons seeking to join the
denomination. General Conference, the United Methodist Church's top
legislative body, is meeting through May 12.

The "Sacramental Faithfulness" document, offered by the churchwide Board of
Discipleship, seeks to provide more understanding on the differences between
United Methodist and Mormon baptism, and to assist people in understanding
who the Mormons are as they relate to United Methodists and other
denominations. 

In a vote with no debate, General Conference delegates recommended that
before a Mormon could join the denomination, baptism should be required. "It
is our recommendation that following a period of catechesis (a time of
intensive exploration and instruction in the Christian faith), such a
convert should receive the sacrament of Christian baptism," the delegates
said in their adopted resolution.

"Sacramental Faithfulness" is the result of a 1998 conference between the
United Methodist Church's Rocky Mountain Annual (regional) Conference and
the Mormon Church to discuss baptismal theology and practice in both
denominations. There was a "perceived" need on the part of United
Methodists, especially those living and ministering in the Western United
States, for more clarity on taking Mormons into the United Methodist Church.
At issue was whether a person's baptism in the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints constitutes a valid Christian baptism. Other differences
between the two traditions relate to doctrines and the meaning of salvation.

"The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, by self-definition, does
fit within the bounds of the historic, apostolic tradition of Christian
faith," delegates said. 

While the Mormons identify themselves as Christian, they also "explicitly
(profess) distinction and separateness from the ecumenical community,"
delegates said. Mormons are intentional about clarifying differences in
doctrine, the delegates noted.

"Sacramental Faithfulness" also recommends that Mormons seeking membership
in the United Methodist Church first initiate their own formal removal from
the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

By approving the document, delegates also authorized the Board of
Discipleship to provide resources related to "Sacramental Faithfulness" for
pastors and congregations. The resources would offer guidance in receiving
Mormons who seek to join the church in ways that are faithful to the United
Methodist heritage.
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		                                        --Linda Green
 

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United Methodist News Service
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