WHEREAS, many societies are intolerant of religious people, and deny them human rights; and

WHEREAS, according to the U.S. State Department, the governments of over 60 nations around the world condone the persecution of Christians; and

WHEREAS, the people called Methodist have traditionally taken the lead in opposing injustice, intolerance, and bigotry; and

WHEREAS, Methodists believe in the power of prayer,

Therefore, be it resolved, that the United Methodist congregations observe an International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church.

Be it further resolved, that through our earnest prayers we may grow in our sense of unity with Christians around the world and become more aware of the needs of our brothers and sisters who suffer because of their Christian faith.

ADOPTED 2000

See Social Principles, ¶ 165A.

From The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church — 2004. Copyright © 2004 by The United Methodist Publishing House. Used by permission.