Eradication of Racism in The United Methodist Church

Please be aware that this statement does not appear in the 2004 (current) Book of Resolutions. It is available for archival purposes only.

153. Eradication of Racism in The United Methodist Church

WHEREAS, The United Methodist Church, through its principles, its policies, and its affirmation of equality as a biblical principle, has sought to place racism as unacceptable in God's eyes and the Church's ministry; and

WHEREAS, ethnic churches of color and clergy of color continue to suffer the injustices that grow out of acceptance of racism as a fact of life; and

WHEREAS, we, who are striving for perfection but realize we have not attained perfection in the case of our corporate sins of racism, call upon The United Methodist Church to move farther down the Emmaus road with Jesus that our eyes may be fully opened to the beauty and gifts that all of God's children bring to the table of Christian service;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the General Conference of The United Methodist Church reaffirm its commitment to the following:

(1) The placement of clergy shall be based on gifts and graces, not race.

(2) The churches of color within The United Methodist Church shall be looked upon and included as equals in programming and staffing of general Church agencies, annual regional conferences, and the conference council on ministries.

(3) The General Commission on Religion and Race or other appropriate bodies shall maintain data and evidence of these activities to be reported through general church channels or publications on a quadrennial basis.

ADOPTED 1996

See Social Principles, ¶ 162A.