Jonathan LeMaster-Smith

With the passing of Consent Calendar A02,

We have revised a portion of The Social Principles,

The Political Community:

The Preface:

“Love is the fulfilling of the law, the end of the commandment.” Very excellent things are spoken of love; it is the essence, the spirit, the life of all virtue. It is not only the first and great command, but it is all the commandments in one. “Whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are amiable,” or honorable; “if there be any virtue, if there be any praise,” they are all comprised in this one word,— love. ( John Wesley, “The Circumcision of the Heart”)

Our involvement in political systems is rooted in the gospel imperative to love our neighbors, to do justice, and to care for the vulnerable. As United Methodists, we acknowledge that love requires responsible political action and engagement aimed at the betterment of society and the promotion of the common good. We acknowledge that such political engagement demands humility and mindfulness of our own complicity in perpetuating injustice. It also necessitates compassion, prayer, and a willingness to discern God’s guidance.

We believe in the inherent worth of all people, which is established through God’s gracious act of Creation and most fully revealed in the power of Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection. The understanding that people are created in the image of God is a central theme in John Wesley’s teachings.

We further believe that God calls all members of the human family to recognize and protect the dignity and worth of all people and to work for the well-being of all God’s creation. We, therefore, support structures in the church and in civil society that honor the basic freedoms and rights of all human beings and protect God’s creation. In particular, we affirm the important work of the United Nations in promoting peace and security, championing human dignity and human rights, and advocating for sustainable development.

You can read the fully proposed Social Principles Revision Here