¶ 1104. Responsibilities--Prime responsibility of the board is to seek the implementation of the Social Principles and other policy statements of the General Conference on Christian social concerns. Furthermore, the board and its executives shall provide forthright witness and action on those social issues that call Christians to respond as forgiven people for whom Christ died. In particular, the board shall conduct a program of research, education, and action on the wide range of issues confronting the Church consistent with the Social Principles and the policies adopted by the General Conference.
The board shall analyze long-range social trends underlying ethical values, systemic alternatives, and strategies for social change and explore alternate futures.
The board shall develop, promote, and distribute resources and conduct programs to inform, motivate, train, organize, and build networks for action toward social justice throughout society, particularly on the specific social issues prioritized by the board. Special attention shall be given to nurturing the active constituency of the board by encouraging an exchange of ideas on strategy and methodology for social change and enabling church members through conferences, districts, coalitions, and networks to identify and respond to critical social issues at the community, state and regional level.
The board will maintain a close relationship with the General Commissions on Religion and Race and Status and Role of Women as they seek to coordinate the denominational support and cooperation with various movements for racial, sexual, and social justice, according to guidelines stated in the Discipline.
The board shall speak to the Church, and to the world, its convictions, interpretations, and concerns, recognizing the freedom and responsibility of all Christians to study, interpret, and act on any or all recommendations in keeping with their own Christian calling.27
In cooperation with ecumenical agencies and other appropriate boards and agencies, the board shall encourage and promote ministries and models of mediation and conflict resolution both ecumenically and within the agencies and institutions of The United Methodist Church.
27See Judicial Council Decision 387.
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
1992 Book of Discipline: ¶ 1104
1996 United Methodist General Conference