The Committee recommends concurrence as amended as follows:
Delete last paragraph including the preceding "and."
Amend sixth paragraph, third sentence to read:
Whereas, our doctrinal standards affirm that God is "everlasting, without body or parts" (Articles of Religion). Anthropomorphic language, therefore, cannot be applied literally to God. God is beyond gender, and language about God always falls short of adequately revealing the fullness of God. Jesus' normative use of Father (Abba) for God is not an affirmation of God's gender. Feminine images for the expression of the fullness of God have both biblical and historical precedent and appropriateness; and
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
Calendar Item Text: 1805-NonDis1996 United Methodist General Conference