Petition Text: 20029-CS-NonDis-O

Understanding Petition Numbers

___________________________________________________

Whereas, faithful and conscientious persons hold widely different convictions concerning abortion;

Whereas, some opponents of abortion have publicly postulated a "justifiable homicide" rationale for killing abortion providers;

Whereas, murder is a sin;

Whereas, violence is a sin;

Whereas, escalation of attacks on abortion clinics resulting in the murder of doctors, clinic office workers, and visitors constitutes domestic terrorism;

Whereas, escalation of rhetoric on all sides continues to push people apart and make useful dialogue around common ground issues difficult;

Whereas, this increase of violence, both in attitude and acts of physical violence, calls all of us to repentance;

Therefore, be it resolved, that The United Methodist Church:

Repent of violence, turn toward attitudes of respect, and seek areas of common ground between those who call themselves pro-life and those who call themselves pro-choice;

Reject and condemn the use of violence against providers of legal services related to reproductive health;

Encourage local churches, annual conferences, and General Conference agencies to speak out whenever such violence occurs.

___________________________________________________

General Conference Index | PETS Index | Petition Information Index

General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn

Petition Text: 20029-CS-NonDis-O
1996 United Methodist General Conference