While only 2% of people in the United States are directly involved in farming, approximately 30% live in rural areas.
Many rural communities are growing. Families and individuals are moving back to rural communities because of the quality of life there.
Recent developments in communications technology and improved transportation systems have done much to eliminate problems of isolation and distance.
Approximately 50% of United Methodist churches are located in rural areas of 2,500 population or less.
Rural people and rural churches have many gifts and strengths to share with the Church of the future.
Rural peoples are employed in farming, ranching and other agriculture endeavors, trucking migrant work, timbering, recreation, fishing and river work, rural factories and small businesses of numerous kinds.
Therefore, be it resolved that The United Methodist Church affirm that:
1. Persons who live in rural places, like other peoples, are persons of sacred human worth for whom God's grace is available and operative.
2. Each rural church, regardless of size or location, is valuable to the United Methodist Church.
3. Rural communities are significant and valuable places of ministry where new congregational development and congregational redevelopment should be, can be, and is happening.
4. Rural residents deserve the option of living and prospering in the communities where they live, and the goals and policies of the governments that relate to rural places should provide this option.
5. Rural peoples deserve equitable and continuing spiritual care, recreational opportunities, security for the elderly and those whose abilities are challenged, nurture and protection for children and youth, satisfying economic opportunity, and a sense of purpose and hope.
6. As stewards of creation, rural people have a right to determination of how land, water, air and other resources within their communities, especially in areas of limited population, are to be used, with particular attention given to land use and control being exercised by all who live within an area.
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
Petition Text: 20077-GM-NonDis-O
1996 United Methodist General Conference