The notion of covenant has never been one of agreeing to "look the other way" while someone breaks the Law of God. Covenant has always been a means by which two parties strive together to keep God's laws.
And even though much may be accomplished by lowering the fences which divide denominations and even though much may be gained through a new understanding of our relationship to the Body of Christ and to the Church Universal, we must first remain true to our understanding of the Gospel even if such an understanding continues to divide us.
Whereas, the delegates to the Consultation on Church Union (COCU) are proposing a covenant for church unity; and
Whereas, such a unity would covenant us with denominations who openly accept and ordain persons whose lifestyle is "incompatible with Christian teaching" and, therefore, against The Discipline of The United Methodist Church; and
Whereas, said covenant would "include all persons as a sign of wholeness" regardless of whether their doctrines and beliefs were in agreement with The United Methodist Church; and
Whereas, the General Conference of 1996 shall make a decision on whether or not to endorse such a covenantal relationship; we ask
Therefore, the General Conference not to enter into the COCU Covenant as long as such a covenantal relationship would require The United Methodist Church to compromise its understanding of the Gospel and to disregard its Discipline
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
Petition Text: 20083-IC-NonDis-O
1996 United Methodist General Conference