Whereas, the General Conference of 1988 affirmed its support for full participation in the Ecumenical Decade; and
Whereas, we are now in the last third of that Decade; and
Whereas, the aims of this Ecumenical Decade are:
1. empowering women to challenge oppressive structures in the global community, their country, and their church;
2. affirming--in shared leadership and decision-making, theology and spirituality--the decisive contributions women are already making in churches and communities;
3. giving visibility to women's perspectives and actions in the struggle for justice, peace, and the integrity of creation;
4. enabling churches to free themselves from racism, sexism, and classism, and from teachings and practices that discriminate against women;
5. encouraging churches to take actions in solidarity with women;
Therefore, be it resolved, that The United Methodist Church reaffirm the Ecumenical Decade of Churches in Solidarity with Women and encourage all levels of the church--general, jurisdictional, annual conference, district, and local church--to participate in the implementation of its programs by:
1. studying the root causes of sexism;
2. exploring ways to increase participation of women in all aspects of church life, including women doing theology and sharing spirituality;
3. seeking ways of addressing injustices toward women through the church and society; and
Be it further resolved, that The United Methodist Church produce educational resources and programs on the marginalization and oppression of women, their struggle for human dignity and a better life, and their creative contribution in theology, spirituality, and ministry.
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
Petition Text: 20727-IC-NonDis-O
1996 United Methodist General Conference