Whereas, some opponents of abortion have publicly postulated a "justifiable homicide" rationale for killing abortion providers; and
Whereas, murder is a sin; and
Whereas, violence is a sin; and
Whereas, escalation of attacks on abortion clinics resulting in the murder of doctors, clinic officers, workers, and visitors constitutes domestic terrorism; and
Whereas, escalation of rhetoric on all sides continues to push people apart and make useful dialogue around common ground issues difficult; and
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 productive health;
encourage local churches, annual conferences, and General Conference agencies to speak out whenever such violence occurs.
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
Petition Text: 20857-CS-NonDis-O
1996 United Methodist General Conference