Whereas, Restrictive Rule 1 states that no other doctrinal standard can be established for The United Methodist Church; and
Whereas, the Articles of Religion and the Confession of Faith state that The United Methodist Church believes in "God the Father" (¶ 67, Article I, page 59 and Article I, page 66); and
Whereas, the 1988 General Conference affirmed the use of "Father" in reference to God (1992 Book of Resolutions, page 663);
Therefore, we call the General Conference to reaffirm its commitment to and support of the Doctrinal Standards of The United Methodist Church by outlawing any and all discrimination by boards, agencies of the General Conference, annual conferences, and local church, all institutions of higher education related to The United Methodist Church against those who use the term "Father" in reference to God.
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
Petition Text: 20996-DI-NonDis-O
1996 United Methodist General Conference