Whereas, the tutoring ministry of John and Charles Wesley with the children of miners in Bristol was an expression of their deep-felt concern for education, and led to the establishment of Kingswood School, the first educational institution of the "people called Methodist"; and
Whereas, in the United States, the people of the Evangelical and Methodist traditions began over twelve hundred academic institutions, with most of those schools created as grammar and precollegiate schools; and
Whereas, of the 124 educational institutions continuing in relationship with The United Methodist Church, nine are precollegiate institutions perpetuating the church's ministry in educational opportunity and access; and
Whereas, Kents Hill School in Maine, began in 1824 as a school for persons "desirous of an education," with a special interest in those preparing for the ministry, and continues to emphasize that "moral and religious development should go hand in hand with the intellectual"; and
Whereas, Lydia Patterson Institute in El Paso, Texas, since 1913 has touched thousands of lives through a program of teaching English to students from mostly impoverished homes and non-English speaking backgrounds, developing bilingual leaders in an international context, and building strong advocates of the Christian faith; and
Whereas, McCurdy School in Española, New Mexico, begun in 1912 to provide educational opportunity for Spanish speaking youth in the Española Valley, and to offer a strong religious emphasis and purpose, today includes a student body of Hispanic, Anglo, and Native American students; and
Whereas, since 1838 The Pennington School in New Jersey has offered an academically rigorous, value-centered education, mindful of its responsibility to reflect the mission of The United Methodist Church, through a diverse student body, and a concern for the self, a moral view of the world, and an ethical sense of community; and
Whereas, Randolph-Macon Academy in Front Royal, Virginia, since 1892 has carried out a mission of combining traditional values with progressive learning experiences, preparing adolescents for college and life, with a concern for developing leadership and high standards of moral and ethical behavior; and
Whereas, Red Bird Mission School, in Beverly, Kentucky, was the first high school in Bell County, Kentucky, and since its founding in 1921, has continued a mission of providing quality education in a Christian environment, educating persons spiritually, mentally, emotionally, physically, and socially; and
Whereas, since 1902 Robinson School in Santurce, Puerto Rico, has ministered on behalf of the church, first as an orphanage, and adding educational programs in 1911, offering a curriculum designed to challenge the potential of each student's intellectual and spiritual capacity, motivating students to think, respect cultures, and understand the dignity of the individual; and
Whereas, Tilton School in New Hampshire continues a 150-year commitment to exceptional college preparation for students, sensitive to the cultural and economic diversity of the student body; the spiritual and moral development of students; and developing students as persons who lead and serve in society; and
Whereas, Wyoming Seminary in Kingston, Pennsylvania, continues a tradition begun in 1844, offering an educational ministry marked by an international flavor and ethnic diversity, with a concern for "the True, the Beautiful, and the Good," nurturing students to become caring, competent, and contributing members of society;
Be it resolved, that the 1996 General Conference of The United Methodist Church affirm the longstanding and faithful educational ministry of the nine precollegiate schools related to The United Methodist Church through the University Senate;
Be it further resolved, that the church encourage these institutions as they continue to offer educational environments fostering academic development, spiritual nurture, personal growth, and service in society;
Be it finally resolved, that United Methodists learn more of the unique mission and contribution made to individuals, the church, and larger society by these precollegiate schools and all 124 educational ministries of The United Methodist Church.
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
Petition Text: 21129-HE-NonDis-O
1996 United Methodist General Conference