Whereas, our Social Principles state, "The church must regard nations as accountable for unjust treatment of their citizens and others living within their borders. While recognizing valid differences in culture and political philosophy, we stand for justice and peace in every nation" (¶ 75A);
Whereas, The United Methodist Church, taking note of the successful contributions made by the World Council of Churches in supporting the "comfort women" survivors at the United Nations human rights bodies; and also taking note of the recommendations to Japan on the "comfort women" issue made by the United Nations Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities in August 1995, as well as paragraph* 147(f) of the Platform for Action adopted by the Beijing United Nations Fourth Conference on Women in September 1995, "endorses the United Nations and its related bodies" and urges the United Nations to "take a more aggressive role in the development of international arbitration of disputes and actual conflicts" (¶ 75D);
Therefore, be it resolved, that the General Conference----its membership, churches, and ministries----become informed on the history of military "comfort women" in Korea and other Asian and Pacific countries and on the plight of the survivors and families of "comfort women"; educate local congregations on Chungshindac/ "comfort women"/sexual slaves; and hold survivors and their families in prayer.
Be it further resolved, that the General Conference communicate to the United Nations human rights bodies its concern over the inclusion of Japan as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council until Japan recognizes the act of sexual slavery as a crime against humanity and as a war crime under international humanitarian laws; that the General Conference communicate its support of the Korean Council for the Women Drafted for Military Sexual Slavery by Japan (Korean Council) as it demands that Japan take responsibility for its crimes by passing a bill immediately in the Japanese Diet to apologize and pay redress directly to the individual "comfort women" survivors as the most urgent state responsibility of Japan.
Be it further resolved, that the General Conference support and communicate with Radhidka Coomaraswany of Sri Lanka, the Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women (appointed by the UN Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities in 1994), and publicize and disseminate her reports to educate members of The United Methodist Church on district, annual conferences, jurisdictional, and general board levels as a special study project.
Be it further resolved, that the General Conference communicate with the World/Regional/National bodies of Methodist churches and the Christian Council of Asia, etc., and ask them to support the Korean Council's political ideology and activities if they agree with the ideology and activities of the Korean Council.
*147(f) of the Platform for Action: "Uphold and reinforce standards set out in international humanitarian law and international human rights instruments to prevent all acts of violence against women in situations of armed and other acts of conflict; undertake a full investigation of all acts of violence against women committed during war, including rape, in particular systematic rape, forced prostitution and other forms of indecent assault and sexual slavery; prosecute all criminals responsible for war crimes against women; and provide full redress to women victims.
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
Petition Text: 21513-CS-NonDis-O
1996 United Methodist General Conference