Whereas, historically Methodism has had a commitment to unity and the ecumenical movement; and
Whereas, we acknowledge and repent that it was racism that separated American Methodism and fragmented ourselves and the world; and
Whereas, at the Fifth Consultation of Methodist Bishops in March 1991, it was requested that the episcopal bodies of the African Methodist Episcopal, African Methodist Episcopal Zion, Christian Methodist Episcopal and United Methodist Churches petition their respective General Conferences to authorize a Study Commission for the purpose of exploring possible merger; and
Whereas, in response to approval by the respective General Conferences, a Study Commission was established on March 9, 1994, in Birmingham, Alabama, and subsequently drew up a Mission Statement under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Therefore, this Study Commission now requests the respective General Conferences to commit themselves in principle to a reunion of these denominations; and
Further, requests the four General Conferences to continue the Study Commission's work by establishing a commission on Union with six representatives from each denomination with necessary funding; and
Further, that this Commission on Union prepare a Plan of Union in order that the wounds resulting from our past divisions may be healed, and that together we may have a more effective witness in the global community as well as be good stewards of our God-given resources, and
Further, that this Commission on Union submit the Plan of Union to the African Methodist Episcopal, African Methodist Episcopal Zion, Christian Methodist Episcopal and United Methodist Churches General Conferences in 2000 and the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church General Conference in 2002.
The Proposed Quadrennial Budget for the Commission on Union is $100,000 to be divided among the four denominations.
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
Petition Text: 21726-IC-NonDis-O$
1996 United Methodist General Conference