Petition Text: 22036-IC-NonDis-O

Understanding Petition Numbers

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¶ 71F states, "We deplore all forms of the commercialization and exploitation of sex with their consequent cheapening and degradation of human personality. We call for strict enforcement of laws prohibiting the sexual exploitation or use of children by adults."

In recent days, the National Coalition Against Censorship joined other organizations in defending the right of the Pink Pyramid bookstore in Cincinnati to rent the movie Salo: 120 Days of Sodom (which portrays teenage boys and girls being burned with candles, scalped, and forced to eat feces or participate in anal intercourse).

United Methodist Communications (UMCOM) is a supportive member of this coalition by investing God's apportioned money in the form of dues to the organization.

This case was in direct contradiction to ¶ 71F, and the Church had no control in being linked to this case. Numbers 8:32 warns that gifts dedicated to God are to be treated with respect. The Church has a responsibility to manage carefully the money and time people give to the Lord and should insist that respect is shown for gifts made to God by careful management and responsible stewardship of his resources.

Therefore, be it resolved, that the General Conference withdraw UMCOM's membership from this coalition and search for other means by which we can fight against censorship and at the same time abide by our United Methodist Discipline and our holy Scriptures.

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Petition Text: 22036-IC-NonDis-O
1996 United Methodist General Conference