Petition Text: 22210-DI-NonDis-O

Understanding Petition Numbers

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Spiritual dilution and confusion characterize the times in which we live. Challenges abound with respect to the nature and existence of God, the substitutionary death of Christ, the efficacy of his blood atonement for sin, the constitution of the Godhead, and the fallen nature of humankind.

We have observed that influential leaders within The United Methodist Church have capitulated to this confusion and dilution.

We recognize the need for theology to take contemporary forms of expression but find a clear and present danger of severing ourselves from the apostolic testimony of the Christian faith.

The apostolic faith, more than the contemporary experiences of individuals, defines the center and circumference of Christian teaching.

Therefore, as United Methodists, we reaffirm Jesus Christ as the unique Savior of the world; we endorse his substitutionary death for sinners and his atonement for sin.

In addition to the traditional faith of the church universal, we also endorse those Wesleyan teachings which comprise the doctrinal standards of United Methodism.

Furthermore, we reject those forms of theologizing which mock, repudiate, dismiss, or essentially alter the gospel by which we are saved.

Recognizing that we have lost enough members to populate a denomination, members who became disillusioned by theological compromise, disheartened by our diminished strength, and discouraged by infidelity to our historic standards, we call upon the Church to commit itself anew to vigilance in doctrinal integrity.

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Petition Text: 22210-DI-NonDis-O
1996 United Methodist General Conference