Whereas, Article XXII of the Articles of Religion of The United Methodist Church indicates, "It is not necessary that rites and ceremonies should in all places be the same, or exactly alike; for they have been always different, and may be changed according to the diversity of countries, times, and [people's] manners..."; and
Whereas, pastors are called to "oversee the worship life of the congregation..." (¶ 439.1a); and
Whereas, "The local church is required to respond to the changes which are occurring in its surrounding community and to organize its mission and ministry accordingly" (¶ 207); and
Whereas, members of our congregations need and have asked for a rite which expresses and blesses mutual support and fidelity, commitment and love outside of civil marriage, because family, social, and economic barriers related to civil marriage have served to prohibit and to work severe hardship upon many of our members;
Therefore, be it resolved, that the 1996 General Conference of The United Methodist Church authorizes that a service of worship for persons of all classes and every status, celebrating persons' mutual support and fidelity, commitment and love be written and added to the United Methodist Book of Worship.
Be it further resolved, that local churches and their pastors be encouraged to prayerfully develop worship services to bless, affirm, and support persons' relationships, mutual support and fidelity, commitment and love outside the rite of marriage.
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
Petition Text: 22212-DI-NonDis-O
1996 United Methodist General Conference