Petition Text: 22347-CS-NonDis-O$

Whereas, our "Social Principles" state: "We recognize that sexuality is God's good gift to all persons. We believe persons may be fully human only when that gift is acknowledged and affirmed by themselves, the Church, and society. We call all persons to the disciplined, responsible fulfillment of themselves, others, and society in the stewardship of this gift. We also recognize our limited understanding of this complex gift and encourage the medical, theological, and social science disciplines to combine in a determined effort to understand human sexuality more completely. We call the Church to take the leadership role in bringing together these disciplines to address this most complex issue. Further, within the context of our understanding of this gift of God, we recognize that God challenges us to find responsible, committed, and loving forms of expression."

Whereas, the current study material entitled The Church Studies Homosexuality deviates from our principle that sexuality is God's good gift to all persons; and

Whereas, our "Social Principles" recognize God's good gift of sexuality as a whole, and these principles do not differentiate between different expressions of this gift; and

Whereas, the process for understanding human sexuality needs to be continued; and

Whereas, perceptions and perspectives of individuals continue to benefit from open and informed discussion about sexuality; and

Whereas, The United Methodist Church has yet to develop study materials that address an understanding of sexuality as God's good gift to all persons;

Therefore, we petition the General Conference to discourage the further use of The Church Studies Homosexuality; and

We petition the General Conference to authorize a task force to develop educational material that reflects the "Social Principles'" statement of human sexuality as God's gift to all persons.

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PETS Creator: John Brawn

Petition Text: 22347-CS-NonDis-O$
1996 United Methodist General Conference