We affirm that prophetic declaration and call particular attention to our United Methodist affirmation of:
* "women's experiences, their struggles for life and for nurturing life [as] crucial perspectives for safeguarding and liberating the creation"; and
* "the diversity of gifts which the Spirit imparts upon persons in the human family and the challenge to enable all persons to utilize those gifts for justice and reconciliation in the world."
We also reaffirm our support for participation in the Ecumenical Decade, "The Ecumenical Decade: Churches in Solidarity with Women" (1988-1998), including, in particular, support for:
* "women doing theology and sharing spirituality" in order to "enable an integrated process of study, sharing, acting and celebrating"; and
*production of "educational resources and programs on the marginalization and oppression of women, their struggle for human dignity and a better life, and their creative contribution in theology, spirituality and ministry."
Finally, we urge all constituents of The United Methodist Church, young and old, female and male, to view the present ferment in theology as a creative opening for the Holy Spirit to lead us in further doctrinal and scriptural understandings.
May all sectors of the Church join in respectful, loving, and open-minded dialogue about our common Christian faith and witness to the reign of God, in which there is "no longer male nor female, for all of you are one in Christ Jesus" (Colossians 3:28).
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
Petition Text: 22526-IC-NonDis-O
1996 United Methodist General Conference