Whereas, we recognize our responsibility in proclaiming the good news of "the sovereignty of God and of God's love in Christ amid the continuing crises of human existence"1; and
Whereas, we believe this gospel that we are to proclaim is "revealed in Scripture, illumined by tradition, vivified in personal experience, and confirmed by reason"2 as affirmed in ¶ 68 of The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church; and
Whereas, in a document dated April 29, 1995, the Confessing Methodist Movement has called upon The United Methodist Church to confess in one voice, without regard to the individual believer's reason and experience and The United Methodist Church's long-standing tradition of religious freedom as assured its members in the Book of Discipline; and
Whereas, the Confessing Methodist Movement has stated in its abovementioned document that it intends to "vigorously challenge and hold accountable those that undermine" its efforts to reform and renew The United Methodist Church; and
Whereas, there may be others who from time to time may propose restrictions, requirements, and/or other language that would narrowly define the call of Christ for individual believers;
Therefore, be it resolved, that the General Conference of The United Methodist Church reject any and all attempts to change the Book of Discipline that would define in any way and therefore limit the faith of individual Christians in ways not in keeping with The United Methodist Church's tradition of supporting the Protestant concept of the priesthood of the believer.
1 The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church, 1992, page 40.
2 Ibid., page 76.
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
Petition Text: 22630-DI-NonDis-O
1996 United Methodist General Conference