Petition Text: 22868-DI-NonDis-O

Understanding Petition Numbers

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Whereas, it is believed that the second sentence of the form on page 32 of the United Methodist Hymnal entitled "Concerning the Services of the Baptismal Covenant" should be changed to reflect that baptism should not be tied in any way to membership, but should be a celebration of God's love for all persons, to wit:

"Those within the covenant constitute the community we call the church; therefore, the services of the Baptismal Covenant are conducted during the public worship of the congregation where the person's membership is to be held, except in very unusual circumstances God's love for all persons is celebrated, and those being baptized are welcomed into the church universal."

Therefore, be it resolved, that all persons wishing to be baptized themselves, or requesting that their children be baptized in The United Methodist Church, should be allowed to be so baptized regardless of whether or not they are members of the congregation of such United Methodist church.

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Petition Text: 22868-DI-NonDis-O
1996 United Methodist General Conference