Social Principles

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Evangelical United Methodist Church supports these Social Principles and we have listed some of which may be of interest below. If you would like a copy of the complete set of Social Principles of the United Methodist Church please contact us and we would be glad to mail you a pamphlet.

Divorce…

When a married couple is estranged beyond reconciliation, even after thoughtful consideration and counsel, divorce is a regrettable alternative in the midst of brokenness.  We believe divorce does not preclude a new marriage. “Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” Mark 10:9 (NRSV)

Abortion…

The beginning of life and the ending of life are God-given boundaries of human existence. Our belief in the sanctity of unborn life makes us reluctant to approve abortion. However, in continuity with past Christian teaching we recognize tragic conflicts of life with life that may justify abortion. We cannot affirm abortion as an acceptable means of birth control, and we unconditionally reject it as a means of gender selection. “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.” Jeremiah 1:5 (NIV)

Homosexuality…

We do not condone the practice of  homosexuality and consider this practice incompatible with Christian teaching. Ceremonies that celebrate homosexual unions shall not be conducted by our ministers and shall not be conducted in our churches. However, we believe that homosexual persons no less than heterosexual persons are individuals of sacred worth and that God’s grace is available to all. So we commit ourselves to be in ministry for and with all persons. “Don’t fool yourselves. Those who live immoral lives, who are idol worshipers, adulterers or homosexuals—will have no share in his Kingdom. Neither will thieves or greedy people, drunkards, slanderers, or robbers.” 1 Corinthians 6:9-10

Death with Dignity…

We recognize the agonizing personal and moral decisions faced by the dying, their physicians, their families and their friends. Therefore we assert the right of every person to die in dignity, with loving personal care and without efforts to prolong terminal illnesses merely because technology is available to do so. “If we live, we are living for the Lord, and if we die, we are dying for the Lord. So living or dying, we belong to the Lord.” Romans 14:8 (NCV)

Sexuality…

Although all persons are sexual beings whether or not they are married, sexual relations are only clearly affirmed in the marriage bond. “Honor marriage, and guard the sacredness of sexual intimacy between wife and husband. God draws a firm line against casual and illicit sex.” Hebrews 13:4 (Mess)

Gambling…

We believe that as an act of faith and concern, Christians should abstain from gambling and should strive to minister to those victimized by the practice. “Wealth from gambling quickly disappears; wealth from hard work grows.” Proverbs 13:11 (LB)

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