Clergy and lay members to annual conference will vote on four proposed amendments to The United Methodist Church constitution. Ballot 3 refers to racial justice.
Article V of the Book of Discipline provides the framework for The United Methodist Church's commitment to eliminating racism. A proposed amendment passed by the 2020/2024 General Conference strengthens the wording of this commitment by owning up to the church's role in combating racism, racial inequity, colonialism, white privilege, and white supremacy both within the denomination and in the world today. These changes reflect the church’s acknowledgment of and response to deeply entrenched racial injustice.
If ratified, ¶5 of the Book of Discipline would change to the following:
Article V. Racial Justice — The United Methodist Church proclaims that from God’s goodness and love, God created all persons as God’s unique and beloved children. Racism opposes God’s law, goodness, and love and diminishes the image of God in each person. Fueled by white privilege, white supremacy, and colonialism, the sin of racism has been a destructive scourge on global society and throughout the history of The United Methodist Church. It continues to destroy our communities, harm persons, obstruct unity, and undermine God’s work in this world. Racism must be eradicated. Therefore, The United Methodist Church commits to confronting and eliminating all forms of racism, racial inequity, colonialism, white privilege, and white supremacy, in every facet of its life and in society at large.
The General Commission on Religion and Race, the sponsor of the legislation, has provided these key points in favor of ratification.
1. Explicit Acknowledgment of Racism — The inclusion of terms like "white supremacy," "white privilege," and "colonialism" represents a significant departure from previous language that may have been more vague or indirect. By explicitly naming these issues, the church confronts its own history and complicity in systemic injustices, marking a pivotal moment in its moral and ethical evolution.
2. Commitment to Active Anti-Racism — Declaring that The United Methodist Church must live as an actively anti-racist institution challenges the church to move beyond passive acknowledgment of racism. This language signifies a commitment to proactive measures, calling for tangible actions that dismantle racist structures within the church and society, thereby fostering a culture of accountability.
3. Response to Historical Context — These changes arise in the context of broader societal movements advocating for racial justice, including the civil rights movement and more recent protests against systemic racism. By aligning itself with these movements, The United Methodist Church positions itself as a relevant and responsive body that seeks to address systemic racism rooted in historical injustices of the Church.
4. Emphasis on Unity and Healing — The language promotes a vision of The UMC as a community that actively works to root out discrimination and oppression. This approach emphasizes the need for unity and healing within the church, encouraging members to engage in dialogue and reconciliation, thus fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment.
5. Moral Leadership — By incorporating this language into its Constitution, The UMC positions itself as a leader in the fight against racism within religious and social contexts. This sets a precedent for other denominations and organizations, encouraging a broader commitment to justice and equity in faith communities.
6. Legacy of Reform and Justice — These proposed changes connect to the long history of reform within The UMC, reflecting a legacy of addressing social issues. By explicitly confronting racism, the church reaffirms its mission to promote justice and equity, continuing the work of past leaders and movements within the denomination.
Details in Additional Languages
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
The General Commission on Religion and Race is one of 13 churchwide agencies of The United Methodist Church. The commission offers teaching resources, training, and networking for Christians seeking to bring their faith to the task of dismantling racism, tribalism, and xenophobia in all forms. More information is available at its website.
