Text of: 797-NonDis

The Committee recommends concurrence as amended as follows:

31813 CS NonDis O

Whereas, the institution of slavery controls the lives of over 27 million persons world- wide, in lands including Sudan, Mauritania, India, Pakistan, Brazil, and Thailand; and

Whereas, slavery is a crime against humanity, and is expressly prohibited by international law and a number of international treaties; and

Whereas, the United Nations, the United States Congress, the United States State Department, the American Anti- Slavery Group, Christian Solidarity International, as well as a host of other organizations, have recognized and officially documented the current existence of slavery; and

Whereas, founder of Methodism, John Wesley, in numerous instances, including a tract entitled "Thoughts on Slavery" and sermon entitled "The Use of Money," condemned slavery as wrong and incompatible for Christ's teachings; and

Whereas, The United Methodist Church regards the institution of slavery as an "infamous evil" and recognizing that "All forms of enslavement are totally prohibited and shall no way be tolerated by the Church" (Book of Discipline, 68.A); and

Whereas, the General Board on Global Ministries, through the United Methodist Committee on Relief Sudan Emergency campaign, as well as other United Methodist organizations, has worked to aid enslaved and freed slaves; and

Therefore be it resolved, that The United Methodist Church officially support modern- day abolitionist efforts to end slavery.

Be it further resolved, that The United Methodist Church actively champion anti- slavery efforts by petitioning the United Nations, United States Congress and State Department, and the legislative bodies of all countries in which The United Methodist Church has an organized ecclesiastical structure, to demand the freeing of all modern- day slaves.

Be it further resolved, that The United Methodist Church petition the United Nations and the United States Congress and State Department to bring down the regimes of abolish slavery through the use of nonmilitary options such as negotiations and sanctions; and

Be it further resolved, that The United Methodist Church officially support stock/mutual fund divestment campaigns that urge people to remove funds from organizations whose actions contribute to slavery's existence.

Be it further resolved, that The United Methodist Church inform all members of the Church, via news publications and other communication channels of the connectional system, that slavery currently exists and that The United Methodist Church officially opposes its existence.

Be it further resolved, that this document be sent to the Secretary- General of the United Nations, the President of the United States, the United States Congress, and the legislative bodies of countries in which The United Methodist Church has an established ecclesiastical structure.

 

 

 

 

Info About Calendar Item 797-NonDis

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