UMC and the "Issues" 2012: Introduction

The caucuses will soon be over and the politicians will leave Iowa, that is, at least, until they begin to return to campaign for the general election.  However, since this is a election year, and a General Conference year for us United Methodists, I thought I might use this year's newsletter articles to outline the position of the United Methodist Church on some of the issues of our day. (General Conference 2012 will be held April 24-May 4 in Tampa FL.)  This article will serve as an introduction to those articles.  This article will also set some ground rules for the others, so I encourage you to keep this copy to refer to in reading future articles.

1. The Social Principles Over the years the United Methodist Church has adopted Social Principles which outline the UMC's thinking and positions on social issues.  The Social Principles are adopted by General Conference and only General Conference can change them. (I would be happy to put you in touch with our Iowa delegates, if you have concerns.) The Social Principles are intended to provide official guidance to the work of the UMC around these issues and to provide guidance to help individual United Methodists to think through these issues.  No individual United Methodist, lay or clergy, is required to agree with the Principles.  In fact, United Methodists, including pastors, are free to disagree, even publicly, with the Principles, however, clergy, and others who teach, are required to present the Principles accurately, fairly, and completely as the official position of the UMC in addition to providing their own positions.  The social principles will form the basis of these articles.  I will also, occasionally, offer my own opinions, but I will be clear about what are my own positions and what are the official positions of the UMC.

2. Issues Only IRS code and federal election regulations forbid churches from officially endorsing or supporting any candidate or political party.  However, we are, of course, allowed to discus and take positions on issues.  Therefore these articles will discuss only the issues and will not discuss candidates, parties, or their positions or platforms.  I will do my best to be fair to all sides of each issue.

3. Not From the Pulpit While I do think that the Bible has much to say about our current political issues, I find that the pulpit is not the best place to get into such things.  I find it much better to deal with these issues, in newsletters, like I am now, in Bible studies, and in one-on-one and small group discussions.   

I do not exactly know yet what issues I will be doing or in what order, so stay tuned.  I look forward discussing these things with you and I welcome your, loving and respectful, feedback.
Pastor Brian.