What Does Our Faith Say About Race & Ethnicity?

Social justice is embedded in the history of the United Methodist Church. According to UMC.org that history begins with Wesley himself, and the early church’s opposition to slavery, smuggling, prison conditions, alcohol abuse and more. See this article by Rev. Ryan Dunn on social justice. It encompasses how social justice can mean many things to individuals, but how it is about easing the burdens of others, and ensuring mutual welfare. "Our love of God is always linked with love of our neighbor, a passion for justice and renewal in the life of the world" (Book of Discipline 2012, p. 51).

The Church has a set of Social Principles meant to “urge us to make a difference and to live differently in the world” (UMC.org). These social principles date back to 1908, and have been revised since 2013.

According to UMC.org the United Methodist Church “recognizes that the sin of racism has been destructive to its unity throughout history. Racism continues to cause painful division and marginalization”. The church offers four simple things to begin to do: pray (“to become agents of justice mercy, love and recreation), connect (talking to those doing anti-racism work), show up (being present) and act (providing support and challenges where needed). It also offers a library of resources for individuals to continue to learn and engage in anti-racist work.

The Proposed Social Principles for 2020 state the following:

“We confess that the negative impacts resulting from the degradation of the natural world have fallen disproportionately on marginalized communities, including indigenous tribes, religious and ethnic communities, people living in poverty, and other vulnerable groups. We, therefore, pledge to resist all forms of environmental exploitation, neglect and inequality.”

“Substance abuse refers both to the devastating psychological and physiological effects of dependence and to the broader social consequences of abuse. In responding to the widespread realities of substance abuse disorders, we begin with the recognition of the devastating impacts of addiction and of the misuse and abuse of legal and illegal substances in the lives of individual users, extended families and entire communities.”

“We, therefore, call on individuals and congregations to educate themselves about the troubling legacies of colonialism and, where appropriate, to seek repentance for our continued involvement. We urge United Methodists to find ways to support those still suffering from colonial legacies, including tangible acts of reparation and active support for sustainable development initiatives.”

“We condemn racism, ethnocentrism, tribalism, and any ideology or social practice based on false and misleading beliefs or ideologies that one group of human beings is superior to all other groups of human beings. Additionally, we utterly reject laws, policies and social practices that marginalize, discriminate and/or encourage the use of violence against individuals, communities or other social groups based on perceived racial, ethnic or tribal differences.”