United Methodist Social Principles (SUMMARIES)

Preface: The Sacredness of Creation

The United Methodist Church affirms that all creation belongs to God and is a manifestation of God's goodness (Genesis 1:26-31; Matthew 6:26-30; Romans 8:22-24). Humanity is part of an interconnected web of life, and our well-being is dependent on the health of all creation. Rather than exploiting the natural world, we are called to be responsible stewards, living in right relationship with the Creator and creation. The entire cosmos joins in praising God (Psalm 148), and we recognize that every part of creation has a role in healing and flourishing.

Creation in Peril: The Impact of Human Actions

The Church acknowledges that human activities have severely damaged the environment, placing all of creation at risk.

• Destruction of Ecosystems: Overconsumption, poor resource management, and shortsighted policies have devastated fragile ecosystems, harming biodiversity and threatening all life on Earth. The voices of those most at risk, including marginalized communities, have been ignored.
• Global Warming and Climate Change: Human-caused greenhouse gas emissions have led to rising sea levels, extreme weather, droughts, and growing environmental instability. The Church warns that time is running out to reverse these effects.
• Dependence on Fossil Fuels: The burning of coal, oil, and natural gas is the greatest contributor to climate change. The Church advocates for investment in sustainable energy sources such as solar, wind, geothermal, and hydrogen, while also ensuring a just transition for communities reliant on fossil fuel industries.

Stewardship of Creation: Ethical and Sustainable Living

• Environmental Racism: The burden of environmental destruction disproportionately falls on marginalized communities, including indigenous peoples, people in poverty, and communities of color. These groups face industrial pollution, toxic waste, and poor environmental policies, leading to severe health problems. The Church calls for justice and policies that protect vulnerable populations.
• Sustainable Policies and Practices: The Church urges individuals and institutions to adopt sustainable habits, reduce overconsumption, recycle, and minimize reliance on fossil fuels. Recognizing that personal actions alone are not enough, the Church supports systemic efforts—local, national, and international—to restore ecological balance and address global environmental harm.
• Food Justice (Genesis 2:15): All people deserve access to nutritious food and clean water. The Church supports food sovereignty, sustainable agriculture, and policies that protect indigenous food rights while opposing corporate control over seeds and harmful industrial farming.
• Caring for All Creatures (Isaiah 11:6): All living beings have inherent worth and are part of God’s creation. The Church supports humane treatment of animals, protection of endangered species, and an end to practices that cause unnecessary suffering to animals in agriculture and the wild.
• Protecting Space: Stewardship extends beyond Earth to the entire cosmos. The Church rejects the exploitation and militarization of space, advocating for peaceful and cooperative space exploration.
• Affirming Science and Traditional Wisdom: Science and indigenous wisdom offer valuable insights into environmental stewardship. The Church supports ethical scientific research while honoring indigenous knowledge of sustainable living.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

The United Methodist Church calls on individuals, communities, businesses, and governments to take urgent action to protect and restore God’s creation. Rooted in scripture (Genesis 1:4, 10, 12, 18, 25, 31), the Church affirms that creation is good and that humanity is entrusted with its care (Genesis 2:15). This includes transitioning to sustainable energy, addressing climate change, ensuring environmental justice, and fostering a deep reverence for all life as an expression of faith.

Preface

As stewards, not owners, of God’s resources (John Wesley, The Use of Money), United Methodists recognize that all possessions belong to God. Our discipleship extends to financial matters, compelling us to serve God and neighbor. Scripture calls us to stand in solidarity with the vulnerable (Amos 5:7-13; Matthew 25:3-46; James 2:15-16), committing to just, equitable, and sustainable economies.

Economic Challenges

1. Globalization – While cooperation can foster human and environmental well-being, globalization has also widened economic disparities, weakened labor and environmental protections, and fueled overconsumption. The church calls for accountability from multinational corporations and international bodies to prioritize people over profits.
2. Poverty and Income Inequality – Following John Wesley’s concern for the marginalized, we reject wealth as a sign of divine favor and commit to eradicating poverty’s causes, including war and disease (Luke 6:20; Matthew 19:23-25). We pledge to support impoverished communities and oppose wealth-based favoritism in the church.
3. Human Trafficking and Slavery – Recognizing all people as created in God’s image, we condemn human trafficking and coerced labor, particularly among vulnerable groups. We advocate for the abolition of these injustices and encourage ethical consumerism.
4. Graft, Bribery, and Corruption – These practices undermine trust, justice, and economic fairness. We oppose their use by government, business, and church leaders, as they divert public resources from the common good.

Economic Justice

Following John Wesley’s exhortation to reject waste, greed, and idleness (The Use of Money), we commit to just and sustainable economies, sharing resources equitably as members of God's household (Matthew 5:42).

1. Responsible Consumerism – Individuals and congregations should practice ethical consumerism, reduce waste, and promote sustainability. We support boycotts and divestment against unjust business practices.
2. Farming and Agricultural Production – “Daily bread” (Matthew 6:11) reminds us of agriculture’s importance. We advocate for policies supporting local farms, food security, and sustainable farming while opposing corporate monopolization and environmental harm.
3. The Dignity of Work – Work is not just for survival but contributes to human flourishing. We support fair wages, safe conditions, union rights, and protections against exploitative labor practices. We oppose child labor and advocate for paid leave and work-life balance.
4. Sabbath and Renewal – Sabbath rest is a divine gift (Genesis 2:2; Exodus 20:8-11). We encourage worship participation and policies that allow workers time for rest and spiritual renewal.
5. Corporate Responsibility – Businesses must prioritize people over profits, uphold ethical standards, and comply with laws protecting human rights and the environment. We support socially responsible investments and, when necessary, divestment from harmful industries.

Through these commitments, we seek an economy aligned with justice, equity, and God’s vision for humanity.

The Political Community section of the United Methodist Church's Social Principles emphasizes that love is the foundation of Christian engagement with political systems. “Love is the fulfilling of the law, the end of the commandment.” Very excellent things are spoken of love; it is the essence, the spirit, the life of all virtue. It is not only the first and great command, but it is all the commandments in one. “Whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are amiable,” or honorable; “if there be any virtue, if there be any praise,” they are all comprised in this one word,—love. (John Wesley, “The Circumcision of the Heart”) Our involvement in political systems is rooted in the gospel imperative to love our neighbors, to do justice, and to care for the vulnerable. 

Government Responsibilities:

• Church and Government: The church supports mutual respect between religious communities and governments while advocating for accountability, justice, and human rights.
• Civil Disobedience: Nonviolent, respectful civil disobedience is supported when conscience compels individuals to protest unjust laws.
• Restorative Justice: Justice systems should prioritize restoring relationships, supporting victims, and rehabilitating offenders.
• Death Penalty: The church opposes the death penalty, highlighting its disproportionate impact on marginalized communities.
• Criminal Justice: Fair treatment, rehabilitation programs, and protections against discrimination are essential.
• War and Military Service: War is deplored, diplomacy is preferred, and both military service and conscientious objection are honored.

Basic Rights and Freedoms:

The church asserts that all individuals are created in God's image and deserve basic rights, including life, liberty, equality, and access to education, healthcare, and fair labor practices.

1. Healthcare: We affirm health care as a basic human right and vow to work toward expanded access to all forms of medical treatment, including preventative, therapeutic, and palliative care. Access to comprehensive, affordable healthcare is a fundamental right.
2. Children and Youth: Protecting and nurturing young people while ensuring their participation in community and church life is crucial.
3. Elders: The dignity and rights of older adults must be safeguarded through social policies.
4. Women and Girls: Equal rights, protection from violence, and opportunities for leadership are essential.
5. Men and Boys: Equal opportunities and protections from harmful stereotypes are supported.
6. Indigenous Communities: Indigenous rights, sovereignty, and cultural preservation are upheld.
7. Migrants, Immigrants, and Refugees: We acknowledge that displaced individuals are especially vulnerable, as their uncertain status often leaves them without adequate protections, exposing them to the risks of exploitation, violence, and abuse. We call on United Methodists to welcome migrants, refugees, and immigrants into their congregations, offering tangible support such as guidance through complex immigration processes and assistance with securing essentials like food, housing, education, and employment. We strongly oppose any laws or policies that seek to criminalize, dehumanize, or penalize these individuals and families because of their immigration status. Furthermore, we condemn the detention of displaced persons in inhumane or unsanitary conditions, reject policies that separate families—especially parents from young children—and stand firmly against for-profit detention centers that profit from human suffering.
8. People with Disabilities: Full inclusion, equal rights, and accessibility in church and society are affirmed.
9. Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity: Because all people are of sacred worth and certain basic human rights are due to everyone, we are committed to supporting the equal rights, liberties, and protections of all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. 
10. Religious Minorities: We condemn actions by any individual, group, or organization that denigrate or demean those belonging to another faith. As Christians, we consider such attitudes and actions to be antithetical to Jesus’ command to love one’s neighbor. We object to any form of discrimination and intolerance toward religious minorities, including laws that ban religious clothing and symbols, and statements from public officials that incite intolerance, hatred, and violence.

Conclusion:

These principles guide United Methodists to engage in political and social matters with humility, love, and a commitment to justice, always working toward a world that reflects God's love for all humanity.