Did You Know?...... Part 7
Our Church and Society team continues to highlight the United Methodist Social Principles (established in 1972, revised in 2024).
These principles address current global and national issues,
reflecting our identity as a connected global church.
Note: In the Social Principles, "we" denotes the General Conference and all global United Methodist Church members. This month the team continues to highlight the Principles' section titled “Political Community”, including government responsibilities, democracy and voting.
The preface to the Political Community section emphasizes responsible political action and engagement for the common good, which is foundational to democracies. The document supports basic rights in both church and civil society. Quoting from the Social Principles document:
“We believe in the inherent worth of all people, which is established through God’s gracious act of creation and most fully revealed in the power of Jesus’s life, death and resurrection. The understanding that people are created in the image of God is a central theme in John Wesley’s teachings. We further believe that God calls all members of the human family to recognize and protect the dignity and worth of all people and to work for the well-being of all God’s creation. We, therefore, support structures in the church and in civil society that honor the basic freedoms and rights of all human beings and protect God’s creation.”
“Our involvement in political systems is rooted in the Gospel imperative to love our neighbors, to do justice, and to care for the vulnerable.
As United Methodists, we acknowledge that love requires responsible political action and engagement aimed at the betterment of society and the promotion of the common good.”
When we think about how "loving your neighbor" translates to the ballot box, it comes down to real, everyday issues. Remember the parable of the Good Samaritan...
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind” and, “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
(Luke 10:27) Voting is basically a tool to practice neighborly love on a larger scale. We love our neighbors when we vote for things like clean water, accessible healthcare, good schools, and safe streets. A vote isn't just a private opinion; it’s a public statement about who we think matters. Proverbs 31:8–9 encourages speaking up for those who cannot speak for themselves and defending the rights of the poor and needy, an action often expressed through voting stewardship.
Prayerfully yours,
Church and Society team
