Did You Know... Part 4
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 we highlight the Principle of “Sexual Orientations and Gender Identities”. Quoted statements are from the Social Principles document:
● “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.
● Moreover, because in many countries sexual and gender minorities are disproportionately impacted by social stigmas, discrimination, coercion and violence, we call on churches, governments, businesses, and civic organizations to do all in their power to combat such unjust treatment and to promote equal rights and protections for all.”
The United Methodist Social Principles emphasize that all humans, created in God’s image, possess inherent dignity. Consequently, the principle of equality regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity is rooted in biblical themes of justice and the sacred worth of every person.
Foundational Sacred Worth
The belief that every person is of "sacred worth" is rooted in the creation story and God's universal love. Genesis 1:26–27: Asserts that God created humankind in his divine image, establishing the fundamental dignity of every person. Psalm 139:13–16: Describes God’s intimate involvement in the creation of every individual, affirming that everyone is "fearfully and wonderfully made”.
Equality and Justice for the Marginalized
Biblical mandates often focus on protecting the rights of those who are vulnerable to social stigma or discrimination.
Matthew 25:31–46: Jesus teaches that how we treat the "least of these"—the vulnerable and marginalized—is how we treat Him.
Galatians 3:28: "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." This verse is frequently cited to support the breakdown of social hierarchies and the inclusion of all identities within the body of Christ.
Amos 5:24: "But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!" This call for systemic justice supports the principle's demand for equal legal protections and rights.
Key Takeaway: Taken together, these biblical passages advocate for a society where legal safeguards are available to all, emphasizing that every individual is seen through the perspective of God’s grace and Christ’s expansive love.
Prayerfully yours,
Church and Society team
