Following are our beliefs on some of the major topics debated among religious and political leaders:
Abortion - "Our belief in the sanctity of unborn human life makes us reluctant to approve abortion, but we are equally bound to respect the sacredness of the life and well-being of the mother for whom devastating damage may result from an unacceptable pregnancy... .We cannot affirm abortion as an acceptable means of birth control and we unconditionally reject it as a means of gender selection.
Homosexuality - "Homosexual persons are not less than heterosexual persons, and are individuals of sacred worth... Although we do not condone the practice of homosexuality, and consider this practice incompatible with Christian teaching, we affirm that God's grace is available to all. We commit ourselves to be in ministry for and with all persons." Self avowed, practicing homosexuals are not to be accepted as candidates, ordained as ministers or appointed to serve in the United Methodist Church. Council on Finance and Administration Ruling - "No board or agency, committee commission or council shall give United Methodist Funds to any Gay Caucus or group or, otherwise use such funds to promote the acceptance of homosexuality."
Gambling - "Gambling is a menace to society, deadly to best interests of moral, social, economic and spiritual life, and destructive of good government. As an act of faith and love, Christians should abstain from gambling, and strive to minister to those victimized by the practice."
Alcohol – “We affirm our long-standing support of abstinence from alcohol. Since the use of alcohol and illegal drugs is a major factor in crime, disease, death, and family dysfunction, we support educational programs encouraging abstinence from such use.” CROSSROADS affirms the United Methodist position on alcohol. It is our policy that alcohol will not be served at church functions.
