STANDING FIRM
The Wesleyan Church Speaks On Contemporary Issues

Foreword

The pamphlet entitled "Public Morals and Social Concerns" and the book, Shepherds After My Own Heart were approved by the 1984 General Conference of The Wesleyan Church as official statements of the Church on the issues addressed. The same General Conference authorized the naming of a Task Force on Public Morals and Social Concerns. This Task Force, which includes the General Superintendents, is charged to be a voice for the Church in matters of public morals and social concerns.

Statements from the above publications, the Board of General Superintendents, the Task Force and the 1996 General Conference have been combined with appropriate passages from The Discipline to make up this publication on contemporary issues. In the spirit of the Apostle Paul's admonition to . . . stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, . . . (2 Thess. 2:15, NIV) The Wesleyan Church herewith speaks on these subjects.

Preface

We find ourselves living in a day when discrimination and prejudice are regrettably common in our society. Sometimes driven by ignorance, sometimes by misunderstanding, sometimes by fear and on occasion even by hatred, prejudice is always inappropriate in society in general and particularly distasteful and out of place in the family of faith.

The denominational Task Force on Public Morals and Social Concerns issued the following statement:

The Christian concept of equality before the cross upon which Christ died removes grounds for discrimination of one toward another. The obvious grounds of discrimination between people on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, wealth or handicap are overcome by the unity of Christian love and by common personal submission to Christ.

The Wesleyan Church has a rich heritage in the anti-slavery movement in the United States in the mid-nineteenth century. One of the precedent bodies of the present denomination was born and flourished under just such a banner. While the current culture is more subtle in its expressions of prejudice than were those of an earlier era, The Wesleyan Church today is and must continue to be as clear cut in denouncing prejudice as were our founding fathers.

Discrimination against persons holding elected office due to age; insensitivity to those with physical handicaps; refusal to marry interracial couples; promotion of the wealthy and disdain for the poor are all examples of prejudicial attitudes or actions that are not appropriate and will not be condoned in the Church.

Conversely, there are forces at work in our society today seeking to legitimize certain lifestyle patterns and practices that are clearly forbidden in the Bible. Often society labels as discrimination and prejudice any statements that stand in opposition to issues clearly in violation of biblical principles such as homosexual behavior and abortion. On such matters, we must stand with the historic understanding of the Word of God and let society hurl whatever insults in our direction it may choose.

We must have the courage to stand for biblical principles. We must have the courage to stand against prejudice and discrimination. Please God, grant us the wisdom to know the difference.

Board of General Superintendents

Prepared by:
Office of the General Secretary
The Wesleyan Church

CHRISTIAN CITIZENSHIP

We believe that the Christian possesses a dual citizenship, one heavenly and the other earthly.

Government Duties

In regard to earthly citizenship the Christian should support the government with prayers, taxes, and respect.

On its part, human government should promote justice, preserve the peace, and respect the separation of church and state. Justice should be expressed in the restraint of social evil and the protection of individual rights. International peace should be promoted consistent with adequate national defense against external forces. Separation of church and state is necessary if the church is to serve as a moral force and a conscience in society.

When there is conflict between the heavenly and earthly citizenships as to specific claims upon the Christian, the individual has a right to seek a change in the law and to act so as to maintain a clear conscience before God.

"While we do not place our hope in political action and partisan politics, but in God alone, we do recognize that North American society is crumbling morally and culturally. We call upon all political parties to cease their petty bickering, position posturing, and political one-upmanship and get about the task of rebuilding a strong, God-fearing civilization where the poor receive compassionate care, criminals are punished, governments live within their means, the next generation is educated with wisdom, and trust in God comes to the core of our culture" (1996 General Conference ).

Public School Prayer

"The Wesleyan Church . . . affirms . . . its conviction that the Bible is an appropriate book for reading in the public schools and that the right of students to pray should not be abridged" (Discipline 410:8).

This statement may be seen as a clear belief that no state, province or federal government possesses an inherent right to either prohibit voluntary individual or group prayer in public schools or institutions or to require any person to participate in prayer.

Religion in Public Life

The Wesleyan Church believes that it is possible to allow recognition of God and the invoking of His aid in public functions . . . advocates the enactment of suitable legislation . . . which will strengthen the present provision for the free exercise of religion in national life and allow reference to, or the invoking of the aid of God, in any government or public document, proceeding, activity, ceremony, or institution. (Discipline 410:8)

God's Name

The name of God should be honored rather than used in vain or in minced oaths (such minced words as heck, darn, durn, danged - from Webster's Third New International Dictionary 1976). (Public Morals and Social Concerns)

Lord's Day

The Lord's Day (Sunday) is to be observed by divine worship and spiritual edification, avoiding all unnecessary commerce, labors, travels, and pleasures which do not contribute to the moral and spiritual ends of the day. The Wesleyan Church opposes legalization of merchandising on the Lord's Day (Discipline 265:1; 410:7).

Gambling

Financial gain should be expected as the reward of labor and the use of intelligent skills. Gambling violates the principle of Christian stewardship and the tenth commandment, is harmful to the individual in that it is emotionally addictive, is a poor example to others, and pollutes the moral climate of society. Dependence for a living upon games of chance with the attendant loss of skills is one of the evils of gambling. (Discipline 265:7, 410:12)

Judicial Oaths

The Wesleyan Church reserves the right for members to affirm the truth in testimony before the civil and criminal courts rather than to engage in a judicial oath. (Discipline 410:10)

WAR, PEACE, AND MILITARY SERVICE

War and Peace

The Wesleyan Church, knowing that war results in great suffering for the bodies, minds, and souls of men, staggering economic loss with its legacy of debt for future generations, and the unleashing of the baser passions of life, urges that men and nations seek by every legitimate means to avoid armed conflict among the peoples and nations of the world. The Wesleyan Church also urges that holy men everywhere pray earnestly for those in authority, so that peace may prevail (1 Timothy 2:2), and for the quick return of the Prince of Peace (Discipline 410:2).

Just War Principle

Many Christians support their nation in times of conflict based upon the "just war principle." In such instances, war is regarded as just when the cause is for the defense of the nation and for the freedom of its citizens. (Public Morals and Social Concerns)

Military Service

The Wesleyan Church teaches respect for properly constituted civil authority and the proper loyalty to one's country. It recognizes the responsibility of the individual to answer the call of government and to enter into military service. However, there are those within the fellowship of The Wesleyan Church who believe that military service is contrary to the teaching of the New Testament and that their consciences are violated by being compelled to take part in such. The Wesleyan Church will therefore lend moral support to any member who asks and claims exemption by legal processes from military service as a sincere conscientious objector and who asks to serve country as a noncombatant. (Discipline 410:3)

RIGHTS

We believe that each individual possesses fundamental rights to live and be respected as a human person.

Human Rights

These rights are derived from man's creation in the image of God and from the vicarious death of Jesus Christ for all men.

Each individual should be respected as a person of intrinsic worth and dignity. Christians should set an example to others by their acceptance of each individual as a human being. Christians need to assume appropriate personal responsibility and accountability. The Christian concept of equality before the cross upon which Christ died removes grounds for discrimination of one over another. No person for whom Christ died is worthless. The obvious grounds of discrimination between people on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, wealth, or handicap should be overcome by the unity of Christian love and by common personal submission to Christ.

Life must always be regarded as sacred.

(Public Morals and Social Concerns)

Equal Rights

The Wesleyan Church upholds the right of all individuals to equal opportunity politically, economically, and religiously, and pledges itself to an active effort to bring about the possession of dignity and happiness by all people everywhere. (Discipline 410:1)

Racism

We vigorously oppose the denial of basic human and civil rights to any individual due to their race, gender, or national origin. We admit that, while our denomination was born in an antislavery movement, we ourselves have sometimes ignored our own heritage and been guilty of both personal and collective racism and prejudice. For this sin, we have collectively repented and asked for God’s forgiveness, and we intend to strive for complete racial reconciliation, for we know that this is the will of God. (1996 General Conference)

Women in Leadership

In spite of some forces which seek to undo our long-standing position on the ordination of women, we refuse to budge on this issue — we will not tolerate the blocking of a person’s ordination due to their gender, for we believe that both men and women are called to the ministry and thus should be ordained. Furthermore, we condemn any practice of exclusive male-only leadership on boards and committees in the church, excluding women from these positions by either public policy or unofficial behind-the-scenes agreed-upon policy, for we believe that when it comes to God’s gifts, graces and callings, there is neither male nor female. (1966 General Conference)

Hunger and Poverty

Death from hunger and malnutrition should be prevented as much as possible through support of effective efforts by all appropriate means (Public Morals and Social Concerns).

Wesleyans are committed by their membership vows to do good of every possible sort and as far as possible to all men, especially to them that are of the household of faith; to their bodies, of the ability which God gives, by giving food to the hungry, by clothing the naked, by visiting or helping them that are sick or in prison; to their souls, by instructing, reproving, or exhorting them in love with all possible diligence, that the gospel be not blamed (Discipline 265:16).

Abuse

We condemn sexual, physical, emotional and verbal abuse by all persons everywhere, but especially abuse perpetrated by members of a family or a church community. We commit ourselves to provide safe havens for the abused victims among us, and to seek out and prosecute guilty offenders. (1996 General Conference)

CHRISTIAN STEWARDSHIP

We believe that God is the owner of earth's wealth and man serves as His steward.

Meaning of Stewardship

The Scriptures teach that God is the owner of all persons and all things, that men are His stewards of both life and possessions, that God's ownership and man's stewardship ought to be acknowledged, and that men shall be held personally accountable to God for the exercise of their stewardship. God, as a God of system and order in all of His ways, has established a system of giving which acknowledges His ownership and man's stewardship. To this end all of His children should faithfully tithe and present offerings for the support of the gospel. (Discipline 460)

Sharing Our Wealth

In a broad sense each man's wealth consists of time, health, and such resources as food, energy, income, and accumulated possessions. It follows from the basic premise of stewardship that the Christian should use earth's wealth "for the glory of God."

The Christian must love God, not the world, and should share his possessions rather than to hold them selfishly. Sharing possessions is important in fulfilling obligations to God, to family, to government, and to societal needs. Christian sharing should be voluntary, motivated by compassion, and administered with justice. (Public Morals and Social Concerns)

MARRIAGE AND FAMILY

We believe that the family is the primary unit of society and is ordained of God.

Family Living

Marriage is the act that unites as one a man and a woman. Within this union children should be born and reared. Stable homes are essential for a stable society. The wholesome relationship of individual to group as it should be learned in the family affects favorably all other institutions of society. Conversely, disturbing forces in society make an impact on the home. The growing acceptance of some modern family concepts, the mobility of people, and the development of stress are some factors that have an erosive effect, frequently resulting in the breakdown of the traditional family.

Providing encouragement and direction for a Christian marriage and family are vital ministries of the church. These ministries represent the best hope for counteracting destructive trends in modern society. Our homes are to be maintained as centers of moral and spiritual renewal. To achieve this, each Christian family should establish a family altar, have love and respect, take time for companionship, show respect for God and His church, and consecrate itself to Christian witnessing.

(Public Morals and Social Concerns)

Marriage

In 1984 the General Conference of The Wesleyan Church adopted an Article of Religion entitled "Marriage and the Family." The article sets forth the following principles.

1. The Scriptures are the authority concerning marriage and divorce.

2. Monogamy (the union of one man with one woman) is God's plan for marriage.

3. Marriage is a lifelong relationship and a covenant union made in the sight of God, taking priority over all other human relationships.

4. Human sexuality is to be expressed only within the monogamous, heterosexual framework of marriage.

5. Marriage is divinely designed for the birth and rearing of children.

6. Man is created in the image of God and human sexuality reflects that image in terms of intimate love, communication, fellowship, subordination of the self to the larger whole, and fulfillment.

(Discipline 222)

Sexual Purity and Divorce

We have witnessed a general decline of our culture’s standards on both divorce and premarital sexual activity, but we reaffirm that divorce is a sin, sexual intercourse before marriage is a sin, and sexual intercourse with anyone except one’s spouse after marriage is likewise a sin. In a day of easy divorce, we continue to stand firmly on the Bible’s teaching that God’s plan for marriage is for one man and one woman together for one entire life, and that sexual immorality is the only possible reason for divorce, and only then after serious spiritual counsel. We further call our members to flee from any dangerous relationships fraught with temptations toward a level of sexual intimacy short of actual intercourse, which are totally improper for God’s holy people. While others may compromise on matters of divorce, premarital and extramarital sex, we affirm the sinfulness of these behaviors and call on ourselves to treat a sinner in each case with loving confrontation, a call to repentance, forgiveness and restoration. (1996 General Conference)

Wesleyans are committed in their membership vows to observe the teachings of Scripture concerning divorce:

1. The only scriptural grounds for considering divorce is the sexual sin of the spouse such as adultery, homosexual behavior, bestiality, or incest.

2. Appropriate counseling to restore the relationship must always precede a consideration of divorce.

3. To obtain a divorce on other than scriptural grounds is a sin against God and man. Such putting asunder of what God has joined is a direct and deliberate act of disobedience against both the Law and the Gospel. It separates one from God and subjects a member to Church discipline (5350; 5370).

(Discipline 265:10; 410:6)

Remarriage

Wesleyans believe that the Scriptures teach the following in regard to remarriage after divorce:

1. Recognizing the fallen state of man, divorce has been recognized in the Scriptures as a valid and permanent dissolution of marriage with all its rights and responsibilities. Divorce is not reversible. There is no way to "restore" a dissolved marriage. The divorced (unmarried) status can be changed only by a new marriage to the same person or another person. No divorced and remarried person has two spouses - only a former spouse and a present spouse, as in Deuteronomy 24 and 1 Corinthians 7.

2. Divorce, however sinful the act and however serious the consequences, is not unpardonable. A redeemed sinner or reclaimed backslider is "free" to marry "in the Lord" or to remain unmarried - a eunuch for the kingdom of God's sake. The one exception to this freedom of choice is mentioned by the Apostle Paul. It is a believer who disobeys the commandment of God and puts away a believing spouse. That person must remain unmarried to leave room for reconciliation to the spouse (1 Cor. 7).

3. The right to remarry in no way excuses the sin of divorce. It only implies that the Church must forgive and restore those whom the Lord forgives and restores. Neither penance nor penalty remain to the truly penitent and restored sinner - or backslider - whatever the traumatic consequences of the sin may be. (Discipline 410:6)

Divorce and the Minister

The Wesleyan Church applies these same principles regarding divorce and remarriage to its ministers:

1. Eligibility. Any person sustaining a marriage relation contrary to the Scriptures and the Membership Commitments (265:10; cf. 410:6) is ineligible for license, commission, or ordination in The Wesleyan Church (Discipline 3012).

2. Dismissal. Any minister who enters into a marriage relation contrary to Scriptures, and to those expositions of Scripture in the Membership Commitments (265:10), after having been ordained, commissioned, or licensed, shall be dismissed from his ministerial standing, provided that guilt shall be established in accord with judicial process (Discipline 3108; 5170-5180).

3. Restoration. A minister who has been disqualified for the ministry through a marriage contrary to the Scriptures and the Membership Commitments (265:10; 3108) shall not be restored to the office and work of a minister as long as both his former and latter spouse are living, and then only if he has manifested repentance and has been approved. (Refer to Discipline 3126 and 3135 for further details.)

4. Performance. In performing marriages, Wesleyan ministers shall not unite in marriage any person who is divorced, unless such divorce and remarriage is in keeping with the Scriptures and the Membership Commitments (265:10). In carrying out this duty the minister shall be guided by the principles set forth in 410:6 (Discipline 3111).

Church Membership

The statements in The Discipline are not intended to restrict from membership in The Wesleyan Church a person who has been previously involved in divorce and remarriage even though it did not qualify as permissible under the exception clause of Matthew 5:32. Such a person who has sought and found God's forgiveness for sins occasioned by marriage, divorce, or remarriage, and who is at present living in harmony with the principles of Christ as taught in the Scriptures is eligible for membership in The Wesleyan Church.

If a lay member has been dismissed from the Church for a violation of the scriptural teachings concerning divorce, he may be reinstated by the local church when he evidences repentance and amendment of life and meets the requirements of Church membership.

(Ruling of the Board of General Superintendents, sustained by the 1984 General Conference, Proceeding 174.)

Spouse Abuse

The Wesleyan Church deplores the societal trends toward violence which appear to contribute to extreme abuses within many families.

Currently, 95 percent of the victims of spouse abuse are women. However, the rate of men as victims and women as abusers is rapidly increasing. Such violence is not limited to one economic, racial, or ethnic group. People are more likely to be physically assaulted, beaten, or even killed by a loved one in their own home than in any other place. Street crime occurs at only a fraction of the rate of domestic violence. An estimated three to four million American women are battered annually by their husbands or partners.

Battering is defined as repeatedly subjecting a person to forceful physical, social, and psychological behavior in order to coerce such persons without regard to their rights.

Domestic violence is not a twentieth century phenomenon. It is as old as history, but it is one which the church has hesitated to tackle. Through Jesus Christ, redemption of the abuser and victim is the mission of the church. Redemption is available but one has to choose it. When is violence and abuse is brought into family life the marriage covenant that God has blessed is being put asunder (Matt. 19:6). However, the process of the Holy Spirit at work in the renewing of the mind and spirit of both persons takes time. As reconciliation progresses it is necessary to understand that a New Covenant is being made and that there will be no violence under any circumstance.

It is important to note that reconciliation should not be the primary goal. The untangling of the warped relationship which includes the immediate safety and then the personal rebuilding of "God's temple" should precede efforts at reconciliation. In some instances reconciliation may not be an option, but redeeming, healing, and restoring a spouse is always the Christian mandate.

Both men and women were created in God's image as social beings and both were given dominion over the rest of creation (Genesis 1:26-27). The fall resulted in men and women abusing power with each other, but redemption came to reverse the effects of the fall and Pentecost has empowered the church to be a redeeming community.

(Public Morals and Social Concerns)

While we understand there are differing interpretations among us of the Bible’s teachings on the role of the husband and wife in the home, we totally reject any exercise of abuse by one spouse of another by twisting these scriptures out of context. Such abuse is sin and the sinner should be called to repent and cease all such abusive behavior (1996 General Conference).

Children in Crisis

Lashing of children has existed throughout history. In various times and places infanticide has been practiced for population control or because of illegitimacy, ritual belief or imperfection, and beating has been considered an acceptable form of punishment. In the seventeenth century, Connecticut and Massachusetts laws were passed to impose the death penalty on unruly children. The industrial revolution increased the exploitation of children as laborers.

It is important to recognize that child abuse is no respecter of persons. It is found in every social class, every race, and there is no specific geographic predilection. Some factors are more commonly seen. Young and immature parents may be unable to render the emotional and physical support required by their children. Unrealistic expectations combined with poor self-concept and unstable marital relationships are frequently seen. Parents who themselves have been abused are more likely to expose their children to the same pattern of abuse and neglect. Parents who are alcohol or drug abusers are particularly prone to abuse their children. However, the majority of battering parents are parents who are "normal" but worn out by their small children, especially when they are under emotional or financial stress and have no one to turn to for help. In these situations a seemingly minor problem can trigger a violent crisis with devastating results.

In addition to the pain of sexual or other physical abuse, uncounted children are victimized by their parents' divorce. A child's reaction to divorce is similar to the sense of bereavement they feel when they lose a parent to death. In the case of divorce, they are grieving the death of their family.

(Public Morals and Social Concerns)

Jesus Christ always took time for the children. We believe that by following Him, the Church can proclaim a message of help and hope to hurting little ones.

LEISURE TIME

We believe that the proper use of leisure time is important in the character and spiritual development of the individual and in his service to others.

Recreation and entertainment are two principal uses of leisure time. In many such activities, the normal needs of people are met, personal tensions relieved, and wholesome attitudes developed.

Dangers

But there are dangers in the abuse of leisure time. There must be careful regulation of the use in the home of the mass media such as current literature, radio, and television. The emphases on violence and sex need to be resisted by active personal and cooperative efforts dedicated to promote decency. It will also involve witnessing against social evils by appropriate forms of influence such as the refusal to participate in social dancing, the refusal to patronize the motion picture theater (cinema), together with other commercial ventures as they feature the cheap, the violent, or the sensual and pornographic, and the refusal to engage in playing games which tend to be addictive or conducive to gambling. The appeal to the sensual is a special danger in music that should be avoided.

Values

The values of leisure time in recreation are established by reason of their contributions to spiritual life, to physical health, to character, to time use, and to budget demands. (Public Morals and Social Concerns)

SANCTITY OF LIFE

We believe that life is a gift from God and must always be regarded as sacred.

We believe that decisions about the edges of life that were not even contemplated in previous times are now necessary. Although the necessity of making such decisions is new, the way Christians should make decisions has not changed. Where Scripture speaks clearly, we should obey. We should pray fervently, listening for answers. We should examine the historic positions of the Church. We should get advice from godly people. We should listen to our own consciences. We should try to obtain consensus when others are involved.

Abortion

We believe that abortion is the taking of human life; therefore, society brings grave danger to itself by permitting abortion on demand, and thus treating God-given life so lightly. We call our members to oppose this social evil with great vigor. However, we reject the use of violence as a means of bringing about this needed change in society. Except in the case of risk to the life of the mother, The Wesleyan Church stands firm against the evil of abortion—both the personal evil of abortion by any individual among us and the worldwide social evil of abortion, which we believe must someday end. Until that day, we will instruct our people to avoid this sin personally, and call them to the work of enlightening a blind culture, as we once did with the sin of slavery. (1996 General Conference)

Abortion Resistance

Attention to pro-life values has been riveted to the frequent pro-active "sit-ins" by some organizations. Hundreds of persons who feel that abortion-on-demand has resulted in moral bankruptcy for our society have moved into action through demonstrations and "sit-ins." Since this represents trespassing on private property, it is tantamount to civil disobedience and raises the question of its propriety.

The Scriptures require us to obey civil authority, except where our conscience on the issues require an obedience to a higher authority. In this case, some Christians feel that the killing of the unborn is an issue which calls forth their higher obedience to God and conscience, even at the risk of civil disobedience.

A case in comparison could be made with anti-slavery actions by the underground railway movement years ago in which the Wesleyan Methodist Church was very prominent. Military service is another issue where law and conscience have been in tension. The Church has supported conscience in such matters (Discipline 410:3).

These are not ordinary times and easy answers do not always exist when facing the issues we confront today. Accordingly, the time has come for The Wesleyan Church to speak to the matter of civil disobedience in such cases as the anti-abortion battle.

The following are the convictions of the Board of General Superintendents and the Task Force on Public Morals and Social Concerns:

1. Only non-violent responses to abortion may be commended.

2. Acceptable non-violent responses may be seeking legislative change, peaceful picketing or even "sit-ins" at abortion clinics.

3. We believe these responses to be legitimate for Christians, in general, and Wesleyans, in particular, in the effort to defeat legalized abortion-on-demand.

4. Wesleyans should be prepared for the consequences which follow these responses in a morally insensitive world.

5. The Wesleyan Church pledges to be equally supportive to those who give an active but non-violent response and to those who by conscience feel restricted to legislative remedies.

6. All Wesleyans raise the prayer to God that He will restore to us in this generation a social righteousness which commends His blessings upon our nations and our posterity.

(Board of General Superintendents and Public Morals and Social Concerns)

Infanticide, Euthanasia, and Removal of Life-Support Systems

The Wesleyan Church believes "In principle . . . infanticide and euthanasia are wrong." There are no justifiable grounds to deliberately end the life of an individual through medical or any other means. However, removal of life-support systems is not to be confused with or considered a part of infanticide or euthanasia. Life-support systems sustain physical life after the natural functions of the body are destroyed or greatly impaired by disease or injury. Their removal is not taking life but rather leaving the natural process of disease or injury to take its course. The Wesleyan Church believes that removing support systems that only prolong physical life-signs, without reasonable medical hope of regaining consciousness, is a matter of conscience for the persons concerned. We urge that families pray and think through on the choice they desire to make before being confronted with the actual experience of such a decision. Have a clear understanding with the family and have it in writing. (Public Morals and Social Concerns)

Suicide

Suicide is wrong. It is the taking of a life for whatever reason. To take one's life while fully rational is presumption on the atonement of Christ. We must leave the fate of such in the hands of a merciful God. The Wesleyan Church believes the atonement "is unconditionally effective in the salvation of those mentally incompetent from birth, of those converted persons who have become mentally incompetent, and of children under the age of accountability. But it is effective for the salvation of those who reach accountability only when they repent and exercise faith in Christ" (Discipline 226). The unconditional provision of the atonement covers the act of suicide of Christians who are irrational at the time the act occurs. (Public Morals and Social Concerns)

Capital Punishment

The Wesleyan Church believes that capital punishment should be reserved for those crimes committed in serious circumstances which are clearly defined by law and administered by justice. (Public Morals and Social Concerns)

Extraordinary Pain-Killing Treatment

We do not oppose giving extraordinary pain-killing treatment to those who are in severe pain, and who, barring a miracle, are not going to recover. Such treatment may be hazardous, but we do not oppose administration, as long as the purpose in giving it is to relieve pain, rather than to attempt to kill, or to release a hospital bed. Extraordinary pain-killing treatment of a terminal patient may be habit-forming, but, unless the patient refuses it, there seems no reason not to administer such treatment, if the patient is going to die shortly, anyway. (Public Morals and Social Concerns)

Donation of Body Parts

There seems to be no scriptural reason not to make body parts available for helping others. As Discipline 246 states, the raised body will be a spiritual body. Our resurrection is in the hands of the Omnipotent, and His ability to resurrect us is not dependent on whether or not all our body parts were connected at death. Although Discipline 265:5, 16 was not written explicitly to cover body parts to others, the scriptural principles behind these paragraphs apply to donation of body parts. What is said about body parts also applies to the total dead body. One of the ways that Christians can do good is to request that their bodies be donated to a medical school for use in teaching. (Public Morals and Social Concerns)

Summary

Life is a gift of God. It is sacred. Christians are compared to light and as such are expected to have a pervading influence for good in society. Also, Christians are to exert a salting impact on our world. By word of mouth and by godly living, Christians should strongly influence sanctity-of-life issues.

Whatever anyone says or writes about reincarnation or pleasurable "out-of-body" experiences, we believe that the Bible teaches that there is a final end to the natural physical life of every person, that each person will be judged, and that the only way to a pleasurable experience after death is through Christ's atonement. ( cf. Discipline 248, 250)

(Public Morals and Social Concerns)

SUBSTANCE ABUSE

We believe that the body is the temple (dwelling place) of the Holy Spirit.

Wesleyans have traditionally stood against all substance abuse such as the use of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs. While we understand the biological and psychological nature of addictions, we affirm that God’s grace is powerful enough to deliver any seeking believer from slavery to any of these substances. Furthermore, we believe that the sale and trafficking of tobacco, alcohol and other non-medicinal drugs is a social evil which is draining and corrupting to society, and thus we believe that the best position is to practice total abstinence, protesting both the legal and illegal trade of such substances. (1996 General Conference)

Why? Notice the three, one at a time.

Alcoholic Beverages

Alcoholism has become the fourth major health problem in North American . . . and much of the world, exceeded only by mental illness, heart disease and cancer. Jon Zonderman in The Encyclopedia of Psychoactive Drugs declares, Alcohol is a poison that causes impairment in reflexes, judgment of distance and speed and problems in mental concentration. A single small dose of alcohol produces small ulcerative lesions in the duodenum. The Wesleyan Church maintains its historic stand of total abstinence.

Tobacco

Tobacco smoking has been said to be the most widespread example of drug dependence in our country. It reduces life expectancy, causes miscarriages or premature births, and is addictive. Nicotine causes the heart to beat faster, the blood vessels to constrict, and the blood pressure to rise. Though doctors are not able to trace a specific puff of smoke to a particular cancerous cell, they have been able to show a definite link between smoking and the grave. Recent research delivers impressive evidence that thousands of non-smokers die annually in North America alone, as a result of disease caused by passively inhaling tobacco smoke. Is it because of the overwhelming popularity of the habit that so many churches have muted their discussion of the evils of tobacco? Silent churches now hear government agencies declaring the alarming facts. One-and-one-half-million smokers are 17 or younger. The United States surgeon general said, "Cigarette smoking is the chief, single, avoidable cause of death in our society and the most important public health issue of our time."

Drug Abuse

The unprescribed use of hallucinogens, stimulants, and depressants, and the misuse and abuse of regularly prescribed medicines should be prohibited; only on competent medical advice and under medical supervision should such drugs be used.

A creditable magazine noted that drugs once limited to the shadows of the ghettos, border towns, and port cities have now advanced to the respected boulevards of North American towns and cities. They are available in parks and playgrounds almost as readily as though they were dispensed by vending machines. People at every level of society are involved in the drug epidemic which entails violent crimes, gangland executions, and misery of both mind and body.

Summary

The troublesome triad of alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and drug abuse present a major and growing problem to which we must be alert and against which we must firmly stand.

(Public Morals and Social Concerns and Shepherd After My Own Heart)

PORNOGRAPHY AND OBSCENITY

We believe that pornography and obscenity are repugnant to the Christian mind and a destructive force in civilized society.

The Wesleyan Church deplores the tragic impact of the multi-billion-dollar pornographic industry in America. The Church is committed to pray fervently for those bond-slaves of Satan who are intent upon trafficking in pornography and obscenity. Wesleyans are committed to compassionately minister to those victims of this immoral epidemic who are trapped in unmarried pregnancies, child prostitution, destroyed marriages, rape induced trauma, AIDS, or other life-threatening tragedies brought on by this plague.

In every legitimate manner possible, Wesleyans are committed:

* to influence the media to cease exploiting and being exploited by the porno industry;

* to influence law enforcement agencies to fairly but firmly enforce those laws designed to protect family, church and community values;

* to influence and motivate citizens to join in formulating and taking specific actions to reduce this blight locally and nationally;

* to influence local, state, provincial and national legislators and administrators to call for enforcement of existing obscenity laws, pledging support and prayers as they exercise increased vigilance to curb the scourge of pornography and obscenity.

THE HOMOSEXUAL

We believe that homosexuality is immoral and sinful but that the grace of God is sufficient to redeem and restore the homosexual.

To understand this complex issue we must consider human sexuality in the full biblical context.

Human Sexuality

The Wesleyan Church abhors the trend to ignore God's laws of chastity and purity, and vigorously opposes public acceptance of sexual promiscuity and all factors and practices which promote it. The Wesleyan Church maintains a biblical view of human sexuality which makes the sexual experience, within the framework of marriage, a gift of God to be enjoyed as communion of a man and woman, as well as for the purpose of procreation.

Homosexuality

While we believe God loves — and we should also love — all sinners, including adulterers, fornicators, as well as those who practice homosexuality — we specifically reaffirm our strong position that the practice of homosexuality is a sin, and that even the propensity toward homosexuality is out of step with both the order of creation and the will of God. On this matter we cannot and will not compromise — the only marriage blessed by God is a lifelong commitment between one man and one woman. Those practicing homosexuality should be treated like any other sinner — with love and concern, yet with a call to repentance and conversion through God’s grace which results in the cessation of sinful behavior. (1996 General Conference)

Ministering to Homosexuals

From a biblical background, we seek to minister to the homosexual as we should to any person who violates God's laws of chastity and purity.

1. How should we apply the gospel of Jesus Christ to homosexuality?

We should clearly proclaim that God created Adam and Eve heterosexual. We must declare homosexuality to be a perversion; that it is not an acceptable lifestyle; and at the same time offer hope of deliverance through the redeeming grace of God. In performing marriages, Wesleyan ministers shall not unite in marriage persons of the same sex. (Discipline 3112)

2. What should a minister do when a homosexual person comes to him for help?

Show compassion and be a good listener. Give guidance for seeking deliverance. Lead him to recognize the nature and cause for his condition. Assist him to accept his own responsibility to refrain from its sinful practice. Urge confession, and wherein proper, restitution for his wrong practices. Suggest memorization of scriptures which offer help in overcoming temptations and wrong practices. Conduct a thorough Bible study with him in which the following scriptures are considered: Genesis 1 and 2; Genesis 19:1-26; Leviticus 18:22; 20:13; Romans 1:18-32; 1 Corinthians 6:9; 1 Timothy 1:10; Galatians 5:16.

3. How may the Church most effectively minister to homosexuals?

The Church must overcome the feeling that such individuals are undesirable people to be present in our services. Attempting to minister to their needs is not approval of their lifestyles. Parents should thoroughly instruct their children concerning the true sexuality of their bodies and carefully warn them that homosexuals may attempt to take advantage of them. Teach the children not to allow others undue familiarity with their bodies.

Conclusion

We can stand firmly with the Scriptures on the evils of the sinful practice of homosexuality and with the Scriptures which offer forgiveness, deliverance, and healing for any and all sins of the flesh.

(Shepherds After My Own Heart)

AIDS

We believe that no person diagnosed as HIV positive or as having full-blown AIDS should be excluded from attending any Wesleyan Church.

The church, as the universal Body of Christ, has historically accepted into its ranks those who profess or desire a life-altering faith in Christ. The Wesleyan Church is no exception to this scriptural principle. It is always our hope that persons of all backgrounds may find hope, help, and acceptance within our local congregations.

The Wesleyan Church has historically been active on issues of major social concern. The AIDS issue can be no exception. As we have opportunity we must oppose the growing climate that seeks to legitimize deviate sexual practices known to fuel the AIDS epidemic. For both biblical and health reasons we stand for chastity before marriage and fidelity in marriage.

AIDS is first and foremost a public health concern, not a civil rights issue. Hence, any legislation that would confer special "civil rights" on persons afflicted with AIDS, but threaten the health of others, is totally unacceptable. We believe appropriate legislation would incorporate testing of high risk groups, reporting of those with the disease to public health officials on the same basis as other sexually transmitted diseases, and closing of bathhouses and other facilities that permit promiscuous sexual activity.

AIDS is an emotional issue of enormous proportions . . . a social issue of sweeping consequence . . . a medical issue of staggering ramification . . . and at its foundation, a spiritual issue providing yet another convincing proof that the human heart is, indeed, deceitful above all things and desperately wicked. It is incumbent upon us to face this grim issue of the fading 20th century with educated minds and compassionate hearts that reflect the manner of the Master who said, To the extent that you did it . . . even to the least of them, you did it to Me.

(Public Morals and Social Concerns)

LODGES/SECRET SOCIETIES

The Wesleyan Church has always rejected lodge or secret society involvement for its members. The General Conference of 1844 said: We will on no account tolerate our ministers and members in joining secret oath-bound societies . . . Membership in lodges and secret societies will terminate a person's membership in the Church (Discipline 585, 595).

Three reasons for The Wesleyan Church's objection to lodges are:

Their secret operation
Their repugnant oaths
Their quasi-religious nature

Their Secret Operation

It has been stated, "What is secret is sinister." That has been the historic view of The Wesleyan Church regarding these organizations. The lodge password, handshake, oaths, and rituals are secret. This secrecy is protected under threat of dire penalties if a member reveals them.

Albert G. Mackey, author and one of Masonry's most learned and famous men, in his Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, page 522, responds to five charges brought against the Masonic obligation of secrecy.

It is an oath.
It is administered before the secrets are communicated.
It is accompanied by certain superstitious ceremonies.
It is attended by a penalty.
It is considered by Masons as paramount to the obligations of the law of the land.
He then continues by stating, it may be granted, for the sake of argument, that every one of the first four charges is true. The last charge he denied. However, on page 525 he states, The first duty of every Mason is to obey the mandate of the Master (not Christ--the Master of the Lodge). This spirit of instant obedience and submission to authority constitutes the great safeguard of the institution-the order must be obeyed at once. Its character and its consequence may be matters of subsequent inquiry. The Masonic rule of obedience is like the nautical imperative, "Obey orders, even if you break owners!"

In contrast, openness and transparency are hallmarks of a vital Christian faith and are commended to us by the example of Jesus. He said, I spake openly to the world . . . and in secret have I said nothing (John 18:20).

We believe binding oneself to secret rituals and signs is incongruent with Christianity.

Their Repugnant Oaths

Membership and advancement in lodges involves oaths which are repugnant for a Christian. The Scriptures instruct us, "Swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath . . ." (James 5:12).

We believe lodge vows are inconsistent with Christianity.

Their Quasi-Religious Nature

Are lodges merely social organizations or a system of man-made religion? References may be made to Freemasonry as representing such organizations.

The Masonic Ritualist states: "Masonry is a religious institution. Masonry without religion is like a branch severed from the vine." Again, referring to the degree work: "Here he must enter upon those glorious though difficult researches, the end of which is to be the possession of divine truth." This clearly indicates that this lodge is quasi-religious.

Is the Masonic lodge Christian in nature? Most lodges regard all religions to be equal. Masonry states: "If Masonry were simply a Christian institution, the Jew, the Moslem, and the Buddhist could not conscientiously partake of its illumination . . . at its altars men of all religions may kneel."

Masonic books indicate that a Mason may go to the Great Lodge in the Sky by keeping the rules--salvation by works, not grace. We believe lodges to be quasi-religious and plainly not Christian.

Conclusion

The Wesleyan Church urges total separation from such organizations. It is recognized that some persons have insurance and other involvements which make severance from lodge membership difficult.

The question arises, Can anything be done to bring such persons into membership in The Wesleyan Church? The answer must be that lodge membership be discontinued. Another question arises, Should the Church withhold membership from such persons? The answer is that person is choosing lodge membership instead of church membership.

The preference is to have persons sever lodge membership so that they may be received into church membership. If this condition is not met, the only alternative is to minister through the fellowship of the congregation until they choose membership in the church rather than the lodge.

(Shepherds After My Own Heart)

RELIGIOUS CULTS

We believe that Jesus Christ is the only mediator between sinful man and a righteous God; faith in Him and His death upon the cross for our sins secures redemption.

Against the background of the simple but profound truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ, there are many cults and false religions battling for the minds and souls of men. Cults are to be avoided because:

They replace the lordship of Christ with human "heroes,"

They undermine the moral standards based on biblical principles,

They prey on those who lack clear understanding of Christian teaching,

They question the Deity of Christ,

They undermine the authority of the Word of God,

They offer salvation by works.

Protection from the cults and false religions is afforded by adequate information about the cults and knowledge of biblical truth. Deliverance from the cults comes through faith in the redeeming work of Jesus Christ and His present victory over Satan.

(Public Morals and Social Concerns)

THE ENVIRONMENT

We believe that even as God's care extends beyond humans to include other objects of His creation, the Christian's fulfillment of the "take dominion" charge includes active concern for protection of the environment.

We believe that we do have responsibilities to the non-human organisms that share God's earth with us. We also believe that we have responsibilities to humans of future generations, should there be such. We recognize that some environmental problems are difficult, perhaps even impossible to solve, but note that sin, in general, has no human solution, either, but that does not excuse us from trying to fight it in various ways. There are examples of environmental awareness having had positive results.

There should be more positive results. We believe that bringing them about is part of our mission. We call on Wesleyans, and others who will listen, to do the following:

Realize that the earth, as God created it, was good, but that it is less good as a result of human activity.

Accept our responsibility, individually and collectively, as stewards of the environment.

Seek information on environmental issues.

Avoid polluting as much as possible.

Participate in recycling efforts, and support political efforts to make recycling available where it is not.

Avoid actions that might endanger the existence of species of organisms, or wantonly destroy individual ones.

Examine the pattern of our consumption, and avoid unnecessary expense.

(Public Morals and Social Concerns)