Petition to the General Conference, 2004,
The United Methodist Church

In accordance with the instructions for preparation of petitions,
the following is submitted for action by the General Conference, 2004.

PAGE NUMBER: Page 1 of 2

SUGGESTED TITLE/SUBJECT MATTER: Increasing Rate of Teen Suicide

PETITION CONCERNS: Discipline Change Paragraph 806.9

FINANACIAL IMPLICATIONS: None

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PETITION TEXT:

Whereas this year, in the year 2003 at least 700,000 high school students will attempt suicide -- one in every 13 high school students in the United States;

Whereas, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide rates among adults have steadied or even declined over the past few decades but teenage suicide rates have tripled;

Whereas, according to a 1989 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services study, teens dealing with issues of sexual identity are two to three times more likely to attempt suicide than are other youth;

Whereas the United Methodist Church is in support of civil rights for homosexuals; (Discipline Paragraph 162.H)

Amend Paragraph 806.9 to add "and the increasing rate of teen suicide." Aor the epidemic of teen suicide@ after HIV epidemic.

To read:

It shall be responsible for ensuring that no board, 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. The council shall have the right to stop such expenditures. This restriction shall not limit the Church's ministry in response to the HIV epidemic and the increasing rate of teen suicide.

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DATE: November 24, 2003

SUBMITTED BY: Kathryn J. Johnson, on behalf of

PETITIONER IDENTIFICATION: Methodist Federation for Social Action
(endorsing petition as authored by the Women's Division)

TELEPHONE: 202-546-8806
FAX: 202-546-6811
E-MAIL: kj@mfsaweb.org

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