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: Native American Representation in The United Methodist Church

PETITION CONCERNS: Resolution #132

FINANACIAL IMPLICATIONS: None

---

PETITION TEXT:

Whereas, the population of Native Americans has grown dramatically during the past two decades; and

Whereas, this trend of population growth is accompanied by a substantial positive interest in Native American culture and history in regard to The United Methodist Church participation among traditionally noninterested individuals; and

Whereas, leadership of The United Methodist Church has recently demonstrated a sincere desire to “include” Native Americans in the decision-making activity of the Church; and

Whereas, there is a significant need to recruit Native Americans into “role Model” positions within the Church as a means to enhance church membership, ministry numbers, and an overall understanding of contemporary Native American life as related to racial communication; and

Whereas, current attitudes among Native Americans reflect a critical desire to present and communicate accurate Native American perspectives to, and for, decision-making bodies of The United Methodist Church; and

Whereas, there is currently a minute number of Native Americans serving on the national United Methodist Church policy-making boards, management committees, education boards, fianance committees, information areas, and such; and

Whereas, current trends suggest a decrease in church membership and attendance among Native American citizenry;

Therefore, be it resolved, that General Conference strongly support the following tasks as related to accurate Native American representation and participation on local, regional, and national policy-making, managerial, and implementation/evaluation boards/committees of the United Methodist Church:

1. Establish a policy of defining Native American identity as “any individual who can provide verification of membership in a tribe of the United States”;
   
   
2. Develop a policy that will ensure that Native Americans will be identified, selected, and placed on pertinent boards and/or committees as previously stated; and
   
   
3. Urge national, regional, and annual conference activities to select Native American representation from Native American individuals who have a background of relevant Native American history, cultural sensitivity, and contemporary affairs.

Be it further resolved, that The United Methodist Church supports the integration of a policy on Native American definition within the Book of Discipline, specific to the current and future regard of Native American representation on such national, regional, and local efforts.

ADOPTED 1992

---

DATE: November 24, 2003

SUBMITTED BY: Kathryn J. Johnson, on behalf of

PETITIONER IDENTIFICATION: Methodist Federation for Social Action
(endorsing petition as authored by GBGM)

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

Download PDF of above Petition