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Petition to the General Conference, 2004, In accordance with the instructions for preparation of petitions, PAGE NUMBER: Page 1 of 2 SUGGESTED TITLE/SUBJECT MATTER: Church and State Relations PETITION CONCERNS: Discipline Paragraph 164 FINANACIAL IMPLICATIONS: None PETITION TEXT: Add new section after B). The United Methodist Church has for many years supported the separation of the Church and State. In some parts of the world this separation has guaranteed the diversity of religious expressions and the freedom to worship God according to each person’s conscience. Separation of church and state means no organic union of the two, but it does permit interaction. The state should not use its authority to promote particular religious beliefs (including atheism), nor should it require prayer or worship in public schools, but it should leave students free to practice their own religious convictions. We believe that the state should not attempt to control the church, nor the church seek to dominate the state. The rightful and vital separation of church and state, which has served the cause of religious liberty, should not be misconstrued as the abolition of all religious expression from the public life. DATE: November 24, 2003 SUBMITTED BY: Kathryn J. Johnson, on behalf of PETITIONER IDENTIFICATION: Methodist Federation for Social Action TELEPHONE: 202-546-8806 |
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