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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: Academic Freedom PETITION CONCERNS: Discipline Para. # 1416.4 FINANACIAL IMPLICATIONS: None PETITION TEXT: AMEND para.1416.4 by adding the sentence, “In addition, such institutions shall demonstrate a high degree of commitment to academic freedom, observe equal opportunity hiring practices, and seek to create broadly diverse student bodies.” So that the paragraph in question would read as follows: Para. 1416.4 To qualify for affiliation with The United Methodist Church, institutions must maintain appropriate academic accreditation. In addition, such institutions shall demonstrate a high degree of commitment to academic freedom, observe equal opportunity hiring practices, and seek to create broadly diverse student bodies. RATIONALE: At a time when some within the church are calling for the University Senate to pressure schools, colleges, universities and seminaries to hire only those persons who affirm particular creedal expressions of Christianity, it is essential that the Discipline give clear guidance to the Senate. It is not appropriate for the church to prescribe narrow litmus tests for affiliated institutions to apply in carrying out their mission, but, rather, the church should be lifting up broad principles consistent with United Methodism’s historic commitment to inclusiveness, open-mindedness, and diversity. We particularly believe it is vital in training future clergy that they be exposed to the lives and faithful witness of faculty who are at the margins of the tradition as well as the center, teaching an expansive, multi-cultural understanding of Christian witness rather than an exclusive and excluding one. 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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