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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: Membership of Gideons International PETITION CONCERNS: Resolution #326 FINANACIAL IMPLICATIONS: None Petition Text: Replace existing text of #326 with the following: WHEREAS, Gideons International provides an important ministry in the distribution of Scripture; and WHEREAS, many United Methodist congregations and individuals support Gideons International through memberships and financial donations; and WHEREAS, the membership of Gideons International is limited to Protestant business and professional men; and WHEREAS, their membership criteria stand in opposition to the Discipline of The United Methodist Church (see Social Principles); and WHEREAS, the membership criteria of Gidoens International detract from the strength of their ministry; Therefore, be it resolved, that the General Conference of The United Methodist Church and its member congregations strongly encourage Gideons International to open their membership to all Christians, regardless of gender, socioeconomic class, or denominational background. 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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