E.1 Community relations
and conflict in Northern Ireland
For many years, officers and members of the Council have been involved in
an inclusive process of dialogue with political parties and other groups,
north and south. The Council has issued many statements throughout the period
of conflict and the development of the peace process.
The following are some of the basic principles contained within such statements
and reports of the Council.
- We affirm the right of individuals and groups to hold their distinctive
beliefs, values and perspectives.
- We seek to work for understanding and mutual respect amongst those of
differing traditions.
- We encourage all ministers and congregations to be involved in the work
of reconciliation and the development of genuine inter-community relations.
- We advocate a system of government within Northern Ireland in which both
main traditions are involved and with which they can identify.
- We believe that all parties must renounce violence as a means towards
political ends.
- We believe that those who constitute the majority in any community have
the responsibility of ensuring that the rights of minorities are respected.
- We call for the church to exercise a sensitive and sensitising ministry
in relation to victims of violence; acting pastorally in support of victims
and speaking prophetically on behalf of victims.
- We look forward to, and seek to build, a society which is open, inclusive,
tolerant and at peace with itself and its neighbours.
E.2 Asylum seekers and refugees
We urge all Methodist people to be open to the diversity and enrichment
that can come from people of different cultures, including those who have
come to this island as refugees and asylum seekers. We deplore all forms
of racism and seek to promote understanding and inclusion within church
life and society in general.
We encourage governments to show humanity, understanding, generosity and
openness in their dealings with asylum seekers and refugees.
We encourage local communities to welcome strangers to share in the life
of this island.
E.3 Social action programmes
Through “city mission” churches in Belfast, Londonderry and
Dublin, Methodism has long been engaged in social outreach work. Examples
of current projects include provision of housing with care for older people
and those with Alzheimer’s Syndrome, residential social work with
adolescents, provision of hostel accommodation for homeless men and cross-community
reconciliation work.
Furthermore, local congregations throughout Ireland are encouraged to develop
programmes of social action that are relevant to the needs of their communities.
Where possible, this should be done in partnership with other churches,
statutory and voluntary agencies.
E.4 Marriage, sexual relationships and sexuality
We recognise the family as the primary unit in society and all possible
encouragement is given to ministers and congregations to support and strengthen
family life. Marriage is a relationship, intended as permanent, between
one man and one woman within which sexual intercourse establishes a unique
intimacy. A loving marriage relationship is seen as the only appropriate
relationship within which sexual intercourse may take place. The church
advocates responsible family planning, with the use of contraception.
Modern scientific knowledge has no uniform view about the factors involved
in sexuality in general and homosexuality in particular. What is recognised
is their complexity. In keeping with New Testament teaching, we are opposed
to all debased forms of sexuality and sexual practice, whether heterosexual
or homosexual. However, we plead for understanding and tolerance for those
whose sexual orientation is towards those of their own gender. We encourage
the Church to give a greater lead in the education of society, including
Christians, regarding this issue, so that ignorance, prejudice and fear
may disappear.
E.5 Divorce
Whilst the church upholds the Christian ideal of lifelong marriage, it is
recognised that this situation is not always achieved. The resulting circumstances
should be handled pragmatically and sensitively. Where a marriage has broken
down irretrievably, and, despite attempts at reconciliation, has demonstrably
ceased to exist, divorce should be available.
The re-marriage of divorced persons in Methodist churches is permitted,
upon due consideration of the circumstances and with appropriate pastoral
care. Methodist ministers are not required to officiate at such a marriage
if they have a conscientious objection.
E.6 Abortion
We believe that abortion on demand is wrong. However, we believe that termination
of pregnancy is a permissible, though by no means easy or certain, choice
in very specific circumstances, i.e. where the mother’s life is at
risk; where there is risk of grave injury to the physical or mental health
of the mother; when the pregnancy is a result of rape or incest; when there
is gross abnormality of the foetus.
We believe that complex social issues such as this should be dealt with
through carefully drafted, sensitive, but restrictive legislation rather
than through Constitutional clauses.
E.7 Euthanasia
Christian principles insist that we must preserve meaningful life as far
as is practicable. However, where a person is clearly terminally ill but
conscious, the emphasis must be on maximising the quality of life for that
person rather than artificially prolonging it. Where a person is irreversibly
comatose there is no moral obligation to prolong medical intervention. We
believe that active euthanasia, i.e. assisting a patient in terminating
their life, is contrary to Christian teaching. However, we recognise that
this a complex matter and we would encourage further calm, reasoned debate
on the issues.
E.8 Suicide
We recognise that suicide is a complex issue, which presents many challenges
in developing appropriate responses. We believe that the church’s
role is to show, in speech and action, the compassion of God for those who
are suffering. We seek to promote deeper understanding of the many causal
factors that lead to suicide. We work for the development of sensitive pastoral
responses for all affected by suicide.
E.9 Abuse and misuse of substances
Whilst recognising the rights of individual conscience, we commend total
abstinence from alcohol to Church members, as an act of self-discipline
and witness. We urge Methodists to seek to understand the social and economic
causes of alcohol dependence and to give support, wherever possible, to
those who suffer directly and indirectly from alcohol abuse.
We advocate education programmes aimed at preventing misuse of drugs and
encourage churches to participate in such programmes on a partnership basis
with other agencies.
We support the continued development and provision of a range of treatment
and rehabilitation responses for those suffering from addiction.
In accordance with church legislation, the sale, consumption or supply of
alcohol is not permitted on premises occupied and used by the Methodist
Church.
E.10 Gambling
We regard gambling as an expression of the love of money, which the Bible
defines as the “root of all evil”. We regard betting, lotteries,
raffles, sweepstakes, football pools and all forms of gambling as morally
wrong and economically unsound. Accordingly, these activities are not permitted
in Methodist church buildings.
We recognise the responsibility of society, including the church, to provide
counselling and support to those with gambling addictions.
E.11 World development
Through its World Development and Relief Committee, the Methodist Church
is involved in education, campaigning and practical action to address poverty
and promote sustainable development worldwide. As a sign of commitment to
such action, members of the Methodist church are encouraged to donate at
least 1% of their income to the work of world development. In keeping with
this principle, 1% of all church income is directed to world development
funds.
E.12 Pacifism and military action
We believe that the principles of pacifism are clearly in keeping with the
message of Jesus. We believe that both the creation and the use of weapons
of mass destruction are immoral, as are weapons such as land mines, which
are targeted primarily at civilians. However, we recognise that in practice,
there may be circumstances in which limited military action is a necessary
evil in order to reduce or remove an even greater evil.
E.13 Other issues
As indicated in the introduction to this section, the paragraphs above should
not be taken as an exhaustive summary of the Methodist Church’s work
and thinking on Christian citizenship issues. The agenda of the Council
on Social Responsibility seeks to address a wide range of other issues also,
ranging from matters such as human fertilisation and embryology to global
economics and world trade. Furthermore, as a matter of principle, and in
keeping with the practice of John Wesley, all Methodists are urged to relate
their faith to their responsibilities as citizens. Through personal study
and the worship and learning life of the local church, they are encouraged
to reflect biblically and prayerfully on all areas of life, not least on
matters of social concern.
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