As a major denomination where does the General Church stand in regards to social issues. There is no offical document which would allow those outside of the church to understand, or for that matter know where we stand on various social issues. It strikes me as odd, how a church which was built on a social movement does not have a social statement. Are we the "church" lacking in this area. And if we are, how do we correct that which is wrong?

-- Anonymous, February 19, 2002

Answers

My church puts out "position papers". These come in pamphlet form, and I think can also be found on our website. They involve issues such as abortion. Scriptural references are provided where needed. They don't hold the authority of our Statement of Fundamental Truths, but they are considered the official position of the denomination on these issues.

They're available upon request, but most churches don't have them on hand. My guess is this is because taking positions on social issues is not focused on as closely as the root cause of problems - sin and mankind's lost condition.

-- Anonymous, February 19, 2002

I believe that answer to your question my be found within the Episcopal address (papers) which are given during the opening of the General Conference. It is during this moment that the Bishops of the Church set the pace and address the concerns (both spiritual and social)facing the church. Many delegates keep their copies and share with others upon returning home after the close of the General Conference. Additionally, it is helpful to attend the General Board when it convenes to hear the various reports from the different commissions. There is a commission upon social action within our denomination. At one time Rev. John Q. Owens was the chair.

-- Anonymous, February 19, 2002

I can only say that in my district (within the conference) there is a social-action committee (it functions about a minute before it makes it's report, which is usually verbal). I've yet heard mentioned any social issue that affects our people. Issues such as prescription drugs for the elderly, public transportation, HMO's, child care, education, drugs, prisons, etc. Please somebody tell me what does the church have to say on these subjects. Is there a position paper on such issues?

Is our church an advocate for it's people?

-- Anonymous, February 20, 2002

Our church is and advocate for our people. But it is not in what is said at the general conference or the annual conference. It is in what each of us does at his/her local church.

Blessings

pastor paris

-- Anonymous, February 20, 2002

That's an interesting list Sister Wiggs. I'd have never thought a church would want to take an official position on things like that. My denomination has a long list of position papers - longer than I'd realized until I checked yesterday, but they don't include subjects like that. They deal with such things as abortion, the work ethic, divorce and remarriage, and responses to various movements in the Body of Christ.

Dear readers, out of all the world's issues, which ones rate a denominational statement? What are some good criteria? How authoritative should the statement be? Should concurrence be a prerequisite for good standing in a church? Membership? A leadership position?

-- Anonymous, February 21, 2002