Social Principles Bulletin Inserts Available
Twelve Social Principles under the Social Community are in the first release of inserts. The inserts highlight positions approved by the denomination’s highest policy-making body, the General Conference, on issues such as immigrants, health care, religious minorities, racism and children’s rights.
In future releases, inserts will be added to the Web site from the other five Social Principles areas: Natural World, Nurturing Community, Economic Community, Political Community and World Community.
The bulletin inserts are designed in two colors that reproduce excellently in black and white. They are 11 by 8.5 inches.
Most inserts are two-sided, offering a Social Principle from the United Methodist Book of Discipline (¶¶160-166) and some background information such as scripture or other resources that influence how United Methodists think about a particular topic. The Social Principle itself is on the front side.
“Prayers and suggestions for how to live out the principle are also included,” said Julie Wilson, who developed the inserts. “Furthermore, for those who choose the two-sided option, each insert gives examples of how individuals, churches, or general boards and agencies are using that particular principle to guide their work.”
“Many United Methodists are unfamiliar with the Social Principles,”
This is unfortunate, according to
Wilson, who undertook a study of the Social Principles to prepare for the project, pointed out that each principle is grounded in scripture, tradition, experience and reason. “The Social Principles guide the work at the General Board of Church & Society each day,” she said, “and they should guide the lives of other United Methodists as well.”
The first release of Social Principle bulletin inserts comprises the following:
· Rights of Persons with Disabilities
· Persons Living with HIV & AIDS
· Rights of Racial & Ethnic Persons
· Rights of Religious Minorities
If you need an insert on a particular subject that has not been prepared yet, one will be prepared at your request and added to the Web site. Directions on how to do this are under Social Principles Bulletin Inserts. The bulletin inserts are under Social Principles Resources in the Leadership Development section of GBCS’s Web site.
For more information about this new resource or Social Principles training opportunities, contact the Rev. Neil Christie, assistant general secretary, Education & Leadership Formation, at (202) 488-5611.
The General Board of Church & Society is one of four international general program boards of The United Methodist Church. The board’s primary areas of ministry are Advocacy, Education & Leadership Formation, United Nations & International Affairs, and resourcing these areas for the denomination. It has offices on Capitol Hill in