Thomas Kemper, General Secretary, General Board of Global Ministries. Photo: Paul Jeffrey/UMNS
United Methodists are increasingly aware of the violation of human rights through the criminalization of homosexuality in countries such as Uganda, Nigeria, Russia, and India. These unjust measures reflect a concerning trend as reports indicate that five countries make homosexuality a capital offense, and imprisonment is possible in 66 countries.
This kind of legislation predictably is leading to increased marginalization, harassment, and exploitation in our global civil society. Whatever our understanding of sexual orientation, the criminalization of homosexuality is not compatible with the United Methodist Social Principles including the one that states that basic rights and civil liberties are “due all persons…regardless of sexual orientation” (BOD par. 162J).
As part of a church with a strong commitment to the full human rights of all people in all societies and under all forms of government (BOD, par. 164A), the General Board of Global Ministries supports the human rights of those being oppressed and threatened on the basis of their sexual orientation. Two of Global Ministries’ goals are to alleviate human suffering and to seek justice, freedom, and peace. Recognizing our role as a global mission organization that has a history of speaking up and condemning persecution, the General Board of Global Ministries:
- Reminds all United Methodists of our church’s strong insistence on the fundamental rights and sacred worth (BOD, par. 161F) of all persons in all places;
- Urges all United Methodists to advocate for full human and civil rights in their respective countries and on the international level; asking ourselves how we can best protect our family members and neighbors from unjust treatment;
- Requests all United Methodists to pray for the victims of repression and deprivation; to pray that all political and economic systems will respect and advocate human rights for all, and to pray for civil discourse on ways to achieve peaceful reconciliation when ethical concepts are in disagreement.
Respect for human rights enhances and extends our Christian opportunities to share the love of God through mission and ministry.
Bishop Hope Morgan Ward, President
Thomas G. Kemper, General Secretary
