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Our Mission & Vision
MISSION STATEMENT
To exalt Jesus Christ by
• Evangelizing the lost
• Discipling the believers
• Equipping the Church
• Ministering to society
VISION STATEMENT
Equipping and empowering churches for Great Commission ministries in the
spirit of the Great Commandment.
Core Values
The following are terms descriptive of who Wesleyans are and why they do what they do. They describe the "soul" of the Church. They
are the core values, because they are at the center, as primary motivations for all Wesleyans do.
BIBLICAL AUTHORITY: The Bible is the highest source of written authority for God’s plan for His people; it reveals how to live out that
plan, individually and corporately. Beliefs, practices and priorities are to be anchored in clear biblical teachings.
CHRISTLIKENESS: Jesus Christ is the defining feature of God’s will for all humankind. In Christ is found the highest and most practical
meaning and clearest example for holy living or godliness. Christ is both example and strength as Wesleyans pursue integrity,
excellence, faith, hope and love.
DISCIPLE-MAKING: Making disciples is a clear mandate from Christ. This requires a strong focus on evangelism and training in
spiritual growth and holy living. Done effectively, this will produce and promote growth and health in and among the churches.
LOCAL CHURCH CENTERED: The denomination exists to serve local congregations. Local churches are the most fundamental and
strategic points of evangelism and discipleship. The challenge of the denomination is to keep finding the best ways to serve and
strengthen congregations.
SERVANT LEADERSHIP: Wesleyans respect leadership that is placed over them, while realizing that the authority and effectiveness of
spiritual leadership is not primarily bestowed, but earned and manifested by a loving and willing heart of obedience that serves God
and mankind gladly. Wesleyans desire to be leaders in serving.
UNITY IN DIVERSITY: There is intrinsic value in every person. Unity becomes all the more important and beautiful in light of the wide
ranges of difference in personality, culture, race, talents, and perspectives. Loving each other eliminates devaluation and deprivation of
life to one another.
CULTURAL RELEVANCE: Wesleyans are called to keep serving the present age. The Church respects and builds on its past without
becoming its slave. Wesleyans are "culture informed" for the sake of reaching people for Christ, but not "culture captives," in the sense
of surrendering core values, beliefs and behaviors.
STANDING FIRM
The Wesleyan Church Speaks On Contemporary Issues
Foreword
The pamphlet entitled "Public Morals and Social Concerns" and the book, Shepherds After My Own Heart were approved by the 1984
General Conference of The Wesleyan Church as official statements of the Church on the issues addressed. The same General
Conference authorized the naming of a Task Force on Public Morals and Social Concerns. This Task Force, which includes the General
Superintendents, is charged to be a voice for the Church in matters of public morals and social concerns.
Statements from the above publications, the Board of General Superintendents, the Task Force and the 1996 General Conference have
been combined with appropriate passages from The Discipline to make up this publication on contemporary issues. In the spirit of the
Apostle Paul's admonition to . . . stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, . . . (2 Thess. 2:15, NIV) The Wesleyan
Church herewith speaks on these subjects.
Preface
We find ourselves living in a day when discrimination and prejudice are regrettably common in our society. Sometimes driven by
ignorance, sometimes by misunderstanding, sometimes by fear and on occasion even by hatred, prejudice is always inappropriate in
society in general and particularly distasteful and out of place in the family of faith.
The denominational Task Force on Public Morals and Social Concerns issued the following statement:
The Christian concept of equality before the cross upon which Christ died removes grounds for discrimination of one toward another.
The obvious grounds of discrimination between people on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, wealth or handicap are
overcome by the unity of Christian love and by common personal submission to Christ.
The Wesleyan Church has a rich heritage in the anti-slavery movement in the United States in the mid-nineteenth century. One of the
precedent bodies of the present denomination was born and flourished under just such a banner. While the current culture is more
subtle in its expressions of prejudice than were those of an earlier era, The Wesleyan Church today is and must continue to be as clear
cut in denouncing prejudice as were our founding fathers.
Discrimination against persons holding elected office due to age; insensitivity to those with physical handicaps; refusal to marry
interracial couples; promotion of the wealthy and disdain for the poor are all examples of prejudicial attitudes or actions that are not
appropriate and will not be condoned in the Church.
Conversely, there are forces at work in our society today seeking to legitimize certain lifestyle patterns and practices that are clearly
forbidden in the Bible. Often society labels as discrimination and prejudice any statements that stand in opposition to issues clearly in
violation of biblical principles such as homosexual behavior and abortion. On such matters, we must stand with the historic
understanding of the Word of God and let society hurl whatever insults in our direction it may choose.
We must have the courage to stand for biblical principles. We must have the courage to stand against prejudice and discrimination.
Please God, grant us the wisdom to know the difference.
Board of General Superintendents
Prepared by:
Office of the General Secretary
The Wesleyan Church
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CHRISTIAN CITIZENSHIP
We believe that the Christian possesses a dual citizenship, one heavenly and the other earthly.
Government Duties
In regard to earthly citizenship the Christian should support the government with prayers, taxes, and respect.
On its part, human government should promote justice, preserve the peace, and respect the separation of church and state. Justice
should be expressed in the restraint of social evil and the protection of individual rights. International peace should be promoted
consistent with adequate national defense against external forces. Separation of church and state is necessary if the church is to serve
as a moral force and a conscience in society.
When there is conflict between the heavenly and earthly citizenships as to specific claims upon the Christian, the individual has a right to
seek a change in the law and to act so as to maintain a clear conscience before God.
"While we do not place our hope in political action and partisan politics, but in God alone, we do recognize that North American society is
crumbling morally and culturally. We call upon all political parties to cease their petty bickering, position posturing, and political one-
upmanship and get about the task of rebuilding a strong, God-fearing civilization where the poor receive compassionate care, criminals
are punished, governments live within their means, the next generation is educated with wisdom, and trust in God comes to the core of
our culture" (1996 General Conference ).
Public School Prayer
"The Wesleyan Church . . . affirms . . . its conviction that the Bible is an appropriate book for reading in the public schools and that the
right of students to pray should not be abridged" (Discipline 410:8).
This statement may be seen as a clear belief that no state, province or federal government possesses an inherent right to either prohibit
voluntary individual or group prayer in public schools or institutions or to require any person to participate in prayer.
Religion in Public Life
The Wesleyan Church believes that it is possible to allow recognition of God and the invoking of His aid in public functions . . . advocates
the enactment of suitable legislation . . . which will strengthen the present provision for the free exercise of religion in national life and
allow reference to, or the invoking of the aid of God, in any government or public document, proceeding, activity, ceremony, or institution.
(Discipline 410:8)
God's Name
The name of God should be honored rather than used in vain or in minced oaths (such minced words as heck, darn, durn, danged - from
Webster's Third New International Dictionary 1976). (Public Morals and Social Concerns)
Lord's Day
The Lord's Day (Sunday) is to be observed by divine worship and spiritual edification, avoiding all unnecessary commerce, labors,
travels, and pleasures which do not contribute to the moral and spiritual ends of the day. The Wesleyan Church opposes legalization of
merchandising on the Lord's Day (Discipline 265:1; 410:7).
Gambling
Financial gain should be expected as the reward of labor and the use of intelligent skills. Gambling violates the principle of Christian
stewardship and the tenth commandment, is harmful to the individual in that it is emotionally addictive, is a poor example to others, and
pollutes the moral climate of society. Dependence for a living upon games of chance with the attendant loss of skills is one of the evils of
gambling. (Discipline 265:7, 410:12)
Judicial Oaths
The Wesleyan Church reserves the right for members to affirm the truth in testimony before the civil and criminal courts rather than to
engage in a judicial oath. (Discipline 410:10)
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WAR, PEACE, AND MILITARY SERVICE
War and Peace
The Wesleyan Church, knowing that war results in great suffering for the bodies, minds, and souls of men, staggering economic loss
with its legacy of debt for future generations, and the unleashing of the baser passions of life, urges that men and nations seek by every
legitimate means to avoid armed conflict among the peoples and nations of the world. The Wesleyan Church also urges that holy men
everywhere pray earnestly for those in authority, so that peace may prevail (1 Timothy 2:2), and for the quick return of the Prince of Peace
(Discipline 410:2).
Just War Principle
Many Christians support their nation in times of conflict based upon the "just war principle." In such instances, war is regarded as just
when the cause is for the defense of the nation and for the freedom of its citizens. (Public Morals and Social Concerns)
Military Service
The Wesleyan Church teaches respect for properly constituted civil authority and the proper loyalty to one's country. It recognizes the
responsibility of the individual to answer the call of government and to enter into military service. However, there are those within the
fellowship of The Wesleyan Church who believe that military service is contrary to the teaching of the New Testament and that their
consciences are violated by being compelled to take part in such. The Wesleyan Church will therefore lend moral support to any member
who asks and claims exemption by legal processes from military service as a sincere conscientious objector and who asks to serve
country as a noncombatant. (Discipline 410:3)
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RIGHTS
We believe that each individual possesses fundamental rights to live and be respected as a human person.
Human Rights
These rights are derived from man's creation in the image of God and from the vicarious death of Jesus Christ for all men.
Each individual should be respected as a person of intrinsic worth and dignity. Christians should set an example to others by their
acceptance of each individual as a human being. Christians need to assume appropriate personal responsibility and accountability. The
Christian concept of equality before the cross upon which Christ died removes grounds for discrimination of one over another. No
person for whom Christ died is worthless. The obvious grounds of discrimination between people on the basis of race, color, national
origin, sex, age, wealth, or handicap should be overcome by the unity of Christian love and by common personal submission to Christ.
Life must always be regarded as sacred.
(Public Morals and Social Concerns)
Equal Rights
The Wesleyan Church upholds the right of all individuals to equal opportunity politically, economically, and religiously, and pledges itself
to an active effort to bring about the possession of dignity and happiness by all people everywhere. (Discipline 410:1)
Racism
We vigorously oppose the denial of basic human and civil rights to any individual due to their race, gender, or national origin. We admit
that, while our denomination was born in an antislavery movement, we ourselves have sometimes ignored our own heritage and been
guilty of both personal and collective racism and prejudice. For this sin, we have collectively repented and asked for God’s forgiveness,
and we intend to strive for complete racial reconciliation, for we know that this is the will of God. (1996 General Conference)
Women in Leadership
In spite of some forces which seek to undo our long-standing position on the ordination of women, we refuse to budge on this issue —
we will not tolerate the blocking of a person’s ordination due to their gender, for we believe that both men and women are called to the
ministry and thus should be ordained. Furthermore, we condemn any practice of exclusive male-only leadership on boards and
committees in the church, excluding women from these positions by either public policy or unofficial behind-the-scenes agreed-upon
policy, for we believe that when it comes to God’s gifts, graces and callings, there is neither male nor female. (1966 General Conference)
Hunger and Poverty
Death from hunger and malnutrition should be prevented as much as possible through support of effective efforts by all appropriate
means (Public Morals and Social Concerns).
Wesleyans are committed by their membership vows to do good of every possible sort and as far as possible to all men, especially to
them that are of the household of faith; to their bodies, of the ability which God gives, by giving food to the hungry, by clothing the naked,
by visiting or helping them that are sick or in prison; to their souls, by instructing, reproving, or exhorting them in love with all possible
diligence, that the gospel be not blamed (Discipline 265:16).
Abuse
We condemn sexual, physical, emotional and verbal abuse by all persons everywhere, but especially abuse perpetrated by members of
a family or a church community. We commit ourselves to provide safe havens for the abused victims among us, and to seek out and
prosecute guilty offenders. (1996 General Conference)
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CHRISTIAN STEWARDSHIP
We believe that God is the owner of earth's wealth and man serves as His steward.
Meaning of Stewardship
The Scriptures teach that God is the owner of all persons and all things, that men are His stewards of both life and possessions, that
God's ownership and man's stewardship ought to be acknowledged, and that men shall be held personally accountable to God for the
exercise of their stewardship. God, as a God of system and order in all of His ways, has established a system of giving which
acknowledges His ownership and man's stewardship. To this end all of His children should faithfully tithe and present offerings for the
support of the gospel. (Discipline 460)
Sharing Our Wealth
In a broad sense each man's wealth consists of time, health, and such resources as food, energy, income, and accumulated
possessions. It follows from the basic premise of stewardship that the Christian should use earth's wealth "for the glory of God."
The Christian must love God, not the world, and should share his possessions rather than to hold them selfishly. Sharing possessions
is important in fulfilling obligations to God, to family, to government, and to societal needs. Christian sharing should be voluntary,
motivated by compassion, and administered with justice. (Public Morals and Social Concerns)
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MARRIAGE AND FAMILY
We believe that the family is the primary unit of society and is ordained of God.
Family Living
Marriage is the act that unites as one a man and a woman. Within this union children should be born and reared. Stable homes are
essential for a stable society. The wholesome relationship of individual to group as it should be learned in the family affects favorably all
other institutions of society. Conversely, disturbing forces in society make an impact on the home. The growing acceptance of some
modern family concepts, the mobility of people, and the development of stress are some factors that have an erosive effect, frequently
resulting in the breakdown of the traditional family.
Providing encouragement and direction for a Christian marriage and family are vital ministries of the church. These ministries represent
the best hope for counteracting destructive trends in modern society. Our homes are to be maintained as centers of moral and spiritual
renewal. To achieve this, each Christian family should establish a family altar, have love and respect, take time for companionship, show
respect for God and His church, and consecrate itself to Christian witnessing.
(Public Morals and Social Concerns)
Marriage
In 1984 the General Conference of The Wesleyan Church adopted an Article of Religion entitled "Marriage and the Family." The article
sets forth the following principles.
1. The Scriptures are the authority concerning marriage and divorce.
2. Monogamy (the union of one man with one woman) is God's plan for marriage.
3. Marriage is a lifelong relationship and a covenant union made in the sight of God, taking priority over all other human relationships.
4. Human sexuality is to be expressed only within the monogamous, heterosexual framework of marriage.
5. Marriage is divinely designed for the birth and rearing of children.
6. Man is created in the image of God and human sexuality reflects that image in terms of intimate love, communication, fellowship,
subordination of the self to the larger whole, and fulfillment.
(Discipline 222)
Sexual Purity and Divorce
We have witnessed a general decline of our culture’s standards on both divorce and premarital sexual activity, but we reaffirm that
divorce is a sin, sexual intercourse before marriage is a sin, and sexual intercourse with anyone except one’s spouse after marriage is
likewise a sin. In a day of easy divorce, we continue to stand firmly on the Bible’s teaching that God’s plan for marriage is for one man
and one woman together for one entire life, and that sexual immorality is the only possible reason for divorce, and only then after serious
spiritual counsel. We further call our members to flee from any dangerous relationships fraught with temptations toward a level of sexual
intimacy short of actual intercourse, which are totally improper for God’s holy people. While others may compromise on matters of
divorce, premarital and extramarital sex, we affirm the sinfulness of these behaviors and call on ourselves to treat a sinner in each case
with loving confrontation, a call to repentance, forgiveness and restoration. (1996 General Conference)
Wesleyans are committed in their membership vows to observe the teachings of Scripture concerning divorce:
1. The only scriptural grounds for considering divorce is the sexual sin of the spouse such as adultery, homosexual behavior, bestiality,
or incest.
2. Appropriate counseling to restore the relationship must always precede a consideration of divorce.
3. To obtain a divorce on other than scriptural grounds is a sin against God and man. Such putting asunder of what God has joined is a
direct and deliberate act of disobedience against both the Law and the Gospel. It separates one from God and subjects a member to
Church discipline (5350; 5370).
(Discipline 265:10; 410:6)
Remarriage
Wesleyans believe that the Scriptures teach the following in regard to remarriage after divorce:
1. Recognizing the fallen state of man, divorce has been recognized in the Scriptures as a valid and permanent dissolution of marriage
with all its rights and responsibilities. Divorce is not reversible. There is no way to "restore" a dissolved marriage. The divorced
(unmarried) status can be changed only by a new marriage to the same person or another person. No divorced and remarried person
has two spouses - only a former spouse and a present spouse, as in Deuteronomy 24 and 1 Corinthians 7.
2. Divorce, however sinful the act and however serious the consequences, is not unpardonable. A redeemed sinner or reclaimed
backslider is "free" to marry "in the Lord" or to remain unmarried - a eunuch for the kingdom of God's sake. The one exception to this
freedom of choice is mentioned by the Apostle Paul. It is a believer who disobeys the commandment of God and puts away a believing
spouse. That person must remain unmarried to leave room for reconciliation to the spouse (1 Cor. 7).
3. The right to remarry in no way excuses the sin of divorce. It only implies that the Church must forgive and restore those whom the Lord
forgives and restores. Neither penance nor penalty remain to the truly penitent and restored sinner - or backslider - whatever the
traumatic consequences of the sin may be. (Discipline 410:6)
Divorce and the Minister
The Wesleyan Church applies these same principles regarding divorce and remarriage to its ministers:
1. Eligibility. Any person sustaining a marriage relation contrary to the Scriptures and the Membership Commitments (265:10; cf. 410:6)
is ineligible for license, commission, or ordination in The Wesleyan Church (Discipline 3012).
2. Dismissal. Any minister who enters into a marriage relation contrary to Scriptures, and to those expositions of Scripture in the
Membership Commitments (265:10), after having been ordained, commissioned, or licensed, shall be dismissed from his ministerial
standing, provided that guilt shall be established in accord with judicial process (Discipline 3108; 5170-5180).
3. Restoration. A minister who has been disqualified for the ministry through a marriage contrary to the Scriptures and the Membership
Commitments (265:10; 3108) shall not be restored to the office and work of a minister as long as both his former and latter spouse are
living, and then only if he has manifested repentance and has been approved. (Refer to Discipline 3126 and 3135 for further details.)
4. Performance. In performing marriages, Wesleyan ministers shall not unite in marriage any person who is divorced, unless such
divorce and remarriage is in keeping with the Scriptures and the Membership Commitments (265:10). In carrying out this duty the
minister shall be guided by the principles set forth in 410:6 (Discipline 3111).
Church Membership
The statements in The Discipline are not intended to restrict from membership in The Wesleyan Church a person who has been
previously involved in divorce and remarriage even though it did not qualify as permissible under the exception clause of Matthew 5:32.
Such a person who has sought and found God's forgiveness for sins occasioned by marriage, divorce, or remarriage, and who is at
present living in harmony with the principles of Christ as taught in the Scriptures is eligible for membership in The Wesleyan Church.
If a lay member has been dismissed from the Church for a violation of the scriptural teachings concerning divorce, he may be reinstated
by the local church when he evidences repentance and amendment of life and meets the requirements of Church membership.
(Ruling of the Board of General Superintendents, sustained by the 1984 General Conference, Proceeding 174.)
Spouse Abuse
The Wesleyan Church deplores the societal trends toward violence which appear to contribute to extreme abuses within many families.
Currently, 95 percent of the victims of spouse abuse are women. However, the rate of men as victims and women as abusers is rapidly
increasing. Such violence is not limited to one economic, racial, or ethnic group. People are more likely to be physically assaulted,
beaten, or even killed by a loved one in their own home than in any other place. Street crime occurs at only a fraction of the rate of
domestic violence. An estimated three to four million American women are battered annually by their husbands or partners.
Battering is defined as repeatedly subjecting a person to forceful physical, social, and psychological behavior in order to coerce such
persons without regard to their rights.
Domestic violence is not a twentieth century phenomenon. It is as old as history, but it is one which the church has hesitated to tackle.
Through Jesus Christ, redemption of the abuser and victim is the mission of the church. Redemption is available but one has to choose
it. When is violence and abuse is brought into family life the marriage covenant that God has blessed is being put asunder (Matt. 19:6).
However, the process of the Holy Spirit at work in the renewing of the mind and spirit of both persons takes time. As reconciliation
progresses it is necessary to understand that a New Covenant is being made and that there will be no violence under any circumstance.
It is important to note that reconciliation should not be the primary goal. The untangling of the warped relationship which includes the
immediate safety and then the personal rebuilding of "God's temple" should precede efforts at reconciliation. In some instances
reconciliation may not be an option, but redeeming, healing, and restoring a spouse is always the Christian mandate.
Both men and women were created in God's image as social beings and both were given dominion over the rest of creation (Genesis 1:
26-27). The fall resulted in men and women abusing power with each other, but redemption came to reverse the effects of the fall and
Pentecost has empowered the church to be a redeeming community.
(Public Morals and Social Concerns)
While we understand there are differing interpretations among us of the Bible’s teachings on the role of the husband and wife in the
home, we totally reject any exercise of abuse by one spouse of another by twisting these scriptures out of context. Such abuse is sin and
the sinner should be called to repent and cease all such abusive behavior (1996 General Conference).
Children in Crisis
Lashing of children has existed throughout history. In various times and places infanticide has been practiced for population control or
because of illegitimacy, ritual belief or imperfection, and beating has been considered an acceptable form of punishment. In the
seventeenth century, Connecticut and Massachusetts laws were passed to impose the death penalty on unruly children. The industrial
revolution increased the exploitation of children as laborers.
It is important to recognize that child abuse is no respecter of persons. It is found in every social class, every race, and there is no
specific geographic predilection. Some factors are more commonly seen. Young and immature parents may be unable to render the
emotional and physical support required by their children. Unrealistic expectations combined with poor self-concept and unstable marital
relationships are frequently seen. Parents who themselves have been abused are more likely to expose their children to the same
pattern of abuse and neglect. Parents who are alcohol or drug abusers are particularly prone to abuse their children. However, the
majority of battering parents are parents who are "normal" but worn out by their small children, especially when they are under emotional
or financial stress and have no one to turn to for help. In these situations a seemingly minor problem can trigger a violent crisis with
devastating results.
In addition to the pain of sexual or other physical abuse, uncounted children are victimized by their parents' divorce. A child's reaction to
divorce is similar to the sense of bereavement they feel when they lose a parent to death. In the case of divorce, they are grieving the
death of their family.
(Public Morals and Social Concerns)
Jesus Christ always took time for the children. We believe that by following Him, the Church can proclaim a message of help and hope to
hurting little ones.
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LEISURE TIME
We believe that the proper use of leisure time is important in the character and spiritual development of the individual and in his service
to others.
Recreation and entertainment are two principal uses of leisure time. In many such activities, the normal needs of people are met,
personal tensions relieved, and wholesome attitudes developed.
Dangers
But there are dangers in the abuse of leisure time. There must be careful regulation of the use in the home of the mass media such as
current literature, radio, and television. The emphases on violence and sex need to be resisted by active personal and cooperative efforts
dedicated to promote decency. It will also involve witnessing against social evils by appropriate forms of influence such as the refusal to
participate in social dancing, the refusal to patronize the motion picture theater (cinema), together with other commercial ventures as they
feature the cheap, the violent, or the sensual and pornographic, and the refusal to engage in playing games which tend to be addictive or
conducive to gambling. The appeal to the sensual is a special danger in music that should be avoided.
Values
The values of leisure time in recreation are established by reason of their contributions to spiritual life, to physical health, to character, to
time use, and to budget demands. (Public Morals and Social Concerns)
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SANCTITY OF LIFE
We believe that life is a gift from God and must always be regarded as sacred.
We believe that decisions about the edges of life that were not even contemplated in previous times are now necessary. Although the
necessity of making such decisions is new, the way Christians should make decisions has not changed. Where Scripture speaks
clearly, we should obey. We should pray fervently, listening for answers. We should examine the historic positions of the Church. We
should get advice from godly people. We should listen to our own consciences. We should try to obtain consensus when others are
involved.
Abortion
We believe that abortion is the taking of human life; therefore, society brings grave danger to itself by permitting abortion on demand, and
thus treating God-given life so lightly. We call our members to oppose this social evil with great vigor. However, we reject the use of
violence as a means of bringing about this needed change in society. Except in the case of risk to the life of the mother, The Wesleyan
Church stands firm against the evil of abortion—both the personal evil of abortion by any individual among us and the worldwide social
evil of abortion, which we believe must someday end. Until that day, we will instruct our people to avoid this sin personally, and call them
to the work of enlightening a blind culture, as we once did with the sin of slavery. (1996 General Conference)
Abortion Resistance
Attention to pro-life values has been riveted to the frequent pro-active "sit-ins" by some organizations. Hundreds of persons who feel that
abortion-on-demand has resulted in moral bankruptcy for our society have moved into action through demonstrations and "sit-ins." Since
this represents trespassing on private property, it is tantamount to civil disobedience and raises the question of its propriety.
The Scriptures require us to obey civil authority, except where our conscience on the issues require an obedience to a higher authority. In
this case, some Christians feel that the killing of the unborn is an issue which calls forth their higher obedience to God and conscience,
even at the risk of civil disobedience.
A case in comparison could be made with anti-slavery actions by the underground railway movement years ago in which the Wesleyan
Methodist Church was very prominent. Military service is another issue where law and conscience have been in tension. The Church has
supported conscience in such matters (Discipline 410:3).
These are not ordinary times and easy answers do not always exist when facing the issues we confront today. Accordingly, the time has
come for The Wesleyan Church to speak to the matter of civil disobedience in such cases as the anti-abortion battle.
The following are the convictions of the Board of General Superintendents and the Task Force on Public Morals and Social Concerns:
1. Only non-violent responses to abortion may be commended.
2. Acceptable non-violent responses may be seeking legislative change, peaceful picketing or even "sit-ins" at abortion clinics.
3. We believe these responses to be legitimate for Christians, in general, and Wesleyans, in particular, in the effort to defeat legalized
abortion-on-demand.
4. Wesleyans should be prepared for the consequences which follow these responses in a morally insensitive world.
5. The Wesleyan Church pledges to be equally supportive to those who give an active but non-violent response and to those who by
conscience feel restricted to legislative remedies.
6. All Wesleyans raise the prayer to God that He will restore to us in this generation a social righteousness which commends His
blessings upon our nations and our posterity.
(Board of General Superintendents and Public Morals and Social Concerns)
Infanticide, Euthanasia, and Removal of Life-Support Systems
The Wesleyan Church believes "In principle . . . infanticide and euthanasia are wrong." There are no justifiable grounds to deliberately
end the life of an individual through medical or any other means. However, removal of life-support systems is not to be confused with or
considered a part of infanticide or euthanasia. Life-support systems sustain physical life after the natural functions of the body are
destroyed or greatly impaired by disease or injury. Their removal is not taking life but rather leaving the natural process of disease or
injury to take its course. The Wesleyan Church believes that removing support systems that only prolong physical life-signs, without
reasonable medical hope of regaining consciousness, is a matter of conscience for the persons concerned. We urge that families pray
and think through on the choice they desire to make before being confronted with the actual experience of such a decision. Have a clear
understanding with the family and have it in writing. (Public Morals and Social Concerns)
Suicide
Suicide is wrong. It is the taking of a life for whatever reason. To take one's life while fully rational is presumption on the atonement of
Christ. We must leave the fate of such in the hands of a merciful God. The Wesleyan Church believes the atonement "is unconditionally
effective in the salvation of those mentally incompetent from birth, of those converted persons who have become mentally incompetent,
and of children under the age of accountability. But it is effective for the salvation of those who reach accountability only when they repent
and exercise faith in Christ" (Discipline 226). The unconditional provision of the atonement covers the act of suicide of Christians who
are irrational at the time the act occurs. (Public Morals and Social Concerns)
Capital Punishment
The Wesleyan Church believes that capital punishment should be reserved for those crimes committed in serious circumstances which
are clearly defined by law and administered by justice. (Public Morals and Social Concerns)
Extraordinary Pain-Killing Treatment
We do not oppose giving extraordinary pain-killing treatment to those who are in severe pain, and who, barring a miracle, are not going to
recover. Such treatment may be hazardous, but we do not oppose administration, as long as the purpose in giving it is to relieve pain,
rather than to attempt to kill, or to release a hospital bed. Extraordinary pain-killing treatment of a terminal patient may be habit-forming,
but, unless the patient refuses it, there seems no reason not to administer such treatment, if the patient is going to die shortly, anyway.
(Public Morals and Social Concerns)
Donation of Body Parts
There seems to be no scriptural reason not to make body parts available for helping others. As Discipline 246 states, the raised body
will be a spiritual body. Our resurrection is in the hands of the Omnipotent, and His ability to resurrect us is not dependent on whether or
not all our body parts were connected at death. Although Discipline 265:5, 16 was not written explicitly to cover body parts to others, the
scriptural principles behind these paragraphs apply to donation of body parts. What is said about body parts also applies to the total
dead body. One of the ways that Christians can do good is to request that their bodies be donated to a medical school for use in
teaching. (Public Morals and Social Concerns)
Summary
Life is a gift of God. It is sacred. Christians are compared to light and as such are expected to have a pervading influence for good in
society. Also, Christians are to exert a salting impact on our world. By word of mouth and by godly living, Christians should strongly
influence sanctity-of-life issues.
Whatever anyone says or writes about reincarnation or pleasurable "out-of-body" experiences, we believe that the Bible teaches that
there is a final end to the natural physical life of every person, that each person will be judged, and that the only way to a pleasurable
experience after death is through Christ's atonement. ( cf. Discipline 248, 250)
(Public Morals and Social Concerns)
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SUBSTANCE ABUSE
We believe that the body is the temple (dwelling place) of the Holy Spirit.
Wesleyans have traditionally stood against all substance abuse such as the use of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs. While we
understand the biological and psychological nature of addictions, we affirm that God’s grace is powerful enough to deliver any seeking
believer from slavery to any of these substances. Furthermore, we believe that the sale and trafficking of tobacco, alcohol and other non-
medicinal drugs is a social evil which is draining and corrupting to society, and thus we believe that the best position is to practice total
abstinence, protesting both the legal and illegal trade of such substances. (1996 General Conference)
Why? Notice the three, one at a time.
Alcoholic Beverages
Alcoholism has become the fourth major health problem in North American . . . and much of the world, exceeded only by mental illness,
heart disease and cancer. Jon Zonderman in The Encyclopedia of Psychoactive Drugs declares, Alcohol is a poison that causes
impairment in reflexes, judgment of distance and speed and problems in mental concentration. A single small dose of alcohol produces
small ulcerative lesions in the duodenum. The Wesleyan Church maintains its historic stand of total abstinence.
Tobacco
Tobacco smoking has been said to be the most widespread example of drug dependence in our country. It reduces life expectancy,
causes miscarriages or premature births, and is addictive. Nicotine causes the heart to beat faster, the blood vessels to constrict, and
the blood pressure to rise. Though doctors are not able to trace a specific puff of smoke to a particular cancerous cell, they have been
able to show a definite link between smoking and the grave. Recent research delivers impressive evidence that thousands of non-
smokers die annually in North America alone, as a result of disease caused by passively inhaling tobacco smoke. Is it because of the
overwhelming popularity of the habit that so many churches have muted their discussion of the evils of tobacco? Silent churches now
hear government agencies declaring the alarming facts. One-and-one-half-million smokers are 17 or younger. The United States
surgeon general said, "Cigarette smoking is the chief, single, avoidable cause of death in our society and the most important public
health issue of our time."
Drug Abuse
The unprescribed use of hallucinogens, stimulants, and depressants, and the misuse and abuse of regularly prescribed medicines
should be prohibited; only on competent medical advice and under medical supervision should such drugs be used.
A creditable magazine noted that drugs once limited to the shadows of the ghettos, border towns, and port cities have now advanced to
the respected boulevards of North American towns and cities. They are available in parks and playgrounds almost as readily as though
they were dispensed by vending machines. People at every level of society are involved in the drug epidemic which entails violent crimes,
gangland executions, and misery of both mind and body.
Summary
The troublesome triad of alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and drug abuse present a major and growing problem to which we must be alert
and against which we must firmly stand.
(Public Morals and Social Concerns and Shepherd After My Own Heart)
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PORNOGRAPHY AND OBSCENITY
We believe that pornography and obscenity are repugnant to the Christian mind and a destructive force in civilized society.
The Wesleyan Church deplores the tragic impact of the multi-billion-dollar pornographic industry in America. The Church is committed to
pray fervently for those bond-slaves of Satan who are intent upon trafficking in pornography and obscenity. Wesleyans are committed to
compassionately minister to those victims of this immoral epidemic who are trapped in unmarried pregnancies, child prostitution,
destroyed marriages, rape induced trauma, AIDS, or other life-threatening tragedies brought on by this plague.
In every legitimate manner possible, Wesleyans are committed:
* to influence the media to cease exploiting and being exploited by the porno industry;
* to influence law enforcement agencies to fairly but firmly enforce those laws designed to protect family, church and community values;
* to influence and motivate citizens to join in formulating and taking specific actions to reduce this blight locally and nationally;
* to influence local, state, provincial and national legislators and administrators to call for enforcement of existing obscenity laws,
pledging support and prayers as they exercise increased vigilance to curb the scourge of pornography and obscenity.
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THE HOMOSEXUAL
We believe that homosexuality is immoral and sinful but that the grace of God is sufficient to redeem and restore the homosexual.
To understand this complex issue we must consider human sexuality in the full biblical context.
Human Sexuality
The Wesleyan Church abhors the trend to ignore God's laws of chastity and purity, and vigorously opposes public acceptance of sexual
promiscuity and all factors and practices which promote it. The Wesleyan Church maintains a biblical view of human sexuality which
makes the sexual experience, within the framework of marriage, a gift of God to be enjoyed as communion of a man and woman, as well
as for the purpose of procreation.
Homosexuality
While we believe God loves — and we should also love — all sinners, including adulterers, fornicators, as well as those who practice
homosexuality — we specifically reaffirm our strong position that the practice of homosexuality is a sin, and that even the propensity
toward homosexuality is out of step with both the order of creation and the will of God. On this matter we cannot and will not compromise
— the only marriage blessed by God is a lifelong commitment between one man and one woman. Those practicing homosexuality
should be treated like any other sinner — with love and concern, yet with a call to repentance and conversion through God’s grace which
results in the cessation of sinful behavior. (1996 General Conference)
Ministering to Homosexuals
From a biblical background, we seek to minister to the homosexual as we should to any person who violates God's laws of chastity and
purity.
1. How should we apply the gospel of Jesus Christ to homosexuality?
We should clearly proclaim that God created Adam and Eve heterosexual. We must declare homosexuality to be a perversion; that it is
not an acceptable lifestyle; and at the same time offer hope of deliverance through the redeeming grace of God. In performing marriages,
Wesleyan ministers shall not unite in marriage persons of the same sex. (Discipline 3112)
2. What should a minister do when a homosexual person comes to him for help?
Show compassion and be a good listener. Give guidance for seeking deliverance. Lead him to recognize the nature and cause for his
condition. Assist him to accept his own responsibility to refrain from its sinful practice. Urge confession, and wherein proper, restitution
for his wrong practices. Suggest memorization of scriptures which offer help in overcoming temptations and wrong practices. Conduct a
thorough Bible study with him in which the following scriptures are considered: Genesis 1 and 2; Genesis 19:1-26; Leviticus 18:22; 20:
13; Romans 1:18-32; 1 Corinthians 6:9; 1 Timothy 1:10; Galatians 5:16.
3. How may the Church most effectively minister to homosexuals?
The Church must overcome the feeling that such individuals are undesirable people to be present in our services. Attempting to minister
to their needs is not approval of their lifestyles. Parents should thoroughly instruct their children concerning the true sexuality of their
bodies and carefully warn them that homosexuals may attempt to take advantage of them. Teach the children not to allow others undue
familiarity with their bodies.
Conclusion
We can stand firmly with the Scriptures on the evils of the sinful practice of homosexuality and with the Scriptures which offer forgiveness,
deliverance, and healing for any and all sins of the flesh.
(Shepherds After My Own Heart)
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AIDS
We believe that no person diagnosed as HIV positive or as having full-blown AIDS should be excluded from attending any Wesleyan
Church.
The church, as the universal Body of Christ, has historically accepted into its ranks those who profess or desire a life-altering faith in
Christ. The Wesleyan Church is no exception to this scriptural principle. It is always our hope that persons of all backgrounds may find
hope, help, and acceptance within our local congregations.
The Wesleyan Church has historically been active on issues of major social concern. The AIDS issue can be no exception. As we have
opportunity we must oppose the growing climate that seeks to legitimize deviate sexual practices known to fuel the AIDS epidemic. For
both biblical and health reasons we stand for chastity before marriage and fidelity in marriage.
AIDS is first and foremost a public health concern, not a civil rights issue. Hence, any legislation that would confer special "civil rights" on
persons afflicted with AIDS, but threaten the health of others, is totally unacceptable. We believe appropriate legislation would
incorporate testing of high risk groups, reporting of those with the disease to public health officials on the same basis as other sexually
transmitted diseases, and closing of bathhouses and other facilities that permit promiscuous sexual activity.
AIDS is an emotional issue of enormous proportions . . . a social issue of sweeping consequence . . . a medical issue of staggering
ramification . . . and at its foundation, a spiritual issue providing yet another convincing proof that the human heart is, indeed, deceitful
above all things and desperately wicked. It is incumbent upon us to face this grim issue of the fading 20th century with educated minds
and compassionate hearts that reflect the manner of the Master who said, To the extent that you did it . . . even to the least of them, you
did it to Me.
(Public Morals and Social Concerns)
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LODGES/SECRET SOCIETIES
The Wesleyan Church has always rejected lodge or secret society involvement for its members. The General Conference of 1844 said:
We will on no account tolerate our ministers and members in joining secret oath-bound societies . . . Membership in lodges and secret
societies will terminate a person's membership in the Church (Discipline 585, 595).
Three reasons for The Wesleyan Church's objection to lodges are:
Their secret operation
Their repugnant oaths
Their quasi-religious nature
Their Secret Operation
It has been stated, "What is secret is sinister." That has been the historic view of The Wesleyan Church regarding these organizations.
The lodge password, handshake, oaths, and rituals are secret. This secrecy is protected under threat of dire penalties if a member
reveals them.
Albert G. Mackey, author and one of Masonry's most learned and famous men, in his Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, page 522, responds
to five charges brought against the Masonic obligation of secrecy.
It is an oath.
It is administered before the secrets are communicated.
It is accompanied by certain superstitious ceremonies.
It is attended by a penalty.
It is considered by Masons as paramount to the obligations of the law of the land.
He then continues by stating, it may be granted, for the sake of argument, that every one of the first four charges is true. The last charge
he denied. However, on page 525 he states, The first duty of every Mason is to obey the mandate of the Master (not Christ--the Master of
the Lodge). This spirit of instant obedience and submission to authority constitutes the great safeguard of the institution-the order must
be obeyed at once. Its character and its consequence may be matters of subsequent inquiry. The Masonic rule of obedience is like the
nautical imperative, "Obey orders, even if you break owners!"
In contrast, openness and transparency are hallmarks of a vital Christian faith and are commended to us by the example of Jesus. He
said, I spake openly to the world . . . and in secret have I said nothing (John 18:20).
We believe binding oneself to secret rituals and signs is incongruent with Christianity.
Their Repugnant Oaths
Membership and advancement in lodges involves oaths which are repugnant for a Christian. The Scriptures instruct us, "Swear not,
neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath . . ." (James 5:12).
We believe lodge vows are inconsistent with Christianity.
Their Quasi-Religious Nature
Are lodges merely social organizations or a system of man-made religion? References may be made to Freemasonry as representing
such organizations.
The Masonic Ritualist states: "Masonry is a religious institution. Masonry without religion is like a branch severed from the vine." Again,
referring to the degree work: "Here he must enter upon those glorious though difficult researches, the end of which is to be the
possession of divine truth." This clearly indicates that this lodge is quasi-religious.
Is the Masonic lodge Christian in nature? Most lodges regard all religions to be equal. Masonry states: "If Masonry were simply a
Christian institution, the Jew, the Moslem, and the Buddhist could not conscientiously partake of its illumination . . . at its altars men of all
religions may kneel."
Masonic books indicate that a Mason may go to the Great Lodge in the Sky by keeping the rules--salvation by works, not grace. We
believe lodges to be quasi-religious and plainly not Christian.
Conclusion
The Wesleyan Church urges total separation from such organizations. It is recognized that some persons have insurance and other
involvements which make severance from lodge membership difficult.
The question arises, Can anything be done to bring such persons into membership in The Wesleyan Church? The answer must be that
lodge membership be discontinued. Another question arises, Should the Church withhold membership from such persons? The
answer is that person is choosing lodge membership instead of church membership.
The preference is to have persons sever lodge membership so that they may be received into church membership. If this condition is not
met, the only alternative is to minister through the fellowship of the congregation until they choose membership in the church rather than
the lodge.
(Shepherds After My Own Heart)
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RELIGIOUS CULTS
We believe that Jesus Christ is the only mediator between sinful man and a righteous God; faith in Him and His death upon the cross for
our sins secures redemption.
Against the background of the simple but profound truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ, there are many cults and false religions battling for
the minds and souls of men. Cults are to be avoided because:
They replace the lordship of Christ with human "heroes,"
They undermine the moral standards based on biblical principles,
They prey on those who lack clear understanding of Christian teaching,
They question the Deity of Christ,
They undermine the authority of the Word of God,
They offer salvation by works.
Protection from the cults and false religions is afforded by adequate information about the cults and knowledge of biblical truth.
Deliverance from the cults comes through faith in the redeeming work of Jesus Christ and His present victory over Satan.
(Public Morals and Social Concerns)
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THE ENVIRONMENT
We believe that even as God's care extends beyond humans to include other objects of His creation, the Christian's fulfillment of the
"take dominion" charge includes active concern for protection of the environment.
We believe that we do have responsibilities to the non-human organisms that share God's earth with us. We also believe that we have
responsibilities to humans of future generations, should there be such. We recognize that some environmental problems are difficult,
perhaps even impossible to solve, but note that sin, in general, has no human solution, either, but that does not excuse us from trying to
fight it in various ways. There are examples of environmental awareness having had positive results.
There should be more positive results. We believe that bringing them about is part of our mission. We call on Wesleyans, and others
who will listen, to do the following:
Realize that the earth, as God created it, was good, but that it is less good as a result of human activity.
Accept our responsibility, individually and collectively, as stewards of the environment.
Seek information on environmental issues.
Avoid polluting as much as possible.
Participate in recycling efforts, and support political efforts to make recycling available where it is not.
Avoid actions that might endanger the existence of species of organisms, or wantonly destroy individual ones.
Examine the pattern of our consumption, and avoid unnecessary expense.
Who are the Wesleyan's
Who Are The Wesleyans?
The Wesleyan Church is an evangelical, Protestant denomination. We offer the
good news that faith in Jesus Christ makes possible a wonderful personal
relationship with God, a holy life empowered by His Spirit for witness and service,
and assurance of eternal life in heaven. Our name is in honor of John Wesley,
the founder of Methodism, whose emphasis on a life of faith, self-discipline, and
perfect love is our example.
There are over 5,000 Wesleyan churches and missions in over 80 nations
worldwide. In the United States and Canada alone, there are 1,700 local
congregations.
Our Beliefs
Wesleyans believe in one God, who is Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and the Savior
of all men and women who put their faith in Him alone for eternal life. We believe
that those who receive new life in Christ are called to be holy in character and
conduct, and can only live this way by being filled with the Lord's Spirit. We
believe in the Bible and seek to establish our faith and actions on its teachings.
We believe God wills for people everywhere to know Him and that the purpose of
the church is to tell the world about Christ through its worship, witness, and
loving deeds
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