Text of: 806-NonDis

The Committee recommends concurrence as amended as follows:

Whereas, there is a perceived an expressed need on the part of United Methodists for more clarity on the issues surrounding the reception of people baptized in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) who seek to become members of The United Methodist Church; and

Whereas, there are varying practices in United Methodist churches in such instances, some not recognizing the Latter-day Saints' baptism, and so baptizing them; and some recognizing the baptism, and so receiving them as baptized Christians; and

Whereas, United Methodists seek to act in ways that are faithful, compassionate, and just in relationship to other faith traditions, extending hospitality toward all and charity toward those whose faith and practice differ from ours;

Therefore, while our denomination must continue to seek further clarity on issues of our own faith, we have enough clarity to take steps toward establishing a policy for the United Methodist Church regarding the reception of those converting from the LDS Church. It is our recommendation that following a period of catechesis (a time of intensive exploration and instruction in the Christian faith), such a convert should receive the sacrament of Christian baptism.

We, further, petition the 2000 General Conference to receive Sacramental Faithfulness: Guidelines for Receiving People From The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons),found on pages 215 to 223 of the Advance Edition of the Daily Christian Advocate, Volume 1, Section 1, with the following changes as a study resource and guideline for pastors and congregations who face the challenge of receiving former Mormons who seek to become United Methodist:

on page 222 top of page, left column, beginning with the end of line 2: change the paragraph to read "United Methodism should declare that The church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, by self-definition,does not fit within the bounds of the historic, apostolic tradition of Christian faith. This conclusion is supported by the fact that the LDS Church itself, while calling itself Christian, explicitly professes a distinction and separateness from the ecumenical community and is intentional about clarifying significant differences in doctrine. As United Methodists we agree with their assessment that the LDS Church is not a part of the historic, apostolic tradition of the Christian faith."

We also petition the 2000 General Conference to authorize the General Board of Discipleship to provide resources in accordance with the Sacramental Faithfulness: Guidelines for Receiving People From the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon), to the Church to guide pastors and congregations to receive former Latter-day Saints (Mormons) who seek to become United Methodists in ways that are faithful to our United Methodist heritage

 

 

 

 

Info About Calendar Item 806-NonDis

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