The people called Methodists have been actively involved in social and political matters from their founding in 18th century England. Methodists were among the primary advocates for the abolition of slavery across the British Empire, the organization of labor unions to protect workers from dangerous working conditions, the ending of the debtors prison system, and the creation of new systems of care for poor children. Given this heritage, Methodists have continued to advocate for other social or political issues since that time – women’s suffrage, temperance, civil rights, health care and care for the environment, to name a few.
Today our United Methodist Social Creed and Social Principles express our commitment to fully participate in building a more peaceful and just world. Read more…