Total Number of Pages: 3  

Suggested Title: Prohibition of Bullying  

Resolution #3425: Prohibition of Bullying - Amend and Readopt  

General Church Budget Implications: None  

Global Implications: Yes

Always be gentle with others. The Lord will soon be here. (Philippians 4:5) 

Bullying is a behavioral expression of aggressiveness that attempts to yield power over another person(s) or  people(s). This may be expressed by physical or psychological means. Bullying can keep a person from  speaking up and result in the death of the victim. We have only to look at scripture for evidence. The Book of  Esther is about the bullying of one man and the grace God expressed through God’s persons. The questioning,  beating, and subsequent death on the cross of Jesus the Christ is the ultimate example of expressed abuse of  power over a person, even the Son of God. Stephen and a host of Christian martyrs have suffered similar  personal attacks that led to death for the cause of Christ. There are persons today who suffer and die because  another person(s) seek to overwhelm them by aggressive behavior. 

It is hereby resolved, that  

In an effort to reduce bullying in society, United Methodist congregations will:  

BULLET categorically oppose the practices of adult, youth, and child bullying, mobbing (also known as  scapegoating);  

BULLET diligently work to increase societal awareness of these destructive behaviors; BULLET welcome teens and offer safe places for teens to gather;

BULLET post and widely distribute materials including contacts for hotlines and other local and national  resources;

BULLET incorporate the topic of adolescent bullying into sermons, making clear the Cchurch’s position;  BULLET use language of responsibility and healing rather than blame and punishment;  BULLET encourage family members, neighbors, and friends who suspect or know of abuse to come forward;  BULLET accompany victims’ efforts to report, to confront, and to end bullying behavior; 

BULLET provide education and training for clergy and laity on abuse prevention, detection, and intervention  that consider the ongoing maturational processes of both victims and perpetrators of bullying;  

BULLET create and nurture peer groups for adolescents to raise awareness of the stresses in their own families  and issues that are risk factors for abuse;  

BULLET raise awareness about Internet bullying and peer pressure;  

BULLET organize forums, inviting outside speakers, including survivors, abusers, and representatives of local  and national organizations to facilitate discussions and encourage congregants to come forth about their own  risk status; and

BULLET encourage congregant volunteers to organize and run support groups and forums.

Date: August 26, 2019

The Rev. Susan Henry-Crowe General Secretary

Bishop Sally Dyck

President of the Board

General Board of Church & Society Phone: 202-488-5629

E-mail Address: gso@umcjustice.org