Total Number of Pages: 2

Suggested Title: Opposition to Sexual Prejudice, Homophobia and Heterosexism New Resolution

General Church Budget Implications: None

Global Implications: Yes

As United Methodists, we believe scripture affirms that “all persons are individuals of sacred  worth, created in the image of God” (1 ¶161F, Human Sexuality, 2016 The Book of Discipline of  The United Methodist Church). In addition, we affirm that “certain basic human rights and civil  liberties are due all persons,” and as a church we are “committed to supporting those rights and  liberties for all persons, regardless of sexual orientation” (1 ¶161F, Human Sexuality, 2016 The  Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church). 

In affirmation of the full humanity of all persons, we will work toward the eradication of: 

BULLET Sexual prejudice (1 ¶161F, Human Sexuality, 2016 The Book of Discipline of The  United Methodist Church) − an attitude of negativity toward persons due to their sexual  orientation, sexual identity, or gender expression; 

BULLET Homophobia (1 ¶161F, Human Sexuality, 2016 The Book of Discipline of The United  Methodist Church) − holding and maintaining prejudicial and fearful attitudes towards  individuals perceived to be non-heterosexual, regardless of the individual’s actual sexual  orientation or sexual identity; or gender expression; 

BULLET Heterosexism (1 ¶161F, Human Sexuality, 2016 The Book of Discipline of The United  Methodist Church) − a self-justifying system of attitudes and behavior based on sexual prejudice  that (1) perpetuates stereotypical categories of what is essentially “masculine” and what is  essentially “feminine”; (2) provides a privileged status for people who identify as culturally  defined heterosexuals; and (3) discriminates against individuals who, regardless of their sexual

orientation, sexual identity or gender expression do not appear to fit within the particular  category defined as appropriate for their gender. 

Sexual prejudice, homophobia and heterosexism are manifestations of sexism in general because  they foster stereotypes based on arbitrary distinctions of gender categories. Actions rooted in  sexual prejudice, homophobia and heterosexism, including violence, threats, ridicule,  humiliation, discrimination, isolation, rejection, and legislation, break down the body of Christ  and are damaging to persons of all sexual orientations and identities. 

The United Methodist Church is a worldwide faith community that has the unique opportunity to  speak to sexism globally, and we call upon all members of The United Methodist Church to strengthen our global advocacy of the eradication of sexual prejudice, homophobia, and  heterosexism by opposing all forms of violence or discrimination based on gender, gender  identity and expression, or sexual orientation. 

We specifically call on the General Board of Church and Society to provide resources and  materials aimed at educating members of our local churches about the reality, issues, and effects  of sexual prejudice, homophobia and heterosexism and the need for a worldwide Christian  witness against these facets of marginalization and rejection. 

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