Miscellaneous Conference resolutions of the MCSA

CONTENTS 1985 – 2005 Page 1 Miscellaneous Conference Resolutions: 221 1.1 Tithing and Planning Giving 221 1.2 Use of Glebes 221 1.3 Capital Punishment 222 1.4 Central and Inner City Mission 222 1.5 Definition of Society and Preaching Place 223 1.6 Alcohol 223 1.7 Christian Love and Obedience (Racism) 224 1.8 Changing Racial Attitudes 224 1.9 Church Records 225 1.10 Transfer of Church Members 225 1.11 Geographic Circuits Programme 225 1.12 The Ecological Crisis 227 1.13 Pastoral Care of Disabled Persons 227 1.14 Naming of Institutions 227 1.15 Membership Records 227 1.16 Abortion 227 1.17 Guidelines for Interfaith Observances 228 1.18 Politics and Religion 230 1.19 Retirement of Ministers 231 1.20 Membership of Political Parties by Ministers 231 1.21 Flags in Churches 231 1.22 Ministers as Assessors 231 1.23 Order of Peacemakers 231 1.24 Weaponry and Gun-free Campaign 232 1.25 Statement on Women 233 1.26 Gun-free Zone Initiative 233 1.27 Pornography and Censorship 233 1.28 Ascension Day 233 1.29 Pentecost 233 2007 LAWS AND DISCIPLINE 2007 220 1.30 Custody of Records 234 1.31 Local Church Gambling 234 1.32 Care of Prisoners 234 1.33 Death Penalty / Abortion 234 1.34 Sunday Observance 234 1.35 United Congregations 234 1.36 Representation of Women 234 1.37 Church Public Relations 235 1.38 Methodist Educational Institutions 235 1.39 African Language Study 235 1.40 A Place of Contemplation and Retreat 235 1.41 Crime and Corruption 235 1.42 Revival of Family Values 235 1.43 Towards an inclusive Methodist Church 236 1.44 Use of Alcohol 236 1.45 HIV/AIDS Organisations 236 1.46 Mission Imperatives 236 1.47 Pensions 236 1.48 Ministries of Healing 237 1.49 Gambling 237 1.50 Racism 237 1.51 The Prophetic Calling of the Church 238 1.52 Poverty 238 Appendix “A” 239 2007 2007 221 LAWS AND DISCIPLINE 1 MISCELLANEOUS CONFERENCE RESOLUTIONS : 1.1 TITHING AND PLANNED GIVING 1.1.1 Conference recognises that there is a need to increase the financial, material and manpower resources of the church in order to meet the increasing needs and demands placed upon the church and its people, not least of which is the necessity to increase the basic minimum stipends of ministers to a reasonable level. 1.1.2 Furthermore, believing in the principle of Stewardship that every material thing we possess actually belongs to God and that when we plan our giving to God’s church we are setting aside for His work a portion of His resources that has been entrusted to us, Conference strongly urges 1.1.2.1 that in order to achieve more reasonable levels of financial and other commitments by members, Circuits and Societies actively organise Scripturally based education and Stewardship training programme utilising the material and people available in the Mission Department’s divisions of Evangelism, Holiness and Stewardship; 1.1.2.2 that the Methodist Church of Southern Africa move close to the Biblical example of the Stewardship of money, namely, giving on a proportional, sacrificial and regular basis. Conference commends to all our people the practice of tithing and calls on every Methodist to give serious consideration to adopting such a practice as part of their commitment to Jesus Christ; 1.1.2.3 that the doctrine of tithing be proclaimed throughout our Church and that where members prayerfully consider that they are unable to achieve this level that they are unable to contribute weekly a minimum of one hour of their weekly income to the church, or alternatively a minimum of 2.5% of their income. 1.1.3 The Societies and Circuits which are responsible for the finances of Societies therein be requested to accept as their responsibility to the overall budget of Connexional needs, an amount not less than 10% (a tithe) of the total income, and urged to reach the target as soon as possible. 1.2 USE OF GLEBES In the light of the responsibility the Church has for the various pieces of land under its controls, Conference resolves that: 1.2.1 no further alienation of Glebe lands be permitted; 1.2.2 the necessary steps be taken to secure all boundaries and fence all Glebes; 2007 LAWS AND DISCIPLINE 2007 222 1.2.3 Glebes be developed as far as possible for the benefit of the whole community; 1.2.4 all matters affecting relationships with Government authorities be referred to the Chairman of the District concerned; 1.2.5 that Glebe committees continue to consult with Government authorities in matters involving the development and use of Glebes; 1.2.6 the Mission and the Christian Citizenship Departments together organise further consultations together organise further consultations and seminars on the development of Glebe lands; 1.2.7 all Circuits with Glebe lands to report annual to the Missionary Department. 1.3 CAPITAL PUNISHMENT The Conference considers capital punishment to be contrary to the Christian Gospel and calls on the Government of the Republic of South Africa, Mocambique, Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland, Transkei, Bophutatswana, Ciskei and Venda to set up commissions of inquiry to investigate the desirability of abolishing capital punishment. The Conference resolves to invite other Christian Churches to join this call to these Governments and make the Study Document on Capital Punishment available to such Churches. 1.4 CENTRAL AND INNER CITY MISSION Conference recognising that Central City and Inner City Churches have a specialised mission and Missionary distinct from the suburban style, resolves: 1.4.1 that selected congregations be designated Central Methodist Missions and Inner-City Methodist Missions, charged with developing ministries to all people in the central and inner city; 1.4.2 that they be staffed where possible with multi-racial ministry teams and that the senior minister in such missions be given sufficient tenure to develop effective long-term projects of ministry to the city; 1.4.3 that such missions be considered as missionary endeavours of the whole Church, authorised to raise financial support beyond their own membership, as is the practice with other mission projects in Methodism; 1.4.4 that they be permitted to appoint up to five persons from other Methodist Societies to their Leaders’ Meetings or Church Council; 1.4.5 that suburban churches be encouraged to develop dynamic links with the work of the Church in the city; 2007 2007 223 LAWS AND DISCIPLINE 1.4.6 that Central Methodist Missions and Inner-City Methodist Missions be designated as such in the list of stations, upon the recommendation of any District Synod in whose area the work is situated in consultation with the Mission Department. 1.5 DEFINITION OF SOCIETY AND PREACHING PLACE Conference recognises the difficulty Circuits have in differentiating between Societies and Preaching Places and offers the following guidelines: 1.5.1 a Society must have a Society Steward 1.5.2 a Society should have at least 15 Full Members 1.5.3 a Society should have at least one Class Leader with a functioning class 1.5.4 a Society should ideally be able to do its own bookkeeping Conference emphasises that these are merely guidelines, not rules. 1.6 ALCOHOL 1.6.1 Conference is deeply perturbed by the increasing disregard of the ‘Principle of Abstinence’. 1.6.2 In the light of the three-fold obligation as Christians – a commitment to God, love for one’s neighbour and self-discipline: The conference draws the attention of Methodist to the fact that 1.6.2.1 alcoholic indulgence impairs conscience, judgement and the sense of responsibility of the individual; 1.6.2.2 alcoholic indulgence inflicts heavy loss and damage to the community, through deterioration of character, health, efficiency and discord in family life, as well as intensifying poverty within the society; 1.6.2.3 there is undue influence of the Liquor Trade on public affairs; The Conference therefore urges our Ministers and Laity to promote by word and example the advantages of an alcohol free way of life. Conference directs Superintendent Ministers to ensure that their candidates for the ministry are made aware of the dangers of alcohol. 1.6.2.4 The Conference calls upon our Ministers and Laity to remain faithful to the principle of Total Abstinence, and directs that wherever possible visual aid be used in order effectively to educate our members concerning the dangers and implications of drinking alcoholic beverages. 2007 LAWS AND DISCIPLINE 2007 224 1.6.2.5 Conference further directs that these statements be brought to the attention of all our people on Temperance Sunday. 1.7 CHRISTIAN LOVE AND OBEDIENCE (Racism) The Conference notes with the deepest distress the state of the nations, especially at this time. Conference affirms that Christians can contribute to a solution of South Africa’s problems with true Christian obedience, especially to Christ’s commandment to ‘love one another, even as I have loved you’, and calls on all Methodists to actively demonstrate this love in their public business and private lives by inter alia, and wherever practical: 1.7.1 identifying, and then affirming and supporting, all organisations and businesses which have publicly and effectively done away with all forms of discrimination in their employment, customer/client relations, and public pronouncements; 1.7.2 pressurising, in love, all organisations and businesses which are not striving toward these goals; 1.7.3 utilising every opportunity to establish and develop personal relationships with members of other races, especially fellow Methodists. Conference further notes that Christ’s love was effective, and involved faith and self-sacrifice and encourages all Methodists to be mindful of the example of their Saviour at this time. 1.8 CHANGING RACIAL ATTITUDES Conference notes with growing concern that we are living in a racially separated society which is characterised by discrimination, suspicion and prejudice. It recognises that this is in large measure the result of our bondage to personal and corporate selfishness, and can only be changed as individuals and communities are liberated by Jesus Christ from such bondage. In order to help us work out the consequences of personal liberation in Christ for our life in society, it directs: 1.8.1 that the Christian Citizenship Department, the Christian Education and Youth Department and the Missionary Department (in consultation with the Justice and Reconciliation Committee) provide suitable material and training to assist this task. 1.8.2 that the existence of segregated institutions for the training of our ministry compromises our unity and retards the ideals of Justice and Reconciliation in our Church. 1.8.3 that there be regular programmes of contact across racial barriers for our students in theological training and that they receive regular 2007 2007 225 LAWS AND DISCIPLINE instruction in Christian attitudes to race and refers both of these matters to those in charge of theological training. 1.9 CHURCH RECORDS Conference resolved that Superintendent Ministers ensure that Probationer Ministers in their charge are duly instructed in the laws regarding Marriages and the keeping of Registers of Baptisms. 1.10 TRANSFER OF CHURCH MEMBERS 1.10.1 Conference urged all our Ministers to exercise the utmost care in transferring members from one Circuit to another, and called upon all Superintendents to ensure that our long-established practice in this connection is carefully observed. 1.10.2 Conference resolved that where full members leave home Circuits to take up temporary domicile at University, Training College or School, or to undergo Military Training, their Church membership be retained at the home Circuit and that Superintendents of those Circuits where there is temporary domicile of such members be sent advice of such domicile and not Removal Notes. 1.10.3 Notwithstanding para 2, in the case of Methodist Hostels, Schools and Training hospitals, the membership of students may be held in the institution or local Circuit as decided by the home Circuit. 1.10.4 Conference resolved that the matter of the pastoral care of students in the hostels of our Schools and Institutions be enquired into at each Annual District Synod. 1.10.5 Conference instructed Superintendents to make provision for the pastoral care of refugees who may be within their Circuits. 1.11 GEOGRAPHIC CIRCUITS PROGRAMME Conference adopts the report of the Department on the progress of the Geographic Circuits Programme. 1.11.1 Conference reaffirms its conviction that the visible and structural unity of our people is the will of God and that it reflects the mind of Christ in his prayer that ‘they all be one; ... that the world may believe that you sent me’ (John 17:21), and asserts that: racially integrated Circuits and Societies are a natural expression of the true Church of Christ, and an integral part of our mission strategy; it is consistent with our mission policy of ‘becoming a one-and-undivided Church’ (Conference 1958); the Geographic Circuits Programme is an important step in this direction. 2007 LAWS AND DISCIPLINE 2007 226 1.11.2 Conference recognises that: the uni-racial nature of most of our Circuits can be attributed to a number of factors. Such as the historical development of the Church along parallel lines as a ‘Mission Church’, language barriers, distinctive forms of worship, as well as the results of worship, as exacerbated by the oppressive policy of Apartheid; the suffering of the majority of our Members as a result of racial prejudice and Apartheid has necessitated their solidarity in the ongoing struggle for the justice and liberation which can lead to reconciliation in South Africa. 1.11.3 Conference nevertheless believe that non racial Circuits and Societies, because they express the essential nature of the Church, and the reconciliation which Christ has won for all the Creation, are an essential part of the Church’s prophetic witness in the struggle for justice, liberation and reconciliation in this divided land. 1.11.4 Conference resolves that the term ‘Geographic Circuit’ be defined as a Circuit consisting of all Societies in a geographic area without regard for race. Because the Group Areas Act effectively separated our people in many places, Conference calls upon Districts and Circuit to cross racial and natural barriers where possible when forming Geographic Circuits. 1.11.5 Conference notes that various levels of progress toward Geographic Circuit status attained by our Circuits. Conference commends those Circuits which have struggled through in trust and obedience to the establishment of Geographic Circuits. Conference applauds and encourages the Circuits where they process of becoming one and undivided has extended to Societies within the Circuit. Conference notes that some Circuits have become Geographic, but that the process has stalled at the level of Circuit Administration and little is being achieved in bringing local Society members together in true unity. Conference expresses its deep concern that some Circuits, often not far removed from Methodists of other races, have made little or not progress towards Geographic Circuit status. Conference recognises that unrest and other circumstances have delayed this process in some well-intentioned Circuits. Conference reminds those Circuits which are avoiding becoming geographic, and particularly the Ministers and Circuit Stewards involved, that as resurrection is possible only after crucifixion, so the new Church in a new South Africa will emerge only from costly struggle, in obedience and sacrifice. 2007 2007 227 LAWS AND DISCIPLINE 1.12 THE ECOLOGICAL CRISIS 1.12.1 Conference calls on all Methodists to co-operate with environmental organisations in their attempts to alert the public through a vigorous education campaign to the urgency and extent of the ecological problem and to actions that can be taken to deal with it, and to save our environment by reducing pollution, waste and destruction of the ozone layer. Conference requests Societies to monitor environmental issues in their areas and to publicise and oppose any moves which could displace people as has happened in Bushmanland where people were removed to allow the dumping of nuclear waste; and to embark on programmes of action to save our earth and to report through Quarterly Meetings to Synods. 1.13 PASTORAL CARE OF DISPLACED PERSONS Conference instructs Circuits in which displacees or refugees (from the present violence) temporarily reside to pastor them under the same conditions as students, ie not requiring them to transfer their membership from their home Circuit. 1.14 NAMING OF INSTITUTIONS Conference resolves that no Methodist Building be named without the sanction of the Synod or the Bishop. 1.15 MEMBERSHIP RECORDS Conference resolves that permanent records be kept of all persons received into full membership. 1.16 ABORTION Conference affirms the Christian view of the sanctity of human life as a God-given gift; recognises the considerable divergence of opinion among Christians of the issue of abortion, especially in circumstances of deprivation and trauma; believes that it is morally wrong to use abortion as a means of birth control; and acknowledges that the issue is complicated by social circumstances; Conference resolves: to encourage Societies to provide counselling and support both to those who are struggling to decide whether or not to have an abortion and to those who have made such a decision. to continue to study and discuss the issue of abortion and the appropriate response to legislation on the subject, bearing in mind the need to 2007 LAWS AND DISCIPLINE 2007 228 consider the right of women to make decisions about their own body, the interests of the father, and the rights of the foetus. that any body making recommendations on proposed legislation consist of a majority of women and be fully representative of all viewpoints. 1.17 GUIDELINES FOR INTERFAITH OBSERVANCES 1.17.1 Principles 1.17.1.1 The existence of different faiths in our countries is recognised and accepted; 1.17.1.2 While these faiths differ fundamentally in doctrine, understanding and practice, there are occasions when they can act jointly because of a common goal; 1.17.1.3 These common goals such as striving for peace and justice, the preservation of the environment, family life and facing some major crisis or calamity may be formed at both national as well as at local and civic levels; 1.17.1.4 The installation of leaders representing national and local communities are other such occasions; 1.17.1.5 Christian may find that joint observations by different religions would compromise their faith and in particular the unique claims that are made of Jesus Christ. There is ample biblical support for the exclusive acknowledgement of the one Lord God and of God’s Son, Jesus Christ; 1.17.1.6 The Bible nevertheless witnesses to a developing understanding of God and that this monotheistic understanding may be found among those who do not believe in Jesus Christ; 1.17.1.7 Interfaith observance can never be fully corporate. Yet meeting for a common purpose is one act of solidarity. Having a time of silence is another. The offering of prayers, readings and songs by each faith in serial is a way in which all can participate without expecting agreement from those of other faiths; 1.17.1.8 Meeting on neutral territory makes it easier, as the premises of one particular religion are bound to appear preferential and its constitution may disallow it. 1.17.2 Steps to be taken 1.17.2.1 The purpose of the occasion should be made clear in the introduction. All present must be assured that they are to feel free to take part or merely be present as members of the community; 1.17.2.2 Each inter-faith observance needs to have a specific purpose and not be for the proselytising of people of other faiths; 2007 2007 229 LAWS AND DISCIPLINE 1.17.2.3 Care should be taken to ensure that such observances are not supporting a controversial political issue or implying support of a new inter-faith religion. Neither should they include elements from many religions or a lowest common denominator of them all; 1.17.2.4 It is important to be sensitive and allow everyone present to express the workshop of God in a way that is honest in experience and understanding; 1.17.2.5 No part of the observance should be designed so that people will feel obliged to participate in responses; 1.17.2.6 The venue for each observance should be carefully selected. A cathedral or large local church may be seen as the focal point of the community but Christian symbols may be offensive to many present and give the impression that the Christian faith is propagated. There are churches within the Christian faith that forbid observances to be held on their premises unless they are of a Christian nature; 1.17.2.7 A neutral venue such as a City Hall would allow people of different faiths to meet on equal terms; 1.17.2.8 Readings from the sacred writings of each participating religion may be presented. These readings, which could include poetry, should be appropriate to the occasion and helpful, without being offensive to other who are participating. The readers should be people of that particular faith; discretion should be exercised when civic dignitaries are expected to participate. Such readings may be followed by a time of silent reflection and prayer according to each tradition; 1.17.2.9 Prayers may be offered from a particular tradition or be universal in intention. It may be appropriate for the congregation to join in saying a prayer such as that attributed to St Francis of Assisi or another of similarly wide acceptability. Silent reflection and prayer according to each tradition might be the most acceptable. This avoids the possibility that the prayers become either amorphous or syncretistic and allows Christians to be faithful to the Good News of Christianity. 1.17.2.10 Music items may be included, preferably without words. Music is always a good aid to meditation; 1.17.2.11 Serial multi-faith observances permit people to be present at each others’ observance without necessarily taking part. Each observance is complete in itself and people of other faiths are present without feeling obliged to take part. A variation could include a multi-faith pilgrimage from one place of worship to another; 1.17.2.12 Symbolism should be handled with great care. It would be unwise to include Baptism or the Eucharist in a Christian observance, but the lighting of candles or the giving of flowers and the exchanging of appropriate greetings, for instance ‘Peace be with you’, would probably be acceptable without causing offence. 2007 LAWS AND DISCIPLINE 2007 230 1.18 POLITICS AND RELIGION Conference received as an interim measure, the following Guidelines for the Church in relation to matters of a political nature: It is our belief that the lordship of Christ extends to all of life, including the political, social and economic areas of our existence. In this regard, we reaffirm on the basis of Romans 13 that ‘there is no authority except from God’, and that where rules are obedient to the law of God we are obliged to obey them. We further reaffirm that it is incumbent upon us in all matters to obey God rather than humans (Acts 5:29). It is clearly as wrong to quote a part of romans 13 in the nature of the rule of such authority, is ‘of God’, as it is to quote Revelation 13, in isolation from all other Scripture, to suggest that all government authority is the incarnation of evil as symbolised by the beast. Where it is the considered and prayerful conviction of the courts of our Church or its leaders that the government of the day is acting contrary to the declared purpose of God, they are constrained to minister both to the government and to the people of this land by declaring what in their informed and considered opinion is hurtful and sinful about a particular policy or practice. In so doing, The Methodist Church of Southern Africa, in keeping with its theological tradition, needs to act cautiously and humbly but also resolutely and in obedience to Scripture and its understanding of the will of God in this situation. The Wesleyan tradition is clear: ‘The distinguishing marks of a Methodist are not his opinions of any sort. We think and let think’. In this spirit, we recognise that there are widely differing interpretations of the precise way in which the justice of God may be manifest in political or economic structures. Yet precisely because of the Incarnation the Church is to guard against making pronouncements which are merely of an ethereal and abstract nature, remote from the stubborn concreteness of life. It is therefore obliged from time to time to express its mind on specific political and economic matters. It does not decree in an absolutist or in uncompromisingly prescriptive manner. Rather it does so with tolerance, understanding, and mutual respect for all who seek to live responsibly before God but disagree with the mind of the Church at that particular time. Methodists, in common with Christians throughout the ages and in all parts of the world, hold to certain essential and non-negotiable beliefs concerning human existence under God. Where and when the situation requires it, Methodists are obliged before God to affirm and strive for the ideals of human dignity, justice and equity. Conference has in recent times felt itself compelled under the Gospel to make such affirmations and in the light thereof to condemn certain practices and laws of this land in the strongest possible way. In doing so, we acknowledge that these are our interpretations of the will of God which are offered as a responsible contribution toward the welfare of our society. We need to continue to search our minds and be open to 2007 2007 231 LAWS AND DISCIPLINE further persuasion, but we dare not neglect our responsibility in proclaiming the political, together with other, implications of the Gospel in society today. Each Methodist is called upon to appreciate the spirit in which such resolutions are made, to note their content and background, and to understand why our Church has felt obliged to express itself on a particular issue at a particular time. 1.19 RETIREMENT OF MINISTERS Conference sets a normal, maximum retirement age of 65. Ministers who wish to continue beyond that age should apply to the Connexional Executive, which will involve a review of performance. 1.20 MEMBERSHIP OF POLITICAL PARTIES BY MINISTERS The Church has an obligation to act as mediator on behalf of God in society and therefore Ministers should seriously examine their consciences whether to be seen to be members of any political party. 1.21 FLAGS IN CHURCH No flags, international, national, or political, shall be on display in any of our Church buildings. 1.22 MINISTERS AS ASSESSORS Ministers approached by a Magistrate to serve as an assessor may accept such nomination only with the approval of their Bishop. 1.23 ORDER OF PEACEMAKERS The Methodist Order of Peacemakers observes the following objectives: • to provide pastoral care and support for those who express or choose a non-violent witness in or toward military or security structures and any other form of organised and coercive violence. • to encourage and assist in the process of conflict resolution, • to work for a true and costly expression of reconciliation, • to encourage non-violent approaches to protest, change and resistance. The following Principles and pledge are the basis of membership: Jesus said: “Blessed are the Peacemakers for they shall be called children of God.” Matthew 5.9 • I desire to model my life on the non-violent way of Jesus. • I therefore renounce violence and pledge myself to engage actively in the work of Peacemaking. • I will seek to live according to the rule of life of the Methodist Order of Peacemakers. 2007 LAWS AND DISCIPLINE 2007 232 • I accept that this commitment maybe costly to me, but make it trusting in Christ, who strengthens me. The rule of life is: • A commitment to Christian fellowship, devotion and practice; • A life-style reflecting the renunciation of violence; • Participation in the fellowship, training and local Activities of the Order through a local chapter. The procedure of joining the Order is: • Sign a copy of the pledge • Attend a meeting of the Local Chapter and ask them to accept your pledge • Be inducted by the Chapter at a service in the local Society • Have your pledge lodged by the Local Chapter. A National Co-ordinating body was established with a Co-ordinator and Chapters established in Namibia, Natal, Gauteng, Eastern and Western Cape. 1.24 WEAPONRY AND GUN-FREE CAMPAIGN Trust in Lethal weapons is a sign of our failure to fashion a society free of violence and fear. The only long-term answer to this problem lies in obeying God’s teaching about caring human relationships and respect for life. The Methodist Church therefore: • calls on all in civil society, especially Methodists, to turn away from owning firearms. • requests the Government to ban private ownership of firearms. • affirms the Gun Free South Africa Campaign designed to achieve the voluntary surrender of firearms and calls on all Methodists to participate in the campaign. • directs our ministers not to assist people to gain firearm licenses. • directs that no firearms be brought to worship services and other meetings of our church. • calls on toy manufactures to stop manufacturing gun replicas of any kind. • Methodists should work for the conversion of the arms industry in South Africa to the production of humane civilian products, with due consideration to existing employment levels and/or adaptation of present skills. The Gun Free Campaign should address the increase in the advertising of handguns with a view to having such advertising banned in our violenceridden society. 2007 2007 233 LAWS AND DISCIPLINE 1.25 STATEMENT ON WOMEN In 1988 Conference endorsed the Decade of Churches in Solidarity with Women and now notes that Churches and Society continue to treat gender concerns lightly, and because the Church is immersed in the problems of violence and economic and political issues women’s issues are treated as peripheral, that women are frequently the victims of violence and of misinformation by media and anti-justice structures, and that women continue to be under-represented. Women are created in God’s image, are in the majority in the Churches and in society at large, and have great potential that needs to be unlocked for the benefit of the Church and Southern Africa. Therefore all structures within the Church should include at least 40% women, the church should play a meaningful role in preparing women through education for elections and voting, should encourage awareness campaigns in our Churches on the issues of violence against women, rape and child abuse, should open it’s doors for open debates on public issues, which should include AIDS, Reproductive rights of Women, Family Planning and Family Life, all new documents, reports, publications, liturgies, prayers, songs, hymns and sermons should use inclusive language, the Doctrine committee in consultation with the Unit should prepare a study document on the issue of gender in the Scriptures, a co-ordinating committee should deal with issues concerning women in the Church. 1.26 GUN-FREE ZONE INITIATIVE Conference directs that no firearms be brought to worship services and other meetings of our Church, and encouraged all our Churches to display Gun-free Zone signs to inform and educate our people in regard to this policy. 1.27 PORNOGRAPHY AND CENSORSHIP All members are called to take an active stand against the relaxing of all censorship laws in areas of violence and pornography, and to challenge or boycott any local outlet that distributes pornographic material. 1.28 ASCENSION DAY Conference resolves to draw the attention of the Methodist People to the value of using Ascension Day as a Holy Day. 1.29 PENTECOST Conference resolves to draw the attention of Circuits to the importance of the Pentecostal period in the life of the Church, and urged Circuits to have special services at this time. 2007 LAWS AND DISCIPLINE 2007 234 1.30 CUSTODY OF RECORDS Conference recommends that Circuits’ records which are more than fifty years old be placed in the custody of the Methodist Archives at the Cory Library for Historical Research at Rhodes University. 1.31 LOCAL CHURCH GAMBLING Conference notes with Concern the tendency of some members, organisations and Societies to raise funds through “games of chance”. It therefore calls on all Ministers and Lay Leaders to desist from this practice. 1.32 CARE OF PRISONERS Conference directs Ministers with prisons within their Circuit boundaries to ensure that Methodist Spiritual Workers are appointed to such prisons. The procedure for such appointments is a personal application to the Head of the Local Prison, where Form G.317 must be completes in triplicate. 1.33 DEATH PENALTY/ABORTION Conference urges its ministers to promote the theology of sacredness of life through a series of sermons, seminars and education material. 1.34 SUNDAY OBSERVANCE All Methodists should hallow the Lord’s Day and desist from entertainment or commercial activity on Sundays that hinder their participation in worship or conflict with the spirit of worship. On the Second Sunday in November, special reference should be made in all our places of worship for observance of the Lord’s Day. Conference resolves to direct all Connexional and District agencies and offices to refrain from engaging its members in any form of business other than worship and service (eg book rooms, car washes and other means of employment) on Sunday and Holy Days. This would include for instance travelling to and from Conference. 1.35 UNITED CONGREGATIONS The Connexional Executive reaffirms its acceptance of United Congregations as an expression of unity. 1.36 REPRESENTATION OF WOMEN The Executive urges the Synods and the local level of the Church to take seriously the inclusion of women at every level of Church life. 2007 2007 235 LAWS AND DISCIPLINE 1.37 CHURCH PUBLIC RELATIONS The Presiding Bishop is the Chief Public Relations Officer of the Connexion. Statements on matters of national importance shall be issued by him. In matters of public concern, he may consult the Bishops. Officers of Connexional Departments shall communicate with him if needs be on matters which may require his consideration. Bishops are Public Relations Officer within their areas. Superintendents may communicate with them on matters which require their consideration. A Bishop may appoint liaison officers with the local Press and News Broadcasters. 1.38 METHODIST EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS: The Connexional Executive encourages all Methodist Educational Institutions to reflect the demography of the country in the composition of their governing bodies. 1.39 AFRICAN LANGUAGE STUDY Conference urges all its Ministers to undertake the study of one African Language, and suggests that each Minister invite a small group of persons from the Circuit to initiate and undertake the study as well, utilising the teaching resources available in the Circuit or in neighbouring Circuits. 1.40 A PLACE OF CONTEMPLATION AND RETREAT Conference reaffirms the call for deepened spirituality within the lives of all Methodists. We therefore encourage all the people called Methodist to: • the exercise of daily personal devotional discipline • attend an annual retreat under a retreat director • recover our Christian contemplative heritage 1.41 CRIME AND CORRUPTION Conference, in the quest for the realisation of the presence of the Kingdom of God in our midst, calls upon members of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa to strive to uphold the norms and values of the Kingdom. In striving for this, we pledge ourselves to work towards the eradication of crime and corruption within our church, and together with government and other agencies for the eradication of crime and corruption within society. 1.42 REVIVAL OF FAMILY VALUES Conference calls Methodists to be committed to the revival of sound moral values in their families and their church families. 2007 LAWS AND DISCIPLINE 2007 236 1.43 TOWARDS AN INCLUSIVE METHODIST CHURCH Conference calls all Circuits to strive to make our churches more accessible to people with disabilities by building ramps, providing hearing aids, reading material, sign language interpreting, etc. 1.44 USE OF ALCOHOL The Connexional Executive, noting the devastating effects of alcohol on family life, calls upon Methodists to recommit themselves to an alcohol free way of life. Further, all Methodist Ministers and Local Preachers are requested to preach on the effects of alcohol regularly and where possible at least once a month as a focus or as part of a sermon. 1.45 HIV/AIDS ORGANISATIONS The Connexional Executive instructs that the men’s organisations of our church do reflective work on the issue of HIV/AIDS paying particular attention to the role men play in fighting the growth of this epidemic. Further more the Connexional Executive requests all organisations to institute programmes which specifically address issues that relate to HIV/AIDS 1.46 MISSION IMPERATIVES Conference reaffirms the four imperatives that have emerged out of the Millennium Mission Campaign and which are expressed in the mission policy, and endorses them as the framework for holistic mission within our church. Conference stresses, in the clearest and strongest terms, that these mission imperatives are not a list of options from which the local church can pick and choose, but that every local church needs to embrace and engage all four imperatives if we are to be faithful to this mission calling. Therefore Conference resolves that these four mission imperatives form the primary focus for the business of Leaders’ Meeting, the Circuit Quarterly Meeting, District Synods, Bishops Meetings, the Connexional Executive and Conference. 1.47 PENSIONS Conference resolves to call upon Government Officials to cease the practice of paying pension grants on Sundays thereby debarring the congregants from attending services and interfering with their rights to worship freely. The Church has consented to the use of Church halls as pay-out points where there are no suitable facilities for the payments of pensions and disability grants. This further strengthens our call for pension payments to be made on any other day during the week which will not conflict with our worship services. 2007 2007 237 LAWS AND DISCIPLINE 1.48 MINISTRIES OF HEALING Conference resolves to encourage local Circuits and Societies to give greater priority to ministries and services of healing, and to explore in greater depth means by which this vital aspect of Christian Ministry may be exercised within our Connexion in a manner that is scriptural, contextual, inclusive and wholistic. In this vein, it is our hope that the healing wisdom inherent within African spirituality be further explored to foster ministries of healing that are authentically rooted in a spirituality that is both deeply Christian and deeply African. 1.49 GAMBLING Conference 1995 notes with deep concern the recommendation of the Gambling and Lottery Board, and reiterates its opposition to all forms of gambling due to its destructive influence on community and family life. Conference notes that this deep concern is well founded, and is a growing tragedy in our communities. More and more people are becoming addicted to gambling, with the resultant poverty and consequent disastrous effects on family life. The moral fibre of our communities is degenerating with the expectation of gain without having to earn. While the gambling industry does provide employment for a limited number of people in the vicinity of gambling outlets, a far greater number of people in the community are impoverished, while the owners of gambling schemes get rich. Therefore Conference calls upon Methodists members to maintain a Christlike influence in the midst of this growing epidemic and tragedy by: • Abstaining from all forms of gambling. • To seek help and counselling for themselves and their families from relevant agencies when experiencing problems, either directly or indirectly, in thins area. Conference calls upon our Districts, Circuits, Societies and individual members to equip themselves for ministry to those so afflicted. Conference recommends to the Connexional Executive that The Mission Unit and our Connexional leadership continue to confront the Governments of the six countries in our Connexion with a view to eliminating this scourge from our sub-continent. 1.50 RACISM Conference, in denouncing racism, calls on all Methodist to continue striving against all forms of racism in Church and Society and commits the MCSA to co-operate with all agencies working towards similar objectives. 2007 LAWS AND DISCIPLINE 2007 238 1.51 THE PROPHETIC CALLING OF THE CHURCH The Connexional Executive notes the following resolution: • the Church of Jesus Christ, of which the Methodist Church of Southern Africa is a significant part, is called upon to exercise its prophetic voice in Society Therefore: The leadership of the MCSA is requested to seek to fulfil its prophetic calling of the Church by: • taking a strong and very public stance on God’s will on issues like: o Crime o Corruption o AIDS o Abuse of women and Children • Mount a concerted information campaign within the church, so that individual members will be well informed and well equipped to speak out on these issues in their particular circles of influence. 1.52 POVERTY Given the inequalities that exist in our Southern Africa context, human and financial resources are required to redress poverty, Conference stresses that the challenges of fighting and eradicating poverty does not lie solely with governments. Faith-based organisations are ideally positioned to address poverty amongst our people. Conference renews the commitments of the MCSA, in keeping with the original Wesleyan imperative, to be in solidarity with the poor. Conference therefore requests all Circuits, Societies and Districts to strengthen ministry alongside the poor in united determination to combat poverty. 2007 2007 239 LAWS AND DISCIPLINE APPENDIX ‘A’ Conference 1958 ‘The Conference declares its conviction that it is the will of God for the Methodist Church that it should be one