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Twentieth Century Examples of United Methodist Faith in Action
The United Methodist Church (and its antecedents; The Evangelical Church, The United Brethren Church, The Methodist Episcopal Church, The Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and The Methodist Protestant Church) has advocated for change in the life of our communities, nation, and world over the years in the desire to respond faithfully to the will of God. What follows is a list of some 20th century statements and stands taken by our forebearers in our denomination, some may seem quaint whilst others display to us great faithfulness to the task of bringing the Gospel to bear on the important issues of the day.
 1901-The United Brethren Church denounces open saloons, beer gardens, baseball, and social dance.
1904-The Methodist Episcopal Church sets up a Temperance Society to support the Prohibition effort.
1908-Baltimore General Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church adopts a social creed and recognizes the Federation for Social Service.
 1912, 1916-The Methodist Episcopal Church General Conference calls for an eight-hour work day and for laws against employing workers for seven straight days.
1916-The Methodist Protestant Church sets up a special Commission on Christianity and Social Service.
1917-When the United States enters World War I, most churches support their country's involvement.
1918-The General Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, accepts the doctrine of separate but equal for race relations.
 1919-A Methodist bishop is on an inter-church commission to investigate a nationwide steel strike
1920-Methodists express strong support for free speech, free discussions, and other civil liberties.
1923-Methodists observe the first Race Relations Sunday.
1932-Methodist bishops criticize the exploitation of workers.
 1932-The General Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church adds new issues to the Social Creed: education, agriculture, race relations.
1933-With the repeal of the Prohibition Amendment, many Methodists continue to fight against the liquor traffic.
1934-The Methodist Episcopal Church, South, calls on its ministers to preach on peace and pledges support for conscientious objectors.
 1942-The Evangelical Church General Conference states: "A Christian society will oppose every discrimination against racial groups."
1943-44--Methodists carry out a Crusade for a New World Order, an educational and action campaign for world peace.
1948-Methodist General Conference statements give strong support to the United Nations.
1953-A Methodist bishop appears before the Committee on Un-American Activities of the House of Representatives and denounces its civil liberties violations.
 1954-The Evangelical United Brethren Church declares provisions for social security and adequate pensions a Christian duty.
1956-Methodist General Conference, meeting in Minneapolis, votes to oppose the death penalty (unusually, there was no debate).
1972-The General Conference of The United Methodist Church adopts a statement of Social Principles after four years of work by a special Social Principles Study Commission.
1976-The General Conference of The United Methodist Church adopts an advocacy of National Health Insurance funding. The policy is soon rescinded by the Judicial Council on procedural grounds.
 1980-The General Conference of The United Methodist Church adopts an Energy Policy Statement calling for conservation.
1992-The United Methodist Church adopts a resolution on Environmental Justice for a Sustainable Future and calls for developing worship, mission, and social action programs related to ecological justice. The resolution also calls for annual conferences and local churches to become involved in sustainable practices.
 1996-Restorative Justice Ministries is established to address the dehumanization in the criminal justice system.
1999-The United Methodist Bishops are among two hundred religious and human rights leaders who appealed to President Clinton to help stop the "genocide now taking place in Sudan."
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