Statement by the Methodist Church
2004 Book of Resolutions Errata
Updated as of December 6, 2005
THE NURTURING COMMUNITY
ECUMENICAL ISSUES
16. Guidelines for Ministering to Mormons
WHEREAS, there is an expressed need on the part of United Methodists
for more clarity on the issues surrounding the reception of people
baptized in The Church of Jesus Christ of Later-day Saints (Mormons)
who seek to become members of The United Methodist Church; and
WHEREAS, there are varying practices in United Methodist churches in
such instances, some not recognizing the Latter-day Saints’ baptism,
and so baptizing them; and some recognizing the baptism, and so
receiving them as baptized Christians; and
WHEREAS, United Methodists seek to act in ways that are faithful,
compassionate, and just in relationship to other faith traditions,
extending hospitality toward all and charity toward those whose faith
and practice differ from ours;
Therefore, while our denomination must continue to seek further clarity
on issues of our own faith, we have enough clarity to take steps toward
establishing a policy for The United Methodist Church regarding the
reception of those converting from the LDS Church. It is our
recommendation that following a period of catechesis (a time of
intensive exploration and instruction in the Christian faith), such a
convert should receive the sacrament of Christian baptism.
We, further, urge United Methodist churches to utilize Sacramental
Faithfulness: Guidelines for Receiving People From The Church of Jesus
of Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons), published by the General
Board of Discipleship as a study resource and guideline for pastors and
congregations who face the challenge of receiving former Mormons who
seek to become United Methodists.
The board is further authorized to provide resources in accordance with
these guidelines for pastors and congregations to help them receive
former Latter-day Saints (Mormons) who seek to become United Methodists
in ways that are faithful to our United Methodist heritage.
ADOPTED 2000
See Social Principles ¶ 161B.
Page 164, Resolution 40, Affirmation for the Historic Doctrines of the Christian Faith should read as follows:
Whereas, The United Methodist Church has long been guided by the
teaching of the Scripture, the United Methodist Articles of Religion,
the historical creeds of the Church, and the theological heritage of
the Wesleyan tradition, and,
Whereas the Constitution of the United Methodist Church, in its
Restrictive Rules (see¶16-20), protects both The Articles of Religion
and The Confession of Faith as doctrinal standards that shall not be
revoked, altered, or changed (Book of Discipline, pp. 58-58), and,
Whereas, the clergy covenant agreed to by all clergy entering the
denomination includes the following question: "In covenant with other
elders, will you be loyal to the United Methodist Church, accepting its
order, liturgy, doctrine, and discipline, defending it against all
doctrines contrary to God's Holy Word, and accepting the authority of
those who are appointed to supervise your ministry? (The United
Methodist Book of Worship, p. 676. c.f.p. 666, also c.f. Book of
Discipline, ¶304.1.i.)
Whereas, we affirm that abiding by our rules and upholding the
doctrines of Christianity, is critical to the peace and unity both
within The United Methodist Church globally.
Therefore, be it resolved, that the 2004 General Conference affirms its
commitment to the basic doctrines of the Christian faith as taught in
the Scripture, and in the United Methodist Articles of Religion, and in
the sermons of John Wesley.