United Methodist Social Principals Revised
November 24, 2024
Class Description
United Methodists have long been identified by their attention to social concerns, taking a stand on issues such as climate change, social and racial injustice, and advocating for equality across a large spectrum. The emphasis dates back to John Wesley’s support for marginalized populations, with the first Methodist denominational document being published in 1908 as the Social Creed. Updates occurred through the years to address various issues of the day. The document named the Social Principles was first approved by the 1972 General Conference, with subsequent General Conferences voting for amendments. The Revised Social Principles were adopted at the Postponed 2020 General Conference held April 23-May 3, 2024, in Charlotte, N.C., USA.
We will review the content of the four sections of the Revised Social Principles: community of creation, political community, economic community and social community. We will look at the purpose of these principles, how the UMC develops them and the process for revising them.
About Miriam Slejko
Miriam Slejko is the former minister of discipleship at Trinity United Methodist Church, Denver. She was ordained a deacon after completing course work at the Iliff School of Theology.
Rev. Slejko’s first career was in community mental health, where she served as the director of a school for autistic children. After transferring her church membership to Trinity in 1996, she was called to ministry and served as an intern in this congregation before serving as a member of Trinity’s ministerial staff from 2005-2015.