New United Methodist Social Creed
At the recently concluded General Conference of the UMC, a proposed new social creed was adopted as a “companion litany,” leaving the current creed in place and adding this poetic and singable litany alongside. The first Methodist Social Creed was penned by Methodist Federation for Social Action leader Harry F. Ward, and was adopted at the 1908 General Conference. Here is the new social creed of our denomination:
Today is the day
God cares for the integrity of creation,
wills the healing and wholeness of all life,
weeps at the plunder of earth’s goodness.
And so shall we.
Today is the day
God embraces all hues of humanity,
delights in diversity and difference,
favors solidarity transforming strangers
into friends.
And so shall we.
Today is the day
God cries with the masses of starving people,
despises growing disparity between rich
and poor, demands justice for workers in the
marketplace.
And so shall we.
Today is the day
God deplores the violence in our homes and
streets, rebukes the world’s warring madness,
humbles the powerful and lifts up the lowly.
And so shall we.
Today is the day
God calls for nations and peoples to live in
peace, celebrates where justice and mercy
embrace, exults when the wolf grazes with the lamb.
And so shall we.
Today is the day
God brings good news to the poor,
proclaims release to the captives,
gives sight to the blind, and
sets the oppressed free.
And so shall we.
As you read these words, what thoughts come into your mind? If you would like to share them with the committee, you can put a note in the Church & Society mail box in the Annex.
