International day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church

As Paul writes of the interrelatedness of the body of Christ to the Corinthians saying that when "one member suffers all suffer together with it" (1 Corinthians 12:26), so we recognize the presence of religious persecution throughout the world. As The United Methodist Church condemns religious intolerance and persecution of all faith groups, we heed Paul's words and acknowledge the interconnectedness we have with members of the body of Christ throughout the world who endure persecution because of their faith.

Since The United Methodist Church opposes injustice, intolerance, and bigotry and believes in the power of prayer, we encourage United Methodist congregations to observe in November an International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. It is through our earnest prayers that we grow in our sense of unity with Christians around the world, as well as with all members of religious groups who endure persecution. We become more aware of the needs of our brothers and sisters who suffer because of their faith, as we defend the religious freedoms of all faith communities.

ADOPTED 2000
REVISED AND READOPTED 2008
Resolution #6026, 2008 Book of Resolutions
Resolution #311, 2004 Book of Resolutions
Resolution #292, 2000 Book of Resolutions
See Social Principles, ¶ 165A.

From The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church - 2012. Copyright © 2012 by The United Methodist Publishing House. Used by permission.