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UNYAC2022.1 - Encouragement of Voting by All Citizens

1 Book of Discipline paragraph: ¶164 2 3 Book of Resolutions paragraph: Resolution #5012 4 5 Conference Committee/Agency, et al. that would be affected by/responsible for implementation if 6 passed: 7 8 Financial implications: NA 9 10 Brief Rationale: Voting can be considered a right and a responsibility of all qualified citizens. Given the 11 very unsettled political times, especially here in the United States, it is important all people qualified

12 express their desire on election day. The activity is one of the foundation stones of our American

13 14 democracy.

15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 WHEREAS members of The United Methodist Church have a history of being pro-active in all levels of government activity; and

WHEREAS the first sentence of ¶164 of the Social Principles states, “…we acknowledge the vital function of government as the principal vehicle for the ordering of society”; and

WHEREAS that same section of The Social Principles continues, “. . . B) Political Responsibility – The strength of a political system depends upon the full and willing participation of its citizens…”

WHEREAS Resolution #5012 in The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church, 2016 entitled “Church-Government Relations” presents a broad discussion of the relationship that is or should exist between the church and the government; and

WHEREAS the decision-making power and administrative leadership of the government is vested primarily in elected officials through the consent of the governed; and

WHEREAS, in many jurisdictions within the United States there may be propositions, amendments and/or resolutions appearing on the election day ballot; and

WHEREAS, in some jurisdictions within the United States there is provision for initiative and referendum, the consideration of which may appear on the election day ballot;

THEREFORE, we urge churches in our global community to encourage their members to take advantage of the opportunities to vote; and

THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, those qualified voters be encouraged to inform themselves concerning the qualifications of persons running for office and the merit(s) of items requiring decision(s) that are to appear on the election day ballot and, after thoughtful and prayerful consideration, to vote their choices on their election days.

Date of Submission: February 27, 2022 Submitted by: Tracey M. Haines

1 2 3 4 5 6 Electronic Signature: Tracey M. Haines Mailing Address: 1104 Cambridge Manor Dr., Scotia, NY 12302 Phone number: (518) 491-9457 Email address: tmhaines1959@gmail.com UNY local church/charge membership: First United Methodist Church of East Greenbush NY, East Greenbush, NY

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