Pietist-Methodist Family Churches
African Methodist Episcopal Church
This Methodist church was first organized in 1816 by blacks who had
withdrawn from the Methodist Episcopal Church because of discrimination. After the
Civil War the church spread rapidly in the South. Doctrine and church structure
are Methodist, with a general conference every four years.
Membership
In 1991, total membership was 3,500,000.
African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church
This church was formed because of discrimination against blacks, and was
formally organized in 1821. The church is Methodist in its doctrine and
government, with a general conference held every four years.
Membership
In 1997, total membership was 1,252,369.
United Methodist Church
General Notes
The United Methodist Church is the largest Church in the Methodist
tradition, stressing religious experience rather than doctrine. No expression
of doctrine is viewed as free from error or the final statement on an issue.
Generally, Methodists accept four landmark documents as definitive of the
Wesleyan tradition: the Twenty-five Articles, the early minutes of the British
Wesleyan Conference, John Wesley's Sermons (in which he outlined his basic
doctrinal stance), and Wesley's Explanatory Notes on the New Testament. To
these are added the General Rules of the Methodist Church, an early definition
of Methodist practice. During the twentieth century, the Social Creed, first
adopted by the Methodist Episcopal Church and revised every four years, has
become the major statement of Methodist policy in the political, economic, and
social arenas. The positions and rules of the church are contained in The Book
of Discipline.
Analysis of medical issues is generally done by individual theologians.
Church policy and law may then flow from conclusions reached. There is a strong
concern over personal spiritual development as well as the welfare of society.
Personal decisions on medical issues are generally the responsibility of the
individual, and ideally should reflect a mature Christianity. This Church has,
however, adopted many formal positions on issues in health care.
Specific Religious Practices
Holy days are Sundays and Advent, Christmas, Holy Week, Good Friday, and
Easter. Sacraments are Baptism, usually by sprinkling, and Holy Communion using
bread and wine. Communion is open to all Christians, and congregations vary
widely on the number of communion services scheduled.
Communion from an ordained minister may be requested before surgery. Baptism
may be administered to children or adults but neither sacrament is mandatory
before death.
Understanding of Healing
Health is seen as including physical well-being but goes beyond it. Health
care must be directed at helping persons to be responsible for their own health
and to receive care directed at living a full life. True health demands
spiritual, political, ethical, economic, social, and medical decisions that
foster the good of society, the environment, and the total life of each person.
The values of autonomy, self-determination, confidentiality and medical
truth-telling are highly respected. The Church formally affirms the right of
children and adults to food, shelter, clothing, health care, and emotional
well-being. All persons must be protected from exploitation. Handicapped
newborns are entitled to receive medical care regardless of the severity of the
condition. The Church supports improving the availability and quality of mental
health care.
Reproductive Issues
Sexuality is valued as a gift from God, but its only truly valid expression
is within heterosexual marriage, with commitment and respect between the
partners. The difficulties of single parents, however, has increasingly been
addressed in statements on family life.
The Church affirms that every person regardless of age should have access to
birth control. Sterilization is seen as the decision of the person involved. No
official positions were found on artificial insemination, in vitro
fertilization, or surrogate motherhood.
While supporting genetic research, the Church opposes the use of information
gained by health insurers or employers. The Church opposes any breach of
confidentiality when there is genetic screening. Exceptions would include
unusual medical situations that can arise in adoption, when the life of a
relative is at risk, or where the information is needed to identify the
deceased. Genetic patenting in all forms is opposed.
Changes of human chromosomes are justified only for therapeutic reasons and
only if they do not include experiments that produce waste embryos, genetic
enhancements, or changes in germ cells. Any form of human "breeding"
to improve the human race or cell-cloning is opposed. The United Methodist
Church thus supports somatic gene therapy but at this time opposes germline
gene therapy.
Abortion
While affirming the sanctity of unborn human life, abortion is not opposed
except when used as a form of birth control or for gender selection. The Church
supports treating minors as adults in obtaining abortion.
End of Life Issues/Terminal Care
There is full support for advance directives and self-determination as to aggressive care in various circumstances. The right of each person to die without attempts to prolong a terminal condition is supported. Pain control even if it shortens life is supported so long as the intent is not to kill. Withdrawing of medical support in cases of terminal illness or permanent coma is supported. The involvement of government in decision-making in these situations is opposed. There appears to be ambiguity on the issue of euthanasia, with some support for voluntary, active euthanasia in specific cases. The act of suicide is not to be stigmatized. A stance has not been taken on assisted suicide.
Transplantation/Organ Donation
Donation is encouraged when there are appropriate safeguards for the donor
and with respect for the persons involved. No position has been taken on
anencephalic infants (children born without the "thinking" part of
the brain), fetuses, or the use of human fetal tissue.
Autopsies/Care
of the Body
No specific stance has been taken on autopsy, the care of the body, or
burial procedures.
Special Treatment Issues (Blood,
drugs, dietary, etc.)
The Church opposes the use of alcohol and the misuse of drugs. Tobacco is
discouraged.
Membership
Current total membership is 8,495,378.