Changes

The United Methodist Church believes that the attempt to influence the [[public policy]]  of [[government]] is the most effective means available to [[church]]es to serve the interests of [[humanity]] and to ensure that [[power]] and [[order]] are made to serve the ends of [[justice]] and [[freedom]] for all people. It supports the [[First Amendment]] to the [[United States]] [[constitution]], that ensures that no [[law]] should respect an establishment of [[religion]] or prohibit practice of religion. The UMC believes that, in a [[pluralism|pluralistic]] [[society]], churches should not seek the [[authority]] of government to conform to their particular morals. Instead they should influence [[public opinion]] and inform the consequences of [[immoral]] actions that the government does not prohibit.<ref>http://www.umc.org/site/c.lwL4KnN1LtH/b.1682267/k.6E19/Church__Politics_Overview.htm</ref>

The United Methodist Church believes that the attempt to influence the [[public policy]]  of [[government]] is the most effective means available to [[church]]es to serve the interests of [[humanity]] and to ensure that [[power]] and [[order]] are made to serve the ends of [[justice]] and [[freedom]] for all people. It supports the [[First Amendment]] to the [[United States]] [[constitution]], that ensures that no [[law]] should respect an establishment of [[religion]] or prohibit practice of religion. The UMC believes that, in a [[pluralism|pluralistic]] [[society]], churches should not seek the [[authority]] of government to conform to their particular morals. Instead they should influence [[public opinion]] and inform the consequences of [[immoral]] actions that the government does not prohibit.<ref>http://www.umc.org/site/c.lwL4KnN1LtH/b.1682267/k.6E19/Church__Politics_Overview.htm</ref>

===LGBT inclusion===

===LGBT inclusion===

The [[homosexuality]] issues within the United Methodist Church have caused a schism over 7,600 Churches have left the UMC so far. Most of those churches leaving have joined the new [[Global_Methodist_Church]]

The [[homosexuality]] issues within the United Methodist Church have caused a schism over 7,600 Churches have left the UMC so far. Most of those churches leaving have joined the new [[Global_Methodist_Church]] <ref>https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2023/december/united-methodist-church-split-total-umc-disaffiliation-lgbt.html</ref>

== See also ==

== See also ==