Disability-Related Excerpts from The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church, 2016
Episcopal Greetings
This book of covenant sets forth the theological grounding of The United Methodist Church in biblical faith and affirms that we go forward as “loyal heirs to all that [is] best in the Christian past.”
It makes clear that The UMC is an inclusive society without regard to ethnic origin, economic condition, gender, age, or the disabilities of its constituents.
All who are baptized and confirmed are ministers of Jesus Christ. (p. v)Disability-Related Excerpts in …
Part I – The Constitution
¶ 4. Article IV. Inclusiveness of the Church
All persons are of sacred worth and eligible to attend worship, receive sacraments, and become professing members regardless of race, color, national origin, status, or economic condition. No unit of the Church shall be structured to exclude anyone. (p. 26)¶ 16. Article IV – The General Conference has authority to define membership, always without reference to race, gender, or status. (p. 31)
¶ 22. Article VI – Publishing house income may only benefit retired or disabled preachers, their spouses, widows/widowers, children, or pension beneficiaries. (p. 31)Disability-Related Excerpts in …
Part III – Doctrinal Standards and Theological Task
¶ 102. General Rules and Social Principles
Our struggles for human dignity and social reform are responses to God’s demand for love, mercy, and justice. (p. 55)Disability-Related Excerpts in …
Part IV – The Ministry of All Christians
¶ 124. Our Mission in the World
The visible church affirms the worth of all humanity, revealing God’s love across all backgrounds, and demonstrates healing power with those who suffer. (p. 94)¶ 125. Commitment
We commit to crossing boundaries of language, culture, and status to grow in mutual love and trust. (p. 95)¶ 129. Ministry as Gift and Task
God’s gifts are diverse; all have dignity and worth. (p. 97)¶ 140. Called to Inclusiveness
Inclusiveness = openness, acceptance, and support.
Worship services must be open to all. Activities should be held in accessible facilities.
Seminaries are to improve access to facilities, communication, and accommodations according to UN and WCC guidelines. (p. 101)Disability-Related Excerpts in …
Part V – The Social Principles
¶ 161. The Nurturing Community
Support social climates that strengthen all persons. Use respectful language; derogatory terms contradict the gospel. (p. 110)¶ 161.K. Abortion
Reject abortion for eugenics. (p. 114)¶ 162.I. Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Recognize the full humanity of people with disabilities as members of God’s family. Call for inclusion, protection of civil rights, access to housing, employment, education, transportation. (p. 123)¶ 162.O. Genetic Technology
Therapies should not be used for eugenics. (p. 125)¶ 162.T. Information Technology
Access to internet/telecom is a basic right. (p. 129)¶ 162.V. Right to Health Care
Equal access for persons with disabilities. (p. 129)¶ 162.X. Mental Health
Stigma is rejected; all remain created in God’s image. (p. 130)¶ 163.IV. Economic Community
Public officials should prioritize schools, care for poor, elderly, disabled, disenfranchised. (p. 137)¶ 164.V.Education
Equal access to education is a right. (p. 137)¶ 164.H. Criminal Justice
Reject discriminatory law enforcement against persons with disabilities. (p. 141)¶ 166. Our Social Creed
Commitment to rights of all persons, including people with disabilities. (p. 144)Disability-Related Excerpts in …
Part VI – Organization and Administration
The Local Church
¶ 214. Eligibility
All may attend and participate; guardians may recite vows for persons with disabilities. (p. 155)¶ 2533. Trustees
Conduct annual accessibility audits to eliminate barriers. (p. 757)¶ 2544. Planning for Buildings
Parsonages must provide accessible bedroom, bathroom, laundry on the ground floor. (p. 766)¶ 265. Disability Awareness Sunday
Annual observance celebrating gifts of persons with disabilities, promoting accessibility. (p. 214)
Ministry of the Ordained
¶ 324. Provisional Membership – Disabilities not to be seen as disqualifying. (p. 247)
¶ 330 & ¶ 335. Ordination Requirements – Must show willingness to relate to all persons, including persons with disabilities. (pp. 257, 269)
¶ 356. Medical Leave – Clergy may not be involuntarily placed on leave solely for disability; accommodations required. (p. 302)
The Superintendency & Conferences
¶ 425. Appointment-Making
Appointments must honor open itineracy, without regard to disability. (p. 347)¶ 603 & ¶ 610. Annual Conferences
Sessions and meetings must be held in accessible spaces; inclusiveness in leadership. (pp. 412, 423)¶ 653. Committee on Disability Concerns
Each annual conference must establish a committee, including persons with disabilities, to promote full inclusion and accessibility. (p. 503)¶ 716. Nondiscrimination Policies
All agencies must recruit, employ, and hold events inclusively and in accessible facilities. (p. 542)Disability-Related Excerpts in …
Part VII – General Agencies
¶ 1101–1120. Discipleship Ministries
Inclusive communities; education must address needs of persons with disabilities; camps and retreat centers should be accessible. (p. 601–616)¶ 1314. Global Ministries
Encourage inclusivity for people with disabilities in worship, leadership, ministry. (p. 637)¶ 1405. Higher Education & Ministry
Address needs of people with disabilities in education, training, and professional ministry. (pp. 641–643)¶ 1502. Pensions & Health Benefits
Representation must include persons with disabilities. (p. 668)¶ 1806–1807. Communication
Provide content in accessible formats; commission membership must reflect inclusiveness. (p. 708–710)¶ 2104. Status & Role of Women
Membership must include persons with disabilities. (p. 724)Disability-Related Excerpts in …