Social issues: A bishop's perspective

On peace—“I might, as an individual, practice pacifism, but can’t ‘turn the other cheek’ become a cornerstone of national policy? The nonviolence of Christ did not prevent him from being hanged on the cross. Loving our enemies does not ensure that they will become our friends.” On ecology—“The redemption of human nature and physical nature are inseparable. When abusing nature, we are violating a personality. We must not think of nature as an ‘it’ but as a thou.” What do United Methodists believe about social issues? About tough controversial issues such as abortion, nuclear war, and homosexuality? About perennial problems such as alcoholism and gambling? And about more traditional concerns such as the role of the family? Bishop Emerson Colaw turns to the statement of the “Social Principles” in the United Methodist Book of Discipline, to the front pages of newspapers and magazines, to the Bible, and to his own experience as a pastor and church leader to find his answers. His answers will not please everyone. But that too is in the nature of social issues in The United Methodist Church today. Here is one bishop’s attempt to give much-needed leadership in the continuing debate about social issues.