Social Creed (Methodist)

Template:Sidebar with collapsible lists The Social Creed originated to express Methodism's outrage over the miserable lives of the millions of workers in factories, mines, mills, tenements and company towns. It was adopted by the Methodist Episcopal Church, the first denomination in Christendom to adopt an official Social Creed. As a part of United Methodist social principles, United Methodist congregations are encouraged to regularly reflect upon the creed and use it in worship services.

History

Influenced by the Social Gospel movement and the Progressive politics of early-20th-century America, the Church wrote and adopted the creed in 1908. Its primary authors were Harry F. Ward, Elbert R. Zaring, Frank Mason North, Herbert Welch, and Worth M. Tippy. It has been altered through the years, and still appears in The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church, following the Social Principles section.

Social Creed

The 2016 Social Creed as it appears in the Book of Discipline.

1908 Methodist Social Creed

The Methodist Episcopal Church states:

When the Federal Council of Churches adopted the social creed in December 1908, they added the following phrase at the end:

See also

• Catholic social teaching
• Evangelical left
• General Board of Church and Society
• Sermon on the Mount
• Social Gospel
• Social justice
• The Upper Room (United Methodist Church)

External links

• Methodist Federation for Social Action
• The United Methodist General Board of Church and Society
• The Social Creed of the Churches, by Harry F. Ward