In their introduction to the 2008 Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church, the Council of Bishops characterizes the Discipline as the “most current statement of how United Methodists agree to live their lives together. While not sacrosanct or infallible, the Discipline defines what is expected of its laity and clergy as they seek to be effective witnesses in the world as a part of the whole body of Christ. It reflects our understanding of the church and articulates the mission of the United Methodist Church: To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the World.”
The Micah 6:8 Mission Team feels called to a special concern for social justice and peace throughout the world. In considering how to address that concern as a church, we believe that we can derive guidance from the Social Principles found in the Discipline.

In the Middle East, we are now engaged in the longest war in our nation’s history. At the same time, our government has embarked on a hopeful path toward the elimination of nuclear weapons. So this month we think it is appropriate to highlight the Discipline’s statement on War and Peace (Section 165 C).

We believe war is incompatible with the teachings and example of Christ. We therefore reject war as an instrument of national foreign policy. We oppose unilateral first/preemptive strike actions and strategies on the part of any government. As disciples of Christ, we are called to love our enemies, seek justice, and serve as reconcilers of conflict. We insist that the first moral duty of all nations is to work together to resolve by peaceful means every dispute that arises between or among them. We advocate the extension and strengthening of international treaties and institutions that provide a framework within the rule of law for responding to aggression, terrorism, and genocide. We believe that human values must outweigh military claims as governments determine their priorities; that the militarization of society must be challenged and stopped; that the manufacture, sale, and deployment of armaments must be reduced and controlled; and that the production, possession, or use of nuclear weapons be condemned. Consequently, we endorse general and complete disarmament under strict and effective international control.

This utopian-seeming vision seems impossible, doesn’t it? But imagine if we took just a tithe of the resources that we invest in preparation and execution of armed conflict, and instead used those resources (people, money, research, technology) in the addressing the sources of conflict. Change is possible. Violence will never go away in this fallen world, yet we are called upon as Christians to lead the way in peacemaking. Jesus understood that in order to change the world, we must be changed—born again.