1996

A. PEACE, WAR, & STRATEGIES OF VIOLENCE TO SETTLE DISPUTES [1249]

F. EXCLUSIVISM, INCLUSIVISM, SOCIAL/ETHICAL ISSUES [1250] [1251] [1254]

[1249] April 19, 1996 Participation in Military Service

Whereas, The call to the church is to pursue peace; and

Whereas, The church recognizes the moral right and responsibility of persons to make personal choices relating to how they will pursue peace; and

Whereas, As a church we affirm that each person in harmony with his or her understanding of the teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ exercises an individual stewardship by choosing to participate or not to participate in military service; and

Whereas, A person may wish to have on record with the church a statement explaining his or her choice not to participate; therefore, be it

Resolved, That a registry for such statements be established and maintained at the headquarters of the church; and be it further

Resolved, That a person making a decision of conscience either to participate or not to participate in military service has the respect, the support, and the ministry of the church; and be it further

Resolved, That as a church we affirm that each person has the moral right to nonviolently and conscientiously object to, or refuse to participate, or to participate fully in military service in response to his or her understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ as taught by this church.

[1250] April 19, 1996 The Nurture of Children

Whereas, Concern for the welfare and nurture of children is central to the gospel of Jesus Christ and the ministry of this church; and

Whereas, The church wants to promote the opportunity for all children to enjoy adequate living conditions and health care, to have access to education, and to be free from exploitation and abuse; therefore, be it

Resolved, That we applaud all national efforts to address the needs of children including those nations that have endorsed the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child; and be it further

Resolved, That we encourage our members, congregations, and jurisdictional leaders, as is appropriate within the nations where the church is organized, and with the assistance of the Temple Peace Center, to support the efforts of governments in respecting the following guiding principles:

1. The right to affection, love, and understanding.

2. The right to adequate nutrition and medical care.

3. The right to protection against neglect, cruelty, and exploitation.

4. The right to free education and opportunity for play and recreation.

5. The right to a name and nationality.

6. The right to special care if disabled.

7. The right to be among the first to receive relief in times of disaster.

8. The right to learn to be accepted members of society and to develop individual abilities.

9. The right to be brought up in the hope and pursuit of universal peace and community.

10. The right to enjoy these rights regardless of race, color, gender, disability, religion, national or social origin, and be it further

Resolved, That we joyfully acknowledge the ministry of the church in supporting and joining with parents in the responsibility of nurturing children and providing moral direction.

[1251] April 19, 1996 Singles Ministry

Whereas, There is a significant population of single people within the church membership who need our ministry; therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Conference request that the appropriate World Church officers give consideration to the coordination of ministry to the singles community; and be it further

Resolved, That coordination of ministry to singles should include

1. the continuation of the Singles Ministry Task Force, as it is currently operating, to explore present and future specific needs and report back to the 1998 World Conference;

2. maintenance of a list of active church singles with a contact person to publicize and coordinate their activities;

3. development of methods of ministering to active and inactive singles through educational materials and support groups; and

4. continuation of effective methods of ministry such as the Singles Reunion and weekend retreats; and be it further

Resolved, That a study be made on the needs and perspectives of the singles of the church, and that this information be used to educate the local leadership of the congregations on the needs and perspectives of the singles.

[1254] April 20, 1996 Children's and Youth Delegate Caucus

Whereas, The youth of the church are recognized as being the church of today and tomorrow; and

Whereas, The said youth are allowed to participate as delegates in World Conference; and

Whereas, The children and youth, being defined as ages twenty-three and under, provide an additional perspective to those of the quorums, councils, and orders, and the Delegate Caucus, and that this view is beneficial to the church; therefore, be it

Resolved, That a Children's and Youth Caucus composed of elected delegates twenty-three years of age and under be constituted and empowered to submit legislation to the World Conference; and be it further

Resolved, That elected delegates ages twenty-three and under be extended the option of participating in either the Children's and Youth Delegate Caucus or other quorum, council, order or caucus for which they might otherwise be qualified, with voice and vote and either choice being for the duration of that Conference; and be it further

Resolved, That the First Presidency appoint a president pro tem and secretary to help conduct the business of the caucus.