"The church should continually exert a strong ethical influence upon the state, supporting policies and programs deemed to be just and opposing policies and programs that are unjust."

(The Social Principles of The United Methodist Church)

Photo/GBGM historical archive

United Methodism reflects a long history of commitment to social action. Paramount in that commitment is advocacy of the right and need of all people to vote.

At the forefront of this advocacy have been women of the church whose efforts began with the Suffrage Movement launched in 1848. Notable among 19th century suffragettes were former slave and itinerary preacher Sojourner Truth who enthralled an assembly in a women's rights meeting in Akron, Ohio in 1851 with her famous "Ain't I A Woman" speech; and Anna Howard Shaw, who came into prominence after the Civil War. Shaw was an ordained Methodist preacher, a medical doctor, and social reformer.

Both Truth and Shaw encountered great hardships in pursuit of achieving personal goals and in their struggle in the Suffrage Movement which asked for woman:

"The right to have personal freedom, to acquire an education, to earn a living, to claim her wages, to own property, to sue and be sued, to make contracts, to testify in court, to obtain a divorce for a just cause, to possess her children, to claim a fair share of the accumulations during marriage, to vote...".

Legacy of social pioneers like Truth and Shaw, as well as individuals who fought and died in the Civil Rights Movement (which succeeded in gaining full rights for blacks to vote) is honored today as preceding generations continue the Wesleyan tradition of putting faith and love into practice as part of the Christian life. United Methodist Women of the General Board of Global Ministries, mission agency of The United Methodist Church, help educate and inform the constituency on how they can be more involved in the political process, and stress the importance of being active participants through exercise of their vote.

The Washington Office of Public Policy of The Women's Division (located at 100 Maryland Ave., N.E. Room 530, Washington, DC 20002; Phone 202-488- 5660; Fax: 202-488-5681) provides advocacy information. The position of The United Methodist Church on social issues can be read in Social Principles and the Book of Resolutions which are available through the Service Center, General Board of Global Ministries, Cincinnati, OH 45222-1800.

October 31, 2000