What are the Social Principles?

The Social Principles are the United Methodist Church's official statements on a wide range of issues affecting human society and the natural world. They represent the church's prayerful effort to speak to contemporary issues in the light of Scripture, theology, and the Wesleyan tradition of social holiness.

What They Cover

The Social Principles address six major areas of concern:

• The Natural World — Environmental stewardship, climate change, animal welfare, sustainable agriculture, and the responsible use of natural resources.
• The Nurturing Community — Family life, marriage, human sexuality, aging, dying, and the care of children and vulnerable populations.
• The Social Community — Racial and ethnic justice, education, health care, disability rights, criminal justice, and immigration.
• The Economic Community — Poverty, workers' rights, consumption, responsible investment, and economic justice.
• The Political Community — Human rights, civil liberties, the role of government, military service, and the pursuit of peace.
• The World Community — Global justice, international relations, war and peace, and the rights of all peoples.

How They're Used

The Social Principles are not church law in the same way as other parts of the Book of Discipline—they are not binding rules that can be enforced through judicial proceedings. Rather, they serve as a guide for moral deliberation and a resource for teaching, preaching, and advocacy. They invite United Methodists to engage thoughtfully with the pressing issues of the day and to let their faith inform their actions as citizens and community members.

How They're Updated

The Social Principles are revised by the General Conference, which means they are updated every four years to reflect new understandings, emerging issues, and the ongoing discernment of the church. This process of regular revision ensures that the Social Principles remain a living document—responsive to the changing world while grounded in enduring theological convictions.