The calling of the Methodist Church is to respond to the gospel of God's love in Christ and to live out its discipleship in worship and mission.
It does this through Worship, Learning and Caring, Service and Evangelism.
As part of our Learning and Caring, the Church exists to help people to grow and learn as Christians, through mutual support and care. And as part of our Service, the Church exists to be a good neighbour to people in need and to challenge injustice.
What do we know about freedom of religion or belief?
According to the Pew Research Centre, over three quarters of the world’s population live in countries where freedom of religion or belief is heavily restricted by the state or with high levels of social hostilities related to religion such as hate crimes, mob violence or religion related terrorism.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 18 states that:
Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.
The Freedom of Religion or Belief (FORB) Learning Platform
provides
resources
to help individuals, communities and decision-makers learn, reflect upon and promote freedom of religion or belief for all. The platform includes resources for personal study and for group training.
You can visit their website: www.forb-learning.org to find out more.
A Methodist point of view
The Methodist Church in Britain’s International Consultation on Religious Freedom: Summary of the presentations, discussions and outcomes
Download the 2017 consultation report here