Racial Justice
Human rights for all people is one of the historic principles of United Methodist Women. God is the creator of all people of all races, and we are all God's children. Therefore opportunities for fellowship and service, personal growth and freedom in every aspect of life are inherent rights of everyone.
United Methodist Women has tried to build a community and social order without racial barriers. In 1941, the organization voted to hold meetings only in those places where all members could be entertained without any form of racial discrimination. In 1942, the organization relocated its national Assembly from St. Louis to Columbus, Ohio, where one hotel would accommodate a racially integrated group. In 1952, the organization adopted its first Charter for Racial Justice, modeled after the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the world community in December 1948. The charter was updated in 1962, 1978 and adopted by the General Conference of the United Methodist Church.
Racial justice is an ongoing focus of United Methodist Women mission work. The organization conducts regular racial justice workshops with members, and works in coalition with human and civil rights groups to track hate-crimes and to promote racial justice in the United States and the world.
