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CORPORAL PUNISHMENT OF CHILDREN -- SPANKING:
The United Methodist Church's anti-spanking resolutions
of 2004
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On 2004-MAY-31 the United Methodist Church's General Conference passed two anti-spanking
resolutions -- each by an overwhelming vote. In doing so, they repudiated the teachings of their founder,
John Wesley, who believed in the corporal punishment of infants and children
was necessary "to break their rebellious wills and save their souls."
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Delegates from the Grace United Methodist Church in Sioux City IA
presented two petitions to the UMC 2004 General Conference.
"Corporal Punishment by Parents and Caretakers:"
The first petition passed by a vote of 88 to 0, with 18 abstentions, from the
Church and Society Committee. It was later overwhelmingly passed by a
vote of 892 to 7 by the Assembly delegates. It was Petition Number
41038, (41038 CS R9999).
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Whereas, corporal punishment models aggressive behavior
as a solution to conflict, |
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Whereas, some research has associated corporal punishment
with increased aggression in children and adults, increased
substance abuse, increased risk of crime and violence, low
self-esteem, and chronic depression, |
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Whereas it is difficult to imagine Jesus of Nazareth
condoning any action that is intended to hurt children
physically or psychologically, |
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Whereas, time outs and deprivation of privileges are as
effective as corporal punishment in stopping undesirable
behavior, |
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Whereas, the effectiveness of corporal punishment
decreases with subsequent use and therefore leads caretakers to
hit children more severely, |
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Whereas, children must eventually develop their own
conscience and self discipline, which are fostered by a home
environment of love, respect and trust, |
Therefore, be it resolved that the United Methodist
Church encourages its members to adopt discipline methods that do
not include corporal punishment of their children. And be it further
resolved that the United Methodist Church encourages congregations
to offer opportunities for dialogue and education on effective
discipline of children. 2 |
The second "whereas" is an apparent reference to some of the
long-term studies that have been made in Ontario,
Canada and New Zealand.
"Corporal Punishment in Schools and Child Care Facilities:"
The first petition also passed by a vote of 892 to 7. It was Petition
Number 41037, (41037-CS-R9999).
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Whereas, schools and child care facilities are the only
institutions in America in which striking another person for the purpose
of causing physical pain is legal, |
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Whereas, corporal punishment is humiliating and degrading to
children and sometimes causes physical injury, |
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Whereas, it is difficult to imagine Jesus of Nazareth condoning
any action that is intended to hurt children physically or
psychologically, |
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Whereas, corporal punishment sends a message that hitting smaller
and weaker people is acceptable, |
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Whereas, corporal punishment is used most often on poor children,
minorities, children with disabilities, and boys, |
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Whereas, there are effective alternatives to corporal punishment
that teach children to be self disciplined rather than to submit out of
fear, |
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Whereas, schools and child care centers should inspire children
to enjoy learning and school and child care personnel should be able to
encourage positive behavior without hitting children, |
Therefore, be it resolved that The United Methodist Church calls upon
all states to enact laws prohibiting corporal punishment in schools and day
and residential child care facilities. 3
References used:
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Rita Swan, "The United Methodist Church's resolutions against
corporal punishment," Center for Effective Discipline, at:
http://www.stophitting.com/
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Petition #41038, "Corporal Punishment by Parents and Caretakers,"
United Methodist Church, 2004, at:
http://www.umc.org/
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Petition #41037, "Corporal Punishment in Schools and Child Care
Facilities," United Methodist Church, 2004, at:
http://www.umc.org/
Copyright © 2005 by Ontario Consultants on
Religious Tolerance
Latest update: 2005-FEB-06
Author: B.A. Robinson | |
Page Translator:
