Jesus said, “I came so that they could have life — indeed, so that they could live life to the fullest” (John 10:10, CEB). United Methodists value human life, from pregnancy and maternal care before we are born to our closing breaths.
United Methodists worldwide seek to bring abundant life to people at every stage through the hands-on ministries we support and the advocacy we do.
This seven-part series explores the ways United Methodists value life and help others experience the abundance of life Jesus promises.
Valuing Life, Part 1: Before we are born — Maternal and neonatal health
United Methodists and our predecessor denominations have a long history of providing care and advocacy for pregnant women and their newborn children.
READ STORY Valuing Life, Part 2: When care cannot be sustained — Abortion and adoption
United Methodism's life-centered ethics call us to limit our approval of abortion to tragic conflicts of life with life, to do all we can to prevent unplanned pregnancy, care for all pregnant women and to support adoption.
READ STORYValuing Life, Part 3: Growing up — Child Welfare
United Methodists and our predecessor denominations, back to John Wesley himself, have a long history of hands-on support and advocacy for the welfare of children.
READ STORY Valuing Life, Part 4: Staying alive — Health care for all
United Methodists and our predecessors have consistently provided and advocated for health care, especially for those who could not easily receive it.
READ STORY Valuing Life, Part 5: Feeling alive — Mental health
United Methodists seek abundant life for the whole person, physically, spiritually, and mentally.
READ STORY Valuing Life, Part 6: Threats to life — Suicide, euthanasia and capital punishment
Because United Methodists value life, we reject suicide, medically assisted dying (euthanasia) and capital punishment. United Methodists seek, advocate for and offer life-giving ways in response to and instead of these threats to life.
READ STORY Valuing Life, Part 7 — Dying well: Caring for the dying and grieving
United Methodists receive and share Jesus' promise of abundant life even and especially in the face and aftermath of death.
READ STORY