May 22, 2000
Methodists say Mormons
not part of Christian tradition
___CLEVELAND (RNS)--The United Methodist Church ruled officially May 10 that individuals baptized in Mormon churches have not received Christian baptism and must be rebaptized to join the Methodist church.
___ The report approved by delegates to the church's quadrennial meeting says the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints "is not a part of the historic, apostolic tradition of Christian faith."
___ This position echoes that of the Southern Baptist Convention and other Christian denominations, which generally view Mormonism as something other than orthodox Christianity. The Mormon church identifies itself as part of the Christian tradition.
___ The Mormon report, which was approved without a vote, was the result of difficulties faced by Methodist pastors in Mormon-heavy western states. Pastors were unsure whether a Mormon baptism could count as baptism in the Methodist church. The report responded with a strong but cautious no.
___ In the Mormon church, adult baptism by immersion is a necessary step toward entering an eternal "celestial kingdom." Mormons are urged to undergo baptisms "by proxy" for ancestors who were not baptized so that they might also enjoy an eternal kingdom. Those who are not baptized "shall be damned," according to the Mormon scriptures. The United Methodist Church, like most other Christian churches, does not embrace such theology.
___ Because of major doctrinal differences with the Mormon church, the report recommended that converts from Mormonism receive a new baptism in the United Methodist Church. In addition, the report called for a period of "catechesis"--a time of "intensive exploration and instruction in the Christian faith" and for converts to officially sever their ties to the Mormon church.
___ "What that is actually saying is that Mormon baptism is not Christian baptism," said Gayle Felton, a consultant with the Methodists' General Board of Discipleship. "What it's saying, bottom line, is that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is not a Christian faith."
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