Social consciousness has always played an important part in Methodist history. It has always gone hand in hand with faith. Early Methodists opposed: slavery liquor traffic gambling industrial exploitation war

The church has supported: education (since the 18th century) publishing (through the 19th and 20th centuries) women's rights (since the 1800's) charitable works (since the late 1800's) temperance (through the 1800's and 1900's) labor rights (since 1894) world peace (since 1924)

The United Methodist Church has a long history of addressing the social issues of the day. The General Conference has adopted a statement of social principles. These social principles are a prayerful and thoughtful effort to speak to the human issues in the contemporary world from a sound biblical and theological foundation as historically demonstrated in United Methodist traditions.

Part 1 - The Natural World Energy resources Global warming Environmental issues Part 2 - The Political Community Church and state relations Death penalty Civil disobedience Part 3 - The Economic Community Collective bargaining Poverty Gambling Consumption Part 4 - The Social Community Alcohol and other drugs Medical experimentation Health care Part 5 - The World Community Terrorism Security and safety War and peace Global society