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UM Western North Carolina Annual Conference Resolves: Duke Defies UM Discipline!

The following resolution was adopted by the Western North Carolina Annual Conference meeting at Lake Junaluska, NC on June 8, 2001.

Whereas, Duke University was founded in the tradition and faith of the Methodist Church; 

Whereas, Duke University continues to be an officially related and approved United Methodist institution.

Whereas, the United Methodist Church renewed, at its 2000 General Conference, its opposition of same-sex unions by officially adopting that no clergy shall officiate at such a union and such unions shall not be celebrated in United Methodist churches. 

And whereas, Duke University President Keohane and Dean of the Chapel Willimon, upon the recommendation of a study committee, have made the decision to allow same-sex-unions in the Duke University Chapel. 

Therefore, be it resolved, that the members of the 2001 session of Western North Carolina Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, consider the decision of President Keohane and Dean Willimon, as an affront to the belief of the United Methodist Church. We further consider this decision intolerant and disrespectful of the professed belief of the United Methodist Church toward these unions. 

We, therefore, stand in opposition to this decision and further call upon the leadership of Duke Chapel and other faith communities represented at Duke University to be tolerant, open and hospitable to the beliefs of the United Methodist Church in their leadership responsibilities.