BOOK OF RESOLUTIONS OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH,  1996

"CONCERNING DEMEANING NAMES TO NATIVE AMERICANS" (pg. 217)

In our society today, there is a growing debate and discussion about the appropriateness of using Native American names as nicknames for professional sports teams and university mascots. As the publication Words That Hurt, Words That Heal, produced by The United Methodist Church, highlights, the use of names and language is a powerful instrument for good and destructive purposes. It is demeaning to Native Americans and other members of our society to depict Native Americans as violent and aggressive people by calling a sports team the "Braves" or the "Warriors." The implication is that all Native Americans are aggressive and violent people. This use of nicknames is not conducive to the development of a society committed to the common good of its citizenry.

In "The United Methodist Church and America's Native People" (The Book of Resolutions, 1992; page 178), The United Methodist Church has issued a call for repentance for the Church's role in the dehumanization and colonization of our Native American sisters and brothers. In light of this stand and the fact that we strongly believe the continued use of Native American names as nicknames is demeaning and racist, we urge all United Methodist-related universities, colleges, and schools to set an example by replacing any nicknames that demean and offend our Native American sisters and brothers; and we support efforts throughout our society to replace such nicknames, mascots, and symbols.

ADOPTED 1996

See Social Principles, ¶ 66A; "The United Methodist Church and America's Native People"; "Confesstion to Native Americans."