We have, in recent memory, emphasized matters of practice, piety, and social improvement over matters of doctrine and theology. Yet, in the current context, the practice of Christianity is threatened precisely by our doctrinal amnesia. Far too many of us are simply unable to state clearly what it is that makes Christians faith distinctive and decisive for our life and our relationships with one another. The Confessing Movement does not believe that the church will be saved by right doctrine. But we do believe the church will be lost without it.
Theological freedom depends upon doctrinal commitment.
United Methodists are rightfully proud of our distinctive theological heritage, one which leads us back to John Wesley's Anglican renewal movement and through him to the rich traditions of the early church and the eastern theologians. One thing we treasure in Wesley is the freedom to mine and explore and pillage the traditions of the church in formulating theology for our own day. Every generation has had to tell the story in its own words and in the context of particular issues and challenges, yet, at the same time, every generation has had to learn the story. And every generation has had to discern what is not the Gospel story. This process of theologizing will always reflect the setting in which it takes place, and the personality of the one doing it.