Page "Methodism" Paragraph 60

The initial statement of the Methodist position on slavery was delivered in the Conference minutes from 1780 ’ s annual conference.

After a comprehensive statement of the varied reasons slavery goes against “ the laws of God, man, and nature ,” the Conference answered in the affirmative to the question, “ do we pass our disapprobation on all our friends who keep slaves and advise their freedom ?” This position was put into action in 1783.

Preachers from the Baltimore Conference were required, under threat of suspension, to free their slaves.

By 1784, similar requirements were made of Methodists as a whole, laity and clergy alike.

The negative reaction to this requirement was so strong that it had to be abandoned, but the rule was kept in the Book of Discipline.