East Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church

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MULTICULTURAL VITALITY

Native American Ministries

A statement from the Rev. Dan Hawk, chairperson of the Native American Awareness Committee of the East Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church.

“The East Ohio Native American Awareness Committee welcomes the decision to remove Chief Wahoo from team uniforms as an important step toward recognizing and respecting the dignity of Native people. We are grateful for The United Methodist Church's declaration, made during General Conference 2016, that the "continued use of Native American names as mascots for sports teams is demeaning and racist" (The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church 2016, #3327). Consistent with this resolution, we call on the Cleveland Indians franchise to take the next step and remove Chief Wahoo from team merchandise and sales outlets. We also urge United Methodists, as an expression of our commitment to walk in Acts of Repentance, to refrain from purchasing items or wearing apparel with the Wahoo logo.”

Supporting the Ministry of Christ among Native People

The Native American Awareness Committee of the East Ohio Conference supports the indigenous people of our country by working to stop discrimination, to foster the understanding of Native American heritage, and to develop and encourage Native American leadership. Native American themes provide unique insight into our understanding of incarnation as a God-given identity. Jesus was fully human and fully divine. Our spirit is connected to, not separate from, our body. We are participants in, not just consumers of, God’s creation.