UM agencies to avoid cities where sports teams use Indian names

United Methodist News Service
PITTSBURGH—United Methodist agencies and organizations aren’t to have events in cities where professional sports teams use Native American mascots.
General Conference delegates called the practice of using Native American names and symbols for sport teams dehumanizing and a blatant expression of racism.
A resolution, approved May 7 by a 842-10 vote, reaffirmed the denomination’s commitment to “participate actively in the continued struggle of building the true community of God, where reconciliation comes together with justice and peace.”
The General Conference called upon all church agencies, annual conferences and United Methodist-related entities to schedule meetings and events only in cities that don’t sponsor sport teams using Native American names and symbols.
The 998 delegates from across the world noted that the denomination has been one of many faith groups calling for respect for Native American legacies and traditions.