Advocacy
|
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because (God) has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. (God) has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Luke 4:18-19) Progressive leaders in The United Methodist Church and its predecessor denominations have long advocated for racial/ethnic justice, reconciliation and inclusiveness in the church and in society. Admittedly, our history is marred by racial prejudice and discrimination, segregation and schism, merger and compromise. But it also includes valiant efforts by principled women and men to break down barriers, loose the bonds of injustice and build a multiethnic, multiracial church, a beloved community of justice, healing and hope. In the words of our United Methodist Constitution: The United Methodist Church recognizes that the sin of racism has been destructive to its unity throughout its history. Racism continues to cause painful division and marginalization. The United Methodist Church shall confront and seek to eliminate racism, whether in organizations or in individuals, in every facet of its life and in society at large. The United Methodist Church shall work collaboratively with others to address concerns that threaten the cause of racial justice at all times and in all places. (Article V, Book of Discipline (2004), ¶5) Read about the call to "a fully inclusive United Methodist Church..." Focal Areas of United Methodist Mission In a world and a nation that are increasingly young and non-white, the church must be willing to extend its focus on leadership and church development, poverty and health to the young and to people of color, people who do not constitute the majority of United Methodists. That focus must be intentional and transformational for us, if we are truly to be about the work of “Making disciples for the transformation of the world.”Read about GCORR's role in the four areas of focus Racial/Ethnic Concerns While much has changed in a more open, less segregated church and society, the vestiges of racial bigotry and discrimination remain. Today’s social challenges include rejection and mistreatment of undocumented immigrants, unfair and often lethal law enforcement tactics that target African Americans, and the continuing disrespect shown in Native American sports-team names and mascots. Inside the church, the push continues for more multiracial leadership and influence, support for racial/ethnic congregations and attention to their missional needs and their contributions to the denomination. Find out more Special GCORR Concerns Massive human migration of immigrants and refugees is a worldwide reality. But there is perhaps no more controversial national issue in the United States today than immigration reform and what to do about vast numbers of undocumented immigrants who enter and remain in this country illegally. For some, immigration reform means tougher enforcement of laws through arrests, deportations and strengthening U.S. borders—primarily the border with Mexico—to impose further limits on who enters and who stays. Conversely, for others, it means creating a more humane path to earned naturalization and citizenship for undocumented immigrants and ending the cruelty of federal raids and mass arrests, separation of families, economic exploitation, and denial of human rights and access to needed social services. Read more |
