Global Poverty
Poverty kills. It kills 300,000 children every day.
"Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?"
Isaiah 58, NRSV
It shortens, injures and thwarts the lives of more than 1 billion people struggling to survive on less than $1 U.S. a day. At present 11 children under five die of hunger-related causes every minute, and about 800,000,000 people suffer from chronic or acute hunger. In our prosperous world, more than 1 billion people are denied the right to clean water and 2.6 billion people lack access to adequate sanitation. Over 100,000,000 children worldwide do not have access to education. Learn More
Immigration
"The alien who resides with you shall be to you as the citizen among you; you shall love the alien as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God."
Leviticus 19, NRSV
The story of the United States is the story of immigration. The history of the United States is characterized by waves of ethnic groups arriving to these shores searching for security and prosperity. Each new wave of immigrants has brought with them hopes and dreams of a better life, as well as unique strengths and contributions to give to the country as a whole. These strengths and contributions have made the United States a richer and more diverse tapestry of cultures. Unfortunately, each new wave of immigrants has also encountered the sting of prejudice and racial hatred from those already here, but who had so quickly forgotten their immigrant heritage. The immigrant values of labor, family and hope have transformed the United States and continue to bring much needed change today. Learn More
HIV and AIDS
The world is facing one of its most pressing health crises in centuries, and it's being labeled a "pandemic" due to its severity.
"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."
Galatians 6, NRSV
According to UNAIDS, 39,000,000 persons around the world are infected with the HIV/AIDS virus. Approximately 900,000 cases of AIDS are in the United States. As people of faith we must all work to eradicate this dreadful disease.
We cannot assume that all United Methodists are aware of the AIDS pandemic; therefore, there is a great need for education about the disease itself, methods available for treatment and ways to prevent the spread of the disease. Education and political advocacy must be done hand-in-hand to ensure the presence of just policies and the availability of adequate resources to eradicate the pandemic. Advocacy efforts need to occur at the local, state, national and international levels. Learn More
The United Methodist Church has guidelines for social action for the poeple who call themselves United Methodist. We are not a church that "tells" people what they must believe. Each person must wrestle with their own beliefs, with scripture, with their experience, and with the teachings of the church to develop their own beliefs and values.
If you want to learn more about the official United Methodist position on social, ethical, environmental issues click here.
Add your name to the petition
Our commitment to human rights is grounded in the conviction that each and every human life is sacred. Therefore the United Methodist Church endorses legislative and judicial remedies for the use of torture and illegal detention ...such as the appointment of special counsels [and] appropriate investigations.
#6120 "Opposition to Torture" Book of Resolutions (2008)
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