Social Action is when we advocate for those affected by social, economical, environmental and other injustices, particularly women, children and youth. “. . .What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8 (RSV) Following this mandate United Methodist Women work within the Social Principles of The United Methodist Church to ensure that words are transformed into actions that bring justice to all!
“Transformation implies a newness, a freshness, and a profound difference. Women in mission are seeking transformation. We want to transform anything that stands in opposition to the abundant life for all God’s children. We want to transform relationships between peoples, and encourage new relationships between individuals and God. We seek transformation of systems that oppress, exploit, and marginalize women, children, and youth in church and society.” Joyce Sohl, former Deputy General Secretary of Women’s Division
Children’s Sabbath
The Campaign for Children urges us to celebrate a Children’s Sabbath in the local church each year in October. The resource for this is available from the Children's Defense Fund, Leave No Child Behind. This is a combined resource for Protestant, Catholic, Jewish and other faith traditions. A copy can be found in each District Office throughout the Conference.
United Methodist Day at General Assembly
On the first Thursday of February in 2009 ( Feb. 5th) the Conference UMW and Board of Church & Society promote this opportunity for advocacy at the Capitol. Time for visiting legislators and attending committee meetings along with speakers on current issues are available throughout the day. For more information visit www.vaumw.org.
Social Action Resources
Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church 2004 – The Social Principles
The Book of Resolutions 2004
www.virginiainterfaithcenter.org
www.equalexchange.com/interfaith
Social Action Scriptures
Psalms 82:3-4
Psalms 122:6-7
Zechariah 8:16
Isaiah 52:7
Isaiah 56:1-2
Matthew 5:9
John 14:27
Romans 14:19
I Peter 3:8-11
“This is how we’ve come to understand and experience love: Christ sacrificed his life for us. This is why we ought to live sacrificially for our fellow believers, and not just be out for ourselves. If you see some brother or sister in need and have the means to do something about it but turn a cold shoulder and do nothing, what happens to God’s love? It disappears. And you made it disappear.” 1 John 3:17-19 (The Message)
Link to Official and Un-Official Resources: Official and Unofficial Resources (Adobe)
Contact Becky Breeding, mbbreeding3@yahoo.com, Mission Coordinator for Social Action with any questions.
This page was last updated on Wednesday, May 07, 2008.