Radical revolution
A marquee sign outside the United Methodist Building on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. quotes the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (Church and Society Photo)
A United Methodist Insight Column
As demonstrations against racism and police brutality continue across the United States, segments of the United Methodist Church are stepping up to lead anti-racism campaigns. One such group is United Methodist Men.
In the past month, two men’s leaders in Georgia, where Ahmaud Arbery was killed while jogging, have called on United Methodist Men to stand against racism in their communities.
Louis Johnson, North Georgia Conference president of UM Men, says that now is the time for men of God to spread hope for a future where racism is eradicated. Odell Horne Jr., a men’s ministry specialist at Impact Church near Atlanta, says that UM Men are being “called in” to make genuine disciples of Jesus Christ so that racism can be overcome through “redemption, reconciliation and love.”
In addition to these individual encouragements, staff of the General Commission on United Methodist Men have opened talks with men’s ministry leaders in the three historically Black Methodist denominations – African Methodist Episcopal, African Methodist Episcopal-Zion, and Christian Methodist Episcopal. Together they plan to hold conversations, develop resources, and work together on anti-racism campaigns.
To learn more about the United Methodist Men’s movement, check out the latest issue of its magazine.
Coordinated anti-racism statement planned
Bishop Bob Hoshibata (Phoenix Area) has issued an invitation to the Desert Southwest Conference to post its commitment to eradicate racism on social media on Wednesday, June 17. Read the bishop’s statement.
A more just and equitable economy
COVID-19 has uncovered the racism undergirding American society. The General Board of Church and Society invites United Methodists to help build a more a more equitable economy after the coronavirus pandemic in a two ways.
First, church members are encouraged to ask their members of Congress to support federal legislation for “unemployment benefits, paid sick leave, access to child care, increased wages, and health and safety protections in the workplace.”
Second, learn more about the economy through a webinar, “Imagining a Just Economy post COVID-19,” scheduled at 2 p.m. (EDT) Thursday, June 18. The webinar is Part V of a Church and Society series, "COVID-19: Pre-existing Disparities Exposed." Register online.
Media Mentions as of June 16, 2020
Hundreds march in downtown Humble in show of unity – The Tribune
14 Resources for Teaching Your Kids About Racial Injustice – Texas Monthly
Religious leaders joined together to march in unity for churches of color, Black Lives Matter – 8News
Thousands gather Sunday for prayer and protests in Washington – The Washington Post *
Jesus was divisive: A black pastor’s message to white Christians – NPR
Donald Trump’s Bible or George Floyd’s? That’s the choice facing America’s Christians – USA TODAY
Cynthia B. Astle serves as Editor of United Methodist Insight, which she founded in 2011.