A United Methodist Insight Column
The situation with the Omicron variant of coronavirus changes from day to day, making it essential that United Methodist leaders stay abreast of their local public health information in making decisions about church activities.
Axios' Sam Baker and Kavya Beheraj report: “America's Omicron wave may be peaking in some areas, but COVID deaths are climbing as cases continue to soar in most of the country.” While Omicron deaths may be fewer than in previous COVID-19 waves, this variant is only starting to take hold across the United States. This means that hospitalizations and deaths are likely to continue rising for several weeks.
Says Axios, “The bottom line: This will not last forever, but for now, vulnerable people are still at risk — especially if they're unvaccinated.”
Get the jab, people. And take advantage of free rapid tests and high-quality masks. Says the Washington Post’s “Worldview” newsletter: “As of Wednesday, all Americans can log on to a website and order free coronavirus tests to take at home. And as soon as next week, the White House is planning to distribute 400 million N95 masks to thousands of pharmacies and other locations that will be free.”
Health care workers need loving care
United Methodist congregations can do us all a great service by paying special attention to the health care workers in our midst. The Guardian reports: ‘It’s a war zone’: healthcare workers show signs of stress similar to combat veterans.
We can’t do their jobs for them, but we can give doctors, nurses, respiratory techs and all health care workers our full support. Pray for them and show them appreciation in every way possible – especially if they show signs of need mental health care. It’s as vital as physical care.
Aid for Tonga after volcanic eruptions
Tongan United Methodists have been praying for their families and friends still on the Pacific island after a massive explosion from an undersea volcano on Jan. 15. Says The Washington Post “The 7” newsletter, the volcano “exploded with the force of 500 Hiroshima bombs this weekend, covering the Pacific island nation with ash and creating 50-foot waves.” Especially view the accompanying video.
Communication with the world beyond Tonga is down because the blast damaged an underwater fiber-optic cable. Even as the first relief supplies arrive by ship from Australia and New Zealand, officials fear helpers could bring with them a wave of coronavirus.
Bishop Grant Hagiya, whose episcopal duties encompass both the California-Pacific and Desert Southwest annual conferences, issued a plea for support:
“Many of us have been following the volcanic eruption near Tonga, and instead of worrying about a tsunami affecting our shorelines, our hearts and prayers are going out to the people of Tonga and the Island itself. We have so many clergy and laity who have relatives from Tonga, and reports have been slow as to the damages to the Island and its people. For sure, the concentration of ash and resulting tsunamis have negatively affected the Island.
“… Please join me in your regular prayers for our Tongan siblings and the physical Island itself. We ask God to watch over the Tongan people, animals, and land. We ask God to move us to send relief in the form of donations as well as these prayers.”
World Methodist Council Statement On The Volcanic Eruption In The Pacific Ocean: “The World Methodist Council (WMC) officers stand in solidarity with the people of Tonga and the Pacific Islands who have been affected by the tsunami. Bishop Ivan Abrahams, General Secretary of the WMC, noted the concerns of Tongan government officials who did not want another wave – ‘a tsunami of Covid-19’ – to accompany aid to the island. He, however, encouraged the Wesleyan/Methodist family to keep the Tongan people in their prayers and mobilize the Methodist relief agencies to work together with the government and churches in Tonga.”
The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is directing assistance to Tonga through international aid agencies. Give to International Disaster Response, Advance #982450.
Teenaged climate activist murdered in Colombia
Breiner David Cucuñame
Breiner David Cucuñame. (Photograph: Twitter/ParquesColombia)
The Guardian’s “First Thing” reported that a 14-year old indigenous activist, Breiner David Cucuñame, was shot dead on Friday in Colombia. His murder has prompted shock and horror in the South American country where there has been “a spate of killings of environmentalists and social leaders in the country,” says the Guardian.
Caleb James
Caleb James, a United Methodist EarthKeeper, picks up trash along a Washington, D.C., waterway as part of his efforts to stave off human effects on climate change. (Courtesy photo).
To put this in perspective, last August United Methodist Insight reported on the activities of a young EarthKeeper, Caleb James, a member of Jones Memorial UMC in Washington, D.C. Caleb was 15 when we interviewed him, just about the same age as Breiner David Cucuñame. Look at the similarities of these two young activists in the accompanying photos – two young men of purpose, doing their best to care for God’s creation. What if Caleb’s activities, such as his “refuse plastic” campaign, were to draw a response similar to Breiner’s murder?
The bottom line here: climate change is real, and it’s our young people who will bear the dire consequences in future. It’s also our young people who are leading the effort to save the planet. They deserve all our protection and support.
Less compensation for Texas BSA abuse survivors
Now that The United Methodist Church has committed to contribute $30 million to a $2.7 billion compensation fund for survivors of sexual abuse by Boy Scout leaders, it’s important to note that BSA abuse survivors in Texas will be eligible for less money in the settlement.
Axios Dallas reports: “When the giant lawsuit against Irving-based Boy Scouts of America progresses through the court system, sex abuse survivors in Texas won’t be eligible to receive as much money as victims abused in other states.
“… While states like New York have adopted the Child Victims Act, which suspended the civil statute of limitations in child sex abuse cases, Texas does not have similar legislation.” Read the full story.
An example from Axios: “New York resident Tracy Peterson might have been eligible for more than $1 million had his abuse occurred in that state. But he alleges it happened in Texas, where he was born and raised, so instead his lawyers have told him he will probably be eligible for no more than $30,000 — minus 40% in attorney fees — according to the Buffalo News.”
The UMC’s official announcement of the BSA settlement says the $30 million will be given over a three-year period starting after the BSA bankruptcy is completed. At least one annual conference has already done the math, determining that its portion of the $30 million will amount to around $500,000 over the three-year period. Quite a chunk of change, but nothing compared to the trauma suffered by the 80,000-plus men who were assaulted by predatory Scouting leaders going back to the 1940s.
Media Mentions as of Jan. 20, 2022
Local churches gather to celebrate unity during an ecumenical prayer service - Yahoo News
At many churches, pandemic hits collection plates, budgets - Brooklyn Eagle
Central United Methodist Church donates $25,000 to Hospice of the EUP – Sault Ste. Marie Evening News
Sacramento's Tongan community await news from loved ones | abc10.com
Recommended Reading: Wespath CEO's introductory blog – UM & Global
Tallahassee Green Faith Alliance teaches local churches about sustainability - WTXL
TERRY MATTINGLY: Are United Methodist liberals still afraid to act? - Blue Mountain Eagle
Cynthia B. Astle serves as Editor of United Methodist Insight, which she founded in 2011.