Faith in Action May 16

Faith in Action / May 16, 2012 / Wayne Rhodes, Editor Word from Winkler A cantankerous conferenceBy Jim Winkler, General Secretary, General Board of Church & Society The recently concluded General Conference had a unique persona: great worship, good fellowship and orneriness. 2012 Peace with Justice grants $60,000 awarded to 22 ministries By Wayne Rhodes, Editor, Faith in ActionRecipients include 3 in Central Conferences overseas and 16 in four of the five U.S. jurisdictions. Women’s advocacy opening General Board of Church & Society seeks director for Louise & Hugh Moore Population Project Work with and on behalf of women around the globe by advocating for passage of just policies by the U.S. Congress and the United Nations. National Addictions Network Pezzolesi to discuss legislative initiatives on May 22 conference callMonthly calls to build dynamic, spiritual movement among United Methodists that cultivates national dialogue to help curb the epidemic of addiction. Peace with Justice Sunday Quickly referenced resources to help with Special Sunday observance Peace with Justice Sunday helps provides a voice to the denomination in advocating for peace around the world and around the neighborhood. ‘Communities of love’ urged Bishops Kiesey, Matthews encourage blessing, rather than cursing each other By the Rev. Maidstone Mulenga Hours after General Conference voted to keep the denomination’s stance on homosexuality, 2 bishops challenged United Methodists to love those who may be outside their boat. Maternal health resolution General Conference responds to global tragedy of maternal mortality By Katie Kraft United Methodist Church called to support direct services and advocacy to improve maternal health and access to family planning. Hope against hope United Methodist Church’s anti-homosexual stance survives ‘common-sense’ proposal to change itBy the Rev. Clayton Childers Local congregations across U.S. are thriving by ignoring denomination’s strictures and embracing radical hospitality, intentionally welcoming everyone regardless of sexual orientation. Shall we do nothing? Christians being driven out of Holy Land By Lonnie Chafin Future dialogue to change the practices of companies profiting from Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory is ‘futile.’ Safer side by side  Why Israel needs Palestine By Hussein Ibish ‘Threat posed by potential Palestinian state most common Israeli objection to a 2-state solution, but occupation itself is main source of insecurity and lack of peace. Poverty in the U.S. FaithLink downloadable study resource connects faith with lifeHalf the people in the U.S. may face poverty due to unemployment, war, the Great Recession, corporate greed or income inequality, but what can the faith community do about it? A mother’s love Childbirth requires women to give many sacrifices beyond just physical suffering By Katie Kraft It is ‘truly disheartening’ to learn that many people struggle to see how anything other than physical life should be given consideration when debating maternal issues. ‘Good emergency’ appeal Funds needed to ship sweet potatoes North Carolina grower offers 6.3 million pounds of produce — or 18 million servings — to Society of St. Andrew. Labor in the Pulpit Resources to organize a Labor Day weekend observance honoring workers Join hundreds of congregations and community groups in honoring workers and lifting up the struggle for worker and economic justice. Second annual food day Oct. 24 to galvanize support for better food policies More than 2,300 events occurred last year in nationwide celebration of healthful, affordable, sustainably produced food. On true 'adaptive change' 'Jesus didn’t say, "Feed only my sheep who are theologically correct, able to be counted in our numbers, who agree with me."'—Bishop Deborah Kiesey (Dakotas)   The United Methodist Church — General Board of Church and Society 100 Maryland Avenue, Washington, DC 20002 — (202) 488-5600 — www.umc-gbcs.org Open hearts. Open minds. Open doors. The people of The United Methodist Church.