Action Pledge

Speak out for those who cannot speak, for the rights of all the destitute. Speak out, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy. Proverbs 31:8-9 (NRSV)

Just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me. Matthew 25:40 (NRSV)

What a difference faith in Jesus could make in the lives of our families, and neighborhoods, and the world, if we decided in response to God’s gift of the Christ Child to be God’s people who believe that the world can be made new and different, can be a loving and just place, a holy place where all persons are loved for we are all beloved of God. A place where on this day all persons feel the love of God, where all are fed, where the sick are cared for with great mercy, the elderly are honored and respected, the immigrant is welcomed, the rich share with the poor in the ways that overcome greed and poverty. God gives us the strength of hope that this is all possible, for God has transformed our world through Christ Jesus. As we receive Jesus into our lives we become hope for the world as our lives are transformed and we live as God’s people in the world.*

“Belief in Jesus Christ impacts Christian missions, including social justice activities.”** Because we believe in Jesus we can see and feel the pain of the world. To believe in Jesus without personal and collective efforts at transforming the world is to miss the gospel calling. To believe and to commit ourselves to the guidance of the Holy Spirit in transforming the world is to say “Yes” to God’s Mission.

Joining in God’s action in history we will “speak out”, “judge righteously” and “defend the rights” of the “least of these” for all are members of our family.

We are empowered by Bishop Carcaño’s challenge in I Believe in Jesus to see the difference that our faith can make in our families, neighborhoods and the world by actions like:

Tell someone about your commitment (your circle, local UMW unit, Sunday School class, family, children, pastor, district or conference mission team, local church and society chairperson)

[These action ideas come out of action initiated by local, district and conference United Methodist Women or have been recommended and voted by Women's Division.]

Because I believe in Jesus I will stand for women's right to equal pay by signing the petition for the Fair Pay Campaign Act. For more information go to: www.nwlc.org/fair pay or call (202) 588-5180.

Because I believe in Jesus I will support fair treatment for migrant workers by sending a postcard to the CEO of R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company in North Carolina asking them to meet with the Farm Labor Organizing Committee (FLOC). For more information go to: www.nfwm.org or call 919-489-4485.

Because I believe in Jesus I will speak out at candidate forums and write letters to the editor when the realities of race and gender are distorted in the election campaigns and the public media. For more information call the Racial Justice Office at (212) 870-3732.

Because I believe in Jesus I will become a member of the Katrina Information network and become voice a my community and nationally for justice for victims of hurricanes Rita and Katrina. For more information go to www.katrinaaction.org

Because I believe in Jesus I will work with my unit or congregation to explore how families in my church and my community are being affected by the current economic downturn, foreclosures, rising gas and food prices, and lack of health care coverage. I will support legislation like S.2636 to help communities and families deal with the crisis. For more information go to www.now.org

Because I believe in Jesus I will stand for justice by encouraging consideration of the 10 Moral Concerns in No Child Left Behind (NCLB) by visiting my U.S. Senators when they are at their home office. For more information go to www.ncccusa.org/pdfs/tenmoralconcernsrevised.pdf or call 1-888-56CHILD

Because I believe in Jesus I will take action for justice by purchasing and eating locally grown food products to ease the food crisis. For more information go to www.bread.org, www.worldvision.org or call 1-888-56CHILD

Because I believe in Jesus I will find out about the ongoing impact of HIV/AIDS on women and youth in my community and raise HIV/AIDS awareness in my community by promoting World Aids Day on December 1, 2008. For more information, got to: www.worldaidscampaign.org or www.unaids.org

Because I believe in Jesus I will find out about the consequences of Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids on children. I will enlist my unit in reaching out to immigrant organizations to learn how we can help the children. For more information go to: www.lirs.org/what/partners/DWN.htm, www.immigrationadvocates.org Also become part of the UMW online's immigration discussions http://www.umwonline.org/

Because I believe in Jesus I will support legislative efforts to end funding of the Iraq war and advocate for increased funding for veterans' benefits. For more action suggestions contact Community Action Office at (212) 870-3732.