Advocacy

Since the Church’s inception, Methodists have been actively involved in social and political matters in order to build a more peaceful and just world. Graphic by Laurens Glass, United Methodist Communications.

Ask The UMC: Is The United Methodist Church involved in politics?

Can United Methodists be politically active? The Social Principles offer guidance about the interaction of church and politics.

General Conference

The Rev. Mark Holland (left) briefs on regionalization legislation during an April 25 morning meeting of Mainstream UMC at the Charlotte Convention Center. Mainstream UMC is among various groups seeking to influence legislation and advocate on behalf of causes during the United Methodist General Conference in Charlotte, N.C. Photo by Sam Hodges, UM News.

Groups busy advocating at General Conference

Caucuses and other groups make their points in various ways outside the plenary and legislative committees of the United Methodist General Conference.

Mission and Ministry

The Rev. Jon Erik Bråthen (left) enjoys chatting with everyone he meets. Based at Porsangmoen near Lakselv in Finnmark, Norway, Bråthen is a military chaplain whose “congregants” include Sámi-speaking peoples who practice semi-nomadic reindeer herding. Photo courtesy of Emil Skartveit.

Military chaplain protects, promotes Sámi rights

In Norway, the Rev. Jon Erik Bråthen reaches out to Sámi-speaking peoples, whose best-known means of livelihood is semi-nomadic reindeer herding.

Social Concerns

Members and supporters of the Coalition of Immokalee (Fla.) Workers pray in Nashville, Tenn., at the conclusion of a protest against the Publix supermarket chain's refusal to join a farm workers' rights labor program. The Book of Resolutions of the United Methodist Church demands that employers "treat farm workers and their families with dignity and respect.” Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Ask The UMC: Does the church support workers' rights?

The United Methodist Church supports workers' rights in a heritage that goes back to early Methodism in England.

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