Social Justice Ministry

at St. Mark’s UMC

“Educate, advocate and engage our congregation and community on issues of social justice, using the UMC Social Principles to guide us individually and collectively in serving Christ to transform the world

“Do all the good you can; By all the means you can; In all the ways you can; In all the places you can; To all the people you can; As long as ever you can.”  John Wesley

The United Methodist Book of Discipline shares principles that set out the church’s position on social issues. The social principles are categorized into six general sections:

The Natural World

We affirm that we’re responsible for the way we use the Lord’s creation.

The Nurturing Community

We affirm the family and work to strengthen its relationships.
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The Social Community

We affirm all persons as equally valuable in God’s sight. We reject racism and assert the rights of racial minorities, religious minorities, children, youth, young adults, the aging, women, and disabled persons.

The Economic Community

All economic systems are under the judgment of God.

The Political Community

We hold governments responsible for the protection of people’s basic freedoms. We believe that neither church nor state should attempt to dominate the other.

The World Community

God’s world is one world.
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In the Spotlight

Economic Disparities

Scripture and United Methodist tradition affirm a vision of abundant living where all God’s children have access to sufficient resources to thrive. The Bible is consistent in its vision of a just economic order. It warns against greed, calls us to love and care for one another, and compels us to seek justice for the poor.

“We believe in the right and duty of persons to work for the glory of God and the good of themselves and others and in the protection of their welfare in so doing; in the rights to property as a trust from God, collective bargaining, and responsible consumption; and in the elimination of economic and social distress.”
 United Methodist Social Creed, ¶166

For the remainder of 2021 the Social Justice Committee at St. Marks will continue to focus on issues related to Economic Disparities. Here are some resources about the impact of federal minimum wage. 

Since 1908

Since 1908, the church has advocated for a living wage in every industry (1908 Social Creed) and continues to support the rights of workers to share fully in the prosperity of society. (2016 Book of Resolutions, #4135 Rights of Workers)

 

111 years later…

Sadly, 111 years later, too many workers are earning poverty wages — unable to support themselves and their families despite working full-time jobs. The federal minimum wage has remained at $7.25 per hour ($2.13 per hour for tipped workers) since 2009.

 

Today

Despite continued economic expansion and rising corporate profits, wages — particularly for low-wage workers — have been stagnant. Today, the real buying power of the minimum wage is less than it was in 1968.

Source: United Methodist Church and Society website

Additional information available at the following websites:

  • Visit the UMC Justice site. This website provides a template for reaching out to congress advocating for increasing the minimum wage.
  • Visit the American Progress site. This site discusses how raising the Minimum Wage Would Boost an Economic Recovery.
  • The Jackson Lewis site discusses Advantages and Disadvantages of Raising Federal Minimum Wage to $15.

Be on the lookout for future discussions about economic disparity
issues related to housing, human trafficking, and federal minimum wage.