Social Action Committee
Was Jesus Christ among the first non‑violent revolutionaries? Many in our Church believe so and for those, a call by God is a call to action.
Mission
Park Slope United Methodist Church has a long history of taking a progressive and active stance on the socially relevant issues of our time. As Christians, our work is guided and inspired by the life and ministry of Jesus Christ who taught us to love one another and respect our differences, to value and care for those who are less fortunate, to love and care for the Earth, our only home, and to be constantly mindful of how to practice selflessness and forgiveness, while working to make our world a better place.
While war, hunger and famine, racial, sexual and economic inequalities and environmental degradation have always been vital issues, it is our belief that we are at a crucial time in history and it is our responsibility to act now, individually and collectively, to create a world that reflects the true values of spirit.
Taking Action
The Social Action Committee aims to educate and provide opportunities for discussion on a range of social justice issues so that we might all become catalysts for change. While all our lives are busy and it is sometimes hard to find the motivation to act individually, participating in community with others can provide the needed energy and inspiration to act. We encourage you to get involved in any number of ways--from committee meetings and planning, helping with specific events, initiating your own or attending one of our educational forums, film screenings or actions.
Areas of concern and current actions include:
The Iraq War
We continue to make our opposition to this war known through participation in local and national peace actions and demonstrations, writing campaigns and education events. We have been an annual endorser and participant in the Brooklyn Peace Fair and other events sponsored by Brooklyn For Peace.
The Environment
Our dedication and urgency about global warming and a clean environment has meant we take a look at our own environmental impact. Our Environmental Stewardship Committee has developed an Environmental Policy Statement, adopted as official church policy in November 2007, and is working on making our church more energy efficient and environmentally conscious. We continue to educate our members and community on environmentally sustainable practices through educational films, speakers and action. Recent events have included a seminar on solar and wind power solutions in Brooklyn; screening and discussion of An Inconvenient Truth; development of a flyer on ways to reduce energy consumption; and a film and speaker from Appalachian Voices on the impacts of mountain top coal removal. We sponsor an annual Earth Day service, and have had speakers on permaculture gardening. (For more information on permaculture classes contact the Epworth Center.) To learn more about how you can help in efforts to protect our environment contact Gregg Todd .
Immigration
Concern about the maltreatment of some of our most vulnerable neighbors in immigrant communities has recently led to the formation of a Sanctuary Committee. The new committee is working to find the most effective role the church can provide in assuring that all people are treated with dignity and respect, no matter what their status, and their human rights protected. For more information contact Elizabeth Norman.
“Food, Flicks and Friends” Film Series
The Social Action Committee is organizing a monthly film series, called “Food, Flicks and Friends” on the first Friday of every month. The series screens thought-provoking, timely films on issues and challenges we face locally, nationally and globally. There is a potluck dinner and fellowship at 6:30pm before each film, the screening at 7:30 , and a discussion afterwards. Check the announcements page for the upcoming schedule or contact Sue Bolles or Judy O'Brien .
Educational Forums on Local Issues
“Think globally, act locally,” the old slogan goes, and the Social Action Committee has sponsored forums, discussions, films and more on a variety of local issues, such as the controversial Atlantic Yards development project and the attacks on the Kahlil Gibran International Academy and its founder, Debbie Almontaser.