Online Archives

The United Methodist Church is urging local people to have a voice in the planning and rebuilding of the Gulf Coast in a paid commentary published Oct. 21 in The Washington Post and several newspapers in Louisiana and Mississippi.

A second commentary, the week of Oct. 24, asked for a commitment to a fair and inclusive process that creates better places for people to live.

'These commentaries are an important part of the church?s mission. As Christians, we stand at the intersection of the concerns of the world and the concerns of the church for the world,' said the Rev. Larry Hollon, chief executive of United Methodist Communications.

'Scripture is replete with admonitions for Christians to care for the poor, the hungry, the homeless and those in distress,' Hollon concluded. 'That includes creating a voice on behalf of marginalized and voiceless persons. We believe God calls us to be a voice for those persons.'

Funding for the advertorials comes from UM Com-munications? budget and does not come from donations to UMCOR's efforts to assist the affected area.

Text of the commentary:

In Rebuilding, Set a Place at Table for All

As the humanitarian crises caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita gradually slip off the evening news and front pages of our newspapers, the hard work of rebuilding communities is just beginning.

Following the catastrophic losses of these tragedies, people came together in remarkable and concrete ways, showing concern, compassion and generosity. Across the country, people banded together and lived the biblical call to be our brothers' and sisters' keepers. We all learned that communities are not just places where we live and work, communities are the people who make those places unique.

We pray that this renewed understanding of community will inspire the rebuilding of the devastated areas. In order to rebuild a community, not just a city or town, it is crucial that those people who live there have a voice in the reconstruction. And it's equally important that local companies share in the work and local residents are hired to do the labor, and are included in the planning.

Restoring communities also means encouraging and respecting all the voices of the community. By supporting equal access to housing, education, employment and medical care, rebuilt communities will be even stronger than before.

By incorporating local residents and businesses in the rebuilding process and laying a foundation of respect and equality, communities will not only be renewed, but the efforts to reach their reconstruction goals will also enhance human values, encourage personal and political involvement and open neighborhoods to people of all races, ages and income levels.

In the aftermath of the hurricanes, the outpouring of support was compassionate, fair and inclusive. And it is with these values that communities will be rebuilt.

The people of The United Methodist Church
Open hearts. Open minds. Open doors.