The time to act is now
As we sit in our churches each Sunday, worshiping and giving thanks, the person sitting next to us may be 'suffering in silence' from the devastating effects of cancer, HIV/AIDS, child abuse, elderly abuse, domestic violence, Alzheimer?s, drugs, poverty, mental illness or any other number of ills.
What is the responsibility of 'us church folk' who call ourselves disciples of Christ? Are we there to judge, support, love unconditionally, protect and generate ministries, or do we continue to feel content by simply worshiping on Sunday and making monetary contributions?
As parishioners and followers of Christ, shouldn?t we be part of the healing process?
As we strive to become better 21st-century disciples of Christ, can we afford to ignore the effects of these afflictions that cause so much suffering? Can we afford to sit back on the laurels of someone else?s action and sacrifice? Are we so assured that these things will never happen to us, our children, our family members?
As congregations, should we be proactive or reactive? The answer seems so obvious. Micah 6:8 tells us what the Lord requires of us: to seek justice, love mercy and kindness and walk humbly with God.
As members of The United Methodist Church, which is a connectional system, now is the time to do something about it. It is time for action from leadership and laity to develop proactive strategies that address these issues.
Of course, this requires commitment, expertise, effort, action, vision and opportunity. But we can do it. We must do it.
We must be willing to step out of our comfort zones. We must become informed about the resources available to us and we must be gbwc_superusered by the teachings and example of Jesus Christ.
Many of us sit in our pews, suffering in silence. That must end. We must act.
Carol A. Borum
Social Action Mission Coordinator
Board of Christian Presence in God?s World
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