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.
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.
In the Spotlight
Human Sexuality and Our Faith
St. Mark’s Social Justice Team is leading an effort to educate and engage our congregation and community on the issues of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning (LGBTQ) Rights.
We affirm that God’s grace is available to all. We will seek to live together in Christian community, welcoming, forgiving, and loving one another, as Christ has loved and accepted us.
Social Principles P161, G
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” ~ John 15:12
LGBTQ Youth
are 6 times more likely to experience symptoms of depression than the general population.
LGBTQ Youth
are more than 4 times more likely to attempt suicide than their straight peers.
LGBTQ Youth
LGBTQ youth who have faced rejection after coming out to their families were more than 8 times more likely to have attempted suicide than someone who was accepted by their family.
We need your help. We need everyone’s help!
We encourage you and your family to get involved with educational, enlightening and fun activities happening right now!
Join
A class to view and discuss the highly acclaimed HBO documentary “Believer” featuring Dan Reynolds, frontman for the Grammy award winning band “Imagine Dragons.”
Learn more about the upcoming General Conference.
Support
Local and national efforts to support LGBTQ youth through:
The Indiana Youth Group (IYG) whose mission is to create safe spaces, provide wellness programming, and educate LGBTQ youth and the community.
The Trevor Project, Founded in 1998 by the creators of the Academy Award Winning short film TREVOR, The Trevor Project, is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention (LGBTQ) young people under 25.
Visit
Our Connection table to learn more about how you can learn more and advocate for LGBTQ youth in our community and nationally.