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
Saving Mothers’ Lives
St. Mark’s Social Justice Team is leading an effort to educate and engage our congregation and community on the issue of maternal mortality worldwide.
We believe that God desires that every mother,
every child and every family not only survive but thrive.
2016 Book of Resolutions, #3203, Maternal Health: The Church’s Role
Every 90 Seconds
A woman dies somewhere in the world from complications during pregnancy or childbirth.
The United States
Has the highest maternal death rate in the developed world.
Indiana
Has a maternal death rate twice that of the U.S.
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 documentary film class to learn more about maternal mortality globally and in the United States.
“Sister,” by Brenda Davis, reveals maternal death as a human rights issue by showing the complications of pregnancy and childbirth faced by women in Ethiopia, Cambodia and Haiti.
“Giving Birth in America,” a series from CNN and Every Mother Counts presents the journeys of women giving birth in different part of the country and seeks to raise the profile of maternal health in the U.S.
Support
Help us to create “Clean Delivery” kits for Haiti, the country that has the highest maternal mortality rate in the western hemisphere. Each package meets the World Health Organization’s Six Principles of Cleanliness for birth. Kits will be donated to “Breathe of Life Haiti” a ministry located in Warsaw, Indiana.
Visit
Our Connection table to learn more about pending maternal health legislation and how you can contact your representatives to help Save Mothers’ Lives.