UCC lends momentum to First Lady's 'Let?s Move!' effort

UCC lends momentum to First Lady's 'Let's Move!' effort

> Written by staff reports
> August 3, 2010

The United Church of Christ has announced its support of First Lady
Michelle Obama's "Let's Move!" campaign to engage parents, families,
schools and communities in eradicating childhood obesity and ensuring
access to affordable and healthy food.

"The faith community was specifically invited to the table as key
players in this effort because they are in a unique position to
initiate and/or coordinate activities in their communities," says
Barbara T. Baylor, UCC's minister for health care justice.

"The COREM (Council on Racial and Ethnic Ministries) Health Table is
taking a coordinating role in this effort because of the
disproportionately high number of children of color who are affected
by obesity. COREM invites the entire denomination to join them in
tackling this issue."

As part of "Let's Move!," more than 25 persons representing several
UCC Conferences have responded to a call from the UCC's Justice and
Witness Ministries to participate on a task force to develop resources
for "Faithfully (HEAL)ing (Healthy Eating and Living)," which will
focus on healthful choices, healthier schools, physical activity and
affordable/accessible healthful food.

The obesity rate in the United States is increasing rapidly, affecting
children, adolescents and adults of all races, ethnicities and income
levels. According to Partnership for a Healthier America, for the
first time in the nation's history, "a generation of children may end
up living sicklier, shorter lives than their parents."

In 1997, the UCC's General Synod adopted a resolution titled
"Reclaiming the Church's Ministry of Health and Healing." UCC
congregations continue to be encouraged to address health and
human-service issues confronting members and their communities.

"Recognizing the importance of health as a gift from God, we
wholeheartedly embrace this opportunity to work on this campaign,"
says Baylor. "While we understand the importance of focusing on
obesity, it is not only about obesity. We recognize that obesity is
part of a broad range of health, nutrition and economic issues,
including diet, exercise and chronic illnesses.

"We are also concerned about the social justice issues related to
food, nutrition and health.  The task force will be looking at these
issues and how they impact obesity."

For more information, go to www.ucc.org/justice/health.