wfn.org | New MFSA director begins Oct. 1

[NewsDesk <NewsDesk@UMCOM.UMC.ORG>]

Sept. 15, 1998	Contact: Linda Bloom*(212) 870-3803*New York
10-71BP{528}

NOTE:  A photograph is available with this story		

By United Methodist News Service

As a longtime member of the Methodist Federation for Social Action
(MFSA), the Rev. Kathryn J. Johnson has been impressed "by both the
prophetic voice the federation has provided the church and the manner in
which the federation goes about its work."

She plans to continue in that direction as the new executive director of
the unofficial United Methodist-related organization. The 44-year-old
clergy member of the New England Conference will succeed the Rev. George
McClain on Oct. 1. She is arranging for office space at a Washington
church.

Johnson particularly applauds MFSA's efforts at integrating spirituality
with social action. "I think the work the federation is currently doing
is very vital," she told United Methodist News Service.

That work includes striving for full inclusivity of members in the
church, particularly gays and lesbians; providing input to the
Connectional Processing Team as it looks at a possible restructuring of
the church; and addressing issues of racial justice, including the need
of MFSA itself to become "more multicultural."

MFSA is involved with the Nov. 13-15 consultation, "The UMC and Working
People: Joining the Struggle for Workplace Peace and Justice," in
Atlanta. The organization will have a special gathering in Atlanta
before the event and is encouraging members to participate in the
consultation.

Johnson also expects her experience in social justice issues in Asia to
help her provide direction for MFSA work in that region.

She was a founding member of the Southern New England MFSA Chapter in
1985 and served as pastor of Bethany United Methodist Church in
Roslindale (Boston) from 1986 to 1990. Drawing on her mission intern
experience in the Philippines, she then became executive director for
the Church Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines, based in
Washington.

During the past two years, Johnson has worked with other groups to found
the Asian Pacific Center for Justice and Peace, where she served as
program director. She also is co-chairperson of the administrative board
of Dumbarton United Methodist Church in Washington.

Johnson has a bachelor's degree from the University of
Massachusetts-Amherst and a master of divinity degree from Boston
University School of Theology.

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