wfn.org | United Methodists asked to fast in solidarity with farm workers

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

Nov. 11, 1998	Contact: Thomas S. McAnally*(615)742-5470*Nashville,
Tenn.     {664}

By United Methodist News Service

United Methodists are being asked by the church's Board of Church and
Society in Washington to fast in solidarity with farm workers Nov. 27,
the day after Thanksgiving.

Purpose of the fast is to call attention to "unfair wages and deplorable
conditions of farm workers who toil in the field picking the fruits and
vegetables that we eat each day." The agency is recommending that money
saved on food that day be given to any farm worker organization.

In a statement issued Oct. 28, the board said farm workers are among the
poorest paid, housed and educated of all workers in the United States.
"Most live below the poverty level and lack access to adequate health
care," the statement says. "They have been systematically excluded from
all, or nearly all, of the social and economic benefits enjoyed by other
U.S. workers."  

The board expressed particular concern for immigrants, especially
migrant workers.

Quoting a resolution approved by the church's 1996 General Conference,
the board said: "We have sought to improve the living conditions of farm
workers and will continue to press for better educational opportunities,
housing, a living wage and full coverage by all social legislation for
farm workers."

The board's statement notes that fasting is an ancient religious
tradition and that John Wesley, Methodism's founder, fasted often and
gave money he saved to the poor. It calls United Methodists to "fast,
pray and work for justice for the people who work to put food on our
tables."