wfn.org | UCC Synod adopts global economic justice pronouncement

[powellb@ucc.org]

United Church of Christ
General Synod Newsroom
Sunday, July 13, 2003
newsroom@ucc.org
http://www.ucc.org

By Martin Bailey

Minneapolis?The United Church of Christ 24th General Synod gave
overwhelming approval to a wide-ranging new pronouncement calling for "a
more just, humane direction" to worldwide economics.

Delegates from across the United States seemed to agree with Margaret Ann
Ellis of Massillon, Ohio, who said, "We in America live very well at the
expense of others, many of whom starve in order for us to be so
comfortable."

Ellis urged approval of the pronouncement that now becomes a major policy
statement for the denomination.

The pronouncement, originally submitted to the churches for study and
response by Justice and Witness Ministries, points out that "economic
globalization could work for good or ill. It could benefit all people or
just a few." The document also acknowledges that the debate around the
world is not about "whether globalization should take place but how it will
happen."

The new pronouncement includes a carefully reasoned analysis of the
institutions and practices that result in the chasm between rich and poor
nations, together with a biblical and theological perspective that leads to
proposals for actions that individuals, local churches and the denomination
as a whole can take.

One delegate, Robert Ellis of Booneville, Ind., cautioned the Synod not to
be so critical of wealthy persons and corporations. "If it weren't for the
rich," he said, "we would all be in a sad state."

The Synod acted on the recommendation of a review committee chaired by
Keith Mills, of Minot, N.D. During committee deliberation, Marvin Morgan of
Atlanta, Ga., urged that the proposal for action be extended to include
"both national and international" grassroots partnerships. He also pressed
for a requirement that reports of implementation be prepared for the 25th
and subsequent General Synods.

Among recommendations for individual members of the denomination was a
commitment to "individual or family lifestyles consistent with ? our faith
and vision, including changes in our consumer practices."

Local churches are encouraged to examine their own stewardship, especially
their investments, to be sure that they will be "responsible, just
participants in the global economy." Congregations also are urged, among
other things, to develop partnerships with a church in a developing country
in order to understand how it is impacted by economic globalization.

Conferences, associations, national agencies and seminaries are urged to
work "in the spirit of Jesus" to reform the principal international trade
and finance institutions so that "the needs and concerns of all persons,
especially the poor and marginalized, may be addressed ? through policies
and actions."

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