...From Bogata to Burkburnett: Going over to the Dark Side, Part 2
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Written: 10/30/2009
One of my favorite cartoons is the Earth Day 1972 Pogo strip by Walt Kelly in which Pogo is addressing Porker, as they survey their polluted swamp, saying, “Yep, son, we have met the enemy and he is us.”
When I consider the often time strained relationship between some United Methodist laity and clergy and the General Board of Church and Society (GBCS) this cartoon comes to mind. So many of us like to complain about the actions of GBCS, but in almost every case the agency is following the dictates and instructions of General Conference.
GBCS is the social action arm of The UMC, and as such, is involved in the most controversial and contentious issues on the theological and political landscape. It is further complicated by the fact that we now are calling ourselves a world-wide church and dealing with those issues. Several of the Central Conference delegates to General Conference and on the GBCS are quick to point out that many of the issues that we in the United States are so concerned about are not as controversial to them.
The reality is that the United Methodist Church created GBCS, gives instructions to GBCS by the petitions and resolutions that are passed at General Conference and then get upset when the staff follows those instructions. We have met the enemy and he is us.
The GBCS is committed to supporting the four areas of focus that express the vision and yearnings of the people of the denomination. Over the next quadrennium, the church will seek to focus the work of making disciples for Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world around these areas of ministry:
1. Combating the diseases of poverty by improving health globally.
2. Engaging in ministry with the poor.
3. Creating new places for new people and revitalizing existing congregations.
4. Developing principled Christian leaders for the church and the world.
GBCS recognizes that three of the four foci (#3 being the exception) fit into the its current areas of responsibility. Thus a focus of GBCS will be on achieving global health which will help accomplish the otherthree foci. UM Resolution #3201 specifically supported a single payer medical plan, similar to Medicare, for everyone. Whether or not this can gain the support necessary in Congress, GBCS is committed to a health care form that covers the most people possible. Obviously, a major concern or barrier for passage of health care reform is the eligibility of immigrants. This is a debate that must take place in the church and GBCS is prepared to present the information that will allow United Methodists to make a decision based on our theology of justice and mercy.
GBCS continues to lead in the prevention and treatment of diseases such as HIV, AIDS, TB and malaria. The board also continues to lead the way in the work to end domestic violence, especially violence against women and children, and in issues related to alcohol and illegal drugs, tobacco, gambling, pornography, war and the need for abortion through effective family planning.
The work of GBCS is so broad that it is almost impossible to address in a brief column like this. While some of us might find some areas of disagreement in the work areas of GBCS, I think we all agree that the causes are worthwhile the debate is normally over implementation.
The purpose of these two articles has been to bring some basic information to you, the individual United Methodist, about the workings of your General Board of Church and Society and hopefully with understanding will come some appreciation, as it has with me, for the hard line that our staff is forced to walk. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at RBHEARNE@sbcglobal.net and I will do my best to answer them and pass on to the staff your praise or your criticism.