Justice-Seeking People of Faith, MFSA Header

We continue to see the urgency of our work to make broad systemic change that honors the dignity and worth of all people, that puts people over money, and honors the earth and all her inhabitants. COVID-19 continues to highlight the inequity in our society that has literal life or death consequences- black and brown bodies have a higher death rate, the disabled are being passed over to care for younger healthier bodies, the poor, unhoused, undocumented, uninsured, and incarcerated populations are not getting the care and support that they need.

This is the work of MFSA. Since 1907 we have been shining a light on injustice and organizing to change it. The work we do together as justice-seeking people of faith to change these unjust systems continues. Whether we are employed, unemployed, or retired, whether or not our jobs are deemed “essential” or not, we are all essential in the work for justice. Whatever support you can provide at this time will help MFSA in our collective work for justice.

You make our collective work possible by your witness for justice every day in your church, community, and Annual Conference. MFSA does not receive any financial support from the United Methodist Church's giving channels. 100% of our budget is funded through your membership dues and your generosity in giving.

Join us by Making a Gift to MFSA Today

COVID-19 in Palestine - A Conversation with Methodist Mission Workers

Chapter Highlight: Oregon-Idaho MFSA

Reflection on UMVIM/OR-ID MFSA
Immigration Immersion Experience

By Karen Nelson and Jan Nelson

A long time ago, in another time and place, fifteen people gathered in Tucson, Arizona. It was March 8, 2020 and a United Methodist Volunteer in Mission Immigration Immersion experience was about to begin. This trip was an opportunity to meet with the people on the ground in Arizona, working with immigrants crossing the border.

This trip was co-sponsored by our MFSA regional community. Coincidentally, we have chosen to emphasize immigration as our primary issue this spring. We have posted lists of resources on our website (oimfsa.org): books for adults, books for children, videos, and links to other organizations. Several of these books relate to places and people in Arizona that we were able to visit. We encourage people to use these resources for their own personal work, but also to use them in their local church or with other groups they are part of. We are also organizing online events for all who are interested. We recently hosted the leaders of Casa Mariposa Detention Visitation Program for a conversation and “virtual card-making party” to send supportive messages to immigrants in detention. In May, we will host a viewing and discussion of the short film “Locked in a Box”. We encourage everyone to visit our website and take your own virtual trip through the complexities of immigration to the US.

Welcome Our Newest Justice-Seeking Community

MFSA is excited to welcome Central United Methodist Church in Detroit, MI as our newest Justice-Seeking Community. Central UMC is the "oldest Protestant congregation in Michigan and has been a witness for peace, justice, and equality for more than 200 years. . .Central celebrates diversity of all kinds. Over the years, the pastors and members of Central have been active in the Civil Rights Movement, the LGBTQ Rights Movement, and numerous other campaigns for justice." Central UMC is also the home of the MFSA National Office.

If your church, small group, ministry group, or community is interested in becoming a Justice-Seeking Community, please click the link and check out the JSC Covenant

Celebrating the Witness of MFSA Activist

Rev. Dr. James Veatch (1936-2020)
Taken from Us by the Coronavirus

When Jim Veatch was an electrical engineering student at Virginia Tech, there arrived the very first African-American students in the university’s history. Kept from living or eating on campus and isolated in every way, they needed a friend and that was Jim. (For one thing, he stored the guns they need to have for required ROTC exercises.) In this experience of personal ministry and befriending, as Jim’s wife Laura recalls, came the first inklings of his call to ministry.

Click Here to Continue Reading George McClain's reflection and tribute to the late Rev. Dr. James Veatch.

If you would like to celebrate the life of a Justice-Seeker please send notifications and information to communications@mfsaweb.org.

Now's the Time for Action

Now is the time to continue to push for broad systemic change. Here are a few ways you can step up and seek justice in these uncertain and difficult times:

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe is currently facing the potential loss of what is left of their homelands, land that the People of the First Light have occupied for over 12,000 years, due to a recent decision made by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Sign the petition to stand with the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe.
The pandemic marginalizes those already most marginalized in society. Host a virtual Card Writing Party to write and mail letters to immigrants in detention via The Casa Mariposa Detention Visitation Program.
Call your legislators (202-224-3121) and advocate for permanent federal paid sick leave, expanded unemployment benefits, SNAP increases, and a moratorium on evictions, utility shut-offs, and payments.
Complete the 2020 Census. It literally takes up 10 minutes of your time, but it will define public policies for the next 10 years. Learn more about the importance of the U.S. Census from Church and Society board member Raúl Alegría.
So much of this country is in an economic free-fall in response to COVID-19 while many Americans were already at rock bottom before the virus hit. Use your voice and sign the petition calling on Congress for a moral response to COVID-19. The current legislation doesn't do enough to address the extent of the crisis (universal health care, living wages, worker protection, adequate income, and anti-poverty programs to name a few).
Our taxpayer dollars should be invested in healthcare, not harm. Right now, we're paying for the Israeli blockade on the Gaza Strip instead of healthcare for all. That means Palestinians in Gaza are facing the COVID-19 pandemic with an Israeli-manufactured and U.S.-funded health catastrophe. Contact your elected officials.
Sign the petition: Demand state and federal lawmakers end the use of private prisons and protect incarcerated people from COVID-19.
Tell Congress to Include the Disability Community in the COVID-19 Relief Bills.

Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement that brings individuals and organizations together in unity. In light of COVID-19, Giving Tuesday Now is taking place on May 5, 2020. MFSA is partnering up with several important organizations that continue to remain committed to seeking justice in the midst of a pandemic. Learn more about Grace Cafe, West Side Campaign Against Hunger, The NOAH Project Detroit, Iowa Sanctuary Movement (partner of Iowa Chapter of the Methodist Federation for Social Action - MFSA), Methodist Federation for Social Action, and make a gift to the Giving Tues Now-MFSA Fund. Your gift will be split up evenly between these organizations doing important work of both direct service and advocacy.