The
Bishops'
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The
Bishops'
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In 1996, the Council of Bishops challenged the church to confront the social, economic, political, moral and spiritual concerns that cast a growing number of people--especially children--into poverty.
| Brandee
is 13 years old and has lost all faith in God. Her mother is in prison. Brandee, who is
sad and bitter, says she is being greatly tempted by drugs and sex. The people with whom she resides are atheist, which makes matters more difficult for Brandee. Her mother has told her to find a church to which she can ride her bike. She is finding the search for God difficult. The crisis among the world's children and the impoverished represent a God-given opportunity for The United Methodist Church. The growing disparity in the distribution of basic resources threatens to increase the number of poor people and intensify their suffering. Those most at risk are children. Children are amazingly resilient, but they need a supportive community. The church can meet that need. "For the first time in history, it is possible to create a world in which all children share in at least the basic opportunity for life," the bishops said as they introduced their children and poverty initiative. "Yet worldwide every year approximately 10 million children die of poverty-related causes." "For United Methodists to walk with and advocate for the poor requires congregations to make mission and worship meaningful for those in economic and spiritual poverty, and to make a lasting difference in their lives, as well as in our own." Tex Sample,Church and society professor, St. Paul School of Theology, Kansas City, Mo. Your sacrificial gifts through the Advance for Christ and His Church will assist Brandee, other children and the impoverished as The United Methodist Church, led by the bishops, seeks to live in faithfulness to Jesus Christ. |
Contact: The Advance Office 475 Riverside Drive - Room 1400 New York, NY 10115 (212) 870-3790 (212) 870-3775 (fax) Source: Photo: Courtesy of United Methodist Communications Designate: Bishops Initiative
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