New York, NY, March 12, 2009--A seminar in June 2009 will bring together Christian young adults to explore faith, global health, and social justice.

The Living Justice Seminar Program engages young persons aged 20 to 30 in understanding and seeking greater theological clarity on issues of social justice. This year's theme is "Eradicating the Diseases of Poverty: Women, Children, and the Struggle for Wholeness," which reflects one of the current priorities of The United Methodist Church.

The program is sponsored by the Office of Deaconess and Home Missioner of the General Board of Global Ministries, and is open to women and men of the stipulated age range living in the United States. The dates are June 13-17, 2009; the place, New York City, with housing at a guest house related to the church. Application and acceptance are necessary for participation. Preference is given to members of The United Methodist Church. Space is limited.

The application deadline is May 1, with notification of acceptance by May 10. The application form, event brochure, and required reference forms can be downloaded below as PDF files. All costs, including travel within the United States, lodging and meals, will be covered by the Office of Deaconess and Home Missioner.

The seminar will focus on the health of women and children in the United States and around the world. It will explore issues of maternal and infant health, the effects of Malaria and HIV/AIDS on women and children, and the impact of sustainable agriculture on the health of women and children. Participants will look at the ways women and children work collectively to improve the health and wholeness of their communities.

Living Justice Seminars include Bible study, worship, conversation, reflection, and an introduction to the theme of global health. The 2009 event will take place at Alma Mathews House, a facility of the Women's Division of the United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries.

This year's Living Justice Seminar highlights one of four United Methodist focus areas: "Stamping out killer diseases by improving health globally." The description of that focus area states:

Conditions of poverty cause illness and death. The lack of access to doctors, nurses, medications and appropriate facilities is deadly, especially among those who live in conditions of poverty. But the diseases of poverty are not inevitable. We believe the people of The United Methodist Church can play a significant role in educating others about diseases such as HIV/AIDS and malaria, and treating and preventing their devastating effects.

The 2008 theme was on ministries with the poor, another focus area closely related to health issues.

The Living Justice Seminar Program is rooted in the purpose of the Office of Deaconess and Home Missioner of The United Methodist Church, as stated in the The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church 2008:

The purpose of the office of deaconess and home missioner shall be to express representatively the love and concern of the believing community for the needs in the world and to enable, through education and involvement, the full ministry and mission of the people of God. Deaconesses and home missioners function through diverse forms of service directed toward the world to make Jesus Christ known in the fullness of his ministry and mission, which mandate that his followers:

a) Alleviate suffering;
b) Eradicate causes of injustice and all that robs life of dignity and worth;
c) Facilitate the development of full human potential; and
d) Share in building global community through the church universal. (Par.1313.1)

For more information on the Living Justice Seminar Program or the Office of Deaconess and Home Missioner, contact Becky Louter by email at deaconess@gbgm-umc.org or call 212-870-3850.

	See Also... Topic: Agriculture |  AIDS/HIV |  Children |  Education |  Health |  Justice |  Poverty |  Women |  Youth |  Geographic Region: United States |  Source: GBGM Press Releases
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Date posted: Mar 12, 2009