Social justice agency's directors announce grants, issue statements
Peace with Justice, Human Relations and Ethnic Local Church grants total nearly $270,000.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Directors of the United Methodist General Board of Church & Society (GBCS) issued statements at its meeting here this month that call for Middle East peace and urge the Obama administration not to boycott the United Nations conference on racism. The directors, who comprise more than 60 lay and clergy from around the world, also approved grants totaling $268,784 for peace, justice and human relations ministries.
GBCS is one of four international general program agencies of The United Methodist Church. The agency’s primary areas of ministry are advocacy, education and leadership formation, United Nations and international affairs, and resourcing these areas for the denomination. It has offices on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., and at the Church Center at the United Nations in New York City.
Bishop Deborah Kiesey, GBCS president, said in her report to the directors that she believes it is the role of the agency “to not only care for the least, last and lost, but to be the prophetic voice that speaks to and works toward changing the very structures that are keeping people ‘bent over.’” She called GBCS “that Word of Hope to the world.”
Jim Winkler, GBCS’s chief executive, told the directors that priorities of the United States and every nation need to be reordered “toward human needs and away from greed, to peace and not war.” He cited GBCS efforts that contributed to the recent repeal of the death penalty in New Mexico, and helping facilitate nearly 200 prayer vigils around the country for immigration reform. He also described ongoing efforts to reform the U.S. health-care system, and GBCS’s advocacy on environmental and economic justice.
“Our focus in The United Methodist Church remains putting those on the economic margins at the center of our economic recovery, both in the United States and around the world,” Winkler said. He added that it will “require bold global leadership to build a just, sustainable future.”
Call for Middle East Peace
The “Call for Middle East Peace” was issued on the sixth anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq. The statement says the directors are “deeply grieved by the continuing conflict and loss of life on all sides, and pray for its earliest possible end.” The statement also advises the fastest possible withdrawal of military forces from Iraq and cautions against too rapid expansion in Afghanistan.
A “just and durable” resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is critical to peace in the region, the directors emphasize.
The directors urged the Obama administration to reverse course on its decision not to participate in the U.N. Durban Review Conference on Racism April 20-24 in Geneva, Switzerland. “The United States cannot afford to vacillate on such an urgent issue as racism,” GBCS’s directors contend.
The directors assert that the crucial issues to be discussed in Geneva cannot be relegated to silence and inaction. “Silence will only postpone the debates,” they declare. “Inaction will only exacerbate the many ways people are being violated.”
Peace with Justice Grants
The Peace with Justice work area approved 28 grants totaling $52,805. The projects went to ministries geographically dispersed from the Philippines to Mozambique and from Iowa to Jerusalem. The grants are funded by The United Methodist Church’s Peace with Justice Special Sunday offering. Recipients comprise diverse ministries, such as to empower women, immigrant legal services in Iowa, justice and peace work in Jerusalem, training election observers in Mozambique, conflict management and mediation, and a water justice project.
The board’s Ethnic Local Church grants totaled $185,231 for 13 ministries. Notable among the awards was a grant to the denomination’s Hispanic/Latino caucus, MARCHA, for advocacy training related to racism and immigration. Other grants were directed to a seminary program for Native Americans in Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference, an African-American Heritage program in New Jersey and a community garden program in Chicago by a multi-racial congregation.
GBCS’s Ethnic Young Adult Summer Internship Program also received funding. Last summer the program brought 12 persons to Washington, D.C., to work in social justice-related ministries. The 12 participants came from around the globe, including the Philippines and Africa.
Human Relations Day Grant
A Human Relations Day grant for $30,748 was awarded to “Redemption Church,” a Tulsa and Oklahoma City restorative justice ministry that incorporates advocacy and reunification of families among its programs. The grant is funded through The United Methodist Church’s Human Relations Day Special Sunday offering in January.
GBCS’s directors award grants in two cycles, spring and fall, in conjunction with their board meetings. Application information is available through the agency’s website: www.umc-gbcs.org
The Finance Committee of the Board of Directors reported that the United Methodist Social Justice Endowment Fund had grown to a market value of $47,503 at year-end 2008. This included $28,000 of new contributions last year. The fund was adversely affected by the economic crisis, though, holding gains down.
Cost-savings efforts on discretionary expenses, such as travel and supplies have been held to 2008 levels, in light of the economic downturn, according to the finance committee. GBCS is expected to meet its budget despite the downturn because of these measures along with sharing of accounting, financial and human relations functions with the General Commission on Religion & Race, which is also headquartered in the United Methodist Building in Washington, D.C.
In other activities during the spring meeting, directors made calls on their members of Congress, hosted a reception in the Cannon House office building in cooperation with Rep. James Clyburn, Majority Whip, and learned about Obama administration plans to engage the faith community. Michael Strautmanis, chief of staff to Valerie Jarrett, assistant to the president for intergovernmental relations and public liaison, told the directors during lunch on March 20 that what the president wants to achieve “is motivated by his faith, and he’s not ashamed of that.” He said the faith community has a role to play in the debate over national priorities.
Bishop Kiesey urged the directors to review the denomination’s Book of Discipline about GBCS’s purpose (¶1002). She pointed out that ¶1004 says the board and its executives shall provide forthright witness and action on issues of human well-being, justice, peace and the integrity of creation that call Christians to respond as forgiven people for whom Christ died.
"That’s an amazing mandate,” Kiesey said, “not just for those of us on GBCS, but it is a mandate for every Christian.”
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
General Board of Church and Society Directors urge Obama to send delegation to racism review conference
U.N. conference to review progress since South Africa event that U.S. walked out of in protest.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Board of Directors of the United Methodist General Board of Church & Society (GBCS) issued a statement this week that urges the Obama administration to send a U.S. delegation to the Durban Review Conference on Racism in Geneva, Switzerland, April 20-24.
In their statement, GBCS’s directors declare that silence and inaction are not the ways to engage the painful issues stemming from racism. The statement calls President Obama to fulfill his commitment to diplomacy and engagement in U.S. foreign policy.
The United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries and GBCS will send delegations to Geneva to review progress since the U.N. World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance in Durban, South Africa, in September 2001 just days before the atrocities of 9/11. The United States and Israel walked out of the Durban conference in protest of a resolution that equated Zionism with racism.
In Durban, United Methodists were part of a faith-based presence, which produced a 10-point Ecumenical Caucus statement that declared: “Racism is a sin.” The 10-point statement was read to the media on Sept. 5 by Archbishop Desmond Tutu. (The 10 points are available on the World Council of Churches website: www.wcc-coe.org.)
GBCS Assistant General Secretary Liberato Bautista chaired the committee that prepared the 10-point statement. He directs GBCS’s United Nations and International Affairs ministry. He is also president of the Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations in Consultative Relationship with the United Nations (CoNGO).
“Some quarters described the Durban Conference as a ‘fiasco,’” Bautista said, “due to bitter wrangling on issues such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and slavery reparations. The United States and Israel walked out just before the resolution by Arab nations was dropped from the final conference declaration.”
Some U.N.-member states and non-governmental organizations are wary of the review conference, according to Bautista. He said they fear conferees may use the platform to attack Israel. The draft declaration of the review conference contained references to Israel and Palestine, as well as to “defamation of religion.”
Bautista identified paragraphs in the draft that were problematic to the United States and others, including Israel, Canada and Australia. All have withdrawn from the review conference.
Offensive paragraphs in the draft include the following:
Paragraph 53: “Acknowledges that a most disturbing phenomenon is the intellectual and ideological validation of Islamophobia …”;
Paragraph 160: “Calls on States to develop, and where appropriate to incorporate, permissible limitations on the exercise of the right to freedom and of expression into national legislation” (relating to the defamation of religion, which the U.S. identifies as a threat to freedom of speech and expression);
Paragraph 156: “Urges States that have not yet condemned, apologized and paid reparations for the grave and massive violations as well as the massive human suffering caused by slavery, the slave trade, the transatlantic slave trade, apartheid, colonialism and genocide, to do so at the earliest.”
The Obama administration inherited a Bush administration stance that distanced itself from the process, according to Bautista. He said President Obama “reengaged” by sending a team to Geneva to explore rewriting the outcome document in hopes of dropping objectionable language. The team returned dissatisfied with revised draft language, though.
According to the Irish Times, a new compromise draft, circulated to diplomatic missions, removed all specific references to Israel and the Palestinians. "Passages relating to so-called ‘defamation of religion’ were also dropped from the reworked draft,” the Times reported.
“Prior to this reworked version, the Obama administration said it will not officially participate,” Bautista pointed out. “Instead, the administration said it will send a ‘note taker,’ who will not sit behind the U.S. delegation name.”
Bautista said there are other active calls for the United States to send a delegation to Geneva. He mentioned the TransAfrica Forum, which described U.S. non-engagement as a “painful irony” because it is happening under its first African-American president. The forum asserted that U.S. non-engagement will be felt throughout the African-American and African-diaspora communities. The forum urged the Obama administration to reconsider its decision, participate in the preparatory meetings and send an official delegation.
The General Board of Church & Society is one of four international general program boards of The United Methodist Church, which has more than 11 million members worldwide. The board’s primary areas of ministry are Advocacy, Education and Leadership Formation, United Nations and International Affairs, and resourcing these areas for the denomination. It has offices on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., and at the Church Center at the United Nations in New York City.
The GBCS statement follows:
The Durban Review Conference on Racism
Geneva, April 20-24, 2009
The General Board of Church & Society (GBCS) of The United Methodist Church urges President Barack Obama to send a U.S. delegation to the Durban Review Conference in Geneva, Switzerland, this April. The conference is a follow up to the 2001 United Nations World Conference against Racism in Durban, South Africa.
The United States cannot afford to vacillate on such an urgent issue as racism. U.S. participation in Geneva will demonstrate President Obama’s commitment to diplomacy and engagement in U.S. foreign policy.
Racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance are crucial issues. We cannot relegate them to silence and inaction. Silence will only postpone the debates. Inaction will only exacerebate the many ways people are being violated.
It would be disappointing if the Obama administration chose inaction, or worse, absence, from the Geneva conference. It is imperative that we discuss racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and intolerance in an open debate. Engaging the issues now will surely help usher in, sooner than later, a world that is diverse and plural, equal and equitable, just and peaceable.
We must deal honestly and openly with racism that for too long has perpetuated violence and has killed far too many in the name of slavery, colonialism and occupation. Surely, we have reached a point in human history where we can abandon racism and hatred, and instead pursue tolerance and equality. Abandonment of hate and pursuit of peace and justice cannot be postponed, let alone ignored.
The Durban Review Conference is an opportunity for members of the world community to speak openly with one another to resolve the issues stemming from racism. We must not be sidetracked by contentions over our varied understandings of racism, painful and dissonant as they may be.
Differences can be turned into blessings as we collectively identify the many ways to address the complexity of racism. Embracing the exchange of views will no doubt develop advocacies.
The General Board of Church & Society (GBCS) holds a common purpose with the United Nations in pursuing human rights, social justice, sustainable development and a just, peaceable governance in communities and nations. To this end we, as GBCS, will be present at the Durban Review Conference.
We therefore urge President Obama’s leadership in healing the painful wounds of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance.
Washington, D.C.,
March 21, 2009
U.N. conference to review progress since South Africa event that U.S. walked out of in protest.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Board of Directors of the United Methodist General Board of Church & Society (GBCS) issued a statement this week that urges the Obama administration to send a U.S. delegation to the Durban Review Conference on Racism in Geneva, Switzerland, April 20-24.
In their statement, GBCS’s directors declare that silence and inaction are not the ways to engage the painful issues stemming from racism. The statement calls President Obama to fulfill his commitment to diplomacy and engagement in U.S. foreign policy.
The United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries and GBCS will send delegations to Geneva to review progress since the U.N. World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance in Durban, South Africa, in September 2001 just days before the atrocities of 9/11. The United States and Israel walked out of the Durban conference in protest of a resolution that equated Zionism with racism.
In Durban, United Methodists were part of a faith-based presence, which produced a 10-point Ecumenical Caucus statement that declared: “Racism is a sin.” The 10-point statement was read to the media on Sept. 5 by Archbishop Desmond Tutu. (The 10 points are available on the World Council of Churches website: www.wcc-coe.org.)
GBCS Assistant General Secretary Liberato Bautista chaired the committee that prepared the 10-point statement. He directs GBCS’s United Nations and International Affairs ministry. He is also president of the Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations in Consultative Relationship with the United Nations (CoNGO).
“Some quarters described the Durban Conference as a ‘fiasco,’” Bautista said, “due to bitter wrangling on issues such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and slavery reparations. The United States and Israel walked out just before the resolution by Arab nations was dropped from the final conference declaration.”
Some U.N.-member states and non-governmental organizations are wary of the review conference, according to Bautista. He said they fear conferees may use the platform to attack Israel. The draft declaration of the review conference contained references to Israel and Palestine, as well as to “defamation of religion.”
Bautista identified paragraphs in the draft that were problematic to the United States and others, including Israel, Canada and Australia. All have withdrawn from the review conference.
Offensive paragraphs in the draft include the following:
Paragraph 53: “Acknowledges that a most disturbing phenomenon is the intellectual and ideological validation of Islamophobia …”;
Paragraph 160: “Calls on States to develop, and where appropriate to incorporate, permissible limitations on the exercise of the right to freedom and of expression into national legislation” (relating to the defamation of religion, which the U.S. identifies as a threat to freedom of speech and expression);
Paragraph 156: “Urges States that have not yet condemned, apologized and paid reparations for the grave and massive violations as well as the massive human suffering caused by slavery, the slave trade, the transatlantic slave trade, apartheid, colonialism and genocide, to do so at the earliest.”
The Obama administration inherited a Bush administration stance that distanced itself from the process, according to Bautista. He said President Obama “reengaged” by sending a team to Geneva to explore rewriting the outcome document in hopes of dropping objectionable language. The team returned dissatisfied with revised draft language, though.
According to the Irish Times, a new compromise draft, circulated to diplomatic missions, removed all specific references to Israel and the Palestinians. "Passages relating to so-called ‘defamation of religion’ were also dropped from the reworked draft,” the Times reported.
“Prior to this reworked version, the Obama administration said it will not officially participate,” Bautista pointed out. “Instead, the administration said it will send a ‘note taker,’ who will not sit behind the U.S. delegation name.”
Bautista said there are other active calls for the United States to send a delegation to Geneva. He mentioned the TransAfrica Forum, which described U.S. non-engagement as a “painful irony” because it is happening under its first African-American president. The forum asserted that U.S. non-engagement will be felt throughout the African-American and African-diaspora communities. The forum urged the Obama administration to reconsider its decision, participate in the preparatory meetings and send an official delegation.
The General Board of Church & Society is one of four international general program boards of The United Methodist Church, which has more than 11 million members worldwide. The board’s primary areas of ministry are Advocacy, Education and Leadership Formation, United Nations and International Affairs, and resourcing these areas for the denomination. It has offices on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., and at the Church Center at the United Nations in New York City.
The GBCS statement follows:
The Durban Review Conference on Racism
Geneva, April 20-24, 2009
The General Board of Church & Society (GBCS) of The United Methodist Church urges President Barack Obama to send a U.S. delegation to the Durban Review Conference in Geneva, Switzerland, this April. The conference is a follow up to the 2001 United Nations World Conference against Racism in Durban, South Africa.
The United States cannot afford to vacillate on such an urgent issue as racism. U.S. participation in Geneva will demonstrate President Obama’s commitment to diplomacy and engagement in U.S. foreign policy.
Racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance are crucial issues. We cannot relegate them to silence and inaction. Silence will only postpone the debates. Inaction will only exacerebate the many ways people are being violated.
It would be disappointing if the Obama administration chose inaction, or worse, absence, from the Geneva conference. It is imperative that we discuss racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and intolerance in an open debate. Engaging the issues now will surely help usher in, sooner than later, a world that is diverse and plural, equal and equitable, just and peaceable.
We must deal honestly and openly with racism that for too long has perpetuated violence and has killed far too many in the name of slavery, colonialism and occupation. Surely, we have reached a point in human history where we can abandon racism and hatred, and instead pursue tolerance and equality. Abandonment of hate and pursuit of peace and justice cannot be postponed, let alone ignored.
The Durban Review Conference is an opportunity for members of the world community to speak openly with one another to resolve the issues stemming from racism. We must not be sidetracked by contentions over our varied understandings of racism, painful and dissonant as they may be.
Differences can be turned into blessings as we collectively identify the many ways to address the complexity of racism. Embracing the exchange of views will no doubt develop advocacies.
The General Board of Church & Society (GBCS) holds a common purpose with the United Nations in pursuing human rights, social justice, sustainable development and a just, peaceable governance in communities and nations. To this end we, as GBCS, will be present at the Durban Review Conference.
We therefore urge President Obama’s leadership in healing the painful wounds of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance.
Washington, D.C.,
March 21, 2009
Friday, March 20, 2009
Pennsylvania Methodists Name Capitol Veteran, Church Leader Drachler to Lead Advocacy Effort
HARRISBURG – Stephen Drachler, a longtime United Methodist leader and veteran state capitol staffer and journalist, has been named to lead A United Methodist Witness in Pennsylvania, the Rev. Dr. Keith Benjamin, chair of the denomination’s statewide advocacy organizat
ion said today.
“A United Methodist Witness is entering a new era,” said Benjamin of Carbondale, in announcing Drachler’s appointment. “Stephen Drachler brings important leadership and advocacy skills to UM Witness. He has served as the highest levels of the church and state government. And he was a widely respected political and investigative reporter and editor for two decades.”
A United Methodist Witness in Pennsylvania is the social justice advocacy arm of The United Methodist Church in Pennsylvania. The members of its board of directors represent nearly 2,300 congregations with nearly 490,000 members across the Commonwealth.
Drachler, 58, is relocating to Harrisburg from Nashville, TN, where he operated Drachler & Associates, a public relations/crisis communications firm. He started the firm in 2006 after serving as executive director of public information at Nashville-based United Methodist Communications. In that role he served as a spokesman for the denomination and provided media relations counsel to its worldwide Council of Bishops.
In Pennsylvania, Drachler served as press secretary to former House Speaker John M. Perzel from 1995 to 2002, and served as the Harrisburg bureau chief for the Allentown Morning Call and Ottaway Newspapers, a chain of community newspapers. His reporting for the Morning Call was twice nominated for the Pulitzer Prize.
An active United Methodist, Drachler also served as director of communications for the Central Pennsylvania (regional) Conference, on the board of directors of The United Methodist Publishing House, and was twice elected as a delegate to the denomination’s top legislative body, the General Conference.
“In these uncertain times, we believe more than ever that the church is called to serve as a voice for the voiceless, and an advocate for those who are in need,” Benjamin said. “It is at the core of our beliefs as United Methodist Christians.”
Drachler will represent the church’s interests before the Pennsylvania General Assembly and the executive branch of state government. He will work closely with the state’s United Methodist bishops and with grassroots church members on social justice issues.
Pennsylvania is one of two states – Iowa is the other – where United Methodists employ a person as a lobbyist/advocate to represent its interests before state government.
HARRISBURG – Stephen Drachler, a longtime United Methodist leader and veteran state capitol staffer and journalist, has been named to lead A United Methodist Witness in Pennsylvania, the Rev. Dr. Keith Benjamin, chair of the denomination’s statewide advocacy organizat
ion said today.“A United Methodist Witness is entering a new era,” said Benjamin of Carbondale, in announcing Drachler’s appointment. “Stephen Drachler brings important leadership and advocacy skills to UM Witness. He has served as the highest levels of the church and state government. And he was a widely respected political and investigative reporter and editor for two decades.”
A United Methodist Witness in Pennsylvania is the social justice advocacy arm of The United Methodist Church in Pennsylvania. The members of its board of directors represent nearly 2,300 congregations with nearly 490,000 members across the Commonwealth.
Drachler, 58, is relocating to Harrisburg from Nashville, TN, where he operated Drachler & Associates, a public relations/crisis communications firm. He started the firm in 2006 after serving as executive director of public information at Nashville-based United Methodist Communications. In that role he served as a spokesman for the denomination and provided media relations counsel to its worldwide Council of Bishops.
In Pennsylvania, Drachler served as press secretary to former House Speaker John M. Perzel from 1995 to 2002, and served as the Harrisburg bureau chief for the Allentown Morning Call and Ottaway Newspapers, a chain of community newspapers. His reporting for the Morning Call was twice nominated for the Pulitzer Prize.
An active United Methodist, Drachler also served as director of communications for the Central Pennsylvania (regional) Conference, on the board of directors of The United Methodist Publishing House, and was twice elected as a delegate to the denomination’s top legislative body, the General Conference.
“In these uncertain times, we believe more than ever that the church is called to serve as a voice for the voiceless, and an advocate for those who are in need,” Benjamin said. “It is at the core of our beliefs as United Methodist Christians.”
Drachler will represent the church’s interests before the Pennsylvania General Assembly and the executive branch of state government. He will work closely with the state’s United Methodist bishops and with grassroots church members on social justice issues.
Pennsylvania is one of two states – Iowa is the other – where United Methodists employ a person as a lobbyist/advocate to represent its interests before state government.
Friday, March 13, 2009
General Board of Church & Society executive testifies before House subcommittee
Represents National Council of Churches Eco-Justice Working Group in urging legislators to avoid economic injustices in any global warming bills.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The director of Economic and Environmental Justice at the United Methodist General Board of Church & Society (GBCS) told the U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Subcommittee March 12 that the faith community supports strong and quick action to address the dangers of climate change. He emphasized, though, that solutions must mitigate rather than compound economic injustices.
John Hill testified at a hearing on Capitol Hill on “Consumer Protection Provisions in Climate Legislation.” He spoke on behalf of the National Council of Churches (NCC) as a member of its Eco-Justice Working Group. The NCC represents 35 Christian denominations in the United States.
“Global climate change is a real and growing threat to Creation with profound and potentially devastating environmental, economic and social consequences,” Hill said.
4 principles guide policy solutions
Hill pointed out that for more than 15 years, the NCC has worked to educate and equip its members and congregations to take action to reduce their own contributions to climate change. “And, [we] have petitioned our government to provide strong leadership in developing domestic and international frameworks to lower greenhouse gas emissions,” he added.
Hill was one of six persons asked to speak at the subcommittee hearing. Primary emphasis of the hearing was to examine a proposal to assist consumers under a cap-and-trade system to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Hill identified four principals that guide the faith community in considering potential policy solutions: justice, stewardship, sustainability and sufficiency. He said a just climate policy must contain effective, mandatory emissions reduction targets “to prevent catastrophic impacts” for the people and planet.
“For too long climate change advocates have minimized the potential impact of climate legislation on the poor,” Hill said, “and opponents have used such impacts as a justification for inaction.” He cautioned the legislators not to “forget the devastating impact of inaction.”
Rising sea levels, more intense storms, floods, droughts and spreading disease were cited by Hill as global warming effects that disproportionately affect persons living in poverty, communities of color and other vulnerable communities. “The Gulf Coast hurricanes of 2004 demonstrated all too painfully the devastating consequences that occur when storms of nature interact with the storms of poverty and racism that batter communities in the United States and around the world,” he said.
Least responsible are most vulnerable
In developing policies, Hill urged the legislators to ensure that solutions don’t push families deeper into poverty due to higher energy-related costs. He said there are proposals that can “efficiently, effectively and justly” provide benefits to offset cost increases for low-income individuals and families. He mentioned one outlined by the Center on Budget Policies and Priorities, whose executive director, Robert Greenstein, also testified at the hearing.
“Those least responsible for the emissions that created this problem,” Hill said, “are most vulnerable to its effects. Let us not perpetuate further this injustice by forcing those same individuals to shoulder additional and disproportionate cost of proposed solutions.”
Hill said financial help for those living in poverty in the United States and international adaptation assistance for vulnerable communities abroad must be a part of any climate policy.
Using established, proven methods that provide funds sufficient to offset all energy-related price increases to deliver benefit for low-income consumers would be supported, according to Hill. He said mechanisms such as an electronic benefits transfer card and an expanded earned income tax credit would allow individuals and families flexibility to adapt to price increases for a variety of goods and services.
Hill said proposals that would use local distribution companies or other utilities to deliver a consumer rebate ignore over half the estimated costs to low-income families. He said these proposals require new delivery systems and outreach programs to encourage participation. "We believe established methods offer a more effective and efficient approach to reach the greatest percentage of low-income consumers," he said.
Four other persons testified before the subcommittee. They were Sonny Popowsky, Pennsylvania Office of the Consumer Advocate; Steve Kline, vice president of Corporate Environmental and Federal Affairs, PG&E Corp.; Steven Hayward, American Enterprise Institute; and Mike Carey, Ohio Coal Assn.
The full text of Hill's statement is available on GBCS's web site, www.umc-gbcs.org. Under "Issues and News," go to statements.
Represents National Council of Churches Eco-Justice Working Group in urging legislators to avoid economic injustices in any global warming bills.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The director of Economic and Environmental Justice at the United Methodist General Board of Church & Society (GBCS) told the U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Subcommittee March 12 that the faith community supports strong and quick action to address the dangers of climate change. He emphasized, though, that solutions must mitigate rather than compound economic injustices.
John Hill testified at a hearing on Capitol Hill on “Consumer Protection Provisions in Climate Legislation.” He spoke on behalf of the National Council of Churches (NCC) as a member of its Eco-Justice Working Group. The NCC represents 35 Christian denominations in the United States.
“Global climate change is a real and growing threat to Creation with profound and potentially devastating environmental, economic and social consequences,” Hill said.
4 principles guide policy solutions
Hill pointed out that for more than 15 years, the NCC has worked to educate and equip its members and congregations to take action to reduce their own contributions to climate change. “And, [we] have petitioned our government to provide strong leadership in developing domestic and international frameworks to lower greenhouse gas emissions,” he added.
Hill was one of six persons asked to speak at the subcommittee hearing. Primary emphasis of the hearing was to examine a proposal to assist consumers under a cap-and-trade system to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Hill identified four principals that guide the faith community in considering potential policy solutions: justice, stewardship, sustainability and sufficiency. He said a just climate policy must contain effective, mandatory emissions reduction targets “to prevent catastrophic impacts” for the people and planet.
“For too long climate change advocates have minimized the potential impact of climate legislation on the poor,” Hill said, “and opponents have used such impacts as a justification for inaction.” He cautioned the legislators not to “forget the devastating impact of inaction.”
Rising sea levels, more intense storms, floods, droughts and spreading disease were cited by Hill as global warming effects that disproportionately affect persons living in poverty, communities of color and other vulnerable communities. “The Gulf Coast hurricanes of 2004 demonstrated all too painfully the devastating consequences that occur when storms of nature interact with the storms of poverty and racism that batter communities in the United States and around the world,” he said.
Least responsible are most vulnerable
In developing policies, Hill urged the legislators to ensure that solutions don’t push families deeper into poverty due to higher energy-related costs. He said there are proposals that can “efficiently, effectively and justly” provide benefits to offset cost increases for low-income individuals and families. He mentioned one outlined by the Center on Budget Policies and Priorities, whose executive director, Robert Greenstein, also testified at the hearing.
“Those least responsible for the emissions that created this problem,” Hill said, “are most vulnerable to its effects. Let us not perpetuate further this injustice by forcing those same individuals to shoulder additional and disproportionate cost of proposed solutions.”
Hill said financial help for those living in poverty in the United States and international adaptation assistance for vulnerable communities abroad must be a part of any climate policy.
Using established, proven methods that provide funds sufficient to offset all energy-related price increases to deliver benefit for low-income consumers would be supported, according to Hill. He said mechanisms such as an electronic benefits transfer card and an expanded earned income tax credit would allow individuals and families flexibility to adapt to price increases for a variety of goods and services.
Hill said proposals that would use local distribution companies or other utilities to deliver a consumer rebate ignore over half the estimated costs to low-income families. He said these proposals require new delivery systems and outreach programs to encourage participation. "We believe established methods offer a more effective and efficient approach to reach the greatest percentage of low-income consumers," he said.
Four other persons testified before the subcommittee. They were Sonny Popowsky, Pennsylvania Office of the Consumer Advocate; Steve Kline, vice president of Corporate Environmental and Federal Affairs, PG&E Corp.; Steven Hayward, American Enterprise Institute; and Mike Carey, Ohio Coal Assn.
The full text of Hill's statement is available on GBCS's web site, www.umc-gbcs.org. Under "Issues and News," go to statements.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
HELP SAVE TENNESSEE’S MOUNTAINS!
To find out additional information about LEAF and view a video on mountaintop removal mining click here http://www.tnleaf.org/
Dear LEAF supporters,
First and foremost, Wow! Several of the Senators we listed as key last week told me you rang their phones off the hook!! That is exactly what it takes to get to the top of the giant pile of bills on their desks. The mountains are now on the top of those piles, right where they belong! Thank you.
So, the Tennessee Scenic Vistas Protection Act is off and running. LEAF had four folks on the ground talking with legislators this week and the National Parks Conservation Association had one. All made bits of progress that really added up. Due to that progress and your calls, I think we have the votes in the Senate Committee. However, a vote will not be scheduled in the Senate Committee until we prevail in the House Sub Committee; a scheduling matter beyond our control.
A summary for the week is that your contacts to the Senate worked. We lined up the votes. We will, of course, revisit those folks just before the Senate vote, but for now, on to the House!
The House sponsor (Rep. Bill Dunn) has put the bill “On Notice,” meaning that it is ready for the Sub Committee to consider. He has requested that it be placed on the Sub Committee calendar for Tuesday, March 17. It is not uncommon for a bill to be “rolled,” or moved to a future date for a variety of reasons; however, we will likely have a vote in the Sub Committee, if not on March 17, within a few weeks after. We can’t ever promise that something important will happen at a particular committee hearing, but if you want to come to Nashville and watch, that could be a good one.
This Sub Committee defeated the bill last year by two votes. Everyone knows this committee is the pinch point, the toughest of our five big votes. The members of this House Sub Committee will decide the fate of the mountains. The Sub Committee has some of the same folks as last year, but enough new ones to make the difference. Also some of last year’s “no” votes could change.
If it is voted out of this Sub Committee, it will be hard to stop. So the action for this week is to contact the House Environment Sub Committee members. They are listed at the end of this alert.
As usual, if you live in the Representative’s district, say so. If you know folks who do, send them this action alert. Encourage them to contact the legislator. Whether you live in the district or not, the methods of contact from the most effective to the least are: personal contact, paper letters, faxed letters, phone calls, and emails. LEAF has received copies of lovely emails in support of the bill. If you are going to compose a letter, we’d love it if you would print it out and mail it to the representative and copy us at http://www.tnleaf.org/@gmail.com. Hard copies can be mailed to Pat Chastain, 663 Gulfwood Rd. Knoxville, TN 37923. A quick, hand written card carries more weight than 20 emails. But do whatever you can.
One legislator said he has gotten a contact or two that called him, “UnChristian” for his opposition to the bill last year. Making judgments about the standing of others before God is not only counter-productive, there is Scriptural authority against it. We are all children of God with spiritual journeys unfolding before us. Let’s begin with that baseline. Stay positive and keep the dialog open.
LEAF has been hesitant to prepare a form letter. The variety of contacts has been a strength. However, after several requests, we are providing something to get you started:
Dear Representative ____:
I live in ______, Tennessee. I am a ____________. ( whatever you think would help identify you in a meaningful way. I.e. retired teacher, high school student, environmental engineer, local chair of your party, minister, a United Methodist, your mother’s hairdresser ,your former scout leader. etc. )I voted for you. (If you really did.)
Please support the Tennessee Scenic Vista’s Protection Act. HB 899/SB1406. I oppose mountain top removal coal mining because…( A beautiful essay or just a sentence or two could go here. If your faith is part of the reason, say so. )
I appreciate your service and consideration of my views.
Sincerely,
Vary that some, and include your name and return address. Print the addresses and put paper and envelopes on your kitchen table, or where you pay your bills, so you can write letters as you have time this next week. We have made considerable progress as a group of Christians doing small acts with great love. If this bill passes, that is how it will happen.
Please pray for every policy maker in the state, for the coal industry leaders, for the coalfield communities, for the emerging creation care community, all of the worker bees at LEAF, and for our mountains.
Thank you for your letters, prayers and support,
Dawn Coppock,
Legislative Director, LEAF
----------------------------------------------
HOUSE CONSERVATION & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEES
House Committee & House Sub-committee
McCord, Joe, 4504 Montvale Road Maryville, TN 37803
Phone: 865-984-5881
House Committee Chairman, House Sub-committee
Episcopalian, Republican, 8th District
For: Parts of Blount & Sevier Counties
Nashville Address/Contact: 214 War Memorial Bldg.,Nashville, TN 37243-0108, 615-741-5481, 615-253-0220 Fax; Staff: Phyllis Piercy
Rep.joe.mccord@capitol.tn.gov
Tidwell, John C., 158 Harbor Circle, New Johnsonville, TN 37134
Phone: 931-535-2619
House Committee Vice Chair, House Sub-committee Chair
Methodist, Democrat, 74th District
For: Houston, Humphreys, Perry & Parts of Hickman and Maury Counties
Nashville Address/Contact: 22 Legislative Plaza, Nashville, TN 37243-0174, 615-741-7098, 615-741-4324 Fax; Staff: Debra Webb
Rep.john.tidwell@capitol.tn.gov
Floyd, Richard, 306 Altoona Drive, Chattanooga, TN 37415
House Committee Secretary
Baptist, Republican, 27th District
For: Part of Hamilton County
Nashville Address/Contact: 205 War Memorial Bldg., Nashville, TN 37243-0127, 615-741-2746, 615-253-0304 Fax; Staff: Jennifer Young
Rep.richard.floyd@capitol.tn.gov
Rowland, Donna, P.O. Box 10355, Murfreesboro, TN 37129
House Committee
House Sub-Committee Vice Chair
Baptist, Republican, 34th District
For: Part of Rutherford County
Nashville Address/Contact: 209 War Memorial Bldg., Nashville, TN 37243-0134, 615-741-2804, 615-253-0322 Fax; Staff: Sherry Smith
Rep.donna.rowland@capitol.tn.gov
Borchert, Willie Butch, 120 Post Oak Road, Camden, TN 38320
House Committee
House Sub-Committee
Baptist, Democrat, 75th District
For: Henry, Benton & Stewart Counties
Nashville Address/Contact: 23 Legislative Plaza,Nashville, TN 37243-0175, 615-741-6804, 615-741-2405 Fax; Staff: Connie Murray
Rep.willie.borchert@capitol.tn.gov
Kernell, Mike, 3583 Allandale Lane, Memphis, TN 38111-5601
Phone: 901-454-1113
House Committee
Unknown, Democrat, 93rd District
For: Part of Shelby County
Nashville Address/Contact: 38 Legislative Plaza, Nashville, TN 37243-0193, 615-741-3726, 615-253-0320 Fax; Staff: Kyle Faulkner
Rep.mike.kernell@capitol.tn.gov
Fraley, George, 1350 Bible Crossing Road, Winchester, TN 37398
Phone: 931-967-3564
House Committee
House Sub-Committee
Church of Christ, Democrat, 39th District
For: Franklin, Moore Counties & Part of Lincoln County
Nashville Address/Contact: 24 Legislative Plaza, Nashville, TN 37243-0139, 615-741-8695, 615-741-5759 Fax; Staff: Stephanie Peterson
Rep.george.fraley@capitol.tn.gov
Gilmore, Brenda, 3009 Vista Valley Court, Nashville, TN 37218
House Committee
House Sub-committee
Baptist, Democrat, 54th District
For: Part of Davidson County
Nashville Address/Contact: 22 Legislative Plaza, Nashville, TN 37243-0154, 615-741-1997, 615-253-0361 Fax; Staff: Lenekra Starnes-Hill
Rep.brenda.gilmore@capitol.tn.gov
McDonald, Michael, 1695 A. B. Wade Road, Portland, TN 37148
Phone: 615-888-3081
House Committee
House Sub-committee
Church of Christ, Democrat, 44th District
For: Part of Sumner County
Nashville Address/Contact: 37 Legislative Plaza, Nashville, TN 37243-0144, 615-741-1980, 615-741-4322 Fax; Staff: Kristin Smith
Rep.michael.mcdonald@capitol.tn.gov
Hawk, David, 407 Crockett Avenue, Greeneville, TN 37745
House Committee
House Sub-committee
Lutheran, Republican, 5th District
For: Unicoi County & Part of Greene County
Nashville Address/Contact: 219 War Memorial Bldg., Nashville, TN 37243-0105, 615-741-7482; Staff: Brenda Moore
Rep.david.hawk@capitol.tn.gov
Lollar, Ron, 7559 Olivia Hill Drive, Bartlett, TN 38133
House Committee
House Sub-committee
Baptist, Republican, 99th District
For: Part of Shelby County
Nashville Address/Contact: 209 War Memorial Bldg., Nashville, TN 37243-0199, 615-741-7084; Staff: Phyllis Piercy
Rep.ron.lollar@capitol.tn.gov
Niceley, Frank, 1023 Creek Road, Strawberry Plains, TN 37871
House Committee
House Sub-committee
Methodist, Republican, 17th District
For: Part of Jefferson & Knox Counties
Nashville Address/Contact: 113 War Memorial Bldg., Nashville, TN 37243-0117, 615-741-4419, 615-253-0347 Fax; Staff: Ruth Adams
Rep.frank.niceley@capitol.tn.gov
To find out additional information about LEAF and view a video on mountaintop removal mining click here http://www.tnleaf.org/
Dear LEAF supporters,
First and foremost, Wow! Several of the Senators we listed as key last week told me you rang their phones off the hook!! That is exactly what it takes to get to the top of the giant pile of bills on their desks. The mountains are now on the top of those piles, right where they belong! Thank you.
So, the Tennessee Scenic Vistas Protection Act is off and running. LEAF had four folks on the ground talking with legislators this week and the National Parks Conservation Association had one. All made bits of progress that really added up. Due to that progress and your calls, I think we have the votes in the Senate Committee. However, a vote will not be scheduled in the Senate Committee until we prevail in the House Sub Committee; a scheduling matter beyond our control.
A summary for the week is that your contacts to the Senate worked. We lined up the votes. We will, of course, revisit those folks just before the Senate vote, but for now, on to the House!
The House sponsor (Rep. Bill Dunn) has put the bill “On Notice,” meaning that it is ready for the Sub Committee to consider. He has requested that it be placed on the Sub Committee calendar for Tuesday, March 17. It is not uncommon for a bill to be “rolled,” or moved to a future date for a variety of reasons; however, we will likely have a vote in the Sub Committee, if not on March 17, within a few weeks after. We can’t ever promise that something important will happen at a particular committee hearing, but if you want to come to Nashville and watch, that could be a good one.
This Sub Committee defeated the bill last year by two votes. Everyone knows this committee is the pinch point, the toughest of our five big votes. The members of this House Sub Committee will decide the fate of the mountains. The Sub Committee has some of the same folks as last year, but enough new ones to make the difference. Also some of last year’s “no” votes could change.
If it is voted out of this Sub Committee, it will be hard to stop. So the action for this week is to contact the House Environment Sub Committee members. They are listed at the end of this alert.
As usual, if you live in the Representative’s district, say so. If you know folks who do, send them this action alert. Encourage them to contact the legislator. Whether you live in the district or not, the methods of contact from the most effective to the least are: personal contact, paper letters, faxed letters, phone calls, and emails. LEAF has received copies of lovely emails in support of the bill. If you are going to compose a letter, we’d love it if you would print it out and mail it to the representative and copy us at http://www.tnleaf.org/@gmail.com. Hard copies can be mailed to Pat Chastain, 663 Gulfwood Rd. Knoxville, TN 37923. A quick, hand written card carries more weight than 20 emails. But do whatever you can.
One legislator said he has gotten a contact or two that called him, “UnChristian” for his opposition to the bill last year. Making judgments about the standing of others before God is not only counter-productive, there is Scriptural authority against it. We are all children of God with spiritual journeys unfolding before us. Let’s begin with that baseline. Stay positive and keep the dialog open.
LEAF has been hesitant to prepare a form letter. The variety of contacts has been a strength. However, after several requests, we are providing something to get you started:
Dear Representative ____:
I live in ______, Tennessee. I am a ____________. ( whatever you think would help identify you in a meaningful way. I.e. retired teacher, high school student, environmental engineer, local chair of your party, minister, a United Methodist, your mother’s hairdresser ,your former scout leader. etc. )I voted for you. (If you really did.)
Please support the Tennessee Scenic Vista’s Protection Act. HB 899/SB1406. I oppose mountain top removal coal mining because…( A beautiful essay or just a sentence or two could go here. If your faith is part of the reason, say so. )
I appreciate your service and consideration of my views.
Sincerely,
Vary that some, and include your name and return address. Print the addresses and put paper and envelopes on your kitchen table, or where you pay your bills, so you can write letters as you have time this next week. We have made considerable progress as a group of Christians doing small acts with great love. If this bill passes, that is how it will happen.
Please pray for every policy maker in the state, for the coal industry leaders, for the coalfield communities, for the emerging creation care community, all of the worker bees at LEAF, and for our mountains.
Thank you for your letters, prayers and support,
Dawn Coppock,
Legislative Director, LEAF
----------------------------------------------
HOUSE CONSERVATION & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEES
House Committee & House Sub-committee
McCord, Joe, 4504 Montvale Road Maryville, TN 37803
Phone: 865-984-5881
House Committee Chairman, House Sub-committee
Episcopalian, Republican, 8th District
For: Parts of Blount & Sevier Counties
Nashville Address/Contact: 214 War Memorial Bldg.,Nashville, TN 37243-0108, 615-741-5481, 615-253-0220 Fax; Staff: Phyllis Piercy
Rep.joe.mccord@capitol.tn.gov
Tidwell, John C., 158 Harbor Circle, New Johnsonville, TN 37134
Phone: 931-535-2619
House Committee Vice Chair, House Sub-committee Chair
Methodist, Democrat, 74th District
For: Houston, Humphreys, Perry & Parts of Hickman and Maury Counties
Nashville Address/Contact: 22 Legislative Plaza, Nashville, TN 37243-0174, 615-741-7098, 615-741-4324 Fax; Staff: Debra Webb
Rep.john.tidwell@capitol.tn.gov
Floyd, Richard, 306 Altoona Drive, Chattanooga, TN 37415
House Committee Secretary
Baptist, Republican, 27th District
For: Part of Hamilton County
Nashville Address/Contact: 205 War Memorial Bldg., Nashville, TN 37243-0127, 615-741-2746, 615-253-0304 Fax; Staff: Jennifer Young
Rep.richard.floyd@capitol.tn.gov
Rowland, Donna, P.O. Box 10355, Murfreesboro, TN 37129
House Committee
House Sub-Committee Vice Chair
Baptist, Republican, 34th District
For: Part of Rutherford County
Nashville Address/Contact: 209 War Memorial Bldg., Nashville, TN 37243-0134, 615-741-2804, 615-253-0322 Fax; Staff: Sherry Smith
Rep.donna.rowland@capitol.tn.gov
Borchert, Willie Butch, 120 Post Oak Road, Camden, TN 38320
House Committee
House Sub-Committee
Baptist, Democrat, 75th District
For: Henry, Benton & Stewart Counties
Nashville Address/Contact: 23 Legislative Plaza,Nashville, TN 37243-0175, 615-741-6804, 615-741-2405 Fax; Staff: Connie Murray
Rep.willie.borchert@capitol.tn.gov
Kernell, Mike, 3583 Allandale Lane, Memphis, TN 38111-5601
Phone: 901-454-1113
House Committee
Unknown, Democrat, 93rd District
For: Part of Shelby County
Nashville Address/Contact: 38 Legislative Plaza, Nashville, TN 37243-0193, 615-741-3726, 615-253-0320 Fax; Staff: Kyle Faulkner
Rep.mike.kernell@capitol.tn.gov
Fraley, George, 1350 Bible Crossing Road, Winchester, TN 37398
Phone: 931-967-3564
House Committee
House Sub-Committee
Church of Christ, Democrat, 39th District
For: Franklin, Moore Counties & Part of Lincoln County
Nashville Address/Contact: 24 Legislative Plaza, Nashville, TN 37243-0139, 615-741-8695, 615-741-5759 Fax; Staff: Stephanie Peterson
Rep.george.fraley@capitol.tn.gov
Gilmore, Brenda, 3009 Vista Valley Court, Nashville, TN 37218
House Committee
House Sub-committee
Baptist, Democrat, 54th District
For: Part of Davidson County
Nashville Address/Contact: 22 Legislative Plaza, Nashville, TN 37243-0154, 615-741-1997, 615-253-0361 Fax; Staff: Lenekra Starnes-Hill
Rep.brenda.gilmore@capitol.tn.gov
McDonald, Michael, 1695 A. B. Wade Road, Portland, TN 37148
Phone: 615-888-3081
House Committee
House Sub-committee
Church of Christ, Democrat, 44th District
For: Part of Sumner County
Nashville Address/Contact: 37 Legislative Plaza, Nashville, TN 37243-0144, 615-741-1980, 615-741-4322 Fax; Staff: Kristin Smith
Rep.michael.mcdonald@capitol.tn.gov
Hawk, David, 407 Crockett Avenue, Greeneville, TN 37745
House Committee
House Sub-committee
Lutheran, Republican, 5th District
For: Unicoi County & Part of Greene County
Nashville Address/Contact: 219 War Memorial Bldg., Nashville, TN 37243-0105, 615-741-7482; Staff: Brenda Moore
Rep.david.hawk@capitol.tn.gov
Lollar, Ron, 7559 Olivia Hill Drive, Bartlett, TN 38133
House Committee
House Sub-committee
Baptist, Republican, 99th District
For: Part of Shelby County
Nashville Address/Contact: 209 War Memorial Bldg., Nashville, TN 37243-0199, 615-741-7084; Staff: Phyllis Piercy
Rep.ron.lollar@capitol.tn.gov
Niceley, Frank, 1023 Creek Road, Strawberry Plains, TN 37871
House Committee
House Sub-committee
Methodist, Republican, 17th District
For: Part of Jefferson & Knox Counties
Nashville Address/Contact: 113 War Memorial Bldg., Nashville, TN 37243-0117, 615-741-4419, 615-253-0347 Fax; Staff: Ruth Adams
Rep.frank.niceley@capitol.tn.gov
Friday, March 06, 2009
Growing Need for Hospice Chaplains
By Vicki Brown*
Hospice chaplains handle many things for patients. Chaplain Donald Hohne performed a wedding for a patient of Gilchrist Hospice Care, an affiliate of Greater Baltimore Medical Center, in Baltimore, Md. The patient was a homecare hospice patient and the wedding took place in the couple’s home.
The need for hospice chaplains is growing, say endorsement officials and chaplains. They attribute the growth to a number of factors – aging baby boomers, the growth in for-profit hospices, and changes in federal regulations.
“The greatest need for chaplains is still the military, particularly the Army, because of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, but we are seeing an increase in endorsements for hospice chaplains, too,” said the Rev. Tom Carter, director of Endorsement and Pastoral Care, United Methodist Endorsing Agency, General Board of Higher Education and Ministry.
In 2008, UMEA endorsed 16 hospice chaplains, out of a total of 100 endorsements in all settings. In 2007, 21 hospice chaplains were endorsed out of total of 105 endorsements. Carter attributes that to the number of aging Baby boomers, “Hospice adds dignity to death. Chaplains can connect the person’s life story to the end of life, helping family say goodbye and helping resolve conflicts if there are any,” he said.
The only setting with more endorsements was hospital chaplains. UMEA endorsed 32 hospital chaplains in 2007 and 33 in 2008. The need for hospital chaplains is always present since when chaplains retire, replacements are being hired, Carter said.
The Rev. Beth McGuire, director of Bereavement Services Hospice of Medina County and Barberton Hospice and Palliative Care, also says changes in federal regulations have amended the spiritual component. Bereavement care is also required, but McGuire said there is little direction for how that is to be done and no funding available.
The Rev. McGuire, director of Bereavement Services, Hospice of Medina County, Ohio, talks with a young girl at a Kids Grief Camp, Plum Creek Park, Brunswick, Ohio.
The Rev. Carolyn Burrus, a United Methodist elder endorsed as a hospice chaplain, also believes the field is growing because more for-profit hospices are being opened.
“Hospices used to all be volunteer, then evolved to non-profit,” said Burrus, a chaplain at the Hospice of Alamance-Coswell in Burlington, N.C.
“I feel my call to ministry has been to chaplaincy, out of my healthcare background and my personal losses,” said Burrus. Among those losses were her grandmother’s death in the early 1990s and the death of a brother from AIDS in 1995, which spurred her interest in ministry at the end of life. “I saw him fail to ask for help because he was afraid people might retaliate.”
Who do hospice chaplains see?
“I tend to see two groups people, those with and without an affiliation with a faith community. Both tend to want to be at peace with their lives as they die,” Burrus said.
She adds that death is the ultimate faith journey and views her role as a midwife to the dying process.
Medical knowledge is important, since a chaplain can ask, “Did you understand that?” and serve as an extra set of eyes and ears checking on things, knowing when to call the nurse, just being an advocate in the medical setting, Burrus said.
“I listen to where folks are in their faith. I’m not trying to get them in church, or get them to make a donation, just trying to support them where they are spiritually. Often I find that if they have a past church connection, they are trying to reconnect to that tradition and reconcile it with their current relationship with God,” Burrus said.
If a hospice patient is connected to a church already, she tried to work with that connection. “For instance, if they are connected to a church and they want to be baptized, I wouldn’t necessarily do it, I would work with that church pastor,” she said.
McGuire believes those who have an active faith community have more support for the process of dying and of grieving. She says how the hospice organization offers bereavement counseling varies. That may include letters, phone calls, support groups, or actual counseling by qualified professionals.
She sees a great need for the service, though, and said when she was involved in organizing a workshop for clergy and Stephen ministers – lay ministers trained to work with the sick and dying – 50 people signed up.
*Brown is an associate editor and writer in the Office of Interpretation, General Board of Higher Education and Ministry.
Four Endorsed as Life Coaches
One new area of endorsement in the United Methodist Church is life coaching, approved in March 2008. UMEA endorsed four chaplains or pastoral counselors for that service from January 2008 to January 2009.
Life coaching is a partnership between a coach and an individual who wants to make positive life changes. The Rev. Jim Robey, a United Methodist elder endorsed as a life coach, views the process as a way to help a person move into the “fullness of life” which Jesus offers.
Coaching sessions are usually done by phone, and provide a method of accountability and support for making life changes. A session might focus on reporting of actions that had been agreed upon, Robey said.
People who seek help from a life coach may feel “stuck,” Robey said. “The focus of coaching is moving forward in your life. Overly simplified, counseling focuses on the present-past and coaching focuses on the present-future.
Robey, who does pastoral counseling and life coaching at the Gulf Shores United Methodist Church in Gulf Shores, Ala., said most of his time is spent coaching ministers, district superintendents, and lay folks. He believes his coaching empowers the ministry of others.
To learn more about United Methodist chaplains, visit www.gbhem.org/chaplains.
By Vicki Brown*
Hospice chaplains handle many things for patients. Chaplain Donald Hohne performed a wedding for a patient of Gilchrist Hospice Care, an affiliate of Greater Baltimore Medical Center, in Baltimore, Md. The patient was a homecare hospice patient and the wedding took place in the couple’s home.The need for hospice chaplains is growing, say endorsement officials and chaplains. They attribute the growth to a number of factors – aging baby boomers, the growth in for-profit hospices, and changes in federal regulations.
“The greatest need for chaplains is still the military, particularly the Army, because of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, but we are seeing an increase in endorsements for hospice chaplains, too,” said the Rev. Tom Carter, director of Endorsement and Pastoral Care, United Methodist Endorsing Agency, General Board of Higher Education and Ministry.
In 2008, UMEA endorsed 16 hospice chaplains, out of a total of 100 endorsements in all settings. In 2007, 21 hospice chaplains were endorsed out of total of 105 endorsements. Carter attributes that to the number of aging Baby boomers, “Hospice adds dignity to death. Chaplains can connect the person’s life story to the end of life, helping family say goodbye and helping resolve conflicts if there are any,” he said.
The only setting with more endorsements was hospital chaplains. UMEA endorsed 32 hospital chaplains in 2007 and 33 in 2008. The need for hospital chaplains is always present since when chaplains retire, replacements are being hired, Carter said.
The Rev. Beth McGuire, director of Bereavement Services Hospice of Medina County and Barberton Hospice and Palliative Care, also says changes in federal regulations have amended the spiritual component. Bereavement care is also required, but McGuire said there is little direction for how that is to be done and no funding available.
The Rev. McGuire, director of Bereavement Services, Hospice of Medina County, Ohio, talks with a young girl at a Kids Grief Camp, Plum Creek Park, Brunswick, Ohio.The Rev. Carolyn Burrus, a United Methodist elder endorsed as a hospice chaplain, also believes the field is growing because more for-profit hospices are being opened.
“Hospices used to all be volunteer, then evolved to non-profit,” said Burrus, a chaplain at the Hospice of Alamance-Coswell in Burlington, N.C.
“I feel my call to ministry has been to chaplaincy, out of my healthcare background and my personal losses,” said Burrus. Among those losses were her grandmother’s death in the early 1990s and the death of a brother from AIDS in 1995, which spurred her interest in ministry at the end of life. “I saw him fail to ask for help because he was afraid people might retaliate.”
Who do hospice chaplains see?
“I tend to see two groups people, those with and without an affiliation with a faith community. Both tend to want to be at peace with their lives as they die,” Burrus said.
She adds that death is the ultimate faith journey and views her role as a midwife to the dying process.
Medical knowledge is important, since a chaplain can ask, “Did you understand that?” and serve as an extra set of eyes and ears checking on things, knowing when to call the nurse, just being an advocate in the medical setting, Burrus said.
“I listen to where folks are in their faith. I’m not trying to get them in church, or get them to make a donation, just trying to support them where they are spiritually. Often I find that if they have a past church connection, they are trying to reconnect to that tradition and reconcile it with their current relationship with God,” Burrus said.
If a hospice patient is connected to a church already, she tried to work with that connection. “For instance, if they are connected to a church and they want to be baptized, I wouldn’t necessarily do it, I would work with that church pastor,” she said.
McGuire believes those who have an active faith community have more support for the process of dying and of grieving. She says how the hospice organization offers bereavement counseling varies. That may include letters, phone calls, support groups, or actual counseling by qualified professionals.
She sees a great need for the service, though, and said when she was involved in organizing a workshop for clergy and Stephen ministers – lay ministers trained to work with the sick and dying – 50 people signed up.
*Brown is an associate editor and writer in the Office of Interpretation, General Board of Higher Education and Ministry.
Four Endorsed as Life Coaches
One new area of endorsement in the United Methodist Church is life coaching, approved in March 2008. UMEA endorsed four chaplains or pastoral counselors for that service from January 2008 to January 2009.
Life coaching is a partnership between a coach and an individual who wants to make positive life changes. The Rev. Jim Robey, a United Methodist elder endorsed as a life coach, views the process as a way to help a person move into the “fullness of life” which Jesus offers.
Coaching sessions are usually done by phone, and provide a method of accountability and support for making life changes. A session might focus on reporting of actions that had been agreed upon, Robey said.
People who seek help from a life coach may feel “stuck,” Robey said. “The focus of coaching is moving forward in your life. Overly simplified, counseling focuses on the present-past and coaching focuses on the present-future.
Robey, who does pastoral counseling and life coaching at the Gulf Shores United Methodist Church in Gulf Shores, Ala., said most of his time is spent coaching ministers, district superintendents, and lay folks. He believes his coaching empowers the ministry of others.
To learn more about United Methodist chaplains, visit www.gbhem.org/chaplains.
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