resolution

Support of NETWorX

2016 Book of Resolutions, #4094

Whereas, poverty continues to abound in the USA, especially in the rural areas where the average national rate is 18.4 percent, and in the urban areas where the rate is 15.4 percent compared to the national average of 14.5 percent (USDA Economic Research Service);

Whereas, The United Methodist Church has had as one of its four Areas of Ministry Focus: Engaging in Ministry with the Poor;

Whereas, this focus emphasizes “with”—standing with those who are regarded as “the least of these,” listening to them, undestanding their needs and aspirations, and working with them to achieve their goals;

Whereas, United Methodists believe working side by side with those striving to improve their situation is more effective long term than top-down charity;

Whereas, the Council of Bishops at the May 2015 meeting in Berlin affirmed the intent to build on and extend the Four Areas of Focus adopted in 2008 and for 2017-2020 would provide a missional direction for the next quadrennium, which includes partnering with schools to help end poverty;

Whereas, for the past eight years, beginning in 2007, Rural Faith Development CDC as an affiliate of the Western North Carolina Annual Conference has been in engaged with transformational ministry with the poor across NC;

Whereas, at the request of other conferences and with leadership from across the USA, RFD has created a Wesleyan informed initiative with a measurable outcome of well-being of abundance that is measured in many dimensions: cognitive, physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and financial;

Whereas, the very being of NETworX is encompassed in a mutual commitment to the core values of

Love—The foundational value for NETworX is love—love of neighbor,

Transformation—A belief in transformation and the importance of faith further define the power of this love; and

Whereas, these values are acted out with accountability, transparency, authenticity, acceptance, and inclusiveness; now,

Therefore, be it resolved, that General Conference encourages bishops, annual conferences, and agencies to support local groups of United Methodist congregations to work or be in ministry with the poor and to consider NETworX initiatives.

ADOPTED 2016

See Social Principles, ¶ 163E.

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