Introducing Julianna Schock

I am Julianna Schock, an intern this summer with the Women and Children’s Department. I am from Birmingham, AL and I attend Birmingham-Southern College, a United Methodist affiliated, liberal arts college. I just completed my sophomore year and am majoring in History. I am a member of First United Methodist Church of Birmingham.

I discovered this internship through Birmingham-Southern’s Hess Fellows Program, which matches students with non-profit organizations to delve into issues of social justice and advocacy and was particularly drawn to Church and Society because of my interest in the intersection of faith, social justice, and politics. While working with Church and Society this summer, I will be focusing on building a curriculum addressing the nuances within the United Methodist Church’s position on reproductive health.

Growing up in a progressive, inclusive church instilled in me the importance of thinking about social justice issues in a faith context. However, it wasn’t until last summer that I recognized the importance of acting on those beliefs.

Last summer, a family in my church experienced a domestic violence incident that ended with the mother dead and four of the children injured. I am especially close with the three oldest children, two of whom were critically injured. That incident made me realize the inefficacy of my previous strategy. Thoughts and prayers were important, but they weren’t enough. Faith is a combination of thoughts and actions. And I needed to start acting.

I was drawn to this internship for many reasons. I wanted to learn more about what my denomination was doing to live out the action part of faith. I have witnessed the United Methodist Church on a local scene, and now I want to observe it on a national and global scene.

Also, I have always been drawn to issues surrounding women and children. I wanted an experience where I would get to put my faith in action while helping communities consisting of the people I care about most. I have found that experience with Church and Society and I am thrilled to be a part of the team this summer.