By Mittie Quinn
In our continuing efforts to reach out and spread the Good News to an ever wider audience, the UM Creation Justice Movement has joined the Love Your Neighbor Coalition (LYNC). LYNC is a partnership of 15 United Methodist Church-related caucus groups working for a just, inclusive, and grace-filled denomination. Individually, these organizations minister to their diverse constituent groups and provide witness to their specific area of concern. Current member organizations serve diverse ethnic populations, address climate justice around the world, seek peace for countries torn asunder by war and discrimination, and represent clergy and laity caucus groups working for full inclusion in the life and body of the UMC. As a coalition, member organizations commit to love each other and stay in relationship with the global Body of Christ.
Together these organizations meet regularly to share information about the various ministries, to learn about concerns and challenges to the work, and to amplify individual messages to their collective audiences. At General Conference, LYNC members share resources to provide hospitality for delegates, staff, and volunteers who are on hand to witness these global gatherings. LYNC coordinates communication to keep all gathered informed about the proceedings and to further educate UMs about the work of the member organizations. LYNC has always had a global perspective and at GC in addition to providing hospitality to international attendees, sponsors translation services to facilitate communication to those gathered in Charlotte. LYNC also works to coordinate the numerous witness events and legislative priorities of our member organizations, including UMCJM’s Earth Day celebration!
In addition to supporting legislation put forth by the 15 member organizations, LYNC has committed to work for the passage of legislation related to “the 3 R’s”: Regionalization, Revised Social Principles, and Removal of discriminatory language from the Book of Discipline. These actions seek to move the UMC forward toward being a more just and inclusive church for all of God’s children. Watch for webinars and publications over the next few months that will address the importance of these 3 R’s.
For more information about LYNC, visit the website or follow our Facebook page: Love Your Neighbor Coalition.
Mittie Quinn
Co-Convener, Love Your Neighbor Coalition
Laity/Baltimore Washington Annual Conference
UMCJM is partnering with the Love Your Neighbor Coalition (LYNC). Because the UM Creation Justice Movement and Fossil Free UMC are both part of this larger coalition and will be benefiting from services the coalition will be providing at General Conference, your support of LYNC also supports Creation Justice! You can support this important work with your prayers, your presence, your gifts, your service, and your witness:
- Make a financial gift to LYNC or directly to UMCJM or Fossil Free UMC.
- Encourage your own congregation to donate too.
- If you are able to be in Charlotte, NC, during General Conference, you can also sign up through LYNC to volunteer.