Eastern District
Vision Pathways: Working to Eliminate Poverty and Its Causes in Partnership with the Poor
By Robert L. Flaherty

Concern for the poor is deeply rooted in the compassion of Jesus. In Luke's version of the beatitudes, Luke has Jesus teach simply, "Blessed are the poor." John Wesley, too, was concerned about those who were poor and disenfranchised. As the United Methodist Church and its predecessor denominations evolved into the late 19th and early 20th centuries, care for the poor included not only hands-on ministry to the poor, but advocacy to make systemic changes to eliminate the causes of poverty and to make life more livable for those who were deprived of the blessings of God's abundance.

By holding this sixth pathway (see side bar) before us, the Council of Bishops is reminding us of our heritage and asking us to push even further to alleviate poverty and its causes. Certainly there is still the great need for hands-on ministry among the poor. We are at a point in our history where we, who for the most part are among the most affluent of the world, need to take a serious look at ourselves and the injustice of distribution of resources and wealth. As persons of compassion we must ask hard questions and take action.

The General Board of Church and Society held up a series of hard questions for our General Conference. Among the hard questions they asked are these: (WARNING: These questions may cause discomfort.)

1.  To what extent can the poverty of poorer countries be attributed to the wealth and power of countries like the United States and those of Western Europe? To what can poverty within the United States and Western Europe be attributed?

2.  How should we understand the complex relationship between globalization and poverty?

3.  How does poverty in some countries impact the international patterns of emigration and immigration? What is happening with skilled workers and professionals in current patterns of emigration?

4.  What are the moral consequences of vast disparities of wealth and income within and among nations? What is the theological significance of economic disparities even when they do not represent the presence or absence of what is required for physical health and well-being?

The actions we take are of three kinds: first, direct hands-on action.  Many of our churches are engaged in these actions through programs that provide food, meals, and clothing. Giving to support agencies and programs that are at work to provide service is a second kind of action. And, a third action is advocacy to change policy and the structures that keep so many people in the world in poverty. Our church at the general level is involved in this pursuit. Local congregations can be involved too through their individual and committee activities.

Jesus came to preach the good news to the poor. We carry that good news to the poor through our various ministries. Bless you in your ministries with (as opposed to to or for) the poor.

Grace and Peace!

Bob