Just Peace Coordinator’s Report

Just Peace Coordinator

This past year will no doubt go down in our country’s history for at least two reasons. We have elected the first black man to be President of our country, and we have experienced one of the deepest global economic downturns in modern times. The first, the election of Mr. Obama, is just the beginning of work for progressive Christians, as he has put out a call for us to participate in the return of a progressive agenda. What that looks like is fascinating. He has asked for input from the grassroots on issues such as health care reform, building a green economy and putting an end to unjust wars. The second, the economic downturn, may inhibit his ability to accomplish much of his agenda, although he has put forward some interesting possibilities for economic stimulus.

In response to this unprecedented opportunity to participate in governance, a number of our church members have begun meeting to explore what such participation would look like. With Betsy Burris, Lauren Stevens and Stewart Burns leading this effort, we are exploring a specific request for focus group input on health care reform. This new group calls itself the Meeting House and is open to the wider community in support of inclusiveness, another major plank in the Obama platform. We are hopeful and excited.
The economic downturn has put new stress on many people in our community. Our church support for Louison House, a transition setting for homeless people in North Berkshire, is one example of our response to the impact of poverty. Our continued support for the internally displaced persons in Sudan through the Sudan Relief Task Force continues to be important to the school that has been formed in the camp outside of Khartoum. Our efforts are hampered as global inflation reduces the value of the funds that we send.

We were privileged to hear from our Conference Minister, Jim Antal, in a sermon on Just Peace Suday that inspired us about the work of the wider UCC Church in the Massachusetts Conference. As a congregation, we expand our impact on a progressive agenda by active participation in the wider Church. The more we can connect with others who have like interests, the more we can have an influence on the issues that concern us.

- Jina Ford, Just Peace Coordinator