Frequently asked Questions about the United Methodist Communications Commentary

An article "The United Methodist Church Creates a Voice for the Voiceless on Gulf Coast" is on THE RESPONDER blog site at http://theresponder.blogspot.com/2005/10/united-methodist-church-creates-voice.html The material below answers questions you may have after reading the initial article.

Why is the church doing this?

Scripture is replete with admonitions for Christians to care for the poor, the hungry, the homeless, and those in distress. That includes creating a voice on behalf of marginalized and voiceless persons. We believe God calls us to be a voice for those persons.

Advertorials such as these are intended to create discussion. They add a specific perspective to the conversation. Ours reflects our concern for displaced persons, who are often poor and marginalized, and the urban, suburban, and rural communities in which they live. In good times, their voices are too often left out or ignored. After a disaster like this, it is even more important they have a voice and a role in the rebuilding of their communities.

Our United Methodist Social Principles (Para. 162. N and P in the 2004 Book of Discipline) provide an unambiguous foundation for speaking out on behalf of the persons affected by this disaster.

Where are the commentaries appearing?

They will be published in The Washington Post, New Orleans Times-Picayune, Biloxi-Gulfport Sun Herald and Jackson Clarion Ledger/Hattiesburg American in Mississippi, and the Mobile Register in Alabama.

Are these commentaries just another criticism of FEMA and state
and local government responses?

No. These commentaries are focused on the tremendous challenges confronting the rebuilding of the Gulf Coast and inland areas of Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. We are concerned and focused on the future of this region. Others will review and analyze the past.

Who is paying for these commentaries?

Funding for the advertorials comes from United Methodist Communications’ regular budget. It is separate from the special budget that funds the national Igniting Ministry television campaigns. It does not come from donations to the United Methodist Committee on Relief’s efforts to assist persons in the affected area. The cost of the advertisements will be approximately $30,000.

Would it be a better use of money to give it to the church’s rebuilding effort?

United Methodists from around the globe are donating millions of dollars towards disaster relief and rebuilding of this region. These commentaries are an important part of our mission. United Methodist Communications is using other resources to create a relevant voice for the church in the rebuilding process. Our role is to communicate messages that inform, inspire, and engage as we share the love of God while making disciples for Jesus Christ and promoting truth and justice.

May local churches and annual conferences use them?

Congregations, annual conferences, and church-related organizations are encouraged to use the commentaries as an advocacy tool. They may be adapted for use as letters to elected representatives or letters to the editor. They may be posted on Web sites. They may be used as discussion-starters in church school classes and discussion groups.

What role did United Methodists in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama play in the development of these commentaries?

Staff at United Methodist Communications wrote the commentaries in consultation with a broad group of United Methodists. That group includes bishops from the affected areas, conference communicators from those areas, the officers of the Council of Bishops, and general secretaries of the general agencies of the church.