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A Federal Legislative Advocacy Day will take place on March 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Capitol Hill UMC in Washington. The event is an opportunity for United Methodists to meet their representatives and advocate for United Methodist values. Registration closes on March 23.
A D.C. Legislative Advocacy Day will be held April 30 at Asbury UMC in Washington.
Advocacy In Maryland
Protecting Medicaid: Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that helps ensure that low-income residents can get health insurance. Last week, the House of Representatives passed a budget resolution, which if fully enacted, would result in hundreds of billions of dollars in cuts to this critical program. Leaders in Maryland are saying if this happens, they may need to change eligibility for Maryland Medicaid. Low-income families, children, and seniors in Maryland depend on Medicaid to ensure that they can get the health care they need. Health Care for All is asking United Methodists to contact their representatives in the Maryland General Assembly and urge them to do everything they can to fully fund Medicaid in Maryland and protect our health care.
Protecting cemeteries: Several bills regarding cemeteries are coming up for hearings before the Maryland General Assembly. United Methodists are asked to consider writing letters of support or testifying in person to support critically needed protections. Learn more.
Nationally
Wednesday rallies: The General Board of Church and Society, Sojourners and other faith-based organizations will hold rallies at noon each Wednesday in March on the Capitol grounds. Learn more about the Faithful Witness Wednesdays, and the call for congressional courage.
Building Beloved Community: Throughout the nation, DEI programs and initiatives are under attack. The Baltimore-Washington Conference has long been committed to upholding the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. These core principles are not only grounded in our lived experience as the body of Christ, but they are also deeply embedded in the theological teachings of Scripture, our United Methodist traditions and the broader Christian call to justice. The pursuit of equity, diversity, and inclusion is integral to living out the Gospel’s radical message of love, unity, and justice for all people, irrespective of race, ethnicity, gender, ability, or social status. See our Call to Prayer and Action.
United Methodist leaders welcome Congressional resolutions, H.Res.100/S.Res.61,
supporting the value of nuclear arms control treaties and imploring the United States and Russia to replace the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START). The resolutions call on Russia to resume compliance with New START and on the U.S. to engage in dialogue with Russia and China to prevent nuclear escalation and support arms control and risk reduction measures. These resolutions also condemn the use of nuclear escalatory rhetoric. Take action.
Globally
Children in Ukraine in the Midst of War: Chris Mead is available to speak at churches about children in Ukraine in the midst of war. As the Director of the Ukraine-USA Pen Pal Program and producer of the upcoming documentary Soldiers of Learning, he brings first-hand insights into the resilience of Ukrainian students and teachers striving to continue education amid conflict. To learn more or make a booking, contact Chris Mead.
United Methodist Legislative Priorities: The General Board of Church and Society advocates for policies rooted in the Social Principles of The United Methodist Church, addressing key peace and justice issues worldwide. Its legislative priorities focus for the coming year will focus on:
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