The Task Force Promoting Justice in the Middle East invites you to join them in their advocacy ministry championing the cause of peace with justice for all in the Middle East.
RANDIE CLAWSON
Chair, Task Force Promoting Justice in the Middle East, Michigan Conference
The purpose of the Task Force Promoting Justice in the Middle East, voted into existence by the Board of Justice in 2023, is to encourage United Methodists in Michigan to fulfill their baptismal vows to resist evil, injustice, and oppression. We champion the cause of peace with justice for all in the Middle East and work to organize churches to live out that mission.
Our advocacy ministry is rooted in our United Methodist Social Principles, as revised by the 2020/2024 General Conference. They state, “We urge the church to care and work for systemic justice for all people affected by war, and to advocate for peacemaking and nonviolent conflict transformation in global and local conflicts.”
Middle East issues are central to U.S. foreign policy and our friendships around the world. What we did and are doing in Gaza has lost us the goodwill of the world. As a member of the U.N. Security Council, the United States has vetoed resolutions on important U.N. ceasefire resolutions.
Our faith values and friendship with all people affected by war in the Middle East can shine the light of God’s love when we show we care and advocate for changes to our U.S. foreign policy. This justice journey we walk together celebrates the Holy Spirit’s providence. We invite you to join us in this critical ministry.
There are several ways we engage in this work. We propose Annual Conference resolutions, promote advocacy with lawmakers and other elected officials, and regularly communicate and resource individuals and United Methodist congregations about ways to speak out, pray for, and act on current concerns related to peace and justice in the Middle East.
Annual Conference Resolutions
Two powerful commitments found in resolutions adopted by the Michigan Annual Conference guide our task force’s advocacy. Both resolutions have action items for congregations to consider as they help us continue this work.
The 2023 Michigan Annual Conference voted in approval of a resolution (R#2023-4) that asked each congregation in Michigan, among other things, “to take actions to resist the unjust policies that cause harm and death to Palestinian people, especially the children, in the West Bank, Gaza and Israel.” The resolution had five action items for voting members and attendees. Download the 2023 Journal, which has the details of this resolution (pages 57-58).
At the 2024 Michigan Annual Conference, voting members passed a call for peace with justice (R#2024-6), which “urges United Methodists to call on Congress and the President to support steps for establishing a peace based on justice for all peoples in Israel and Palestine. We urge United Methodists to take steps in their own communities to build peaceful relationships with and deeper understanding of their Jewish and Muslim neighbors.” Five action items were listed for United Methodists to put into practice. Download the 2024 Journal to review these items (pages 54-55).
Resourcing Individuals and Congregations
Our task force maintains information loops to United Methodists here in Michigan. Twice a month, our task force sends pertinent updates to those who have chosen to subscribe to our advocacy email list. We highlight collaborative opportunities with others who are promoting justice in the Middle East. We offer educational updates, event opportunities, and topics relevant to fulfilling the requirements of the resolutions. Email me at randie.clawson@gmail.com to make sure you receive these updates.
Information from the General Board of Church and Society (GBCS) relevant to Middle East issues is shared. We highlight ways we can learn from GBCS as they promote the Social Principles that guide our journey to justice. We use their Faith and Facts cards that cover issues related to promoting justice in the Middle East. Click to explore these printable cards.
We also share updates from Rev. Jane Eesley, a United Methodist missionary from the United States serving in the Methodist Liaison Office in Jerusalem. Click to learn more about her ministry there.
As the resolution adopted by the 2024 Michigan Annual Conference encourages, we are also promoting ways we can get to know our Middle Eastern neighbors better. We promote attendance at webinars and in-person events that include presentations by people and authors from the Middle East.
Anyone in the Michigan Conference can join the task force. We meet twice monthly, on the first and third Tuesday of each month, via Zoom, and you are welcome to join us. The time for each meeting is 7 pm ET / 6 pm CT. The schedule for May, June, July, and August has changed slightly.
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- Tuesday, May 6
- Thursday, May 22
- Tuesday, June 3
- Tuesday, July 1
- Tuesday, August 5
To get on our email list and to receive reminders about our regular meetings, email me at randie.clawson@gmail.com, and I will be sure you are kept in the loop. It is my prayer that this introduction has encouraged you to join us in our advocacy ministry.
Last Updated on May 5, 2025