Grounded in Scripture & United Methodist Social Principles
'We
Will Not
Be Silent':​
A Call to Collective Action Against Injustice
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​Dear Beloved Community,
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Grace and peace to you. We write to you in a time of urgency and moral clarity. Across this nation, we are witnessing a rising tide of injustice: the unjust firings of public servants committed to truth, the arrests, criminalization of marginalized communities, cruel and unjust deportations that tear families apart, and the stripping of life-sustaining budgets from schools, healthcare, and housing. We grieve the resurgence of book bans that silence essential stories, the attacks on civil rights protections hard-won by previous generations, the rollbacks of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion commitments, and the escalating assaults on our LGBTQIA+ siblings. We also denounce resistance to environmental protections and climate justice that endangers God’s creation and frontline communities.
These actions are not isolated. They are coordinated, deliberate, and deeply dangerous.
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They threaten not only individuals and communities, but also the moral fabric of our society and the vision of the beloved community we are called to build.
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We say: enough.
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As people of faith, moral leaders, and United Methodists committed to our Social Principles and the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we refuse to be silent.
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Scripture calls us to “do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God” (Micah 6:8), to “defend the rights of the poor and needy” (Proverbs 31:9), and to stand with the marginalized, for “when one member suffers, all suffer together” (1 Corinthians 12:26). Jesus declared that his mission was “to bring good news to the poor… release to the captives… and let the oppressed go free” (Luke 4:18). We also affirm that “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it” (Psalm 24:1), and that stewardship of creation is a sacred responsibility.​
Our United Methodist Social Principles affirm:
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“We affirm all persons as equally valuable in the sight of God.” (¶161)
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“We support the basic rights of all persons to equal access to housing, education, communication, employment, medical care, legal redress, and physical protection.” (¶162)
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“We reject laws that discriminate against people because of their gender identity or sexual orientation.” (¶162.F)
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“We commit ourselves to the rights of migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers.” (¶163.G)
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“We support freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and access to the arts, literature, and learning.” (¶163)
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“We support measures... to ensure the sustainability of life for all God’s creation.” (¶160)
In light of these sacred commitments, we call for a unified and organized response rooted in nonviolent resistance, prophetic truth-telling, and radical solidarity.
We invite you to join us in the following actions:
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Teach-ins exposing the harm of unjust firings, book bans, rollbacks, deportations, civil rights violations, and climate inaction in accordance with the Book of Discipline and Book of Resolutions.
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Host public vigils, prayer walks, and interfaith services to uplift impacted communities and proclaim hope.
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Mobilize congregations to contact legislators and show up at school boards and city councils.
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Support those facing arrest, deportation, censorship, or public discrimination with legal aid, pastoral care, and public solidarity.
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Advocate for inclusive education, environmental justice, civil rights protections, and care for all God’s children.
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Connect with missionally aligned coalitions, hubs, and community advocates across race, faith, gender identity, sexuality, class, and geography to protect and expand sacred justice work.
Join the United to Love - "Hate Divides. Love Unites." campaign.​
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This campaign is a public witness to our shared belief in dignity, justice, and collective liberation. As part of the campaign, we encourage your congregation to boldly proclaim its commitment.​
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Order a church banner or yard sign for your congregation or home.
This is a time to act with courage, strategy, and deep faith. We are not powerless. We are not alone. And we will not be divided.
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Let us unite not with hatred or despair, but with love fierce enough to disrupt, to protect, and to transform.
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We are United to Love because Hate Divides. Love Unites.