Bishop Peggy Johnson begins her second term on the General Board of Church and Society today at the board’s organizational meeting for the 2017-2020 quadrennium. The meeting, Sept. 21-24, is being held at the Sheraton Columbia Town Center in Columbia, MD.
The Rev. Susan Henry Crowe, GBCS General Secretary
Church and Society (GBCS) is one of four international general program boards of The United Methodist Church. It has headquarters on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. and at the Church Center for the United Nations in New York City. The General Secretary of the Board is the Rev. Dr. Susan Henry-Crowe.
GBCA is defined by five areas of ministry: (1) Public Witness and Advocacy (2) Administration (3) Ministry of Resourcing Congregational Life, (4) United Nations Ministry, (5) Communications. It educates and advocates on a wide range of social issues.
Here are some recent advocacy statements and press releases from the board’s staff:
Social Justice Agency of The United Methodist Church Speaks Out Regarding the Zika Virus Outbreak (September 20, 2016)
The General Board of Church and Society of the United Methodist Church extends our prayers and compassion to all those who are affected by the Zika virus around the world. While we affirm and respect the advice of the medical and scientific community, our faith compels us to pair that… read more»
Church and Society Statement on the UN Summit for Refugees and Migrants September 15, 2016
On the occasion of the September 19, 2016 United Nations General Assembly High Level Summit for Refugees and Migrants, we issue this statement as an agency of The United Methodist Church charged with advancing efforts for peace and justice, and with consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council. We welcome… read more»
Church and Society applauds the Justice Department for their move away from private prisons (August 19, 2016)
The U.S. Department of Justice has announced that it is ending its use of private prisons. Thirteen privately run facilities in the Bureau of Prisons will be affected. Along with recurring incidents, recent studies commissioned by the Justice Department have shown that private prisons are less effective, less secure,… read more»
The Communications Office is gathering the names of other Eastern PA Conference leaders elected to serve on UMC general and jurisdictional boards and committees in 2017-2020. We will publish that list on the website soon.