General Board of Church and Society

General Board of Church and Society is a major agency of the United Methodist Church, focusing on social justice and human rights issues, such as poverty, hunger, healthcare, and environmental sustainability. The organization works closely with other United Methodist Church agencies, including the United Methodist Committee on Relief and the General Board of Global Ministries, to address global challenges. It also collaborates with various non-governmental organizations, such as Oxfam, Amnesty International, and the National Council of Churches, to promote social justice and human dignity. The General Board of Church and Society is headquartered in Washington, D.C., near the United States Capitol and the White House, allowing it to engage with United States Congress and the Executive Branch on key policy issues.

● History

The General Board of Church and Society was established in 1960, as a result of the merger between the Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church, which formed the United Methodist Church. The organization's roots date back to the early 20th century, when the Methodist Episcopal Church and the Methodist Episcopal Church, South had separate boards of social justice and human rights. The General Board of Church and Society has been involved in various social movements, including the Civil Rights Movement, the Anti-Apartheid Movement, and the Environmental Movement, working alongside leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, and Al Gore. The organization has also been a strong advocate for women's rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and immigrant rights, partnering with organizations like the National Organization for Women, the Human Rights Campaign, and the American Civil Liberties Union.

● Organization

The General Board of Church and Society is governed by a board of directors, which includes United Methodist Church bishops, clergy, and laity from around the world. The organization is divided into several departments, including the Department of Social Justice, the Department of Environmental Justice, and the Department of Health and Wholeness, which work together to address the complex issues of poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation. The General Board of Church and Society also has a strong partnership with the World Council of Churches, the National Council of Churches, and other ecumenical organizations, such as the World Methodist Council and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), to promote interfaith dialogue and global cooperation. Additionally, the organization collaborates with universities and seminaries, like Duke University, Harvard University, and the Iliff School of Theology, to advance theological education and social justice research.

● Mission and Advocacy

The General Board of Church and Society's mission is to advocate for social justice and human rights within the United Methodist Church and in the broader society, working with organizations like the American Friends Service Committee, the Mennonite Central Committee, and the Catholic Relief Services. The organization focuses on issues such as economic justice, racial justice, and environmental justice, and works to promote peace and reconciliation in conflict zones, partnering with groups like the Quakers, the Church of the Brethren, and the Fellowship of Reconciliation. The General Board of Church and Society also provides resources and support for United Methodist Church members and congregations to engage in social justice and advocacy work, including the United Methodist Women and the United Methodist Men. Furthermore, the organization collaborates with government agencies, such as the United States Agency for International Development and the United Nations Development Programme, to address global challenges like poverty reduction and sustainable development.

● Programs and Initiatives

The General Board of Church and Society offers a range of programs and initiatives to promote social justice and human rights, including the Social Justice Advocacy program, the Environmental Justice program, and the Health and Wholeness program. The organization also provides grants and funding for community-based projects and social justice initiatives, partnering with organizations like the Ford Foundation, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Open Society Foundations. Additionally, the General Board of Church and Society offers educational resources and training programs for United Methodist Church members and leaders, including the United Methodist Church's General Board of Discipleship and the United Methodist Church's General Board of Higher Education and Ministry. The organization also participates in international campaigns and advocacy efforts, such as the Millennium Development Goals and the Sustainable Development Goals, working with groups like the United Nations Children's Fund and the World Health Organization.

● Leadership and Governance

The General Board of Church and Society is led by a General Secretary, who is appointed by the United Methodist Church's Council of Bishops, and a board of directors, which includes United Methodist Church bishops, clergy, and laity from around the world. The organization is also guided by a committee structure, which includes committees on social justice, environmental justice, and health and wholeness, and works closely with other United Methodist Church agencies, such as the General Board of Global Ministries and the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry. The General Board of Church and Society is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and has a staff of professionals and advocates who work on social justice and human rights issues, partnering with organizations like the National Association of Social Workers and the American Bar Association. The organization's leadership and governance structure is designed to promote accountability, transparency, and participation in decision-making processes, and to ensure that the organization remains true to its mission and values.