By Rev. Clayton Childers
Reprinted with permission from www.umcjustice.org
More than 60 young clergy, represented 34 annual conferences, participated in this year’s Young Clergy Leadership Forum held in February.
This year’s featured speaker was Shane Claiborne. Claiborne is a founder and board member of The Simple Way, a faith community in inner-city Philadelphia. He writes and travels extensively and is perhaps best known for his book, “The Irresistible Revolution.”
Claiborne connects faith in Jesus Christ with peacemaking and working for social justice.
The forum was held in the United Methodist Building on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. The building sits directly across the street from the United States Capitol and beside the Supreme Court. These are the hall of power where the critical decisions are made each day that impact the lives of many throughout the world. Claiborne’s message reminded Young Clergy “of the reign of God and the call of Christ, a reign and call that challenges so many of our human preconceptions.”
Participants in the forum heard from several other speakers who also connect their faith with the work for justice.
Church and Society partnered with the General Commission on Religion and Race to guide a conversation on racism and the church. Participants also spoke with Church and Society’s general secretary, The Rev. Susan Henry-Crowe, and Bishop Marcus Matthews, executive secretary for the Council of Bishops, who discussed a number of the challenges facing both the church and society.
The group also met with the chaplain of the U.S. Senate, the Rev. Dr. Berry Black, The Rev. Dr. Kirk VanGilder of Gallaudet University and Dr. Sayyid Syeed, national director of the Office of Interfaith Alliances at the Islamic Society of North America.
More than 750 young clergy have participated in the Young Clergy Leadership Forum over the last 15 years. The forum seeks to:
- Connect young clergy with the critical ministry of Church and Society.
- Provide a forum to share knowledge and experience with one another.
- Create bridges for future ministry collaboration.
- Build relationships with other young clergy from across the United Methodist connection.
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“Located next to the Supreme Court and across the street from the Capitol building, GBCS seeks to be the voice of the church in the public sphere and do all they can to advocate for the church. A large part of their work is on the implementation of the Social Principles and other policies on social concerns set forth by the General Conference.
“I was convicted during panel discussions with the GBCS staff surrounding the way we talk about the most critical issues of today. We were all challenged to change the terminology we use when speaking about human rights. For example, instead of labeling someone “underemployed,” imagine saying, “People who work two to three jobs just to put food on their family’s table.” Similarly, instead of calling those who are being released from prison, “formerly incarcerated individuals,” imagine calling them, “returning citizens.”
“I was also convicted during a discussion on racial justice with the question (in the context of the church), “Why are we talking about racism instead of talking against racism?”
“These discussions challenged us to look at our communities and individuals on the margins of society in new ways. So often the church stays away from discussions on the biggest political issues of today for fear of creating tension or division. However, Jesus was very political and longs for the church to seek justice and peace.
“This forum reminded me that the church is at its best when it engages with society and the current issues of today. I’m so grateful I was able to go and represent Susquehanna Conference with Nick.”
