Economic Justice
The United Methodist Church and its predecessor bodies have a long history of public witness on matters of economic justice. John Wesley set the example in his famous sermon on “The Use of Money,” his public stand against slavery and his witness among England’s working class. As globalization quickens the consolidation of wealth and power by fewer individuals and corporations, the United Methodist Church continues to stand for economic justice for those on the margins of society.United Methodist Women work in this area includes:
- advocacy for debt relief for impoverished nations crippled by efforts to repay loans to international bodies including the International Monetary Fund, World Bank and other nations;
- support for The Campaign for the Abolition of Sweatshops and Child Labor;
- promotion of Fair-Trade policies and products, including coffees and teas distributed by Equal Exchange;
- support for farm worker rights;
- participation in living wage campaigns.