Petition Text: 20917-GM-NonDis-O

Whereas, the Shalom Initiative has made a difference in several urban neighborhoods as congregations have worked with community leaders locally to share God's love with all persons; and

Whereas, the blight and decay of many urban neighborhoods and communities continue growing at an alarming rate; and

Whereas, many town and rural communities continue in crisis due to the loss of family farms and other rural-related businesses and industries, resulting in unemployment and underemployment; and

Whereas, there are critically diminishing supports for basic human services in numerous rural communities; youth continue to struggle in hopelessness in many rural communities, and many rural communities and urban neighborhoods are striving for wholeness and health; and

Whereas, there are lay and clergy persons who sense God's call to offer themselves and their gifts for service in rural and urban communities and neighborhoods so that personal and family life again can be meaningful, and creative patterns of congregational ministry and community life can again be established;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the General Conference continue the Communities of Shalom Initiative in urban neighborhoods while continuing to expand the Initiative into town and rural communities.

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General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn

Petition Text: 20917-GM-NonDis-O
1996 United Methodist General Conference