Whereas, shifts in government policies and economic changes around the globe continue to drive many of the most experienced and effective farmers and their families out of agriculture and off the land and to precipitate the failure of rural businesses and industries involved in fishing, logging, and mining; and
Whereas, the rural crisis in the USA that reached an unprecedented high with the massive loss of family farms during the mid-eighties continues to devastate rural people, communities, businesses, and churches with uncompromising cruelty; and
Whereas, the infrastructures and social institutions that provide much-needed support in maintaining quality of life for those persons and families most vulnerable and at risk continue to deteriorate in rural communities; and
Whereas, key leaders for rural communities and churches have been displaced and young people are forced to seek opportunities elsewhere due to lack of viable employment; and
Whereas, rural communities continue to be targeted as dumping places for toxic waste and urban garbage and suffer from contaminated ground water, polluted streams, and questionable chemical applications; and
Whereas, God continues to be present with those who suffer from injustices and who are driven from their homes to live as sojourners in strange and unfamiliar places; and
Whereas, God continues to call people to lift up prophetic voices on behalf of those who suffer and to serve in those situations where brokenness and hopelessness dominate life; and
Whereas, God calls The United Methodist Church to be present with those who experience dehumanization and humiliation in order that healthy life and community may be restored;
Therefore, be it resolved, that the 1996 General Conference of The United Methodist Church designate "Rural Crisis in the USA" as a special emphasis of the Church, to be addressed at every level of the Church, including establishment of new rural "Communities of Shalom" and to be included by the General Board of Global Ministries as one of its priorities in its work for the quadrennium 1997-2000.
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
Petition Text: 22289-GM-NonDis-O
1996 United Methodist General Conference