Ready to support our work to combat oppression?

A message from Susan Henry-Crowe at the General Board of Church and Society

In recent weeks, I’ve been giving a lot of thought to how steep our climb has been on oppression in this country, but also how far we still have to go.

There is a long history of oppression of indigenous people in the United States. From the Doctrine of Discovery to the recent failure to report the impact of COVID-19 on Native Americans, the indigenous community has seen centuries of marginalization and violence.

In ways small and large, Church and Society tries to do its part to highlight injustice, stand up to those that cling to the status quo, and provide support where we can. For instance, we awarded the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference a Just and Resilient Communities Grant last summer.

“Indigenous persons in this country are being left out of reporting, funding, and conversations related to COVID-19. We seek to bring racial, ethnic, and marginalized persons together for conversation and action.”

–Rev. Dr. David M. Wilson, Conference Superintendent for the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference

March for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day held in Oklahoma City, OK. Photo by Ginny Underwood of the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference of The United Methodist Church.

Please consider donating today to support our work of seeking justice with native communities. From COVID assistance to environmental justice, the epidemic of missing and murdered indigenous people to racial justice – Native American lives matter to Church and Society and your gift will ensure we can continue this important work.

Earlier this year, we successfully advocated for the passage of the American Rescue Plan, which includes:

funds to support tribal businesses,
$772.5 million for tribal social services and child welfare support,
$120 million to assist homeowners with immediate needs, and
$850 million to provide quality education to students of all ages at tribal controlled schools and universities, while also protecting them from the deadly coronavirus.

Every day we hear from United Methodists who are saddened by the rhetoric in Washington and across the country, and the lack of cooperation to make the changes we know are needed. I know with your support we can begin to shift the tide.

With urgency and commitment,
Susan Henry-Crowe

P.S. Your gift today will help us meet our fundraising goal of $20,000 by June 4! Please donate now to help us continue our important work.