ADVOCATE

Church and Society Team prioritized three areas of emphasis for 2025. These areas partner with justice work initiated by United Women in Faith, our public-school mentoring work and as a memorial to Mary Alice Garza who advocated for immigrants in our community and nationwide.

Maternal Health -In partnership with United Women of Faith

Jesus said, “I came that you might have life, and have it abundantly.” (JOHN 10:10B)

Abundant life includes mental, physical, and spiritual wholeness as well as access to effective health care. Our priority is to advocate for women to have maternal health care access in Texas, and to promote mental health and well-being for women who are denied healthcare due to restrictive laws.

  1. Statement on Reproductive health and Abortion (handout from Anita))

  2. There are varying opinions about abortion among Texans, but access to quality care for pregnant patients and professional respect for doctors are widely regarded as important. Some have called for changes to Texas’ abortion laws to better reflect the state's values. However, there is disagreement among lawmakers regarding the scope of the current abortion ban. Some reports indicate that concerns exist over health risks faced by women during pregnancy complications, reluctance among some women to become pregnant due to potential barriers to care, and physicians leaving Texas because of legal uncertainties related to providing pregnancy care.

Public Education

Scripture and United Methodist tradition affirm a vision of abundant living where all God’s children have sacred worth and are given access and quality instruction.  John and Charles Welsey began the Sunday School movement to provide education for children who were denied the opportunity to attend school. We affirm and uphold quality education for all children. We believe public schools provide the gift of education for our common good, we therefore advocate and support public educators, public education and public funding for the good of our children.

  1. UMC Statement on Public Education (Link - https://www.umcjustice.org/who-we-are/resolutions-adopted-by-general-conference-charlotte/united-states-public-education-and-the-church-3165

  2. Texas Impact information – Texas Impact is a faith-based organization that equips faith leaders and their congregations with the information, opportunities, and outreach tools to educate their communities and engage with lawmakers on pressing public policy issues. Education is at the top of that list. To register to be a public school defender, click here: https://secure.everyaction.com/Vnl8JHlgW0WWAbsefJwh0g2

Immigration (civil rights)

“The Gospel calls us to welcome the stranger, defend the vulnerable and honor the dignity of every human being.” Bishop Tracy Malone.

cripture and United Methodist tradition affirm a vision of abundant living where all God’s children have sacred worth and are given access and quality instruction.  John and Charles Welsey began the Sunday School movement to provide education for children who were denied the opportunity to attend school. We affirm and uphold quality education for all children. We believe public schools provide the gift of education for our common good, we therefore advocate and support public educators, public education and public funding for the good of our children.

  1. As United Methodists, we believe that God has given us principles for how to live in a community. Central to Jesus’ teachings, life, death, and resurrection is the Great Commandment: We must love God and love our neighbors as ourselves. (Matthew 22:35-40; Mark 12:28-34)  A. (link - https://www.umcjustice.org/documents/765

  2. Horizon Texas Conference – Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr. speaks on Immigration https://www.htcumc.org/immigration-resources