It is a joy to share that United Women in Faith (UWFaith), formerly United Methodist Women (UMW), has joined the effort to divest from fossil fuels. Their tireless advocacy for women and children and justice, together with their campaigns such as Just Energy 4 All, have placed them at the vital center of climate justice work in the Methodist denomination.
With the voice of UWFaith, we feel hope rising higher as a growing coalition—including GreenFaith, MFSA, United Methodist Creation Justice Movement and more—joins with Fossil Free UMC calling The United Methodist Church to divest. Please see our Sign On letter to add your voice, and ask your local church UWF to sign on!
“United Women in Faith recognizes the urgent need to address climate change and its disproportionate impact on women, children, and youth. By endorsing the Fossil Free petition, we reaffirm our commitment to exploring pathways to Net Zero by 2050 and working towards a sustainable future for all. We believe that climate action is a moral imperative and a matter of justice, and we will continue to advocate for policies and practices that prioritize the well-being of people and the planet.”
Sally Vonner
General Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of United Women in Faith
Thank you to UWFaith leaders internationally and in every local church for their witness for climate justice.
As a lifelong member of the United Methodist Women and now the United Women in Faith, from the time I attended with my mom in the 50s, I am proud of my organization for endorsing our Church’s divestment from fossil uels. It is a courageous step taken in faith, and I hope the rest of our UMC will show this same faithful courage. For UWFaith it is part of our history and part of our identity as Methodist Women. We have always been in the forefront of fights for human rights and racial justice. Now we are taking a stand for environmental justice and to do what we can, millions strong, to protect God’s great gift to us, our Earth.
With thanks to God and great love to all of you,
Judy Armayor Smith
From Washington DC and presently in South Sudan
Thank you to the UWFaith leaders in the middle of bringing legislation and hope to General Conference!
As a former missionary to Methodist schools, first in Argentina and then on the border in Laredo, Texas, my husband and I, both children of Methodist missionaries, have had a commitment to the work of the United Methodist Women. Because of the devastation being caused by global warming, especially to our impoverished communities and the impact on women and their families, I became involved with the UWFaith’s workshops JustEnergy4All. Our UWF leaders decided we needed to start an Earth Care Ministry, which led to joining the Fossil Free UMC coordinating group. I see divestment as spreading the gospel of love and concern for humankind by taking action at the General Conference with the endorsement of the United Women in Faith to extend our message beyond just the individual levels.
Dr. Lois Knowlton, California-Pacific Conference
Thank you to all our divestment partners. And thank you to the United Women in Faith!
Learn more about UWFaith here.
Cover Image: Women carry water to their homes at sunrise on April 12, 2017, in Dong Boma, a Dinka village in South Sudan’s Jonglei State. Most of the villagers recently returned home after being displaced by rebel soldiers in December, 2013. The women obtained water from a well drilled by the Lutheran World Federation, a member of the ACT Alliance, which is helping villagers restart their lives with support for housing, livelihood, and food security. Photo by Paul Jeffrey / Life on Earth Pictures
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2 responses to “UWFaith (formerly UMW) Joins the Fossil Fuels Divestment Effort!”
Many thanks to Sally Vonner, UWF General Secretary and CEO for her support for Fossil Free UMC divestment.
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Thanks for all UWIF does to divest from fossil fuels and to invest in the future of all of Gods creation. I just finished reading What Can I do. I’m proud to be part of a faith based organization that inspires me to speak, vote, and act on issues of social justice and has been leading its members to put their faith, hope, and love into action since it’s inception!
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