When The Work Begins: Action Items From General Assembly

Just because General Assembly is over does not mean the work of the Church is done. In fact, when everyone goes back home to their local congregations, that’s when the real work begins. This year, the Assembly went out with some clear imperatives and action items moving forward. Keep reading for some resources to help your home church continue the work of the wider church. 

Several of the resolutions adopted at this Assembly speak directly to the work of Week of Compassion, particularly related to the issues of migration and the worldwide refugee crisis. With global displacement of people now at an all-time high, our church felt called to voice a strong response. 

In GA 1925, “Addressing The State Of Global Forced Migration,” the Church resolved to “affirm a vision of God’s family that is all-inclusive, accepting, and welcoming, recognizing the dignity of every human being,” and to address the matter of forced migration in practical ways. You can:

• Learn more about denominational partners around the world who are responding to the needs of displaced people, such as The Act Alliance and Church World Service
• Follow Disciples Home Missions’ Refugee and Immigration Ministries on social media to learn about migrant issues and opportunities to speak out
• Connect with immigrant and refugee organizations in your town
• Contact your state and federal representatives, urging them to support policies that are compassionate and welcoming of migrants

GA 1934 declares that "Providing For The Basic Human Needs Of Others Is A Virtue Consistent With Disciples Tradition.” This resolution cites the parable of the Good Samaritan, reminding us that “it is the consistent practice of Disciples of Christ to extend care impartially without respect to a person’s national identity.” Specifically, it aims to protect those who offer aid to those suffering at the border. You can: 

• Contact your state and federal representatives, urging them to oppose legal actions that criminalize those who provide care to people without regard to citizenship status.
• Learn more about and support the work of Disciples providing for basic human needs through ministries like Southwest Good Samaritan Ministries in Los Fresnos, TX

In that same vein, GA 1935: “Concerning Steep Reductions In Overall Refugee Resettlement Arrivals To The United States” calls on local Disciples of Christ congregations to participate in-- and advocate for--refugee resettlement in local communities. Action items include: 

• Contact legislators to reaffirm the long commitment of Disciples to refugee resettlement and urge the administration to return to at least the historic U.S. average of 95,000 refugees resettled annually
• Share faith values of hospitality for refugees, in both private and public statements, through all forms of media, to deepen awareness of vastly reduced refugee resettlement numbers

Meanwhile, GA 1930-- On Women And Just Peacemaking-- reaffirms the Disciples’ historic commitment to promoting women’s equality; and commends Week of Compassion, along with Disciples Women’s Ministries, for engaging in women-focused empowerment work. You can: 

• Examine your congregation for policies and practices that may create barriers to women’s full participation in the life and leadership of the church
• Learn more about and support the anti-trafficking work of Disciples Women’s Ministries
• Learn more about and support he Women’s Empowerment Fund of Week of Compassion

As important and powerful as words and ‘sense of the Assembly’ statements may be, the work of the Church does not end with the acceptance of a resolution. The hope is always that these resolutions are transformed from words into action as they are lived out in the local church setting. 

When we work and move together, the Church “resolves” to be a force of compassion-- sharing God’s love and transforming our world.