Social justice is embedded in the history of the United Methodist Church. According to UMC.org that history begins with Wesley himself, and the early church’s opposition to slavery, smuggling, prison conditions, alcohol abuse and more. See this article by Rev. Ryan Dunn on social justice. It encompasses how social justice can mean many things to individuals, but how it is about easing the burdens of others, and ensuring mutual welfare. "Our love of God is always linked with love of our neighbor, a passion for justice and renewal in the life of the world" (Book of Discipline 2012, p. 51).
The Church has a set of Social Principles meant to “urge us to make a difference and to live differently in the world” (UMC.org). These social principles date back to 1908, and have been revised since 2013.
According to UMCjustice.org, the church is “committed to ministries that address the impacts and root causes of the climate crisis”. The United Methodist Church has recognized the growing climate threat, and states that we have a moral obligation to stand with our neighbors in fighting it. UMCjustice.org sites these three passages from the Bible:
“The earth dries up and withers, the world languishes and withers; the heavens languish together with the earth. The earth lies polluted under its inhabitants; for they have transgressed laws, violated statutes, broken the ever-lasting covenant.” (Isaiah 24:4-5)
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:30-31)
In their pastoral letter God’s Renewed Creation: A Call to Hope and Action, the Bishops of The United Methodist Church call for a comprehensive response to the interrelated issues of poverty and disease, environmental degradation, and the proliferation of weapons and violence. “Aware of God’s vision for creation, we no longer see a list of isolated problems affecting people, plant, and animals. Rather we see one interconnected system that is ‘groaning in travail’ (Romans 8:22 RSV).”
A featured article on UMC.org by Joe Iovino gives a list of some of the ways that Methodists can combat climate change.
The Proposed Social Principles for 2020 state the following:
“We affirm that all creation belongs to God and is a manifestation of God’s goodness and providential care. Human beings, nonhuman animals, plants, and other sentient and non sentient beings participate in the community of creation, and their flourishing depends on the care of all God’s creation. Rather than treating creation as if it were placed here solely for humanity’s use and consumption, we are called to practice responsible stewardship and to live in right relationship with the Creator and with the whole of God’s creation (Gen. 1:26–31; Matt. 6:26–30; Rom. 8:22–24).”
“Overconsumption, shortsighted policies, poor management of natural resources, and other unsustainable practices have severely impacted the fragile, natural ecosystems on which all of life depends.”
“Global warming and climate change are already creating extreme conditions that threaten the entirety of life on earth.”
“To reverse the current trajectory of global climate change, increased investments are needed in the research, development, and distribution of alternatives to fossil fuels, including, but not limited to, solar, wind, geothermal and hydrogen based energy sources.”
“We urge United Methodists to adopt sustainable habits and practices, including refraining from overconsumption, repurposing and recycling materials, avoiding products that pollute or otherwise harm the environment, and reducing the carbon footprints of individuals and families by reducing overall reliance on fossil fuels for heat, transportation and other goods. Recognizing that simply changing our personal habits will not be enough to reverse decades of environmental damage, the church supports local, regional, national, and international cooperative efforts aimed at redressing the ecological harms humans have wreaked on a global scale.”
“Socially responsible consumerism is critical in life today. We urge individuals, families, and congregations to adopt life habits that reduce unnecessary waste, promote just and equitable compensation, promote sustainability, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.”
“We urge farmers, large and small, to engage in sustainable practices that preserve the integrity of the food chain, ensure that farmworkers and other laborers are justly compensated, and protect the natural environment.”