Methodist Federation for Social Action
Oregon-Idaho Chapter
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Each June we gather at Annual Conference – sometimes in-person, sometimes by zoom. Each year we consider various pieces of legislation while at Annual Conference. Now it is six months later and most of us have forgotten what those pieces of legislation said. Our MFSA board decided that we would write a series of articles helping all of us to remember the legislation that was passed last June. We encourage you to consider how this Annual Conference legislation impacts you as an individual and your church as a whole. What items have been lifted up for study? What actions have been requested by our Annual Conference? What standing resolutions remind us of the values we hold as an Annual Conference?
In this MFSA newsletter you will find the first two articles that have been written. One article has already been published in our Annual Conference e-newsletter. Another article will be published soon. We invite you to share these articles, and future ones, with your own congregation. Use them as jumping off places for study of various justice issues. Use them to learn more about a broad range of justice issues, to generate conversation, to take action in some way.
Working Together for Justice,
Karen Nelson
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IN MEMORIAM
It is with great sadness that we share the loss of Shawn Clark, a member of our chapter executive committee, who died in August. Shawn was one of the newest members of our team and did not have a long history with MFSA, but she was always eager to learn and contribute. She was a member of Morningside UMC in Salem. She was an Oregon native, born and raised in Baker City, and she had retired from a career with the Oregon Health Authority. Along with advocacy and generosity, Shawn was famous for the notes and cards she often sent to her many friends.
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ANNUAL CONFERENCE ACTIONS |
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Each year at the Oregon-Idaho Annual Conference Session, in among the budgets, appointments, reports, and celebrations, are conference legislation items. Many of these actions and standing resolutions are intended to live out the values of The United Methodist Church as it exists in the Oregon-Idaho context. This article is one in a series to highlight legislative items related to social justice and values.
A standing resolution titled “We Are UMC” was brought to the conference by the Methodist Federation for Social action (MFSA). A short resolution, it makes a statement that is relevant for this time when there has been a call for separation from The United Methodist Church. Here is the entirety of the resolution:
Be it resolved that the Oregon-Idaho Annual Conference is, and will remain, a part of The United Methodist Church.
We recognize that The United Methodist Church in an imperfect vessel for organizing our relationship to God. But we commit to staying in the connection and continuing to perfect it. In so doing we will work to foster full inclusion and overcome our current and past sins of racism, colonialism, and exclusion. With the help of God.
Supporting information for the resolution explains that the resolution is intended to signal to the rest of the denomination that the Oregon-Idaho Conference, as a body, does not intend to pursue leaving The United Methodist Church. After the item was submitted, but before it was voted on, the United Methodist Judicial Council ruled that Conferences as a unit do not have the opportunity to disaffiliate. While that may seem to make this resolution moot, publicly stating the commitment to stay involved in The United Methodist Church is important and can be seen across the denomination in the #BeUMC campaign sponsored by United Methodist Communications. Individual churches do have the option to disaffiliate using a process approved by General Conference at a special session in 2019. If any choose to do that, their disaffiliation will need to be approved by an annual conference session.
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SUPPORT FOR PALESTINIANS
Karen Nelson
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As we walked through the seasons of Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany, our gaze may have gone toward Bethlehem and the birth of the tiny baby – a birth that is too often celebrated without all the challenges that were happening in the world of Mary and Joseph and baby Jesus. Unfortunately, then and now, O Little Town of Bethlehem is not a peaceful, quiet place. Today the people of Bethlehem live under a brutal military occupation. The current government of Israel has indicated plans to make this occupation even worse.
Six months ago, the Annual Conference met and passed two pieces of legislation that will help us to speak out for the people of Palestine.
An Action Request titled Identifying and Opposing Apartheid in the Holy Land was brought to the Annual Conference by the Conference Holy Land Task Force. This Action Request asks all United Methodists, “To affirm that apartheid is antithetical to the Gospel message and that we recognize and oppose Israeli apartheid as we strive to ‘resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves.’” The Action Request also calls for people to listen to the voices of Palestinians and learn more about the situation in Israel/Palestine.
T he second item, a renewal of a Conference Standing Resolution, Aligning Investments with Values Regarding Palestine and Israel, goes along with the Action Request. The resolution states, “We call for all Oregon-Idaho United Methodist boards and agencies, districts, local churches and individuals to prayerfully consider avoiding companies involved in Israel’s occupation of Palestine when making investment decisions, and/or utilizing their purchasing power; and Encourage United Methodists to partner with Jews, Christians, Muslims and other people of conscience working for corporate accountability, human rights, true peace and security for all people in Israel and Palestine, and an end to the illegal Israeli occupation of Palestine.” This Standing Resolution has impacted Conference purchasing practices and investment policies.
Contact the Holy Land Task Force for opportunities for speakers to your local church or information about visiting the Holy Lands and seeing both sides of the apartheid division.
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NEWS, OPPORTUNITIES AND ACTION |
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THE STATUS OF ABORTION IN IDAHO
Debbie Mallis
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When the United States Supreme Court overturned Roe vs. Wade this past summer, people in Oregon did not have to worry. In Idaho, however, the story was much different. In the past few years, the Idaho State Legislature has passed several anti-abortion laws. Honestly, it’s a bit confusing so I reached out to Planned Parenthood’s Idaho State Director last month and asked for an update. Currently there are three abortion ban laws before the Idaho Supreme Court as a result of lawsuits by Planned Parenthood. I was told that they expect to hear a decision soon but at this time nothing has been decided.
The first one, SB 1385, passed in 2020, is a trigger law that went into effect on August 25 of last year. This law is a total ban on abortion, a felony for the person performing the abortion. The law outlines defenses for rape, incest, and to save a mother’s life that the physician performing the abortion can use in court. The rape or incest victim must provide a copy of a police report to the physician which can often take weeks or months.
The second law, HB 366, known as the “Heartbeat bill “and passed in 2021, is a 6-week ban with criminal penalties. The law imposes a felony liability on physicians providing an abortion when a “heartbeat” can be detected. It also mandates that a person seeking abortion receive a transvaginal ultrasound which is the only way a provider can detect a fetal “heartbeat” this early in pregnancy. There is a rape and incest exemption that only applies when it has been reported to law enforcement. This is another trigger law.
The most recent law, SB 1309, was passed in spring of 2022. It is a Texas-style 6-week abortion ban with civil penalties for providers. It effectively bans nearly all abortions in Idaho after 6 weeks gestational age. The bill awards no less than $20,000 to the mother, father, grandparents, siblings, aunt or uncle of the fetus or embryo if a lawsuit is successful. The law includes exceptions for medical emergencies, rape, or incest but documentation or a police report must be provided.
In addition to the three lawsuits before the Idaho Supreme Court, the Department of Justice filed a lawsuit in August against Idaho for the first anti-abortion law mentioned above. That lawsuit is in Federal Court under Judge Winmill. So far there has only been a preliminary hearing. The suit was brought because the DOJ believes that Idaho’s law would force physicians to violate the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, a federal law that requires that everyone coming to a medical facility for an emergency be stabilized and treated.
The Planned Parenthood State Director told me that if these laws are thrown out, the legislature will go back to the drawing board since the lawsuits are based on the vagueness of the laws. If the laws are upheld, the legislature will go further by criminalizing pregnancy in other ways, such as restricting out of state travel, removing allowance for rape and incest and more. Plan B (emergency birth control) is also under attack. There are some lawmakers who don’t even believe that the life of the mother should be protected.
Clearly, these laws are devastating for pregnant patients, their families, and physicians. The PP State Director said that she talks to lots of doctors who are struggling to figure out how to care for their patients. She said by the end of the phone calls, most of them are crying. These laws are cruel for so many reasons, too many to state here. Some Idaho residents have the means to travel to another state for care, but many do not. Of course, in the case of an emergency, all patients are stuck here.
I realize that many of you are wondering how to help people in Idaho who need abortion care. Planned Parenthood uses the Northwest Abortion Access Fund to help people who need to travel out of state for abortions. One of the best ways to help is to donate to them. Of course, prayer is always important. During our Idaho State Legislative Session, which runs from January into March, I stand with the Interfaith Equality Coalition in silent prayer in front of the statehouse every Wednesday at noon. We pray for wisdom and compassion for the marginalized people in our state who seem to always be under attack. We also pray for reproductive healthcare for all. Add your prayers to ours.
UPDATE: On January 5, the Idaho Supreme Court ruled 3-2 that the Idaho State Constitution does not include a right to abortion. This means that all three of Idaho abortion bans remain in effect.
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THANKS! OREGON BALLOT MEASURE 114
Steve Mitchell
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Thanks to Those Who Supported the Oregon Ballot Measure 114 in Support of Reducing and Limiting the Possibility of Gun Violence
Many thanks and commendations to those who helped gather signatures for the petition to put this measure on the 2022 November Election Ballot. We did it! And then to all of you who continued to advocate for votes in favor of the Measure through your advocacy in many forms! We did it! It passed!
And, of course, it’s no surprise, but disappointing, that groups against the measure are doing everything possible to have courts stop the implementation of the measure. We also need to find a way to identify appropriate jurisdictions for considering such challenges. How convenient that they found a judge in Harney Count who was willing to put a hold/stay on the measure!
It was especially disappointing to hear that some Sheriffs, who are given the responsibility of enforcing the law, saying they wouldn’t enforce it. Undoubtedly there are things needing to be done to implement the new law, and time has been given to help counties set up the implementation. Of course, it’s always easy for people to find reasons to resist and delay the implementation.
So, keep up the advocacy, affirming the need for its implementation in every way possible: by personal witness, letters to the editor, and in supporting of those financially who are helping argue its implementation in court. We got it this far. Let’s keep advocating for its full implementation!
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We are asking you to contact Governor Kotek now to urge her to show public support for implementation of Measure 114.
As we expected, the opposition is attempting to derail Measure 114 through lawsuits and injunctions even though Measure 114 is fully constitutional under the Oregon and US constitutions.
Delaying Measure 114 will cost lives.
Here is a sample email message. Please use your own words to say how urgent it is for Governor Kotek to take action now.
My name is ________. I'm an Oregon voter. Congratulations Governor Kotek! I am glad you won the election because we need your help. I ask you to show public support now for Measure 114. Send a clear message to Oregon’s legislators, the State Police, sheriffs, and the Department of Justice that Measure 114 is a high priority and needs to be implemented as soon as possible. Measure 114 will reduce gun violence in Oregon and save lives. This law is fully constitutional under the Oregon and US constitutions including the Bruen decision. Almost one million Oregonians voted for Measure 114 and passed it into law. Please make the implementation of Measure 114 a top priority for your administration.
Thank you,
Your Name
Thank you for taking action!
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ADVOCATE WITH OREGON LEGISLATORS FOR THE CLIMATE AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Jan Nelson
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For those who want an opportunity to act on concerns about the environment, climate change, and creating a more just and sustainable future, you are invited to join the Oregon Interfaith Power & Light Advocacy Team. This is an opportunity to join other people of faith around Oregon in advocating for policies that are environmentally just and will help reduce emissions so we can combat climate change together.
The goal of the OIPL Advocacy Team is to speak up to our local legislators with a strong voice, letting them know that people of faith want to take care of the Earth, our common home.
If you join the OIPL Advocacy Team, you will:
- Receive regular “action alert” emails during the legislative session, from now until June 2023. These will have simple action ideas, such as one-click emails to your legislators, opportunities to make phone calls, and information about public hearings.
- Have the opportunity to participate in monthly info and training sessions so you feel confident in speaking up to legislators.
- Be notified about opportunities to meet with your state and federal legislators through video chat and/or in person meetings.
The OIPL Advocacy Team will meet the second Monday night of each month through June from 7–8pm. You can register here and you will begin receiving action alerts and a Zoom link to join monthly gatherings.
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NOW'S THE TIME FOR ACTION |
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Now is the time to continue to push for broad systemic change. Besides the calls to action found in the articles above, here are a few other ways you can take action to seek justice: |
Human Rights and Economic Justice
[ ]Call your legislators (202-224-3121) and advocate for permanent federal paid sick leave, expanded unemployment benefits, SNAP increases, and a moratorium on evictions, utility shut-offs, and payments.
[ ] Write your Representative to join Representative Susan Wild and urge the Administration to hold officials responsible for grave human rights violations in the Philippines accountable through targeted sanctions.
Gender Justice
Racial Justice
Immigration and Refugee Rights
[ ]Call on Congress to pass an Afghan Adjustment Act which will help keep families together and ensure lasting protection for at-risk Afghans.
[ ]AIDNW continues to serve 50+ newly release guests outside Tacoma’s NW ICE Processing Center at the RV Welcome Center each day. They are in desperate need of volunteers and supplies. Find out how you can help!
[ ]Write a letter and join in the grassroots organizing for the rights of refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants.
Justice in the Holy Land
[ ]Discover more campaigns targeting companies making a negative impact on Palestinians lives and human rights, from the The Palestinian BDS National Committee (BNC) and use Investigate! to discover corporations involved in incarceration and immigrant detention, the Israeli occupation, and the border industries.
[ ]Urge your members of Congress to co-sponsor HR 2590: Defending the Human Rights of Palestinian Children and Families Living Under Israeli Military Occupation Act.
[ ]Check out the BDS Toolkit and learn what economic actions you can take to fight along the side of Palestinians and their struggle.
Gun Violence
[ ]Take action to support gun safety legislation that will help end gun violence.
Peace and Justice
[ ]Write your Representative to join Representative Susan Wild and urge the Administration to hold officials responsible for grave human rights violations in the Philippines accountable through targeted sanctions.
Climate Justice
Voting Rights
Death Penalty Abolition
Justice for those with Disabilities
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OREGON-IDAHO CHAPTER EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE |
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Karen Nelson, President
Louise Kienzle, Secretary
Membership Secretary
Newsletter Editor
Jan Nelson, Treasurer
Claudia Roberts, National Program Council
Representative
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Members At Large:
Debbie Mallis
Steve Mitchell
Greg Nelson
Jeri Silfies
Emeritus:
Ruth Walton
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