The document discusses the United Church of Christ's (UCC) commitment to social justice and helping the poor in spirit through various ministries and initiatives. Some of the programs mentioned include providing aid to communities affected by natural disasters through offerings. The UCC also facilitates health services and programs through organizations and supports mental health awareness. Overall, the UCC aims to minister to those struggling in various ways and bring help, healing, and hope through practical assistance.

1. Winter A • 2010-2011
The UCC and Social Justice
Jesus’ Beatitudes are statements of blessing upon persons The UCC reaches out internationally as well through
who struggle. Matthew and Luke differ in the way these direct support in times of crisis, such as the Indonesian
statements were remembered and passed along to Jesus’ tsunami or the flooding in Pakistan. Such gifts from the
followers. Luke’s conditions are objective and external annual One Great Hour of Sharing offering meet the
(the poor), where Matthew’s conditions are essentially immediate needs of the poor in spirit around the world.
internal (the poor in spirit). For this discussion, we’re
using Matthew’s version. Since each person struggles with On a hands-on level, the UCC’s Council for Health
something, we claim that these statements are relevant to and Human Service Ministries (CHHSM) facilitates
all human beings. networking among 71 corporate members, operating
359 facilities and programs that provide health care and
The Poor in Spirit services to children, to people with disabilities, and to
the aging. CHHSM also facilitates connecting health
There are many ways to be poor and the gospel urges us to
care workers, development specialists, house parents, and
minister to all of them. Matthew’s ‘poor in spirit’ isn’t just
others with those facilities and programs.
about financial need; it’s about lacking the vital principle
(spirit) that gives life. But he doesn’t mean dead people! Finally, the United Church of Christ Mental Illness
Network (MIN) seeks to raise awareness, understand-
How would we describe someone whose energy and
ing, and inclusion for those left out of our churches and
optimism is gone? These are the poor in spirit. That
communities because of mental illness or brain disorder.
poverty can be found many situations including the
These too are among the poor in spirit.
affects of racism, injustices in the work place, or mental
health challenges. The UCC-sponsored national gathering, “Widening
the Welcome” in St. Louis, MO, provided a three-day
The United Church of Christ (UCC) is committed to
opportunity to learn about including mental health
respect for creation and humankind. The UCC ministers
ministry in the local church and what an Access to All
to the ‘poor in spirit’ through practical initiatives that
(A2A) congregation is.
bring help, hope, and healing.
One in four families is affected by brain injury or
In 2010, the UCC’s Neighbors in Need (NIN) annual
disorder, or mental illness. Drug abuse and post
appeal, one-third of the gifts received supported the
traumatic stress disorder are also part of the big picture
Council for American Indian Ministry (CAIM). The
concerning mental health and wholeness. Spiritual
ancestor denominations of the UCC established churches
support for healing and recovery is essential and involves
in North and South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Northern
individuals, families, and communities.
Nebraska. Today, there are 19 UCC congregations on
reservations and one urban inter-tribal congregation in The UCC’s Mental Illness Network is not often in the
Minneapolis. The UCC continues its support for our news but it ministers to the poor in spirit where they are,
Native American sisters and brothers. day by day.
Two-thirds of the NIN offering was devoted to the St. Francis of Assissi said, “Preach the Gospel by all
UCC’s Justice and Witness Ministries (JWM). JWM means; and if necessary, use words”. That’s an important
provides grants to projects focused on meeting basic reminder that true shalom, wholeness, means walking
needs and addressing local human rights issues. The the walk by ensuring that the poor in spirit indeed find
Worker’s Interfaith Network (WIN) in Memphis, blessing.
Tennessee is one such grant recipient. WIN assists
low-wage workers who have suffered wage theft by an To learn more about any of the UCC’s ministries and
employer. Wage theft occurs when employers pay less initiatives, see www.ucc.org
than minimum wage, fail to pay overtime, or simply do
not pay workers.
SR-00-WA-10-U-The UCC and Social Justice
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