North Georgia United Methodists Participating in Advocacy Opportunities
2/16/2024
Originally published February 1, 2024
As the Georgia Legislature meets for its 2024 session, North Georgia United Methodists are participating in advocacy opportunities.
Gun Violence Prevention
Members of the 2023 North Georgia Annual Conference session adopted a Resolution Regarding Gun Violence Prevention (read it here). That Resolution called upon the Governor and Lieutenant Governor of Georgia, and the State and Federal legislators representing the parts of Georgia included in the North Georgia Annual Conference, to enact meaningful measures to reduce gun violence in Georgia.Members of Glenn Memorial UMC in Atlanta who authored that resolution, share a letter with North Georgia United Methodists and an invitation to join them in advocating in the spirit of this resolution. "Gun violence continues to be an epidemic in our state and in the nation. In the 7 months after the Resolution was adopted, 71 children and teens in Georgia died from gun violence, and so far in 2024, more than 30 people have been killed in Georgia by gun violence," they write. "We therefore ask that you join us as we advocate for our elected officials to pass legislation to ensure the safe ownership, storage, and usage of guns."
The group offers helpful information about how to find out who your representatives are, along with suggestions about how to communicate with them. This group will participate in an advocacy day at the State Capitol on February 21 starting at 9:30 am.
For more information, contact Jimmy Moor at jimmy.moor@ngumc.net.
Opposition to the Death Penalty
Several North Georgia United Methodists participated in an advocacy day at the State Capitol on February 7 as bills were filed addressing the death penalty and those with intellectual disabilities. This is a matter close to the heart of United Methodists as our Book of Discipline says: “The death penalty denies the power of Christ to redeem, restore, and transform all human beings.” (Social Principles ¶164.G) As Wesleyans, we believe that God’s grace is ever reaching out to restore our relationship with God and with each other.The 2016 North Georgia Annual Conference passed two resolutions in support of ending the death penalty in Georgia (Read Resolution Calling for Prayer and Resolution Advocating to End Death Penalty.)
For information on how you can participate in similar advocacy opportunities in the future, please contact Rev. Cassie Rapko, North Georgia Conference Church & Society Representative, at cassie.rapko@ngumc.net.