Mission Statement
We, as members of the Justice and Peace Committee of First United Methodist Church of Lakeland, Florida, commit ourselves to the pursuit of justice as set forth in the social principles of as members of the Justice and Peace Committee of First United Methodist Church of Lakeland Florida commit ourselves to the pursuit of justice as set forth in the social principles in the United Methodist Church. We will continue to educate our church and the community on the contents of the Social Principles and our role as followers of Jesus Christ.
The Social Principles
The Social Principles, while not to be considered church law, are a prayerful and thoughtful effort on the part of the General Conference to speak to the human issues in the contemporary world from a sound biblical and theological foundation as historically demonstrated in United Methodist traditions. They are a call to all members of The United Methodist Church to a prayerful, studied dialogue of faith and practice.
Upcoming Events
As a committee, we affiliate with the following ministry partners:
Reconciling Ministries Network
As a Committee, we are a leadership team in First United Methodist Church of Lakeland in its ministry of justice. In our leadership role, we have affiliated as a Committee as a “Reconciling Group” within the Reconciling Ministries Network. This Network, founded in 1984, is committed to intersectional justice across and beyond the United Methodist Connection, working for the full participation of all LGBTQ+ people in all levels of the United Methodist Church. However, its commitment goes beyond LGBTQ+ to include the pursuit of justice and standing in solidarity with all who are marginalized and oppressed. Since 1984, this Network has worked to transform hearts, churches, and communities. As a Reconciling Group in First United Methodist Church of Lakeland, we celebrate God’s gift of diversity and will work towards the full inclusion and participation of all people throughout the life and leadership of the Church.
PEACE
PEACE is the Polk Ecumenical Action Council for Empowerment
PEACE is a congregation-based direct-action organization founded in 2001 that engages diverse, Polk County congregations in doing justice by identifying the root causes of community problems and taking action.
PEACE is a multiracial, interdenominational, nonpartisan 501(c)3 nonprofit. We are devoted to identifying problems facing the community of Polk County. We are a direct action organization that proposes policy solutions to public officials in order to get to the root causes of community problems.
NAACP
Florida Advocacy Days
