The economic storm battering the U.S. and nations around the world is bringing job losses, falling incomes, home foreclosures, delayed retirements, and declines in overall well being.  The economic situation – which for many people is always grim – is now even more harsh and uncertain.

The church, called to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8), must be especially faithful and vigilant during such a time as this. We might see its mission as three fold.  

• To ease the suffering of people affected by the crisis through both direct acts of kindness and public programs.

• To seek God’s guidance as we carefully discern how to end and prevent a recurrence of the crisis, and work to build a fairer economic system that benefits all God’s people.

• To act to bring society more closely into alignment with our understanding of God’s vision for God’s world.

We hope the resources on this page support this mission.

Reflections and Background on the Crisis

In hard economic times, church must proclaim justice, good stewardship by the Rev. Dr. Susan Thistlethwaite

The Revs. Martin B. Copenhaver, Lillian Daniel, William C. Green, Anthony B. Robinson, and Donna Schaper writing on Faith and Tough Economic Times  

A Letter to Members of the U.S. House of Representatives from Rev. Linda Jaramillo, Executive Minister, JWM

Overview of the Crisis and Recession by Edith Rasell, JWM 

Seek First God's Kingdom, a commentary from from United Church News April/May 2009

Blog posts by Edith Rasell, JWM Minister for Workplace Justice

Unemployment and Economic Crisis Tool Kit from Interfaith Worker Justice

General Synod Resolutions

For the Common Good (GS 25, 2005)

A Theological Response to Corporate Greed (GS 24, 2003)

Affirming Democratic Principles in an Emerging Global Economy (GS 21, 1997) 

Affirming Government's Role to Protect the Common Good  (GS 21, 1997)