Dear Florida Conference Clergy and Laity:
This is short notice because things evolve fast in our country these days. At our recent Annual Conference Session, I spoke with many who shared that they want to do more to care for the vulnerable in our state. This week God has answered that prayer with a real opportunity. Very recently we learned from a partner organization that webinars are available tonight and tomorrow regarding proposed cuts to Medicaid and SNAP benefits. Because time is very short, I would ask that you would forward this notice to people in your church who are interested so that they might attend.
Congress is currently considering deep and historic cuts to Medicaid and SNAP—programs that provide a critical lifeline to millions of Floridians, including many within The Florida Conference of The United Methodist Church. If enacted, these cuts would:
- Strip health coverage from 3.9 million Floridians
- Take food assistance away from more than 423,000 families
- Shift billions in costs to our state, worsening Florida’s budget crisis
These proposed changes will be devastating to current recipients of these programs unless we do something together. Churches and non-profits will not have the capacity to provide the food or health care provided by Medicaid and SNAP. Now is the time to get involved before a Congressional vote on July 4, 2025.
I am reminded of a command found in Proverbs 31:
“Speak out for those who cannot speak, for the rights of all the destitute. Speak out; judge righteously; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” (Proverbs 31:8-9)
Kim Johnson at Florida Impact to End Hunger, our partner organization for the annual Florida Advocacy Days Initiative, is offering two webinars to meet with any clergy or laity who are interested to talk about what is at stake, and how you and your church can help raise awareness and advocate for the protection of these essential programs.
If you are willing to join in this effort, please join us for one of two critical webinars hosted by Florida Policy Institute and Florida Impact to discuss the harmful consequences of the proposed dramatic reductions.
During these conversations, we’ll examine how these proposed cuts would deepen inequity, particularly in communities of color, rural areas, and among those already facing economic hardship. We will also provide tools and guidance for faith leaders to advocate effectively with lawmakers and support congregants who may be directly affected. In addition, we will inform faith leaders on how they can participate in the week of action from June 22 to June 29, 2025.
There are two opportunities to be a part of this webinar. Join us to learn, engage, and unite in action to protect the dignity and wellbeing of every Floridian.
Date and Times: June 17, 2025 at 7:00pm and June 18th, 2025 at 11:00am
Register here: Meeting Registration – Zoom
If you would like more information about why this is important to United Methodists, I hope you will read this letter from Rev. Dr. Sharon Austin, Director of Justice Ministries.
I hope you or a representative join us in this vital effort to protect the dignity and well-being of our neighbors.
In Christ,
Bishop Tom Berlin