United Women in Faith: Responding With Action to a Changing World

As we continue to witness a rapidly shifting political landscape, it becomes ever clearer that the policies enacted by the current administration directly impact the lives of women, children, and youth in the United States and across the globe. These shifts, particularly in the realms of mass incarceration and climate justice, challenge us as a faith-based organization to remain vigilant, faithful, and actively involved in social justice work. At United Women in Faith (UWFaith), we hold steadfast to our belief that faith without action is empty, and it is through our work that we demonstrate the love and justice of God in a world that deeply needs it.

End Mass Incarceration: A Moral Imperative

The issue of mass incarceration has been a long-standing priority for UWFaith. The systemic rollback of civil rights protections, especially for communities of color, stands as a stark reminder of the racial injustices that continue to plague our society. Executive orders, policies, and systematic efforts that exacerbate the criminalization of marginalized communities, particularly immigrants and communities of color, are not only unjust but also morally indefensible.

As people of faith, we are called to stand with those who are most affected by these injustices. In the book of James, we are reminded:

What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but do not have works? Can faith save you? If a brother or sister is naked and lacks daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and eat your fill,’ and yet you do not supply their bodily needs, what is the good of that? So, faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead.
—James 2:14-17

This is not just a call to spiritual action; it is a call to address the material needs of those suffering under oppressive systems of mass incarceration, detention, and deportation.

We recognize the harm caused by policies that criminalize entire communities and tear families apart. From the criminalization of Black and Brown bodies through policing practices to the growing detention of immigrants and the increase in mass deportation, these efforts only sow division, fear, and systemic harm. The work of United Women in Faith must center on dismantling these systems of injustice by advocating for policies that protect and uplift communities of color, as well as challenging the structural inequalities that perpetuate mass incarceration.

Climate Justice: A Call for Urgent Action

As we advocate for racial justice, we must also confront the pressing crisis of climate change, which disproportionately impacts women, children, youth, and marginalized communities worldwide. The ongoing climate crisis is not just an environmental issue—it is a social justice issue, and its consequences are already being felt most acutely by those who are least responsible for its creation.

We urge policymakers to fulfill their commitments to the Paris Climate Agreement and to prioritize a just energy transition. Greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced by phasing out fossil fuels and building out renewable energy infrastructure.  The destructive extraction practices that harm our environment and communities must come to an end. As people of faith, we are called to be stewards of God’s creation, to ensure that our actions reflect the care and respect that our Creator intends for the earth and its inhabitants.

Unfortunately, executive orders freezing the disbursement of funds through initiatives like the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act threaten the ability of our nation to transition to a just renewable energy economy. These measures not only stymie efforts to combat climate change they also undermine efforts to reduce air pollution and provide cleaner, healthier environments for all communities—particularly those already suffering the most.

Furthermore, the climate crisis intersects with issues of displacement, migration, and human trafficking. As natural disasters exacerbated by climate change force millions of people from their homes each year, we must commit to equitable climate financing to support climate resiliency and sustainable development that addresses the root causes of climate displacement and amends the broken immigration system that criminalizes and dehumanizes those seeking refuge. As the United Methodist Social Principles affirm, “We confess that the negative impacts resulting from the degradation of the natural world have fallen disproportionately on marginalized communities, including indigenous tribes, religious and ethnic communities, people living in poverty, and other vulnerable groups.” It is essential that we align our advocacy for racial justice with climate justice, recognizing that these issues are inextricably linked.

Mass Incarceration, Climate Justice, & Immigration

The link between mass incarceration, climate justice, and immigration cannot be ignored. The militarization of borders in response to climate-related migration not only compounds the suffering of those displaced but also fuels human trafficking and organized crime. Migrants often face the risk of death while seeking safer passage, as border enforcement policies push them into more dangerous and deadly routes.

The United Methodist Resolution #3331, reaffirmed by United Women in Faith in 2024, calls for the halting of the criminalization of communities of color and advocates for the protection of human rights, including the protection of migrant communities. We support the suspension of ICE raids, the end of family detention, and the cessation of policies that tear families apart. These measures are not only unjust but also disproportionately harm communities of color and hinder the flourishing of all people.

By supporting immigration policies that offer hospitality, compassion, and a recognition of human dignity, we also address the root causes of displacement—such as environmental degradation and climate change. Migrants bring essential knowledge and resilience to their new communities, contributing to the development of more sustainable agricultural practices and climate adaptation strategies. Deporting migrant workers further weakens the ability of these communities to thrive in a changing climate, exacerbating social and environmental injustices.

Faith in Action: The Path Forward

At United Women in Faith, we understand that our work is never finished. We must continue to advocate for racial justice, end mass incarceration, and fight for climate justice. Our commitment is not only based on political priorities but is grounded deeply in our faith and values. As we reflect on the teachings of Jesus Christ and the calls of the prophets, we know that our work is an expression of our spiritual duty to care for the least of these—those most marginalized and vulnerable.

• Our call to action includes:
  • Dismantling systems of mass incarceration and advocating for policies that protect marginalized communities.
  • Ensuring that racial justice and climate justice are prioritized together as interconnected issues.
  • Supporting climate change mitigation efforts that center vulnerable communities.
  • Advocating for policies that support migrants and refugees and stand against the criminalization of these communities.
  • Enabling a just and equitable energy transition out of fossil fuels and into just and renewable energies that protect the health and decision-making of communities.
  • Working to ensure that children and youth have access to educational opportunities that nurture their God-given gifts and are neither criminalized nor pushed out of school.

We also call on all members of United Women in Faith to take up the Micah 6:8 Pledge as a concrete expression of our commitment to justice.

• The Micah 6:8 Pledge invites us to:
  • Act justly by standing against injustice in all its forms, from racial inequities to environmental degradation.
  • Love mercy by showing compassion and empathy to those who are suffering, particularly women, children, and marginalized groups.
  • Walk humbly with our God by dedicating our work to God’s service, striving to be humble in our advocacy, and recognizing that we are part of a larger community of justice-seekers.

As the Apostle Paul wrote in Galatians 6:9, “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” We are confident that by continuing to work together, grounded in faith and guided by justice, we will create a future that reflects God’s vision of love, peace, and healing for all people. United Women in Faith stands as a voice for justice, and our faith compels us to take action. We will not rest until we have created a world that honors the dignity and worth of every person, especially women, children, and youth. Together, we can—and will— make a difference.

To connect with our ongoing work towards climate justice and ending mass incarceration/criminalization of communities of color, please sign up for our racial justice mailing list and climate justice mailing list and visit our website.