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We Churches of the
United States have a message of hope for a fearful time.
Just as the
churches responded to the harshness of early 20th Century
industrialization with a prophetic “Social Creed” in 1908, so in our era
of globalization we offer a vision of a society that shares more and
consumes less, seeks compassion over suspicion and equality over
domination, and finds security in joined hands rather than massed arms.
 Inspired by Isaiah’s vision of a “peaceable kingdom,” we honor the
dignity of every person and the intrinsic value of every creature, and
pray and work for the day when none “labor in vain or bear children for
calamity” (Isaiah 65:23). We do so as disciples of the One who came
“that all may have life, and have it abundantly” (John 10:10), and stand
in solidarity with Christians and with all who strive for justice
around the globe.
In faith, responding
to our Creator, we celebrate the full humanity of each woman, man, and
child, all created in the divine image as individuals of infinite worth,
by working for:
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Abolition of forced labor,
human trafficking, and the exploitation of children.
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Employment for all, at a
family-sustaining living wage, with equal pay for comparable work.
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The rights of workers to
organize, and to share in workplace decisions and productivity growth.
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A system of criminal
rehabilitation, based on restorative justice and an end to the death
penalty.
In the love incarnate
in Jesus, despite the world’s sufferings and evils, we honor the deep
connections within our human family and seek to awaken a new spirit of
community, by working for:
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Abatement of hunger and
poverty, and enactment of policies benefiting the most vulnerable.
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High quality public
education for all and universal, affordable and accessible healthcare.
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An effective program of
social security during sickness, disability and old age.
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Tax and budget policies that
reduce disparities between rich and poor, strengthen democracy, and
provide greater opportunity for everyone within the common good.
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Just immigration policies
that protect family unity, safeguard workers’ rights, require employer
accountability, and foster international cooperation.
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Sustainable communities
marked by affordable housing, access to good jobs, and public safety.
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Public service as a high
vocation, with real limits on the power of private interests in
politics.
In hope sustained by
the Holy Spirit, we pledge to be peacemakers in the world and stewards
of God’s good creation, by working for:
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Adoption of simpler
lifestyles for those who have enough; grace over greed in economic life.
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Access for all to clean air
and water and healthy food, through wise care of land and
technology.
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Sustainable use of earth’s
resources, promoting alternative energy sources and public
transportation with binding covenants to reduce global warming and
protect populations most affected.
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Equitable global trade and
aid that protects local economies, cultures and livelihoods.
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Peacemaking through
multilateral diplomacy rather than unilateral force, the abolition of
torture, and a strengthening of the United Nations and the rule of
international law.
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Nuclear disarmament and
redirection of military spending to more peaceful and productive uses.
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Cooperation and dialogue for
peace and environmental justice among the world’s religions.
We—individual
Christians and churches—commit ourselves to a culture of peace and
freedom that embraces non-violence, nurtures character, treasures the
environment, and builds community, rooted in a spirituality of inner
growth with outward action. We make this commitment together—as members
of Christ’s body, led by the one Spirit—trusting in the God who makes
all things new.
Click this link to download a PDF of this document,
formatted as a bulletin insert. You may freely print and distribute as many
copies as you wish.
Click here for a PDF copy of the Social Creed of the Churches 1908.
National Council of Churches Justice and Advocacy Commission
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