Workshop explains public policy issues

The rooms were full for both workshops sponsored by the Austin District Amos Commission at the Austin District My Job workshop Feb. 12 at Manchaca UMC.
The Rev. Jim Mayfield, senior pastor, Tarrytown UMC, and Wanda Holcombe, conference peace with justice coordinator, spoke of moving from mercy toward justice, theologically and in faithful advocacy action.
Miryam Bujanda, Methodist Healthcare Ministries, outlined specific healthcare issues facing the current Texas legislative session.
“A Guide to Implementing an Amos Commission in Your Church” was distributed. Copies are available at the Austin District Office or may be downloaded from http://www.texasimpact.com/Pages/amoscommissionhome.html.
At its 2004 annual meeting, the Austin District formed a public policy commission and elected its members. The commission members chose “The Amos Commission” as its name and decided to focus on Texas children’s issues: healthcare, education and Child Protective Services. The Rev. Mimi Raper serves as chair.
Local churches may form Amos Commissions for educating their members about social justice issues and ways to influence government leadership.
Manchaca UMC has formed an Amos Commission and presented a public education forum Feb. 27. University UMC, First UMC and Berkley UMC, all in Austin, also have public policy committees.