The core value of demonstrating social concern, like the other values we have discussed on this podcast, has been baked into the fabric of our denomination from the onset. In fact, as early as the 1820s, forty years before the American Civil War officially began, the United Brethren embodied this value by taking a stand against slavery and giving voice to the dignity all people.

In this episode, Todd and Brian discuss the historical precedent and the modern relevance of the fourth core value of the Church of the United Brethren in Christ which states that we demonstrate social concern.

In this episode:

0:00 Intro

0:40 History

1:49 Genuine concern

5:45 Core value with action

12:33 Neighborhoods and Nations

18:02 Action steps

24:38 Issues vs individuals

Core Value: We Demonstrate Social Concern

We must not only seek the salvation of our fellow human beings, but show genuine concern for their total well-being. We recognize our responsibility to victims of poverty, prejudice, injustice, and other forms of human suffering.

The poor will always be among us, and we cannot ignore their plight; the Bible clearly states our obligation to those living in poverty. But there are many others, whether they are poor or not, whose situation requires our aid. They include persons in prison, immigrants, widows, orphans, the unborn, the handicapped, the homeless, the elderly, and victims of abuse. We also respond corporately to large-scale tragedies, giving sacrificially to help victims of natural disasters or social strife.

Demonstrating social concern also involves raising our voice against injustice and prejudice. We stand against discrimination, slavery, and injustice, insisting that equal rights be granted to everyone. We advocate fairness in the workplace, in the courts, and in all other settings, and seek the end of any discrimination based upon racial, national, economic, or social differences.

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For the Neighborhoods and the Nations is a new podcast of the Church of the United Brethren in Christ. In this first season we're diving into a series of conversations on the 8 core values that define and unite United Brethren churches around the world. Discover a bit of the history of how they came to exist as well as their significance in shaping our churches, ministries and mission today.

Follow For the Neighborhoods and the Nations on your favorite podcast directory and share it with friends in your church.

Discover more about the Church of the United Brethren in Christ.

Read up on the Core Values we'll discuss this season.

Hosted by: Brian Biedenbach and Todd Fetters

Produced by: Summit City Studios

Music from #Uppbeat:

Paul Yudin, Quiet Flight

License code: N90JWVZJEVCRVAEF