As we prepare for Human Relations Sunday (January 18), which is a United Methodist Special Sunday for giving, we would be remiss without also celebrating Harold Hughes, a lay person (Quapaw Quarter UMC) who also serves on the General Board of Church and Society, which determines how the grants are awarded from the funds collected on this Special Sunday and on the Arkansas Conference Board for Church and Society.
The United Methodist Church celebrates Human Relations Sunday each year on the Sunday before Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Human Relations Sunday matters because it supports the Church’s work in creating communities where everyone can flourish. When we give, we support church-based programs that work in local neighborhoods to build justice, offer hope, and walk alongside those who need a second chance.
What led you to serve with the General Board of Church and Society, and how does this work connect with your faith?
Hughes: I have been involved in causes fighting marginalization and oppression for most of my life. I was very encouraged to see the UMC’s commitment to Social Justice when I joined the church; I started by organizing our majority-white church to participate in the Martin Luther King Jr. March, and my congregational duties expanded from that small beginning. The very core of my faith revolves around Justice. Since GBCS is the Social Justice arm of the United Methodist Church, I felt my particular talents could be useful on the Board. I serve on the Missional Impact Committee, which maintains ties with all the Ethnic Caucuses and coordinates with groups advocating Justice, both within and outside the UMC.
Why is engagement in social justice and public policy an essential part of Christian discipleship?
Hughes: John Wesley was so right when he claimed that there is no Holiness but Social Holiness! We are to be an example and a catalyst for a more Just society. The most moving example I have encountered lately is the book from the Council of Bishops, Building Beloved Community, which calls for Christians, particularly Wesleyan Christians, to be both involved in the public arena and as the opposition to Christian Nationalism and Authoritarianism. Silence on Injustice is condoning Injustice.
How does GBCS ensure that advocacy efforts remain rooted in prayer, scripture, and theology?
Hughes: GBCS is the architect of the newly adopted (and much more Global) Social Principles, the portion of the Book of Discipline that uses Biblical principles to create a statement of belief for the church. We are currently organizing a group to work on and create Resolutions based on Biblical theology for the 2028 General Conference- starting early so as to be sure these documents are prayed over, researched, and thoroughly grounded in Wesleyan Theology. Another important aspect is the Pages for Progress program: a virtual book study cohort covering important Justice issues in an open discussion format. The staff of the Board, including Bishop Trimble, regularly interacts with other Faith traditions in actions such as Moral Mondays.
How has serving with GBCS shaped your own faith journey?
Hughes: I feel especially inspired by seeing the actions of the GBCS staff working with their portfolios and in training and equipping interns. The Board is from all walks of life from all over the globe. I have friends now in countries I have never (and will never) visit. We all gather, however, to further the cause of Justice under the banner of the United Methodist Church. I feel even more resolve as a Social Justice warrior.
How does the GBCS determine where funding is allotted from collections taken on Human Relations Sunday?
Hughes: Human Relations Funds from this Special Offering Sunday go specifically to three areas each year. This year, 57% goes to Community Development Programs in racially and economically diverse communities, 33% goes to Rehabilitation Programs to reduce recidivism, and 10% to UM Voluntary Services. These are all intended to reduce racial and economic boundaries. The priorities for the percentages are recommended by the GBCS staff and approved by the Board.
How do Human Relations Sunday offerings benefit the Arkansas Annual Conference?
HUGHES: Half of the funds from Human Relations Sunday remain in the Arkansas Conference. Our Conference Board of Church and Society is excited to be launching a new series of Rev William “Pawpaw” Robinson Human Relations Grants this year, beginning this Human Relations Sunday. “Pawpaw” was very active in Black Methodists for Church Renewal, Better Community Development, and Rehabilitation programs, and served as Pastor and Pastor Emeritus for many years at Theressa Hoover UMC in Little Rock. These grants will be available in varied amounts for churches in the Conference, with applications easy to submit for small membership churches, rural churches, and ethnic churches. We pray that much good and community outreach grow from these grants.
To apply for an ARUMC Peace with Justice Grants, please fill out our online form.
In closing, Harold also shared that, “Like John Wesley, the World (especially Arkansas) is our parish, and we are called to take care of the least in society. GBCS can provide resources and guidance for battling racism and other forms of marginalization and oppression. I am proud and honored to serve on both the Conference and General Boards of Church and Society.”