General Assembly takes Bold Stand on Justice Issues - By Rev. Mandye Yates

At this year’s General Assembly (GA) in Memphis, TN, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) made powerful and passionate commitments to social justice, passing several significant resolutions that call for action across the church in the United States and Canada. These resolutions are not just statements — they are collective calls to action for every Disciple. Among the most impactful resolutions passed with overwhelming affirmation were:

GA-2568– An Emergency Resolution Concerning the Moral Crisis of Federal Budget Priorities in the 2025 Reconciliation Bill

The Assembly expressed profound dismay over the 2025 federal budget proposal, which threatens vital programs supporting the poor, sick, hungry, immigrants, and global partners. The resolution urges congregations to:

• Advocate for just budget priorities with elected officials

• Educate and organize communities

• Support local ministries serving those most at risk

GA-2570– Emergency Resolution Responding to The United States Federal Government’s Attack on Immigrants, Migrants, And Refugees

This resolution denounces recent violations of constitutional and international law, including abuses of the Alien Enemies Act and attacks on asylum and refugee programs. The GA calls on Disciples at every level to speak boldly and act faithfully — through advocacy, partnerships, and direct service — to defend the rights and dignity of all immigrants and refugees.

GA-2571 – Affirmation of the World Council of Churches call to “End Apartheid, Occupation, and Impunity in Palestine and Israel” and of solidarity with Palestinian people as we struggle for an end to genocide

This resolution condemns the ongoing genocide in Gaza, forced displacement of Palestinians, and violations of international law. It calls for an end to violence and occupation, and for all expressions of the church to work toward a just peace in the region, while expanding ministries that respond to war, human rights abuses, and systemic injustice.

I had the honor of co-authoring GA-2568 alongside my dear friend Rev. Trish Thompson Winters. Together, we felt compelled to ensure that a clear and courageous statement emerged from this year’s General Assembly — one that forcefully condemns the deeply harmful legislation known as the “big ugly bill” and acknowledges the real pain it will cause in countless lives.

Before the Assembly convened, we dedicated ourselves to drafting the resolution and gathering critical support through signatures. Once on-site, we worked closely with representatives from the Division of Overseas Ministries and Dr. Rita Nakashima Brock, whose insight and collaboration were instrumental in shaping the final resolution.

While I’m grateful for everything I learned through this process, what matters most to me is that this resolution now exists. It stands as a powerful resource — one that equips preachers, activists, and community leaders with facts and language they can use in sermons, rallies, and letters to lawmakers. In a time when silence is complicity, GA-2568 empowers us all to speak boldly and act faithfully in our own communities.

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Rev. Mandye Yates (she/her/hers) is a dedicated spiritual and mental health professional. She holds a Doctor of Ministry in Congregational Trauma, a Master of Divinity, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Mandye is currently pursuing a Master’s in Clinical Psychology, with a focus on obtaining licensure as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). With 22 years of experience in ordained ministry, Mandye has served diverse congregations across Kentucky, Missouri, Indiana, and California. Currently, as the Senior Pastor at First Christian Church in Fullerton, CA, Mandye integrates pastoral care with her passion for trauma healing, emphasizing the importance of mental health within spiritual communities.