August 3, 2010

The United Church of Christ has announced its support of First Lady Michelle Obama's "Let's Move!" campaign to engage parents, families, schools and communities in eradicating childhood obesity and ensuring access to affordable and healthy food.

"The faith community was specifically invited to the table as key players in this effort because they are in a unique position to initiate and/or coordinate activities in their communities," says Barbara T. Baylor, UCC's minister for health care justice.

"The COREM (Council on Racial and Ethnic Ministries) Health Table is taking a coordinating role in this effort because of the disproportionately high number of children of color who are affected by obesity. COREM invites the entire denomination to join them in tackling this issue."

As part of "Let's Move!," more than 25 persons representing several UCC Conferences have responded to a call from the UCC's Justice and Witness Ministries to participate on a task force to develop resources for "Faithfully (HEAL)ing (Healthy Eating and Living)," which will focus on healthful choices, healthier schools, physical activity and affordable/accessible healthful food.

The obesity rate in the United States is increasing rapidly, affecting children, adolescents and adults of all races, ethnicities and income levels. According to Partnership for a Healthier America, for the first time in the nation's history, "a generation of children may end up living sicklier, shorter lives than their parents."

In 1997, the UCC's General Synod adopted a resolution titled "Reclaiming the Church's Ministry of Health and Healing." UCC congregations continue to be encouraged to address health and human-service issues confronting members and their communities.

"Recognizing the importance of health as a gift from God, we wholeheartedly embrace this opportunity to work on this campaign," says Baylor. "While we understand the importance of focusing on obesity, it is not only about obesity. We recognize that obesity is part of a broad range of health, nutrition and economic issues, including diet, exercise and chronic illnesses.

"We are also concerned about the social justice issues related to food, nutrition and health. The task force will be looking at these issues and how they impact obesity."

For more information, go to http://www.ucc.org/justice/health/.

United Church of Christ News Service