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Project 2025: My Rebuttal


As a human being and a United Methodist clergywoman of Color, I approach Project 2025 with a deep concern for its implications on justice, inclusivity, and the mission of the Church. I am pissed, actually. I spent a lot of time cleaning up this post before publication because... This initiative called Project 2025, which is proposed as a comprehensive conservative plan for the future of America, poses several theological and ethical challenges that necessitate a critical response from a perspective rooted in liberation theology and my Wesleyan tradition of social holiness. 

A Commitment to Justice and Inclusion

The United Methodist Church is founded on principles of justice, mercy, and the inherent worth of all individuals. Our theological commitments compel us to stand against any initiative that undermines these core values. (I am not presuming to speak for The UMC). The way I see it, Project 2025, with its agenda to roll back protections for marginalized communities, restrict reproductive rights, and impose a narrow interpretation of religious freedom, runs counter to the inclusive and justice-oriented message of the Gospel.




Biblical Mandate for Justice

Scripture is replete with calls to justice and care for the marginalized. Pay attention to Jesus. The prophet Micah's charge to "do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God" (Micah 6:8) underpins my understanding of God's expectations for human conduct. Jesus’ ministry consistently uplifted the poor, the oppressed, and the marginalized, challenging the social and religious norms of his time (Luke 4:18-19). As a matter of fact, the people who propose Project 2025 will tout that Jesus 'died to save us', without acknowledging that Jesus' execution took place because he challenged the same type of practice and policies that they are now proposing. Project 2025, by promoting policies that exacerbate inequalities and restrict freedoms, stands in stark contrast to the biblical imperatives of justice, mercy, and humility and the very examples of Jesus.


Wesleyan Social Holiness

The Rev. John Wesley, credited with founding Methodism emphasized social holiness and the pursuit of justice as integral to Christian faith. Wesley’s engagement with issues of his day—such as slavery, poverty, and inequality—demonstrates a model for how Methodists (and Christians on a whole) are called to engage with contemporary social issues. The Gospel must be full-bodied because salvation is still an embodied experience. Therefore, Project 2025's alignment with policies that disenfranchise and harm vulnerable populations contradicts the Wesleyan commitment to social holiness. Frankly, Project 2025 is demonic. Our faith calls us to advocate for policies that protect and uplift all people, especially the least of these (Matthew 25).



Impact on Marginalized Communities

Project 2025 is not just an ideal. It poses specific threats to marginalized communities. Its stance on immigration, for instance, threatens to dismantle protections for undocumented immigrants, undermining the biblical mandate to welcome the stranger (Leviticus 19:33-34). Additionally, its proposed restrictions on reproductive rights directly impact women's autonomy and health, disproportionately affecting women of Color and those in poverty. These policies are antithetical to the Church's mission to support and empower all individuals, particularly those who are most vulnerable and antithetical to the teachings of Jesus.


Religious Freedom and Pluralism

The concept of religious freedom is crucial to the fabric of American society and the practice of faith. However, the way this looks in practice has long since atrophied from anything decent. Project 2025's interpretation of religious freedom seems to prioritize the rights of certain religious groups over others, potentially leading to discrimination against those of different faiths or no faith. True religious freedom should protect the rights of all individuals to practice their beliefs (that do not harm life or environment) without fear of coercion or persecution. My  commitment to religious pluralism and interfaith dialogue stands in opposition to any attempt to privilege one religious perspective over others. Though I choose to be a Christ-follower, I do not subscribe to any ideal that God could not possibly be at work in other faith communities or faith systems. I believe that God transcends my limited thoughts and therefore, must also be at work in other agencies. 


A Call to Action for the Church

In response to Project 2025, the United Methodist Church must reaffirm its commitment to justice, inclusivity, and the protection of human dignity. This involves:

Advocacy: Actively opposing policies that harm marginalized communities and advocating for legislative measures that promote justice and equality.

Education: Equipping congregations with a robust theological understanding of justice and the implications of Project 2025, encouraging informed and compassionate engagement with social issues.

Solidarity: Standing in solidarity with those affected by unjust policies, providing support and resources to communities under threat, and amplifying their voices within the broader societal discourse. It must also examine its own policies and practices for the same results. 

Dialogue: Fostering interfaith and ecumenical dialogue to build coalitions for justice and oppose any form of religious or other discrimination or supremacy. It must 'resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves' (UMC Baptismal vows.)  


The love of Christ compels me to stand against initiatives like Project 2025 that threaten the core values of justice, inclusivity, and human dignity. I reaffirm my theological commitment and will keep actively working for social justice, to ensure that my own witness remains faithful to the Gospel’s call to love and justice. I am committed to contribute to a world that more closely reflects the inclusive and compassionate reign of Christ.

I call bs on Project 2025

#project2025 #wickedness #dojustice #lovemercy #walkhumblywithgod 

Born and raised on The Gem of the Caribbean (Antigua and Barbuda), I am an immigrant living in the U.S. with my Fantastic Four and High School boops.

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