New MFSA director begins Oct. 1
9/15/1998 News media contact: Linda Bloom · (646) 369-3759 · New York NOTE: A photograph is available with this story by United Methodist News Service As a longtime member of the Methodist Federation for Social Action (MFSA), the Rev. Kathryn J. Johnson has been impressed "by both the prophetic voice the federation has provided the church and the manner in which the federation goes about its work."
She plans to continue in that direction as the new executive director of the unofficial United Methodist-related organization. The 44-year-old clergy member of the New England Conference will succeed the Rev. George McClain on Oct. 1. She is arranging for office space at a Washington church.
Johnson particularly applauds MFSA's efforts at integrating spirituality with social action. "I think the work the federation is currently doing is very vital," she told United Methodist News Service.
That work includes striving for full inclusivity of members in the church, particularly gays and lesbians; providing input to the Connectional Processing Team as it looks at a possible restructuring of the church; and addressing issues of racial justice, including the need of MFSA itself to become "more multicultural."
MFSA is involved with the Nov. 13-15 consultation, "The UMC and Working People: Joining the Struggle for Workplace Peace and Justice," in Atlanta. The organization will have a special gathering in Atlanta before the event and is encouraging members to participate in the consultation.
Johnson also expects her experience in social justice issues in Asia to help her provide direction for MFSA work in that region.
She was a founding member of the Southern New England MFSA Chapter in 1985 and served as pastor of Bethany United Methodist Church in Roslindale (Boston) from 1986 to 1990. Drawing on her mission intern experience in the Philippines, she then became executive director for the Church Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines, based in Washington.
During the past two years, Johnson has worked with other groups to found the Asian Pacific Center for Justice and Peace, where she served as program director. She also is co-chairperson of the administrative board of Dumbarton United Methodist Church in Washington.
Johnson has a bachelor's degree from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst and a master of divinity degree from Boston University School of Theology.
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