UMCOR and Muslim Aid
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has UMCOR, a Christian organization, chosen to work with Muslim Aid in joint relief efforts?Does UMCOR cooperate with other faith-based charities and relief agencies?How does UMCOR select partner agencies?Is UMCOR worried about a negative reaction among its parishioners because of this proposed partnership?Does the agreement stipulate that UMCOR be fully informed of Muslim Aid’s sources of funding for any joint projects?Christians in countries like Sudan and Indonesia face discrimination from the local populations at times, what is UMCOR doing to address this issue and how do you think your partnership with Muslim Aid will help?
Q) Why has UMCOR, a Christian organization, chosen to work with Muslim Aid in joint relief efforts?
A) The foundation of our faith and UMCOR’s mission is the teaching of Jesus, who called his followers to serve the poor and hungry. UMCOR as a Christian organization seeks to live out our faith in all circumstances, which includes serving people of all faiths. To better reach people in need regardless of their beliefs, UMCOR partners with organizations of different faith backgrounds such as Blue Crescent following earthquakes in Iran and Pakistan.
UMCOR has successfully worked with Muslim Aid in the past, specifically in providing relief after a resurgence of violence in Sri Lanka, and we wanted to recreate and expand on these successful relief efforts in other geographic locations.
Q) Does UMCOR cooperate with other faith-based charities and relief agencies?
A) UMCOR works with a variety of agencies and it’s a vital part of our relief efforts. They extend UMCOR’s reach. UMCOR is able to provide relief and development in 81 countries because of our large network of partners. They provide additional venues through which we can reach the world’s most vulnerable people. Some examples of other faith-based organizations UMCOR supports include: ACT International, Church World Service, Churches Auxiliary for Social Action (India) and International Blue Crescent (Turkey and Pakistan) and now Muslim Aid. We continually seek opportunities to work with other organizations that share the common goal of engaging in humanitarian interventions that build peace and provide global relief to people suffering from disaster.
UMCOR's partnership with Muslim Aid is unique in that the two organizations will work together on specific projects focused on peace building and alleviating suffering. This collaboration will result in the two organizations working side-by-side on specific programs as co-implementers.
Q) How does UMCOR select partner agencies?
A) In areas where one of UMCOR’s 11 field offices are established, UMCOR staff work with local agencies to accomplish the work and to build the capacity of the local organization. Where UMCOR does not have staff in an area that is in need of humanitarian assistance, UMCOR looks to partner organizations. Primarily, UMCOR funds a partner in the ACT (Action by Churches Together) International Alliance. ACT International maintains a system of oversight and accountability for all its member agencies. This gives UMCOR an assurance that these agencies are reputable and trustworthy in their work, and also committed to working with local partners.
The spirit of love at the heart of the Christian gospel calls the church to use every compassionate means to serve the poor, the captive, the sick and oppressed.
UMCOR has long operated with the understanding that our actions speak louder than our words. UMCOR's compassionate works of ministry to the poor, the hungry, and the most vulnerable of our world clearly spring from the mandate of Jesus as recorded in Matt. 25:34-40 to serve "the least of these." We've always felt so, and have acted so, since our founding in 1940.
We trust that United Methodists understand the need, especially now, for a new peace- building paradigm based on the ability of peoples from different faiths to come together in a constructive, respectful and civil way to build cross cultural and inter-faith bridges.
The relationship between Muslim Aid and UMCOR highlights the goal for both organizations to work together for the common good by establishing healthy, open communities where trust and faith can flourish.
A) Both organizations are committed to full transparency as we identify funds for our work together.
A) It’s a sad truth that religious intolerance exists, which further drives us at UMCOR to carry our message that people of all religions deserve aid and compassion when faced with some of the worst atrocities and disasters. Humanity transcends religion and our desire is for this Muslim Aid partnership to be a great catalyst for religious tolerance. UMCOR honors cultural differences and this relationship with Muslim Aid will only further demonstrate that Muslims and Christians and all other religions can not only harmoniously work together, but share a common good. Muslim Aid and UMCOR deliver aid to people without regard to race, religion, politics or gender.
