Several of us from Michigan (my former UCC conference) have been working for a while to get the church to think about the damage of animal consumption — environmental devastation, racism, mental health of laborers, health effects for consumers, economic justice and global food security — and surely the well-being of animals.

We have hit roadblocks. Many. It is hard to get people to talk about something so sacred as what we eat — even when our eating is so very problematic. In Michigan, our effort passed the resolution committee overwhelmingly three times, but was blocked at the next stage by a single person with an irrational fear of vitamin B12 deficiency. (We’re not saying that’s not an issue; just that it isn’t an overriding concern or unresolvable problem.)

After three years, we found a work-around. With the signatures of 14 voting delegates from 3 conferences, we were able to submit an approved resolution to the Cleveland committee on resolution disposition. (Thanks, David Anderson and Kevin Peterson, UCC staff members, for your kind shepherding.)

In the summer, the UCC will meet to consider all the ways we are invited to be the church and keep up with global concerns and current issues. I hope this resolution will spark conversation among the hundreds of delegates who will gather — and perhaps lead to a food awakening in the denomination.

You can find the resolution here. I welcome your comments. I also hope you will encourage delegates you may know to help the church have a healthy conversation around this vital issue.