General Synod of the United Church of Christ urged to strive for digital justice and inclusion

A proposed resolution for the United Church of Christ’s (UCC) General Synod has stressed that the pandemic has called attention to disparities in digital access, as well as the widening of educational, economic and opportunity gaps. The group of 13 delegates who put forward the resolution are calling on the synod to recognise and respond to this issue of social justice and inclusion.   
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A proposed resolution for the United Church of Christ’s (UCC) General Synod has stressed that the pandemic has called attention to disparities in digital access and the widening of educational, economic and opportunity gaps. The group of 13 delegates who put forward the resolution are calling on the synod to recognise and respond to this social justice and inclusion issue.   

The resolution notes that digital access has become a fundamental need to thrive in modern society. It should be viewed as a civil rights issue, as specific populations – such as communities of colour, low-income households and rural communities – face much higher rates of digital exclusion and point to ‘digital redlining’ in the United States that reinforces historical inequalities within societies. The proposed resolution directs the UCC to advocate for and support accessing the internet and meaningful digital access. 

The World Council of Churches stated in 2021, calling for a ‘transformative movement of individuals, communities, education, media and civil society, including faith communities.’