About

MFSA Iowa Chapter Mission Statement

The Iowa Chapter of the National MFSA, an affiliate organization of the Iowa Conference of the United Methodist Church, seeks to move the church to be an inclusive, justice seeking, and risk taking Body of Christ in the world. In the Wesleyan tradition, MFSA seeks to transform the social order until it resembles the reign of God announced by the prophets and Jesus, where justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like an everflowing stream.

You're Invited to Join MFSA Iowa Chapter

MFSA Iowa Chapter is a 501(c)(3) organization
The work of our chapter and the national MFSA depends solely on membership and contributions. While income from memberships is important, we understand that not everyone can pay at the current membership rates. Memberships are accepted without donations, we just ask that you contribute what you can.

Our membership form is available in rtf for word processing programs and pdf (Adobe Reader).

For more information about or to send a membership,
Email us at [email protected] or mail to:
Attn: MFSA Iowa
c/o Ryan Russell
1031 E College St.
Iowa City, IA 52240

A Brief History of the Iowa Chapter of MFSA

The Iowa Chapter of MFSA began in July of 1976, at the time of the national meeting, held at the Wesley Foundation, on the UNI Campus in Cedar Falls. Already 40 members strong, the Iowa Chapter was celebrated as the first new chapter in over a quarter of a century. The chapter grew out of the groundwork laid by Methodists for Church Renewal, and was an extension and expansion of the work of that organization. First president of the chapter was the Rev. Chester Guinn.

Iowa MFSA reflects a gospel that is social, and a theology made evident in its application. In its first year the chapter targeted wholistic evangelism, Third World infant formula sales and support for J.P. Stevens workers. In the ensuing years the chapter has spoken out on labor issues, equitable salaries, South Africa divestment, Central America, sanctuary, gender justice, immigration, Palestine/Israel, opposition to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the Reconciling Congregation Program, among many other justice issues.

One of the chapter’s greatest contributions is its presence at Annual Conference. Each year a nationally known speaker is brought in for the awards event address. At that event the Social Action Award is given to recognize outstanding work for social justice.

For many years the Daily SQB (Social Questions Bulletin) informed and challenged members of the Conference each day on vital issues they were facing. Currently an expanded Conference SQB is distributed on the first full day of Conference.

In addition to its Annual Conference presence, MFSA meets twice a year in statewide meetings, and recently, also twice a year in regional gatherings. The SQB is published quarterly, and in 2002 the chapter developed a web site, which can be found at: www.mfsaiowa.org. The chapter also has a group on Facebook, as of the spring of 2011.

In January of 2002, Eloise Cranke was hired as Coordinator, with a specific goal of building up the chapter, preparing for Annual Conference and raising awareness about the growth of the Religious Far Right movement. In 2002 membership reached a total of 241, and the Iowa Chapter was at that time the largest in the country. The hiring of a Coordinator has made it possible to hold four or five regional gatherings each Spring and Fall, and to send a monthly EMail Memo with announcements of events of interest.

MFSA in Iowa continues to be a prophetic voice, ever challenging the church to greater faithfulness in living out the gospel in the church and in the world.