What is Human Relations Day?
Human Relations Day is one of six churchwide Special Sundays with offerings of The United Methodist Church. Human Relations Day calls United Methodists to recognize the right of all God’s children in realizing their potential as human beings in relationship with one another. The special offering benefits neighborhood ministries through Community Developers, community advocacy through United Methodist Voluntary Services and work with at-risk teens through the Youth Offender Rehabilitation Program.
When do we celebrate Human Relations Day?
United Methodists celebrate Human Relations Day on the Sunday before the national observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday.
Can our church celebrate Human Relations Day at a different time?
Yes! If your local church needs to celebrate a Special Sunday on a different date, that is fine! Do not let the given dates prohibit your congregation from celebrating Human Relations Day if you have a time conflict.
How does The United Methodist Church distribute the offerings received on Human Relations Day?
The treasurer of the General Council on Finance and Administration allocates net receipts, after payment of promotional expenses, to the administering agencies:
- Community Developers Program: 57 percent (General Board of Global Ministries)
- United Methodist Voluntary Services Program: 33 percent (General Board of Global Ministries)
- Youth Offender Rehabilitation Program: 10 percent (General Board of Church and Society)
How can you give to Human Relations Day offering?
Special Sunday offerings are best collected through your local church. Include your church’s online giving link during worship or through your social platforms. If your church doesn’t have online giving, direct people to the official donation site at donate.gcfa.org/hrd. To give by mail, send checks to GCFA, P.O. Box 340029, Nashville, TN 37203 and put the name of the Special Sunday in the note section.
Where should a local church send offerings for Special Sundays?
Church offices gather donations and send them to the annual conference treasurer, who forwards them to GCFA.
What resources are available to promote and learn about Human Relations Day?
A resource kit is available online at resourceumc.org/hrd, providing everything you need to introduce and celebrate Human Relations Day. It includes materials for worship, promotion, and age-specific resources to engage all members of your congregation.
