Faith Turned Into Direct Action
An MFSA Membership Story by Rev. Alka Lyall
One of MFSA’s greatest strengths has always been the people who make up this movement. Throughout the summer, we are sharing stories from MFSA members about why this community matters, what keeps them connected, and how MFSA continues to shape their faith, values, and commitment to justice. This is what it means to be justice-seeking people of faith.
As an immigrant female clergy, I have always felt drawn to spaces that advocate for people from the margins and causes of justice. I was drawn to MFSA because of its fearless, intersectional approach to advocacy. Seeing the organization actively stand on the right side of history—whether through LGBTQIA+ inclusion, care for the earth and its resources or reproductive justice—spoke directly to my faith. What cemented my involvement was our witnessing at General Conference, advocating for a eco-justice, and speaking out for racial justice. I believe the work of MFSA is desperately needed today, to counter oppressive ideologies in the church and world.
As Northern Illinois MFSA chapter we strive to turn our faith into direct action. We regularly write and promote legislation that is focused on seeking justice for the most vulnerable, for the natural resources and for any other social cases that we as a community might be faced with. We have historically worked closely with the NIC RMN (now an official committee of the Conference) team to organize events and actions at Annual Conference.
I got involved with the Jurisdictional team because I am always inspired by a community that refuses to sit by while others are dehumanized. This work and these actions fuel my hope and keep me active and engaged.
One of the activities our NCJ chapter of the Methodist Federation for Social Action (MFSA) has organized and led for several decades is our breakfast event at every Jurisdictional Conference. This breakfast serves as the primary regional gathering for progressive United Methodists in the Midwest. It provides a space for social justice networking, updates on grassroots legislative advocacy, and presentations on similar matters during the Jurisdictional Conference. In the year when we have episcopal elections, the NCJ MFSA breakfast is known for hosting informal panels, introducing candidates to progressive delegates and have open conversation with the candidates.
I remain grateful for the faithful witness of MFSA and for the communities that continue to challenge the church to live more fully into justice, compassion, and liberation. This work strengthens my hope and deepens my commitment to keep showing up, speaking out, and acting with courage for the beloved community we are called to build together.
Rev. Alka Lyall is a life-long Methodist from India. She came to the United States in 1996 as a seminary student. She is an ordained elder in the UMC, serving God's people with the Northern Illinois Conference, and currently appointed to Broadway UMC in the Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago.
As an active and involved member of the church, she has served on many local, national and international committees, boards and agencies. She has been a delegate to General and Jurisdictional Conferences several times and led the delegation through the historic 2020/2024 General Conference. She currently chairs the Annual Conference committee on Nominations and serves on the Board of Directors of the General Commission on Religion and Race. (GCORR)
Alka is committed to the work of justice and equity as a pastor and person because she remembers the resilience of those who paved the way for her to answer her call to ordained ministry. She longs for the day when our differences will be celebrated and our churches will be accessible to all the people of God, especially those rejected, refused and forgotten by the church.
She is a proud mother of 2 young men whose living, loving, and serving make this world a better place for her.