FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The 2020 clergy recipient of the Perry Saito award is Rabbi Bonnie Margulis of Madison, Wisconsin. She currently serves as Executive Director of Wisconsin Faith Voices for Justice. This award, given annually by the Methodist Federation for Social Action, recognizes leadership in promoting social justice and the common good. A rabbi in the Reform Judaism tradition, Rabbi Margulis has empowered people of faith to speak out on issues of poverty, immigration, hunger, healthcare and voting. During the pandemic, she has consistently supported the governor’s efforts to have science drive decisions on how to best restart our market activities and other public gatherings. These initiatives have reflected well on the commitment of Wisconsin Faith Voices for Justice to advocate for the most vulnerable in society. Through her leadership, Wisconsin Faith Voices for Justice has championed the rights of undocumented immigrants, building bridges with the Muslim community and generally promoting inter-faith dialogue and understanding. Rabbi Margulis will be recognized at the annual gathering of the Wisconsin Conference of the United Methodist church, to be held virtually on October 24, 2020.
By encouraging inter-faith cooperation in serving the needs of the poor and marginalized, Rabbi Margulis exemplifies the spirit of the ministry of Perry Saito. Rev. Perry Saito lived and taught non-violence and respect for all of life. Saito’s Christian faith and commitment to peace and justice was shaped by experiences in Japanese internment camps in California during World War I. Perry Saito helped found the Fellowship of Reconciliation and was a leading figure in justice and reconciliation ministries regarding peace, poverty, and people’s rights. He entered the Methodist ministry and served at Chicago: St. Paul’s and Christian Fellowship (Japanese). After transferring to Wisconsin, he served at Beloit: First, Stevens Point: St. Paul’s-Director of Wesley Foundation, Eau Claire: Lake Street, Supt. NC Dist, Wauwautosa: Wauwautosa Avenue, and Neenah: First.
For more information, contact Pastor Marianne Cotter, Convener, Wisconsin Chapter of the Methodist Federation for Social Action, 405 14th Avenue, Baraboo WI 53913 marianne.cotter@gmail.com 608-843-9641