Liberal Christianity

Lesson 8: Social and Political Activism

Seeking Justice

The following is from the website for The Center for Social Justice

The Centre for Social Justice

• conducts research, education and advocacy in a bid to narrow the gap in income, wealth and power, and enhance peace and human security.

• brings together people from universities and unions, faith groups and community organizations in the pursuit of greater equality and democracy. / to advocate for greater equality and democracy.

• supports social movements in the struggle for social justice.

• offers a non-partisan perspective on political, social and economic issues.

• uses creative communications to educate Canadians about public policies

About the Centre for Social Justice

The Centre for Social Justice is an advocacy organization that seeks to strengthen the struggle for social justice. We are committed to working for change in partnership with various social movements and recognize that effective change requires the active participation of all sectors of our community. Although the Centre is based in Ontario, our work increasingly takes us across Canada and into the international arena.

The programmatic content of the Centre's work may change from year to year, but there is an on-going interest in working strategically to narrow the gap between rich and poor, challenging the corporate domination of Canadian politics, and pressing for policy changes that promote economic and social justice. The Board of Directors is drawn from our partnerships with community and faith groups, unions and universities.

Exercises:

1. “there is an on-going interest in working strategically to narrow the gap between rich and poor, challenging the corporate domination of Canadian politics, and pressing for policy changes that promote economic and social justice.”

a. The CFSJ does not present itself as an organization driven by a religion. After reading the above summary of their activities, do you think that Christianity would better serve humanity in similar pursuits?

b. Assume that you are a member of the largest, wealthiest and vital Christian congregation in your community. Your church’s board of directors wants to emphasize evangelism as a tool to continue congregational growth. What arguments would you use to propose the alternative of seeking social justice with no intent to recruit new members?

c. Is there a point when preaching needs to be replaced by activism regardless of the size and wealth of a congregation? When might that point be reached?

d. How do research, education and advocacy enhance peace and human security in a religious context?

2. Recently at it’s national convention, The Episcopal Church of the United States approved the ordination of an openly gay bishop, bringing upon itself not only the wrath of those who voted contrary to the majority of those representing congregations all over the country, but of the worldwide Anglican communion itself.

a. Do you believe that The Episcopal Church’s action was a step toward social justice? Elaborate please.

b. Regarding homosexuality, many Christians have never “been there; done that”, yet what we heard from those who voted for the gay bishop was an expression of reverence for personal choices and a trust that such issues were between God and the individual. Agree or disagree? Why?

c. Earlier, the Episcopal Church was one of the first to ordain women. Do you believe that was an action step toward social justice? Why or why not?

d. Do you believe there is a connection between civil rights and religious tolerance? Elaborate.

3. Many years ago, in an interview about tithing, I asked the presiding officer of my congregation in another church what the church’s position was if I chose to use 10% of my income (official tithe amount) to buy food or pay shelter expenses for individuals whom I knew were needy.

His response was that I was presuming to tell the church what to do with the Lord’s funds and that I should trust the church to use the money as the steward over His tithing.

a. Do you agree or disagree? Why?

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