...do justice, love mercy, walk humbly with God. (Micah 6:8)

Among the books I have in my small library is a copy of a small yet powerful book that's well worn from it's frequent use.  It's called Beyond Guilt:  Christian Response to Suffering by Rev. George S. Johnson.  I don't know exactly how many times I've read the book, but I certainly try to read it at least once per year.  I've picked it up again as I plan for the year ahead.  There are some powerful reminders about God's call to justice looming in those pages.  In Chapter 7, for example, Rev. Johnson reminds us of the need to move from "charity to justice." 

Johnson writes:  "While I was director of my church's hunger program, I found that most people are comfortable with a an appeal for money; however, a careful analysis revealed that the average gift per year to the hunger appeal was less than the cost of one hamburger.  But it was alright to ask for money.  On the other hand, learning about the root causes of hunger and the need for changes in the way the world was ordered was not very popular."

He continues:  "Working for justice is more complex but very important if we really want to help.  The appeal for charity (feeling sorry for and sharing our resources) is the beginning, a good starting place, but it is only the first step in the fight. . ."  (Beyond Guilt, pages 41 and 42).

Indeed, responding to God's call to justice is complex and difficult.  Often we, in the Church, get it confused with charity.  We want to help.  We want to make a difference.  But in many instances a church's only action is to give money to address the immediate need.  Certainly, those programs addressing such issues as hunger and poverty need our financial support.  But, is giving money enough?  No matter how much money we give to provide direct services to those who suffer injustice, those instances of injustice will continue unless we take the next step by going deeper and addressing the causes of injustice.  As Presiding Bishop Hanson stated in a recent speech, "Now is the time to declare there can be no charity for the poor apart from our resolve to be in solidarity with the poor to bringing an end to poverty." 

In Justice Ministries we try to look at the whole, including what lies beneath the surface.  Using our guiding principals and prayer, we work at probing into, teaching about and addressing the root causes of injustice in God's world.   We pray that you join us, support us and hold us accountable to those tasks.     

In Christ,

Chuck Bentjen, Director