Social Justice in a hurting world

Global inequality – the great injustice “Inequality is the status quo. There is huge inequality between people in their access to resources, to decision-making, to securing human rights and safety, and in their freedom from discrimination. Reducing inequality if both morally right and pragmatically necessary for global economic and climate security in the future”

What is Social Justice?

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Social Justice Values and Attitudes  Empathy and sense of common humanity  Valuing and respecting diversity  Commitment to social justice  Concern for those suffering injustice and oppression  Concern for the planet  Commitment to sustainability  Belief that we can make a difference  Peace-making  Interdependence

There are many definitions of social justice …

Social Justice Fair and proper administration of laws conforming to the natural law that all persons, irrespective of ethnic origin, gender, possessions, race, religion, etc., are to be treated equally and without prejudice. Business Directory.com

It is not just the matter of eliminating hunger, nor even of reducing poverty…It is rather of building a world where every man (person), no matter his (their) race, religion or nationality, can live a fully human life… Pope Paul VI, On the Development of Peoples, Populorium Progressio, Encyclical letter of 26 March 1967, Article 47 Social Justice

Social Justice? Social Justice is what faces you in the morning. It is awakening in a house with an adequate water supply, cooking facilities and sanitation. It is the ability to nourish your children and send them to a school where their education not only equips them for employment but reinforces their knowledge and appreciation of their cultural inheritance. It is the prospect of genuine employment and good health; a life of choices and opportunity, free from discrimination. Michael Dodson, Annual Report of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner 1993, p. 10

Social Justice deals with many issues, including: The sick and disabled The elderly Homeless issues Poverty Asylum Seekers Refugees Criminal Justice: Police, courts and sentencing, prisons, youth and gang crime Economic Dependency and Unemployment Fair and accessible education Family Law Housing Children in care The most vulnerable in societies Gender Issues Multiculturalism

Social Justice Issues Local – e.g. homelessness, youth crime National – e.g. Indigenous injustice, unemployment International – e.g. world poverty, slavery

Different Approaches to Social Justice Welfare Charity Justice Aid Development Empowerment Evangelism based Mixture of the above Very different Time Frame & Motive

Don’t confuse social justice with good works Social justice should not be confused with charity or good works. It is not that both charity and good works are wrong, but they are only part of the answer. Charity relieves symptoms. Social justice addresses and seeks solutions to issues such as poverty, homelessness, abuse and lack of housing.

Social justice involves both the giving of resources and one’s self. It involves both personal and community sacrifice for the benefits of others. Social justice is not about welfare programs; it is about the building of community, respect for human dignity and self worth, a fair share and distribution of resources and the search for wholeness.

Why are Christians so Involved in Social Justice Initiatives? What motivates Christians to help others? Are Christians called to help beyond their Christian neighbours?

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. Matthew 25:35-36