WHAT DOES “SOCIAL JUSTICE” MEAN? (And why should I care?) A starting point for discussion on recognizing, analyzing and acting on social justice issues in the community for Intermediate students. Poverty

Why do some people have so much and others – have so little? Too much Too little

Maybe you know something about this issue. You have read about it…heard about it….seen things on t.v.…In Canada right now. Did you know… One in ten children is poor. Canada's child poverty rate of 15 percent is three times as high as the rates of Sweden, Norway or Finland. Every month, 770,000 people in Canada use food banks. Forty percent of those relying on food banks are children. These statistics point to a betrayal of Canada's children. Makepovertyhistory.ca

Our church tells us that as followers of Christ, we are challenged to … make a fundamental “option for the poor” to speak for the voiceless to defend the defenseless to assess life styles, policies, and social institutions in terms of their impact on the poor As Christians, we are called to respond to the needs of all our brothers and sisters, but those with the greatest needs require the greatest response.

“THE WAY SOCIETY RESPONDS TO THE NEEDS OF THE POOR THROUGH ITS PUBLIC POLICIES IS THE LITMUS TEST OF ITS JUSTICE OR INJUSTICE.”

So, what am I supposed to do about it? I’m just one person.

Or, am I?

One person… Started this… And now it’s this… Sister Pauline Lally, Kingston

Social Justice means… “Shalom” (peace/wellbeing) Working for the good of all requires us to promote the health and well-being of all human life and of all of God’s creation. We are responsible to stand in solidarity with the poor and marginalized around the globe. In this way, we are truly living the commandment to “love our neighbour”.

Are you thinking of taking action?

And if you needed any further convincing… If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence John 1:17-19 When all the people asked him, 'What must we do, then?‘ he answered, 'Anyone who has two tunics must share with the one who has none, and anyone with something to eat must do the same.‘ Luke 3:10-11

THINK ABOUT IT: WHAT CAN ONE PERSON DO TO INFLUENCE JUSTICE FOR ALL GOD’S PEOPLE?