Charity and justice need community

Several years ago, at a Bible study at my church, I was introduced to “the two feet of social justice.” This is a framing of Christian outreach that encourages action that goes beyond direct service to “those in need.” On the one foot are acts of charity: donating used clothing to a shelter, serving at the “Out of the Cold” dinner, and otherwise responding to the direct physical needs of the poor and marginalized. On the other foot are justice initiatives, actions aimed at changing the structures that impede people living out their God-given potential: citizen engagement, awareness-raising, political action and advocacy. The underlying notion is that both feet are required to move forward in the pursuit of social justice.

I’ve long held on to this conceptualization, seeing it as a balanced approach to faith in action (but truth be told, I’ve tended to favour my “justice foot.”) Over the last year or so, however, my assumptions have been repeatedly challenged. As a result, my thinking has shifted towards a new, inherently more stable analogy, that of the three-legged stool with charity, justice, and community jointly supporting a broader mission.

I’ve been influenced by a growing understanding of the complexity of the many issues we face as a society. I’ve come to appreciate the importance of a direct response to immediate need and also that the goal of promoting political change needs to be situated in a broader context. Most importantly, I’ve learned that there is an intermediate piece where the emphasis is on an emotional response. Accompanying our neighbours on the journey. Providing a smile, a listening ear, and an open heart. Living in community with those around us.

One experience that influenced me deeply was my participation at Poverty Justice Camp* last summer. Navigating the City of Halifax “in their shoes,” I came to realize the critical importance of charitable giving. Since then, this realization has been reinforced by hearing story after story of the inadequacy of wages to buy sufficient food for the month, or Employment Insurance running out with no job in sight. There is a real need for food banks and soup kitchens to provide relief where otherwise there would be none.

Justice Camp also led me to understand more fully that there is something more – that we need to be aware of and sensitive to the human element. I was touched by the passion and energy that was poured into providing a safe and welcoming environment for street-involved youth. The generosity of spirit exhibited in gathering people of all walks of life together for a community barbeque and baseball game.

Addressing poverty and social exclusion goes beyond providing sufficient financial resources for survival. It is more personal than an affordable housing policy or adequate EI coverage. It is about community. Ensuring that everyone experiences what it is to be a valued member of their neighbourhood, their society – their community.

I was recently asked to reflect on First Corinthians 12, verses 12-31, “one body, many parts.” In this passage, Paul speaks of the indispensability of all parts of the body, and the honour that each and everyone deserves.

¹⁸"… God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. … ²⁵… [T]here should be no division in the body, … its parts should have equal concern for each other. ²⁶If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. ²⁷Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”

This is a passage that I have always enjoyed. For me it speaks to the strength of community and the interdependence of everyone in society. It also reminds us of the responsibility that God has bestowed upon us to look out for one another, to lift up the weak and the excluded, and to love all of God's children. Being a valued member of a community is central to one’s sense of worth and emotional well-being. Providing that community embrace requires genuine caring and compassion. It may also require courage.

Perhaps then, as the Christian church, we should consider a trinity of social justice: charity, justice, community, with each pillar as important as the next in the balance and stability of the whole.

I have been blessed with the opportunity to attend Community Justice Camp this week. And, it seems profoundly appropriate that as we begin our journey, we are shifting our focus from poverty to community. We have gathered as a community of faith to learn, share, and grow together as we explore how to discern and interpret local needs in a way that leads to charity, justice, and a strong and healthy community for all.

*Community Justice Camp – Live the Change you want to see is being held this week (May 9-14, 2010) in Hamilton Ontario. Justice Camp is an initiative of the Anglican Church of Canada. It espouses the principles of local leadership, experiential learning, prophetic engagement, diversity in participation, and the expertise of participants. Unlike a conference, Justice Camps are interactive with active learning through immersion experiences with local justice partners. This year’s event is hosted by the Anglican Diocese of Niagara.