Faith and Politics
For CPJ, our faith calls us beyond apathy or powerlessness. It calls us to a faith that opens us to our common humanity, our calling to love God by loving our neighbour also in our political life together.
So together, we have donned the perspective of public justice. It is a vision which helps us not to be lured into false dichotomies, or black and white positions when they are not necessary. We see the need for healing steps to be taken. Real people are suffering real hardships that concrete policies and prophetic vision can alleviate. That’s the call of public justice, the calling from God for government, government which Romans 13 says is “for our good.” Justice for all – an economy of care – the joining together of all circles of society for the well-being of all and for the common good – that is public justice.
With all of the recent financial scandals on Parliament Hill, we’ve developed more checks and balances to ensure no misspending occurs. Yet in our focus on clear accounting, have we lost the true idea behind accountability? A richer, more full definition of accountability would ensure not only that our politicians spend money properly, but that effective programs and policies are developed and implemented. Accountability does not stop when money is flowing properly – it includes making sure our governments are seeking out well-being for all. 
These days, we’re often faced with images of political leaders as individuals thirsting for power, unable or unwilling to consider the common good. It’s no surprise that some of us are cynical about politics and those in power. But we can challenge our leaders to embody a different kind of leadership – one that seeks out the common good and is based on a vision guided by principles of caring for the voiceless and bringing justice to the marginalized. 
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About CPJ
Citizens for Public Justice (CPJ) and our work of faith, justice and politics:
