Embodying Justice in the Neighbourhood
by Rev. Bill Christieson
Pastor Japhet works with members of the Peace and Reconciliation team to build a home for a community member near Nyabagendwa, Rwanda.
When we look at our communities, we recognize the needs in the lives of many of our neighbours. In Canada, social agencies play an important role in confronting the needs in our communities and providing many supports for our neighbours. It is important for us to support the good work they are doing. However, the church has an essential role to play in coming alongside our neighbours, confronting the conditions that oppress and providing tangible access to resources. This is Good News: Good News is providing hope in all circumstances, pointing toward the one in whom hope is fulfilled.
In the Gospels, we see multiple occasions when Jesus, confronted with the needs of the people, is moved by compassion to action. Moved by compassion to heal, to feed and to release from bondage, as well as to teach. Moved by compassion to bring hope to the people. Jesus moved among the people in accordance with his mission to bring Good News to the poor.
This is the mission that the church carries forward as Jesus’ followers. We are those who, confronted with the ever-present needs in our neighbourhoods, are moved by compassion to respond. The church has the mandate and the means to be an integral part of meeting the needs of our neighbours and neighbourhoods, and to foster hope and wholeness to our communities.
Our role is to come alongside people in the realities of their lives and offer relief, solidarity and relationship. I saw this lived out in communities in Rwanda. Confronted with the trauma of their tragic history and the struggle of daily life, Rwanda Baptist churches have established Peace and Reconciliation groups to address the needs of their communities. Peace and Reconciliation groups recognize that community relief and development will only happen when they come together for the sake of one another. These groups work together to meet the tangible needs of their neighbours and their communities. We met one group that had taken on various projects from meeting the medical financial needs of families to building community roadways and planting trees to benefit agriculture. When we met them, they were in the process of building a home for a community family. Together they can meet the needs of one another. Our Canadian churches have the means to follow their example, organize together and come alongside our neighbours.
Our role is also to provide an example to our communities of compassion in action. Christian activist and community developer Dr. John Perkins challenges the church: “We Christians must assume far more responsibility for shaping compassionate, effective, community-based responses to the poor. We must provide the leadership. We must become personally involved in providing services to the poor in ways that affirm their dignity and reflect God’s love and concern for them.” (John Perkins, With Justice for All, 175) The church that embodies the Good News in their communities creates tangible ways for community members to experience hope. Redistribution is a key component of Christian community development. “Redistribution for Christian community development ministries is about creating fair opportunities for people to live healthy and fulfilled lives.” (Wayne Gordon & John Perkins, Making Neighborhoods Whole, 80) Addressing the needs in our communities involves mobilizing those in our communities who ‘have’ to come alongside those who ‘have not.’
Awaken Church is Calgary is responding to food security needs in their neighbourhood of Bowness. Awaken has built The Common Cupboard, a free 24/7 fridge, freezer and pantry for the neighbourhood. Along with neighbourhood partners, member of Awaken church has created an opportunity for community members to come together. Neighbours are sharing food and other essentials with one another. At Thanksgiving, one generous neighbour filled the fridge with fresh homemade pumpkin pies. The Common Cupboard is being recognized by neighbours and groups in Bowness as a valuable addition to the neighbourhood. It was highlighted as an important community initiative at the Bowness Community Association Annual General Meeting. This helps to enhance the church’s partnership with other neighbourhood groups and its ongoing investment in embodying hope in Bowness.
The Common Cupboard, a free 24/7 fridge, freezer and pantry at Awake Church
When we develop initiatives that not only meet the needs in our communities but also create opportunities to bring people together, we move from charity toward justice. It is essential that we respond to the immediate needs of our neighbours. When someone is hungry, they need to eat. However, we must pursue initiatives that do not perpetuate the need. The church has the responsibility to confront the systems in our communities that produce the need. We stand with Jesus in bringing Good News to the poor, releasing our neighbours from the bondages of the world and nurturing healing out of brokenness.
Rev. Bill Christieson is completing his Doctor of Ministry in Christian Community Development at Northern Seminary in Chicago. Bill is passionate about investing his life in his neighbourhood and participating in seeing hope and wholeness in the lives of his neighbours.