Promote Social Justice
This area of stewardship can really set some people off because it deals with promoting Social Justice for all. When these people hear "social justice", they think "Civil Rights", an area with which they are uncomfortable.
What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness and walk humbly with your God.
- Micah 6:8 [NIV]
Social Justice is about ...
Treating all people fairly
Looking out for those who need help
Actively making this a better world for all.
Hunger, poverty, disease, homelessness, treatment of people with disabilities, human rights, child survival, child labor, land mine removal, malnutrition, gender issues, age issues, drug & alcohol concerns, voting rights, refugee support, affirmative action, treatment of the mentally ill, fair trials, and freedom of religion -- these are all social justice concerns.
Below are some links that deal with social justice and are part of the web site for the General Board of Church and Society of the United Methodist Church:
Next are a few links on some of these topics to get you started in learning more about Social Justice. But don't just read -- help motivate others. Take action yourself and build a better world. Let everyone know you are a Christian by your love!
Other organization links
WWJD - What would Jesus do about...
Age issues
Elderly people may be faced with living "below their means". Health care, housing and utilities, and even transportation can present major problems. A just society ensures basic living standards for all its citizens. And as some people age, their reasoning abilities or memory decrease. Con artists and companies may then target the elderly, in effect stealing their money.
The elderly who want to work may also face discrimination problems when applying for jobs. Due to decreased income, some elderly may also be unable to afford adequate legal assistance. Nutrition needs change as we age. Are we properly informing the elderly of how to eat healthy and what they need to do differently?
Health issues weigh heavily on the elderly, from serious illnesses to more fragile bones to loss of hearing. Sleep problems of the elderly and nighttime disorientation may lead to nursing home placement. Children who care for elderly relatives have special support needs.
"Older people, especially older women, are a significant vulnerable group hit by disaster and civil conflict. Yet aid agencies often lack the capacity and expertise to address their needs. The result can be discrimination and unnecessary hardship."
-- HelpAge International
"Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes."
- 1 Corinthians 4:5 [NIV]
Prejudice = pre-judging.
Racial and gender equality
Work to promote equal opportunity in employment, housing, and education. Keep informed about community problems and join organizations to solve them. Assist in programs that help reduce unemployment or underemployment.
"...live peaceably with all."
- Romans 12:18 [NIV]
Better Government
Help inform voters -- get involved with voter registration, candidate voting records, or candidate ratings on issues. Use your time and talent to volunteer for local committees and steering groups that can affect your community. Promote fair enforcement of zoning, housing, and land use laws. Work for political organizations and causes that you believe in.
"I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." - Matthew 25:40 [NIV]
Homelessness
Two decades ago, homelessness did not exist - very few people were without a home. Today, shelters for homeless people in the United States are overflowing.
"Do to others as you would have them do to you."
- Luke 6:31 [NIV]
Human Rights
Matthew 25:35-36
"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." [NIV]
Hunger
"I have a vision that our criminal justice system ought to do better... That a system that treats you better if you are rich and guilty than if you are poor and innocent doesn't meet up to what a society committed to equal justice requires."
-- Attorney Bryan Stevenson
Poverty
The young child poverty rate (YCPR) is significantly higher in the United States than in other Western industrialized nations. The YCPR is the percentage of children under 6 years of age who live in poverty. The YCPR for the U.S. is 20.6%.