Part 368. A very basic and simplified introduction to campaigning for social justice.

The following quotations are indicative of the central importance of social justice for followers of the teaching attributed to Jesus. Social justice is only achievable by campaigning for systemic change, in other words by political action. Truth must speak to power.  

The heart of all worthwhile religion is justice for the marginalised.

Mark Sandlin 

The poverty of the poor is not a call to generous relief action, but a demand that we go out and build a new social order

Gustavo Gutiérrez 

Charity is necessary.  But charity without justice is complicit in supporting systems that create the need for charity.

Mark Sandlin 

Whilst it is important that the state, secular and religious organisations assist people at point of need it should not be an end in itself.  Simply perpetuating failing systems will not do.  The systems occasioning social injustice must be changed.  What is the process to achieve change?  In democracies political decisions are determined by governments mindful of the electoral process.   Changing attitudes in society is a prerequisite to political/governmental action.  But, given vested interests society has in maintaining the status quo, significant change is unlikely. Politicians lack the will to reorder priorities to meet the needs of social justice.  

It really is no good the churches making polite noises.  Peaceful direct action is called for.  Most churches are not equipped theologically to take such a step.