Numerous congregations in Lawrence are joining together to form a new faith-based organization addressing issues of justice in the city. Their first action is a joint sermon series in May to explore the theme of justice found in their sacred texts. We asked some of the participating clergy to shed light on the topic of justice in the faith forum over the past few weeks. This is the last entry.

Rev. Joanna Harader, pastor, Peace Mennonite Church, 615 Lincoln St.:

Certainly all kinds of communities can–and do–work for justice, but it seems to me that communities of faith are in a particularly good position to enact justice.

Faith communities are, by their very nature, grounded in an understanding that Life is bigger than any individual person. Most faiths share an understanding that time is eternal, that all of creation is woven together in ways we don’t fully understand, that there is a power within and around and beyond us that makes us both unspeakably valuable and merely one small piece of the vast whole.

And this broad, Other-centered, perspective is vital for the work of justice. In telling ancient stories and connecting with people around the world, faith communities ground themselves in the big picture–both historically and geographically.

For people who are not directly suffering injustice themselves, this broad perspective reveals injustices of the past and connects them to people who are suffering now. For people who are directly suffering injustice, this broad perspective empowers them to see, as Martin Luther King Jr. said, that the arc of history bends toward justice; it opens their eyes to the many people who are willing to stand in solidarity with them.

So what can faith communities do to help achieve justice in our society? They can offer their counter-cultural, Other-centered, view of the world faithfully and consistently. They can tell the stories that reveal God’s desire for justice and our human need for justice. They can pray prayers of confession and accept God’s empowering forgiveness. They can sing and teach and preach the Good News of God’s eternal and all-encompassing love. And they can take their message of justice beyond the walls of their communities and into the halls of power.

— Send e-mail to Joanna Harader at peacemennopastor@gmail.com.

Rev. John McDermott, pastor, Morning Star Christian Church, 998 N. 1771 Rd.:

As a child growing up in Alabama during the Civil Rights Movement, I vividly remember the stark contrast between the racially integrated military base where I lived, went to school, and played sports with the severe segregation of the surrounding communities. My life on base was full of racial diversity, yet when we drove off base we would be met immediately with the now infamous “signs” of segregation: restaurants and restrooms assigned by skin color. It was obvious as well that railroad tracks were the dividing boundaries for where people should live. This contrast was so striking that it was difficult for me, a grade schooler, to understand how the injustice of segregation was allowed to continue.

As a follower of Jesus Christ, I look back and wonder why so much of Jesus’ Church was not involved in the Civil Rights Movement. What caused so many sincere followers of Jesus and professing believers in His Word to not participate in such a just cause? The snares of tradition and the fallen nature of the human heart can only go so far as excuses.

Today, like in the 60’s, a religious dualism that prioritizes “spiritual” matters over “worldly” matters such as justice could sideline many in the good fight. Valuing personal piety while ignoring the responsibilities toward all our neighbors may hinder others as well. The work of justice requires people of faith to be engaged in the community and to build common ground so that what is truly good and right could benefit all.

As we understand what caused much of the Church to miss the opportunity to be “salt and light” in the 60’s, we will be better postured to pray, listen, and take godly action to help make this a more just community.

— Send e-mail to John McDermott at john@msclawrence.com