|  FAQ: The Deacon and Justice

How do deacons raise awareness and inspire action in the area of Social Justice?

The deacons are able to raise awareness and inspire action in the area of justice through the assistance of the Office of Social Justice (OSJ), a ministry of the Christian Reformed Church (CRC). The CRC formed the OSJ because it recognized that more needed to be done to address the root causes of poverty and injustice, a complex web of natural disasters, poverty, oppression, structural injustice, and spiritual alienation.

Walking with people in situations of injustice and oppression provides deacons with a way to understand the root causes of their difficulties, and it offers new opportunities to respond appropriately.  The Office of Social Justice educates CRC members, encourages and supports their engagement in social justice issues, and occasionally is involved in direct advocacy. 

The mandate of the Office of Social Justice is to assist the CRC to faithfully work and witness for justice.

The Office of Social Justice works

• in cooperation with the agencies and institutions of the CRC as they incorporate a justice witness, a value of the denomination, into their ministry.
• by enabling, organizing, and responding to congregations, classis, regions and networks that advocate or wish to advocate for justice for the poor, the vulnerable, and the oppressed.
• by representing the church cooperatively, ecumenically, and by partnering with other bodies formed to work on issues of justice.
• as an advocate on behalf of the church in the public square when the church has broad agreement on the issue in question or when the integrity of CRC ministries is at stake.
• by assisting the church to pray, reflect, and discuss difficult issues of social justice that are critical to our kingdom witness but on which we do not have broad agreement.  It does so in a manner that honors differences and promotes unity.

Deacons can raise awareness and action in the area of justice by one or more of the following:

• Act as a catalyst for social justice networks at the congregational level. 
• Join the OSJ's social networking site: CRC Justice Seekers.  Find information on topics of interest and join the discussion.
• Alert church members about the Advocate newsletter which is a monthly electronic publication.  It is sent to people interested in social justice news pertinent to the CRC.  To join the mailing list, send an email to osjha@crcna.org.
• To heighten the consciousness of and action for social justice, deacons can highlight the availability of resources available from Kairos, a Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiative, and the Office of Social Justice. 
• Draw attention to the web sitewww.crcjustice.org.  It introduces interested people to major issues in justice and provides information on up-to-date action opportunities.  This site informs, encourages discussion among church members, provides important contact information for workshop leaders, and brings easy and effective action options to people eager to advocate on behalf of those who are poor or who are suffering injustice.
• Emphasize the availability of a Canadian Coordinator in the Office of Social Justice. For more information contact Karen Bokma or call 1-800-730-3490.