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ABOUT THE OFFICE OF JUSTICE |
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Scriptural Foundation
Isaiah 61: 1-2/Luke 4:17-19
17 The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: 18 "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."
(New Living Translation)
Amos 5:21-24
21 “I hate, I despise your feast days, And I do not savor your sacred assemblies.
22 Though you offer Me burnt offerings and your grain offerings, I will not accept them, Nor will I regard your fattened peace offerings. 23 Take away from Me the noise of your songs, For I will not hear the melody of your stringed instruments. 24 But let justice run down like water, And righteousness like a mighty stream.
(New King James Version)
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Mission Statement
The mission of the Office of Justice is to strengthen the presence of people of color in the policy arena by combating degenerative policy design, policing regulatory guidelines, engaging in activism (direct action), and educating citizens on issues to promote human rights and democracy.
Vision Statement
The Office of Justice will create “communities of opportunities” by giving a voice to marginalized peoples both locally, nationally and internationally though purpose driven activism to ensure democracy and full Human Rights.
Values
The National Haynes’
Bill of Rights for the Poor serves as the compass for target policy issues and activism to promote Democracy and Social Responsibility. This Bill of Rights for the Poor is a Proclamation of Emancipation for those who are still left out and left behind.
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Social Justice vs. Social services |
Scriptural Reference:
Good Samaritan Story
The Gospel story does not attempt to survey the causes of highway banditry. The Samaritan provides temporary and immediate relief. **relieves human suffering |
Scriptural Reference:
Exodus Story Moses does not ask for food and medicine for the Jewish slave-labor force. He challenges the institutional system. Message: "Let My People Go."
**remove the cause of human suffering |
| Private, individual acts |
Public, collective actions **political and economic activity |
| Responds to immediate need (temporary) |
Responds to long-term need (permanent) |
| Provides direct services |
Promotes social change in institutions, systems |
| Requires ongoing action |
Resolves structural/institutional injustices **transform the structures of society |
| Directed at the effects of injustice: dealing with the symptoms **pursues or demonstrates mercy |
Directed at the root causes of social injustice ** pursues justice |
Examples: |
| Homeless shelters, food pantries, clothing closets, emergency services – rent and utility assistance |
Legislative advocacy, changing corporate policies or practices, capacity building, community organizing |
| Source: The Office of Social Justice of the Catholic Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis |
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