CONTEXTUAL SHIFTS AND CORRESPONDING CHALLENGES
The following shifts and challenges cause many religious activists to doubt whether faith-based community organizing (FBCO) is still relevant within the 21st century.
a hostile political economy
How can progressive activists effectively respond to contemporary political issues?
People of faith should participate in forward-thinking agendas that fulfill their theological understanding of a vision of justice. Additionally, an intersectional lens for FBCO recognizes how other forms of oppression influence their specific focus area and then actively works to shape their agenda in ways that reflect solidarity with other organizing agendas.
a perceived dichotomy between secular left and Christian right
How do people of faith incorporate a specifically progressive faith voice into public discourse dominated by either conservative Christianity or liberal secularity?
Religious activists, leaders, and scholars who support progressive social justice action should publicly claim their own voice and moral authority. Faith congregations, as well, should vocally advocate from a faith perspective for progressive social transformation to dismantle the binary.
increasing religious diversity
How do faith voices speak in a multi-religious context?
There needs to be sensitivity to differences as organizers develop new strategies for engaging multi-faith coalitions. Having organizers that are competently trained in both the commonalities and differences amongst religious traditions will create more effective coalitions and networks that reflect the religiously plural democracy of the US.
loss of members and financial resources of mainline Protestant churches
How can pastors and volunteers generate influence with fewer resources?
Progressive religious activists must be creative and innovative in terms of funding models and organizing strategies. A broad vision acknowledges that fundraising is not a separate task to social justice action, but an integral part of it that allows organizations to be even more effective.
an increasing awareness of privilege
How should privileged people of faith share space with minoritized communities without ceding their voice or becoming paralyzed by guilt?
While positions of power can be used to perpetuate injustice, they can also be used to advocate for a just society. Rather than trying to negate privileged identities, FBCO should strive to recognize the potential value of positions of privilege and actively use that power to advocate for marginalized individuals.
Note: None of these contextual factors or responses are mutually exclusive. Rather they all intersect and influence one another.
Congregations and religious leaders are uniquely placed to provide a voice of moral authority on social issues, to contribute to a vision of a just society, and to mobilize large groups of people to support social change. Aside from the utility of their presence, an equally important factor is that many people of faith see involvement in social justice action as an embodiment of their faith. There are essential, important roles for faith communities to play in progressive social transformation.
FAITH & ORGANIZING
MUTUAL PARTNERSHIP FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE
There is a continuous history of faith communities engaging in progressive causes in the United States for the last 200 years, adapting to the social, political, religious, economic, and demographic contexts of the time. Faith communities in the 21st century United States should continue developing models for organizing in ways that mobilize the moral authority of faith voices to advocate for social justice in partnership with those most visibly impacted by injustice.
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